Exploring Egypt in 7 Days: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan by Train
Embarking on a 7-day journey through Egypt’s most iconic cities—Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan—by train offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion. This itinerary allows travelers to experience the rich history, stunning monuments, and vibrant local life while enjoying the scenic beauty of Egypt’s landscapes. Let’s explore this captivating journey that combines comfort, convenience, and unforgettable sights.
Your Egyptian adventure begins in Cairo, a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern vibrancy. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and prepare for an exploration of the city’s top attractions.
Start with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, marveling at the world’s most iconic monuments. A guided tour will provide insights into the fascinating history of these ancient structures. Next, visit the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps experience a Nile River cruise for stunning views of Cairo’s illuminated skyline. Rest well in anticipation of the next day’s train journey to Luxor.
Board an early morning train from Cairo’s Ramses Station to Luxor, a scenic 10-12 hour journey that offers a comfortable and cost-effective way to see Egypt’s countryside. Egyptian trains are equipped with modern amenities, making the trip enjoyable.
Once in Luxor, check into your hotel and relax before embarking on an afternoon tour of Luxor’s East Bank. Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling site dedicated to the Theban gods. Don’t miss the Luxor Temple, especially stunning at sunset.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Egyptian delicacies, and prepare for an exciting exploration of Luxor’s West Bank the following day.
Today is dedicated to Luxor’s legendary West Bank, the burial site of pharaohs and nobles. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered. Wander through the elaborate tombs decorated with intricate hieroglyphs.
Next, explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking terraced temple dedicated to Egypt’s first female pharaoh. Nearby, the Colossi of Memnon stand as silent witnesses to Egypt’s grandeur.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Nile promenade or attend a traditional Egyptian show.
Travel south to Aswan by train, a journey of approximately 3 hours along the Nile River that offers stunning views of the river’s lush banks and rural villages. Upon arrival, visit the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that controls the Nile’s flow and provides hydroelectric power.
In the afternoon, explore the Unfinished Obelisk, which reveals the ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques. End your day with a relaxing felucca boat ride on the Nile, watching the sunset over the river.
Begin your day with a visit to the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, located on an island in Lake Nasser. The temple’s intricate carvings and stunning setting make it a must-see.
Next, take a boat trip to the Nubian Village, where you can learn about Nubian culture, enjoy colorful houses, and interact with friendly locals.
In the evening, consider a traditional Nubian dinner and perhaps experience a local music performance.
For history enthusiasts, a day trip to Abu Simbel is highly recommended. The colossal rock temples of Ramses II, relocated to avoid flooding from the Aswan High Dam, are UNESCO World Heritage sites and showcase ancient Egyptian engineering.
Alternatively, spend your day relaxing in Aswan, exploring local markets, or visiting the Aswan Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island.
From Aswan, take the train back to Cairo, a journey of approximately 12 hours. Alternatively, you may opt for a domestic flight for quicker transfer.
Upon arrival in Cairo, enjoy some leisure time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departing Egypt, carrying memories of an extraordinary week exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders by train.
Traveling by train in Egypt offers several advantages:
A 7-day tour of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan by train is an ideal way to explore Egypt’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it suitable for history lovers, adventurers, and travelers seeking an authentic Egyptian experience. Book your train journey today and embark on an unforgettable Egyptian adventure!
Welcome to Egypt. Our airport transfer team is available 24/7. As soon as you get out of the exit gate of the Terminal, you will find Ancient Egypt Tours representative, holding a sign, waiting to meet and greet you. He will escort you to your private A/C vehicle. You will be transferred to the hotel and the reception manager will assist you in check-in procedures as smooth as possible. Ancient Egypt Tours agent will contact you to agree on a meeting time with you
In case you arrive early then check-in limit you can enjoy waiting in the hotel until check-in time or you can ask your operator to book you a pre-tour extra night and get checked in immediately
Optional Tour:
2-hour open buffet dinner Nile cruise including a belly dancer, local band and skirt rotation performer if your tour starts in Cairo
Sound and Light show if available
Overnight in Cairo
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be escorted by your private guide to visit the ever-famous Egyptian Museum, which features artifacts from different period of Egyptian history. The museum displays a rare collection of 5000 years of art which is considered the largest most precious collection in the world. Over 250,000 overwhelming artifacts are presented.
Before extending your trip, you will be served with a warm delightful lunch meal at a high-quality restaurant.
After lunch, you will move on to Coptic Cairo to visit Babylon Fortress and the Hanging Church, Church of St. Barbara, Church of St. Sergius and Ben Ezra synagogue.
Enrich you tour with a visit to Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque which is the very first mosque built in Egypt.
After lunch, you will move on to visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din, where you will see the view of all Cairo, as you will visit Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque which is considered the largest to be built in the beginning of the 19th century the ruler of Egypt (1805-1849) who ruled Egypt over 45 years & it is built in Baruk style.
If there is enough time, you will take a walk in Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the most Historically famous and oldest Market in the Middle East. Later, you will be transferred to the Giza train station to catch the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Discover the greatness of the ancient Pharaohs by visiting their legendary temples in Luxor. Start your tour by taking a domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival at Luxor, you will be met by our representative, then have a blissful day tour. starting with a visit to the famous Karnak Temple the largest place of worship that was ever built. Its ancient name Ipet-isut means “the most sacred of places.” The temple, or, more correctly, the complex of temples, was built more than two thousand years ago by generation after generation of pharaohs. Within the complex, the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars.
Then move to Luxor Temple. It was built by Amenhotep III in 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom and it was completed by Ramesses II during the 19th Dynasty. King Ramses II was the most famous king in the 19th Dynasty. He ruled Egypt for about 67 years. It was dedicated to the great god Amun-Ra, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu together representing the Theban triad. Enjoy visiting the Obelisk of Ramses II in front of the 1st Pylon.
Proceed to have your lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor.
then you will be visiting the West Bank of the river Nile to visit the two colossal statues of Amenhotep III (Colossi of Memnon), and then you will visit the Valley of the Kings, where lies the most magnificent tombs. Those tombs were carved deep into the desert rock, richly decorated and filled with treasures for the afterlife of the pharaohs, you will visit 3 tombs.
Later on, you will visit Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir El Bahary, this impressive temple dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut the only female pharaoh rises out of the desert plain in a series of elevated terraces. Then you will have the chance to enjoy some Free time at leisure in Luxor for shopping in the evening, you. Back to Hotel in Luxor.
Early in the morning, the company representative will take you to the train station and go to the city of Aswan.
Upon your arrival at the Aswan train station, you will be met and assisted by Ancient Egypt Tours representative. then have a blissful day tour. starting with a
visit to the High Dam, an engineering miracle built in 1960 protecting Egypt from annual floods from the Nile.
Then proceed to visit the Unfinished Obelisk which shows the techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to cut obelisks. Most probably this obelisk belongs to Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rulers of the 18th Dynasty and the royal wife of king Tuthmosis II. This queen was the owner of her Temple in the eastern bank of Luxor. Also there is an opinion said that it belongs to Queen Nefertiti.
Proceed to have your lunch at local restaurant in Aswan.
Move on to visit the majestic Philae Temple which was built on the honor of Goddess Isis the chief deity of the island. Then you will have the chance to enjoy some Free time at leisure in Aswan for shopping in the evening, Later, you’ll head to the Aswan train station to catch the sleeper train back to Cairo. Dinner will be served on board the train.
Enjoy your Free Day. Our Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your Train Station in Cairo,
This day is a free day. You can choose optional tour or rest at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you leave to the airport for your flight back home. Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.
If your flight is early before breakfast time you can make arrangements with the hotel to prepare a breakfast box for you to take it on your way to the airport
Ancient Egypt Tours had a great time with you and hope you have enjoyed your time and was satisfied with the services you were offered
Room Type | Price/Person |
---|---|
Single Room | 480$ |
Twin Room | 550$ |
Triple Room | 600$ |
Room Type | Price/Person |
---|---|
Single Room | 480$ |
Twin Room | 550$ |
Triple Room | 600$ |
Room Type | Price/Person |
---|---|
Single Room | 480$ |
Twin Room | 550$ |
Triple Room | 600$ |
Room Type | Price/Person |
---|---|
Single Room | 480$ |
Twin Room | 550$ |
Triple Room | 600$ |
Price quotes are in USD per person per tour except for celebration. Please inquire for the prices of New Year, Christmas and Easter.
Tipping for a job well done is customary and highly expected in Egypt though it is not obligatory. Please feel welcomed but not obliged to offer a tip to your service provider
Notes:
Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents (Maximum 1 OR 2 Child under 5 years old sharing parent’s room)
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 20% to secure your space on the tour including hotel room, cruise cabin, domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services and 30% during Christmas, New Year and Easter Holidays. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, your booking will be a risk-free investment.
In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:
At any time after your booking is confirmed, Ancient Egypt Tours holds a 20% non-refundable deposit
7 days or less before departure, we will retain the 50% payment you have paid in relation to your booking.
We advise all clients to purchase travel insurance in the event that travel is unexpectedly interrupted due to illness. To confirm the booking, the client must pay a deposit of 20% of the total tour price.
Should the reservation be canceled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far beyond the departure date the cancellation is made. To cancel, the Customer must notify the Tour Organizer in writing.
Full payment forfeiture in case of no show
All Transportation tickets are nonrefundable and there’s also a 5% transaction fee on refunds.
Here, at Ancient Egypt Tours, we prioritize your well-being and safety above all else and for that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case the government or the airline issues a NOT TO TRAVEL warning to the designated destination. In the event of this happening, we will refund you the amount paid according to cancellation policy, unless you prefer to keep your payment available for future travel credit and travel voucher that can be used towards any of the destinations, we operate tours in. You have the flexibility to apply this amount towards new travel services booked. Reservations will be adjusted to reflect these travel credits automatically.
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
If you are planning to visit Egypt, there are three types of visas that you can apply for: Visa on Arrival, E-Visa, and Free Visa. To obtain a Visa on Arrival that lasts for 30 days, you must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining, and pay $25 USD in cash at the airport border guard.
To apply for an E-Visa that also lasts for 30 days, you must have a valid passport with at least 8 months remaining, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee, and print the e-visa to present it to the airport border guard.
If you are one of the lucky ones, you can obtain a free visa that lasts for 90 days.
Please note that the information provided here is current as of the time of writing and may be subject to change. It is always a good idea to check the latest travel advisories and visa requirements before planning your trip to Egypt. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
A hat to protect your head and face from the sun’s rays.
A camera to capture the beautiful sights and memories of your trip.
An umbrella to shield you from unexpected rain showers.
Comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy while exploring.
Sunblock and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
Warm clothes if you’re traveling in winter, especially if you plan to visit the desert at night.
Cotton clothes if you’re traveling in summer, as they are breathable and lightweight.
Always wear comfortable shoes.
Medication for any pre-existing medical conditions or emergencies.
A valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival.
Buy a local SIM card.
If you’re interested in more detailed information about
The temperature in Egypt varies from 14°C to 37°C. During summer, the temperature is hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night. In winter, the temperature is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5°C in the wintertime to 23°C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17°C in the wintertime to 32°C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
The temperature details of Egypt. According to Climates to Travel, Egypt’s climate is characterized by the scarcity of rainfall and the abundance of sunshine. In fact, in much of the country, occupied by the eastern part of the Sahara, the climate is desert. Only on the northern coast, overlooking the Mediterranean, there is a certain amount of rain in winter. As for the temperatures, they are milder on the north coast, while they gradually get warmer as you go south. Along the Red Sea coast, temperatures are higher than on the Mediterranean coast but lower than in inland areas. However, summer is very hot. The only mountainous areas, where it can get cold in winter, are located in the east, on the Sinai Peninsula.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.