Tour Details
| Duration |
12 Days / 11 Nights |
|---|---|
| Tour Location |
Cairo / Faiyum / El Minya / Assuit / Dendera / Abydous / Luxor / Aswan / Abu Simbel |
| Tour Type |
Daily Tour |
| Pickup |
Cairo Airport |
Majestic 12 Day Egypt Overland Expedition
Discover Egypt step by step with this 12 day Egypt overland tour that guides you like a clear map from the moment you land in Cairo. Day 1 Tripidays representative welcomes you with a smooth airport arrival and a magical Nile dinner cruise, while Day 2 takes you through the core history of ancient Egypt at the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. For travellers who want to explore even more classic itineraries, you may browse our Egypt classic discovery tours for all traditional Egypt vacation routes.
Your overland journey continues through Egypt’s untouched cultural heart. From Day 3 to Day 6, you’ll explore the wonders of Fayoum’s waterfalls, Lake Qarun, Wadi El Rayan, and Gabal El Medawara before entering the historical belt of Middle Egypt. Discover Tuna El Gabal, Beni Hassan, Tell El Amarna, Meir Village, and the sacred temples of Abydos and Dendera. Each day flows into the next, helping you follow the timeline of ancient Egypt in the same order it was built.
Why Book This Tour
- Experienced private tour guides.
- Carefully curated itinerary that covers all the must see sites.
- First class and high quality service is guaranteed for all our travelers.
- All our tour transportation is conducted in modern, private vehicles.
- Tailor your itinerary to align perfectly with your preferences.
- Affordable prices without compromising on quality or service.
- 24/7 customer support to assist with any concerns or inquiries.
- All our hotels are 5 star rated, with high reviews and ratings on Booking and TripAdvisor.
Included
- Meet and assist with the Tripidays representative at the airport.
- 3 Nights of accommodations in Cairo at a 5 star hotel.
- 2 Nights of accommodations in El Minya at a 5 star hotel.
- 1 Night of accommodations in Abydose at a 5 star hotel.
- 1 Night of accommodations in Luxor at a 5 star hotel.
- 4 Nights' accommodation on 5 star Nile Cruise.
- Private tour guide (Egyptologist) of all major attractions.
- All transfers are by modern private A/C vehicles.
- Domestic flight tickets (Aswan - Cairo) (Cairo - Aswan).
- Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the Itinerary.
- Free bottle of water during the tours.
- Meals are provided as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Our assistance during your stay.
- All Taxes and Charges.
Excluded
- International flights to Egypt.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra meals, etc.).
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Travel Insurance.
- Egypt Entry Visa.
Highlights
Giza Attractions
- The Great Pyramids of Giza
- The Great Sphinx of Giza
- The Valley Temple
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Fayoum Attractions
- Lake Qarun
- Wadi El Rayan
- Fayoum Waterfalls
- Gabal El Medawara
El Minya Attractions
- Tuna El Gabal
- El Ashmunein
- Beni Hassan
- Tell El Amarna
- Al Muharraq Monastery
- Meir Village
Luxor Attractions
- Dendera Temple
- Abydos Temple
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Hatshepsut Temple
- Colossi of Memnon
Aswan Attractions
- Aswan High Dam
- Philae Temple
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Abu Simbel Temples
Itinerary 12 Days Egypt Overland Tour


Arrival
Your Egypt overland tour package begins the moment you land at Cairo Airport. A friendly Tripidays representative will greet you with a warm smile, assist with formalities, and escort you comfortably to your hotel. From the very first moment, you’ll feel the excitement of stepping into a land filled with ancient stories and modern charm.

Nile Dinner Cruise
As the sun sets, you'll sail on a magical Nile dinner cruise. Glide across the river that shaped a civilization, enjoy delicious meals, watch vibrant Egyptian folklore shows, and admire Cairo’s glittering skyline. It’s the perfect beginning to your adventure.

Overnight at Cairo Hotel
Relax at your hotel in Cairo and prepare for a journey that takes you deep into Egypt’s most iconic wonders.


Breakfast
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before meeting your expert guide who will lead you through a world of myths, engineering marvels, and ancient stories.

The Great Pyramids
Stand before the timeless giants Giza Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, wonders of the ancient world that watched over Egypt for more than 4,500 years. Learn how these colossal monuments rose stone by stone and how they shaped Egypt's legacy.

The Valley Temple
Walk through the perfectly cut limestone blocks of Khafre’s Valley Temple, once used for powerful rituals preparing kings for the afterlife.

The Sphinx
Meet the mysterious guardian of the plateau, the Great Sphinx, whose silent face has looked over ancient Egypt since 2500 BCE.

Lunch
Enjoy a delightful Egyptian lunch and savor the flavors of Cairo as your guide shares stories from the past.

Grand Egyptian Museum
Walk into the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest archaeological museum, showcasing 5,000 years of history. Marvel at the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun and explore artifacts connected to the builders of the Great Pyramid. Here you can also explore other cultural journeys through our UNESCO Heritage Sites in Egypt. Explore an 11-Day Culture & History Route

Overnight at the Cairo hotel
A relaxing evening awaits you before tomorrow’s adventure into nature and history.


Breakfast & Check Out
Pick up your breakfast box and travel to the peaceful oasis of Fayoum, an essential stop in any Egypt overland tour, the Fayoum experience.

Lake Qarun
Upon arrival, we will visit Lake Qarun, Egypt's largest saltwater lake, with a history dating back to ancient times when it was known as "Moeris" during the Pharaonic era. Once a vital resource for agriculture and fishing in the Middle Kingdom, the lake now offers serene boat rides and stunning natural beauty.

Wadi El Rayan
The park you will visit is also a conservation area that protects endangered species, including the slender-horned gazelle and the Dorcas gazelle. Established in 1985, this park has become a haven for these animals, helping to preserve their populations.

Fayoum Waterfalls
Witness Egypt’s iconic man-made waterfalls created by merging natural lakes in the 1970s. Their sparkling cascades make them a highlight of any Fayoum Oasis, Egypt tour itinerary.

Gabal El Medawara
After that, you will see that Gabal El Medawara is a beautiful and protected mountain range in the Fayoum Oasis of Egypt. It is known for its rich history, unique landscapes, and diverse wildlife. The area has been important for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt when the Fayoum region was a hub of agriculture and trade during the Middle Kingdom (around 2000 BCE).

Lunch
Enjoy a delicious local meal in Fayoum before driving to El Minya.

Overnight at El Minya hotel
You will travel to El Minya, stay in an elegant hotel, and relax overnight in comfort.


Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before diving into the hidden wonders of Middle Egypt.

Tuna El Gabal
Today, your journey begins with a visit to Tuna El Gabal, a fascinating ancient site in Egypt that once served as the capital of the 15th Nome of Upper Egypt, known as Hermopolis.

El Ashmunein
Next, you will be heading to El Ashmunein, once known as Khemenu and later Hermopolis Magna, which was an ancient city dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom and the moon.

Beni Hassan
Your next stop is Beni Hassan, an ancient Egyptian cemetery located on the east bank of the Nile River. Discover cliff-carved tombs decorated with vivid paintings showing sports, daily life, and military scenes from the Middle Kingdom.

Lunch
After a morning full of history and exploration, it's time to refuel with some delicious Egyptian cuisine! Your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you can taste authentic dishes.

Overnight at El Minya hotel
After lunch, you will head to the El Minya hotel for some rest. This modern hotel offers comfortable accommodations and amenities to make your stay as pleasant as possible.


Breakfast & Check Out
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading out for more adventures.

Tell El Amarna
Your day begins with a guided tour of Tell El-Amarna, an ancient Egyptian site built in 1346 BCE by Pharaoh Akhenaten. This city, Egypt's capital during his reign, symbolized his shift to worshiping Aten, the sun disk, as the main god.

Lunch
Enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Al Muharraq Monastery
In the afternoon, you will visit Al Muharraq Monastery near Luxor, one of the oldest Coptic Orthodox monasteries in Egypt. It was founded in the 4th century AD during the time of Saint Macarius the Great, a key figure in early Christian monasticism.

Meir Village
After visiting the monastery, you will make your way to Meir Village, a quaint and charming village located on the west bank of the Nile. This village is known for its traditional handicrafts, such as hand-woven rugs and pottery.

Overnight at the Abydos hotel
After a full day of exploring, you will head to the Abydos Hotel to check in and spend the night there.


Breakfast & Check Out
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Today, you will continue your journey through ancient Egypt by visiting two beautiful and well-preserved temples.

Abydos Temple
Your first stop will be at Abydos Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in Egypt, dedicated to the god Osiris, the ruler of the afterlife in ancient Egyptian mythology, built by Seti I and completed by Ramses II. Its carvings are among the finest in all of Egypt.

Lunch
After exploring Abydos Temple, you will take a break for lunch. Enjoy some traditional Egyptian dishes and soak in the local atmosphere before continuing to your next destination.

Dendera Temple
Marvel at the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor, where vibrant astronomical ceilings still glow with ancient colors.

Overnight at Luxot Hotel
After completing your visits, you will head to Luxor to check into your hotel and relax in preparation for the days ahead.


Breakfast & Check Out
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and head to the East Bank of Luxor to explore more ancient temples.

Karnak Temple
Your first stop today will be at Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built in ancient Egypt. It was dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu.

Check into your Cruise
After you visit Karnak Temple, you’ll head to the nearby port and check into your cruise ship. This will be your home for the next few days as you journey along the Nile River, exploring ancient cities and temples along the way.

Lunch on board
Lunch will be served as you settle into your cabin and take in the stunning views of the Nile. Sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Luxor Temple
After lunch, you will visit the Temple of Luxor, an incredible temple built to honor the god Amun-Ra. The construction began around 1400 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and was later expanded by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE.

Dinner on board
After a full day of exploring, you will return to your ship for a delicious dinner on board. Enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine while taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Nile River.

Overnight on your Cruise
As the sun sets on the Nile, you will have time to relax and reflect on your day of adventure.


Breakfast on board
Start your day with a hearty breakfast on board, featuring a delicious selection, all while you enjoy the peaceful views as you sail.

Valley of the Kings
Today, you will visit the famous Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of Luxor in Egypt. This ancient burial site was used from around 1550 BCE to 1070 BCE during the New Kingdom period.

Hatshepsut's Temple
The next stop is Hatshepsut's Temple, built in honor of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable female pharaohs. Located in Deir el-Bahari, near Luxor, this magnificent temple was constructed during her reign in the 15th century BCE (circa 1479–1458 BCE)

Colossi of Memnon
Finally, you will visit the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled Egypt during the 18th Dynasty (around 1390–1352 BCE)

Lunch & Dinner on board
After a day of exploring, enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Nile with stunning views, refreshing drinks, and a delicious lunch. In the evening, savor traditional Egyptian cuisine and entertainment aboard the boat, reflecting on your journey through Egypt's ancient history.

Overnight on your Cruise
Spend the night on board your cruise ship, drifting along the Nile under a blanket of stars. Wake up to the golden light of sunrise and embark on another day of adventure.


Breakfast on board
Start the day with a tasty breakfast on board your cruise before heading to Edfu Temple.

Edfu Temple
Edfu Temple, located on the west bank of the Nile River, is one of the best preserved temples from ancient Egypt. It was built between 237 BC and 57 BC during the Ptolemaic period and is dedicated to Horus, the falcon god.

Lunch on board
After exploring Edfu Temple, return to your cruise for a delicious lunch. Take in the stunning views of the Nile as you dine on traditional Egyptian dishes.

Kom Ombo Temple
In the afternoon, visit Kom Ombo Temple, built during the Ptolemaic period (around 180–47 BC). This unique temple is dedicated to two gods: Horus, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god.

Dinner on board
As the sun begins to set over the Nile, enjoy a relaxing dinner on board your cruise ship. Indulge in more delicious Egyptian cuisine while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Overnight on your Cruise
After a day full of ancient wonders, retire to your comfortable cabin on board the cruise ship. Fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the Nile and rest up for another exciting day of exploration tomorrow.


Early Breakfast
Your journey transforms today as you dive deep into a highlight of every 12 day Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel tour. Start your day early with a tasty breakfast box and meet your tour guide. Enjoy a comfortable ride to Abu Simbel in a private air-conditioned car.

Abu Simbel Temples
The Abu Simbel Temples are some of the most famous and remarkable monuments from ancient Egypt. Built around 1264 BC during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II, these massive rock temples were created to honor Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari.

Lunch & Dinner on board
After exploring the Abu Simbel Temples, you can enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner on board your cruise ship.

Overnight on your Cruise
You will spend the night on your cruise ship, enjoying its amenities and relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The gentle lull of the river and the stars above will make for a peaceful evening.


Breakfast & Check Out
After breakfast on board, you will check out of your cruise and head to Aswan to continue your journey.

Aswan High Dam
Your first stop in Aswan will be the famous Aswan High Dam, an incredible engineering project completed in 1970. Built with support from the Soviet Union, this dam was designed to control the annual flooding of the Nile River, which had shaped Egypt’s agriculture for thousands of years.

Unfinished Obelisk
Next, you will visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an incredible ancient monument located in Aswan, Egypt. This obelisk was ordered during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut around 1500 BC, but was never completed because a crack appeared in the granite during its construction.

Philae Temple
Your journey concludes with a visit to the magnificent Philae Temple, an awe inspiring site dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally located elsewhere, the temple was meticulously relocated to Agilkia Island during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Lunch
After you visit the Philae Temple, you will stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Indulge in traditional Egyptian cuisine and soak in the stunning views of the Nile River.

Overnight at the Cairo hotel
Once you finish exploring Aswan, you will catch the flight to Cairo and check in at your hotel for the night. Relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.


Breakfast
Start your last day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Take your time, enjoy the food, and relax in the peaceful setting. Then, pack up and check out. It’s a great way to end your trip!

Check out
We will make hotel checkout quick and easy so you can enjoy your memories without stress.

Departure
Your amazing 12 Days Cairo, Fayoum, Luxor & Aswan Tour is coming to an end. We will make your airport transfer to Cairo International Airport stress-free. Take a look at another magical holiday idea and explore our 12-Day Egypt Christmas Vacation, Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh & Alexandria. And if you'd like to discover more journeys like this one, browse all Egypt Overland Tours for More Travel Inspiration.
* You can let us know if you'd like to customize your tour itinerary to meet your needs. We value your input and aim to accommodate your requirements.
* Nile Cruise itinerary maybe changed without prior notice due to navigational and security restrictions. The itinerary may change in sequence but not in visits.
FAQs About the 12 Day Egypt Overland Tour
A 12-day Egypt itinerary gives you enough time to explore Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria at a relaxed pace. You’ll visit major landmarks like the Pyramids, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple while enjoying guided tours, domestic flights, and comfortable accommodations. For broader itinerary ideas, explore our Egypt 12 Day Travel Plan for more Egypt tours.
Yes. A 12-day tour is considered ideal. It covers Egypt’s top highlights and hidden gems without feeling rushed. Travelers can expect a balanced mix of cultural visits, Nile experiences, historic temples, and free time to explore on their own.
Most packages include:
- Airport transfers
- 5-star accommodations
- Domestic flights
- Private transportation
- Professional Egyptologist tour guide
- Entrance fees to major attractions
- Daily breakfast and some lunches
Travelers from most countries can obtain either an e-visa before arrival or a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport. The process is simple, and your tour consultant can guide you through the requirements based on your nationality.
Egypt is safe for tourists, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. All tours include private transfers, licensed guides, and curated itineraries to ensure a secure and worry-free experience.








































































































































































