Egypt Short Breaks Itinerary: What to See in 3, 4, or 5 Days
November 19, 2025
Read more about Egypt Short Breaks Itinerary: What to See in 3, 4, or 5 Days
From:
$1600
Tour Details
| Duration |
9 Days / 8 Nights |
|---|---|
| Tour Location |
Cairo / Aswan / Abu Simbel / Luxor / Alexandria |
| Tour Type |
Daily Tour |
| Pickup |
Cairo Airport |
9 Days Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor & Alexandria Overland Tour
Embark on an unforgettable Egypt Tour 9 Days Without Cruise, a fully overland adventure that reveals Egypt’s greatest historical treasures in comfort and style. Your journey begins in Cairo, where the mighty Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the world class Grand Egyptian Museum introduce you to the heart of ancient civilization. For more options, travelers can browse our comprehensive guided Egypt classic itineraries to discover other immersive experiences.
Continue south to Aswan to explore the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and the enchanting Philae Temple, followed by a once in a lifetime visit to the monumental temples of Abu Simbel. Traveling onward to Luxor, discover the wonders of both the East and West Banks: Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Luxor’s desert landscapes. Travelers seeking more Nile exploration can also check our Egypt Nile tour round trip, which combines luxury and classic historical landmarks.
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.
- 3 Nights of accommodations in Aswan at a 5 star hotel.
- 3 Nights of accommodations in Luxor at a 5 star hotel.
- Private tour guide (Egyptologist) of all major attractions.
- All transfers are by modern private A/C vehicles.
- Flight Ticket (Cairo - Aswan) (Luxor - Cairo).
- First class train Tickets from Aswan to Luxor.
- 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 of Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Alexandria
Giza Attractions
- The Great Pyramids of Giza
- The Great Sphinx of Giza
- The Valley Temple
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Aswan Attractions
- High Dam
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel Temples
Luxor Attractions
- Valley of the Kings
- Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
Cairo Attractions
- Salah El Din Citadel
- The Hanging Church
- Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque
- Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
Alexandria Attractions
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Pompey's Pillar
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Qaitbay Citadel
Itinerary 9 Days Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor & Alexandria Tour
Arrival
Begin your Egypt tours 9 days without a cruise with a warm welcome at Cairo Airport. A Tripidays representative assists with your luggage, guiding you to a smooth check in at your hotel so you can start your adventure stress free.
Nile Dinner Cruise
Cruise along the Nile as the city lights shimmer around you. Enjoy traditional music, delicious food, and the beauty of Cairo by night.
Overnight at Cairo Hotel
Settle into your comfortable room and rest after your long journey.
Breakfast & Checkout
Fuel up with a tasty breakfast before meeting your guide for a full day of discoveries.
The Great Giza Pyramids
Stand face to face with the legendary pyramids of Giza, masterpieces of ancient engineering and symbols of timeless power.
The Valley Temple of Khafre
Next, you'll visit the Valley Temple, a key site built during the 4th Dynasty (circa 2575–2465 BCE) as part of the funerary complex of Pharaoh Khafre. This temple played a vital role in the mummification rituals of Egyptian royalty.
The Sphinx
No trip to Egypt is complete without seeing the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza. Believed to have been constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre around 2500 BCE, this colossal statue features the body of a lion and the face of a human, likely representing Khafre himself.
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious Egyptian meal with views overlooking the Giza Plateau.
Grand Egyptian Museum
A true highlight of your day will be visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), an architectural masterpiece set to open in 2020. Home to over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, this extraordinary museum will showcase the legendary treasures of King Tutankhamun. Explore more land-based packages through our guide to overland travel in Egypt.
Overnight at Aswan Hotel
Transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel to check in and unwind, preparing for the adventures that await you the following day.
High Dam
Your first stop is the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel completed in 1970 after a decade of construction. Built under President Gamal Abdel Nasser in the 1960s, the dam controls flooding on the Nile River, generates hydroelectric power, and boosts agriculture.
Unfinished Obelisk
Before having lunch, stop by the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. Dating back to Queen Hatshepsut’s reign (1507–1458 BCE), it would have been the largest obelisk ever at 42 meters tall and 1,200 tons.
Lunch
Taste a flavorful Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
Philae Temple
Your final stop will be the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and built during the Ptolemaic period (380-362 BCE). Expanded by Roman emperors like Augustus and Tiberius, it was a key religious center in ancient Egypt.
Overnight at Aswan Hotel
Relax at your hotel in Aswan and prepare for tomorrow’s desert adventure.
Early Breakfast
Start your day early with breakfast boxes while heading south to Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel Temples
Marvel at the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, carved by Ramses II, true icons of power and devotion. Prefer combining Cairo with resort stays? Explore the best Cairo and Sharm El Sheik tour.
Lunch
Enjoy a satisfying lunch after your Abu Simbel exploration.
Overnight at Luxor Hotel
Arrive in Luxor and check in for a relaxing night's stay.
Breakfast
Start your morning with a fresh breakfast at the hotel in Luxor.
Karnak Temple Complex
Step into the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest religious complex and a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. Built over 2,000 years, starting around 2000 BCE, it flourished under pharaohs such as Senusret I, Hatshepsut, and Ramses II. Walk under the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, built around 1290–1224 BCE under Seti I and Ramses II, showcasing an incredible profession.
Lunch
Pause for a delicious Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
Luxor Temple
Visit the remarkable Temple of Luxor, built around 1400 BCE during Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s reign in the 18th Dynasty. Pharaoh Ramses II of the 19th Dynasty later added the colossal statues at the entrance and the iconic obelisk. Dedicated to the Theban Triad of gods, mainly Amun-Ra, the temple reflects its religious significance.
Overnight at Luxor Hotel
Rest comfortably and enjoy Luxor’s peaceful atmosphere.
Breakfast
Enjoy a light breakfast before crossing to Luxor’s West Bank.
Valley of the Kings
Visit Luxor's west bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial site from Egypt's New Kingdom (16th–11th centuries BCE). This necropolis holds over 60 tombs of pharaohs like Ramses II, Seti I, and Tutankhamun, whose tomb was famously discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.
Hatshepsut Temple
Explore the remarkable Hatshepsut Temple, also known as Deir El-Bahari, a stunning example of ancient Egyptian architecture from the 15th century BCE. Built during Queen Hatshepsut's reign (1479–1458 BCE), the temple honors one of Egypt's most influential female pharaohs. Designed by her architect Senenmut, it is carved into the cliffs near Luxor and serves as both a mortuary temple and a tribute to her divine relation.
Lunch
Savor a fresh local lunch in a traditional setting.
Colossi of Memnon
After lunch, visit the iconic Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues over 18 meters tall. Built around 1350 BCE during Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s reign, they once flanked the entrance to his grand mortuary temple in Thebes.
Overnight at Luxor Hotel
Return to your hotel in Luxor for a restful evening.
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.
Salah El Din Citadel
Your first stop in Old Cairo is the historic Salah El Din Citadel, a medieval Islamic fort built in 1176 by Salah El Din (Saladin) to defend against the Crusaders. This iconic site was Egypt's seat of power for nearly 700 years. Explore its ancient walls, learn its history, and enjoy sweeping views of Cairo.
The Hanging Church
Next, you’ll visit the Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest, dating back to the 3rd century AD. Built above a Roman gate in the Babylon Fortress, it served as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope in the 7th century.
Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque
After visiting the Hanging Church, you will head to the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, built in 641-642 AD by the commander of the Muslim army that conquered Egypt. One of the oldest mosques in Egypt and Africa, it showcases early Islamic architecture.
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Your next stop is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt's oldest, built in the 9th century by Abraham ibn Ezra. It is believed to be where baby Moses was found by Pharaoh's daughter, according to biblical tradition.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting the bustling Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. This vibrant market has been around for centuries and offers a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Overnight at Cairo Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing final stay in the heart of Cairo.
Breakfast
Enjoy your morning meal before heading to Alexandria.
Trip to Alexandria
Enjoy a journey to Alexandria, a stunning coastal city celebrated for its deep history and lively culture, all from the comfort of a sleek, air-conditioned car.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Start your journey in Alexandria at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground burial site from the late 2nd century AD, built during the Roman period. Discovered in 1900, this necropolis reveals Alexandria’s multicultural past, blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles.
Pompey's Pillar
Visit Pompey's Pillar, a 30 meter tall granite column in Alexandria, Egypt. Built in 297 AD, it honors Roman Emperor Diocletian (284–305 AD) after he suppressed a city revolt and provided food during a famine.
Lunch
Enjoy a flavorful seafood or Egyptian lunch by the sea.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A trip to Alexandria isn’t complete without visiting the Alexandrina Library, which opened in 2002 as a modern complement to the ancient Library of Alexandria. The original library, founded under Ptolemy II (283–246 BCE), was a renowned center of learning with a vast collection of texts.
Qaitbay Citadel
End your Egypt family exploration by visiting the Qaitbay Citadel, built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay. This fortress stands on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was damaged by earthquakes between 956 and 1323 AD. Looking for Egypt travel + Red Sea options? Explore the best luxury tour of Egypt.
Overnight at Cairo Hotel
Return to Cairo for a final relaxing evening.
Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast before heading to the airport.
Check out
Your representative ensures a smooth, quick checkout.
Departure
Your classic Egypt no cruise package ends with unforgettable memories and a warm invitation to return.
Notes:
* 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 9 Days Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Alexandria Overland Tour
A 9-day travel to Egypt without a cruise takes you through Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Alexandria entirely overland. You’ll explore Egypt’s top highlights, such as the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel, using private vehicles, domestic flights, and trains instead of a Nile River cruise. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who prefer a land-based exploration. For more options, you can explore our comprehensive 9 Days Egypt Itinerary guide.
Yes. This itinerary is designed as a comfortable 9 day Egypt overland itinerary, with smooth transfers, expert guides, minimal walking at each stop, and flexible pacing. It works perfectly for families, seniors, and travelers looking for a classic tour experience without a cruise.
The package generally includes hotel accommodation, domestic flights, guided tours with certified Egyptologists, entrance fees to all listed sites, private air-conditioned transportation, airport transfers, and daily breakfast. Several lunches are also included depending on the day’s activities.
A land based itinerary gives travelers more time at archaeological sites, greater flexibility in scheduling, and faster travel between cities. It also includes destinations that cruise programs skip, such as Old Cairo, Islamic and Coptic landmarks, and the Mediterranean city of Alexandria.
Yes. A full visit to the Abu Simbel Temples is included, with comfortable private transportation from Aswan. You’ll explore both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari.
What to Pack
Hat
Backpack
Comfy Shoes
Powerbank
Medical Kit
Comfy Clothes
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Personal Hygiene Products
Valid Passport For 6 Months
Tour's Location
Tour Prices
From Jan 2026 to Apr 2026
- Solo $3335
- 2 - 4 Pax $2125
- 5 - 8 Pax $1735
- 9 - 16 Pax $1670
From May 2026 to Sep 2026
- Solo $3215
- 2 - 4 Pax $2045
- 5 - 8 Pax $1655
- 9 - 16 Pax $1600
From Oct 2026 to Dec 2026
- Solo $3525
- 2 - 4 Pax $2235
- 5 - 8 Pax $1845
- 9 - 16 Pax $1780
Xmas 21 Dec - 7 Jan Easter 29 Mar - 11 Apr
- Solo $3950
- 2 - 4 Pax $2335
- 5 - 8 Pax $1890
- 9 - 16 Pax $1870
Cairo:
Cleopatra Hotel – Cosmopolitan Hotel – Pyramids Park Resort or similar
Luxor:
Aracan Eatabe - Ibrotel or similar
Aswan:
Citymax – Basma or similar
From Jan 2026 to Apr 2026
- Solo $3735
- 2 - 4 Pax $2335
- 5 - 8 Pax $1935
- 9 - 16 Pax $1880
From May 2026 to Sep 2026
- Solo $3570
- 2 - 4 Pax $2235
- 5 - 8 Pax $1845
- 9 - 16 Pax $1845
From Oct 2026 to Dec 2026
- Solo $3995
- 2 - 4 Pax $2470
- 5 - 8 Pax $2080
- 9 - 16 Pax $2015
Xmas 21 Dec - 7 Jan Easter 29 Mar - 11 Apr
- Solo $4470
- 2 - 4 Pax $2735
- 5 - 8 Pax $2335
- 9 - 16 Pax $2270
Cairo:
Hilton Pyramids Golf – Mövenpick Media City – Helnan Dreamland Hotel or similar
Luxor:
Sonesta St. George – Steigenberger Nile Palace – Jolie Ville Luxor Hotel or similar
Aswan:
Sonesta St. George – Steigenberger Nile Palace – Jolie Ville Luxor Hotel or similar
From Jan 2026 to Apr 2026
- Solo $4425
- 2 - 4 Pax $2690
- 5 - 8 Pax $2290
- 9 - 16 Pax $2225
From May 2026 to Sep 2026
- Solo $3870
- 2 - 4 Pax $2390
- 5 - 8 Pax $2015
- 9 - 16 Pax $1945
From Oct 2026 to Dec 2026
- Solo $4460
- 2 - 4 Pax $2725
- 5 - 8 Pax $2325
- 9 - 16 Pax $2270
Xmas 21 Dec - 7 Jan Easter 29 Mar - 11 Apr
- Solo $5015
- 2 - 4 Pax $3025
- 5 - 8 Pax $2625
- 9 - 16 Pax $2560
Cairo:
Hilton Heliopolis – Hyatt Regency – Triumph Luxury or similar
Luxor:
Hilton Luxor or similar
Aswan:
MS Acamar – MS Movenpick Royal Lotus – MS Le Fayan – MS Esplanade or similar
From Jan 2026 to Apr 2026
- Solo $7955
- 2 - 4 Pax $4540
- 5 - 8 Pax $4125
- 9 - 16 Pax $4060
From May 2026 to Sep 2026
- Solo $6620
- 2 - 4 Pax $3850
- 5 - 8 Pax $3450
- 9 - 16 Pax $3395
From Oct 2026 to Dec 2026
- Solo $8965
- 2 - 4 Pax $5075
- 5 - 8 Pax $4650
- 9 - 16 Pax $4595
Xmas 21 Dec - 7 Jan Easter 29 Mar - 11 Apr
- Solo $9755
- 2 - 4 Pax $5515
- 5 - 8 Pax $5095
- 9 - 16 Pax $5030
Cairo:
Four Seasons Nile Plaza – St. Regis Cairo – Nile Ritz – Marriott Mena House or similar
Luxor:
Sofitel Winter Palace or similar
Aswan:
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract or similar
