12-Day Egypt Discovery Tour – Overland

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Location: Egypt – Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Abydos, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel
Tour type: Private, Small Group
Pickup: Cairo International Airport
Availability: Daily
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12 Day Overland Egypt Discovery Tour Package - MSM Travel Egypt

12 Days of Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor & Abu Simbel

Best 12-Day Egypt Discovery: Cairo, Luxor & Aswan

Take a 12-day Egypt discovery tour to see major monuments in full comfort. Specifically, this classic plan helps you visit world-famous sights, royal tombs, and massive rock-cut temples. At first, twelve days may seem short to view this historic nation. However, our local team handles all details to ensure a safe and smooth trip. Therefore, let us manage your private travel plans. Consequently, you can just relax and enjoy a great holiday with family.

Why Choose This Tour? Full historic focus with Cairo’s Pyramids, Mediterranean Alexandria, Upper Egypt’s iconic temples, and the magnificent Abu Simbel site.


Explore the Great Pyramids in Cairo

First, your trip starts in Cairo, the busy capital city. Here, you will stand right before the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. In addition, your private guide will show you top photo spots away from big crowds. Next, visit the museum to view King Tut’s gold items. Moreover, you can view old artifacts from long ago. Afterward, enjoy a pleasant walk through vibrant local markets to see true local culture. Thus, your journey begins with rich history and bright city life.

The Magic of Alexandria

Next, travel north to the blue coast to visit historic Alexandria. Indeed, this coastal site sits right by the sea. First, tour the ancient fort built on the old lighthouse site. Then, walk down into deep rock catacombs. Furthermore, you can tour the grand modern library to learn about its rich books. Because your trip is private, you tour each site at your own pace. Consequently, you will truly love this refreshing coastal stop.

Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel

Then, head south to Luxor, an open-air museum filled with monuments. First, walk inside painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Next, see the huge stone columns at Karnak Temple. After that, fly to Aswan to visit quiet island sanctuaries. Above all, take a special trip to Abu Simbel to view giant royal statues carved into the rock. Indeed, this amazing site remains a true highlight of your tour.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the excursion to Abu Simbel included in this 12-day discovery tour?

Yes! In fact, the trip to the rock-cut Abu Simbel Temples is fully arranged as a key highlight of your southern Egypt tour.

Are internal domestic flights and transfers included in this tour?

Yes! Additionally, all domestic flights connecting Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, alongside private air-conditioned cars, are fully included.


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Why You’ll Love This Tour

Explore Egypt’s Legendary Landmarks

Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the magnificent temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel. Witness thousands of years of history come alive in some of the world’s most iconic sites.

Insightful Egyptologist Guides

Benefit from private, expert-led tours that uncover the fascinating stories, hidden secrets, and historical significance behind every monument, offering a deep understanding of Egypt’s ancient civilization.

Luxury & Comfort Throughout

Travel seamlessly with private transfers, stay in carefully selected luxury accommodations, and enjoy a thoughtfully curated itinerary that combines comfort, convenience, and style.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

Engage with Egypt’s vibrant culture through visits to local markets, Nubian villages, and authentic historical sites, while experiencing the art, music, and traditions that have shaped this timeless land.

Fully Tailored for You

Enjoy a fully personalized journey designed around your interests, pace, and group, ensuring every moment is meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours.

Tour Highlights

12-day Egypt discovery tour visiting Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and ancient temples

Cairo & Giza

Marvel at the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, standing as timeless symbols of ancient Egyptian ingenuity. Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to King Tutankhamun’s treasures and thousands of ancient artifacts, providing a deep dive into Egypt’s history. Visit the Egyptian Museum to see its extraordinary collection of relics and antiquities.

Alexandria

Discover the majestic Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress perched on the Mediterranean coastline. Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a fascinating Roman-era necropolis blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural influences. Explore the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a stunning tribute to Egypt’s ancient legacy of knowledge and learning.

Luxor & West Bank

Wander through the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs’ tombs reveal intricate wall paintings and hidden treasures. Visit the mortuary Hatshepsut Temple, an architectural masterpiece honoring one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers. Walk through the vast Karnak Temple complex, the largest religious site in Egypt, and admire Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night.

Abydos & Dendera

Explore the sacred Temple of Osiris at Abydos, one of Egypt’s most venerated spiritual sites. Discover the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, renowned for its celestial ceilings, intricate carvings, and exceptional preservation.

Edfu & Kom Ombo

Admire the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, a testament to Ptolemaic craftsmanship. Visit the twin temples of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris, uniquely built on a shared axis.

Aswan & Abu Simbel

See the monumental Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel of modern Egypt. Sail to the magical Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and enjoy its island setting. Experience the awe-inspiring twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Luxury & Comfort

Travel in style with private transfers and seamless logistics. Stay in top-rated hotels and a luxurious Nile cruise for a truly comfortable experience. Benefit from the knowledge and insights of expert Egyptologist guides, ensuring an immersive and enriching journey through Egypt’s most iconic sites.

Itinerary

12-Day Egypt Discovery Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

  • Arrive at Cairo International Airport and meet your representative for assistance with transfers. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to explore King Tutankhamun’s treasures and thousands of ancient artifacts, gaining insight into Egypt’s rich history.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Cairo
  • 🍽 Meals: None

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza – Memphis & Saqqara

  • Visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. Continue to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, then explore Memphis with its impressive ancient statues.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Cairo
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Camel ride at the Pyramids, Sound & Light Show at Giza

Day 3: Egyptian Museum – Citadel – Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

  • Explore the Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient artifacts, then visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din. Conclude the day at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar for shopping and local experiences. Afterward, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Luxor
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Flight to Luxor – West & East Bank

  • Start your day early in Luxor and explore the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of ancient pharaohs reveal intricate wall paintings. Visit the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, tour the vast Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple to admire their architectural grandeur.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Luxor
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Abydos & Dendera Temples

  • Start early in the morning and tour the Temple of Seti I in Abydos, one of Egypt’s most sacred sites. Continue to the Dendera Temple Complex dedicated to Hathor, renowned for its beautifully preserved celestial ceiling and intricate carvings.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Luxor
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Luxor – Habu Temple & Valley of Queens

  • Explore Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, followed by Deir el-Medina, the Valley of the Workers, and the Valley of the Queens. Conclude your day with a visit to the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum to deepen your understanding of ancient Egyptian life and burial practices.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Luxor
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Traditional felucca ride on the Nile at sunset

Day 7: Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo – Arrival in Aswan

  • Early morning drive to Edfu to explore the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Continue to Kom Ombo Temple to visit the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then proceed to Aswan.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Hotel in Aswan
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: High Dam – Unfinished Obelisk – Philae Temple

  • Explore the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, then take a traditional felucca ride to Philae Temple, beautifully situated on its island sanctuary. Visit a Nubian village to experience local culture and traditions.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Hotel in Aswan
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Felucca ride around Elephantine Island, Nubian village visit

Day 9: Abu Simbel – Flight to Cairo

  • Take an early morning excursion to Abu Simbel to marvel at the twin temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. After the visit, return to Aswan and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Cairo
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Explore local markets in Aswan before your flight

Day 10: Alexandria Day Tour

  • Drive to Alexandria to explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Roman Amphitheater, Pompey’s Pillar, and admire Qaitbay Citadel overlooking the Mediterranean. Return to Cairo in the evening.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Cairo
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Islamic & Coptic Cairo

  • Visit the Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, and El Refa’i Mosque. Explore Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church, Church of St. Sergius, and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
  • 🛏 Overnight: Cairo
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Departure from Cairo

  • After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.
  • 🛏 Overnight:
  • 🍽 Meals: Breakfast

What’s included

accommodations with breakfast as per itinerary

Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing

Guided tours with a private Egyptologist

Entrance fees to all listed sites

Meet-and-assist service at airports

Bottled water daily

What’s not included

International and domestic flights to and from Egypt
Egypt entry visa
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Additional services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Suggestions

  • ✈️ Flights: Book international and domestic flights early for the best fares.
  • 🏛️ Cultural Sites: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring temples, pyramids, and museums.
  • 📸 Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture stunning ancient monuments.
  • 💧 Stay Hydrated: Carry bottled water, especially during excursions in Luxor and Aswan.
  • 👕 Dress Code: Light, breathable clothing and modest attire for religious sites are recommended.
  • 🛍️ Shopping: Allow time for local markets and souvenirs, especially in Cairo and Luxor.
  • 💊 Health & Safety: Pack basic medication and sunscreen for daytime excursions.
  • 💰 Currency & Tips: Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are used; tipping is customary at sites and hotels.

Tour Pricing

Upon Request – Personalized Services

Enhance your Egypt journey with tailored experiences, including private photography sessions, cultural activities, special celebrations, private dining, flexible sightseeing, and VIP transfers. Our team can customize your itinerary to make every detail of your trip truly unforgettable.

Child Policy

Children Policy, Hotels, and Nile Cruises – General Policy

Children from 0 to 5.99 years stay free of charge. They must share their parents’ room or cabin.

Children from 6 to 11.99 years are charged 50% of the half twin rate. A maximum of two children per room or cabin applies.

Two children in a separate room or cabin pay the single room or single cabin rate.

One adult and one child sharing a room or cabin pay the double room or double cabin rate.

Important Note

Child policies may vary by hotel or Nile cruise. Age brackets, extra bed costs, and room limits differ per property. The exact policy will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Travel Advices

How do I get an Egypt tourist visa? +
What is the best way to travel between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan? +
Can I use credit cards in Egypt, or do I need cash? +
Is Egypt safe for tourists? +
How do I get a SIM card and internet access in Egypt? +
Do people speak English in Egypt? +
What is the time zone and working week in Egypt? +
Is medical care available for tourists in Egypt? +
How do I pay for my MSM Travel Egypt booking? +
What are the emergency numbers in Egypt? +

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