13 Day Egypt Budget Journey: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel & Hurghada

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then get ready for a full day of awe-inspiring attractions with one of our highly qualified Egyptologist tour guides. Begin your exploration of Cairo’s historical wonders with the legendary Giza Pyramids Complex, the golden legacy of ancient Egypt, built around 2600 BC by the 4th Dynasty to stand the test of time.

Marvel at The Great Pyramid, the celestial tomb of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), designed by his chief architect Hemiunu. As the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, this colossal monument rises to 146.6 meters (481 ft), made from 2.3 million limestone blocks weighing a total of 6 million tons.

Next, witness the awe of the Great Sphinx, the monumental statue of Pharaoh Khafre (2558–2532 BC), carved as a lion with the pharaoh’s face to symbolize his strength and wisdom—the oldest and largest man-made monumental sculpture in history.

Explore the Valley Temple, a majestic site where royal members of the 4th Dynasty were mummified during the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, preserving vital insights into the ancient Egyptian beliefs and rituals.

Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, a magnificent modern marvel spanning nearly 490,000 square meters, aligned with the Giza Pyramids. GEM houses over 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun, the Hanging Obelisk, and the 11-meter colossus of Ramses II, bridging Egypt’s ancient past with modern innovation through stunning architecture and immersive storytelling.

 Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local deluxe Egyptian restaurant.

After lunch, visit the Saqqara Step Pyramid, built for King Djoser (2670–2650 BC) by the brilliant architect Imhotep. This iconic six-stepped pyramid, standing at 63 meters, marks the beginning of pyramid construction in Egypt and features a grand open courtyard.

At the end of the day, return to your Cairo hotel for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Cairo Hotel

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, your private Egyptologist tour guide will accompany you to explore the most remarkable landmarks of this historic Nubian city.

Start with the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel built in the 1960s to control the Nile’s floodwaters, generate hydroelectric power, and spark Egypt’s industrial revolution.

Next, visit The Unfinished Obelisk, one of the greatest ancient monuments left incomplete. Commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC), it was intended for the Karnak Temple but cracked during construction, now standing as a testament to the skill and ambition of ancient Egyptian artisans.

Lunch Time: Enjoy a delicious meal at a local Nile-side restaurant before continuing your journey to the iconic Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple narrates the myth of Osiris, who was resurrected by Isis to rule the Underworld. Originally built between 380–362 BC, the temple was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s by UNESCO to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

At the end of the day, check in to your hotel in Aswan for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flight: Cairo → Aswan
Overnight: Aswan Hotel

Start your day with a breakfast box, perfect to enjoy on the vehicle during your scenic 3-hour drive to Abu Simbel. Your professional Egyptologist tour guide will accompany you to explore the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples.

This monumental site was commissioned by Ramses the Great (1279–1213 BC), also known as “Ozymandias”, and completed in 1264 BC. The temples were built to immortalize Ramses’ legacy and celebrate the signing of the first peace treaty in history in 1247 BC. Marvel at the colossal statues, intricate carvings, and the extraordinary scale of these temples carved directly into the mountainside.

Return to Aswan for a delightful lunch at a top-quality local restaurant.

At the end of the day, drive back to your hotel in Aswan for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Aswan Hotel

After enjoying breakfast in Aswan, check out from your hotel and board the 1st class train to Luxor. After approximately 3 hours, arrive in Luxor, where your expert Egyptologist tour guide will accompany you to explore the monumental sites on the East Bank of the Nile.

Begin with the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, a divine religious complex built between 1971 BC and 30 BC to honor the royal Ka of the 18th Dynasty Theban Triad: Mut, Khunso, and Amun. Marvel at its grand Hypostyle Hall, the majestic Avenue of Sphinxes, and the extraordinary architectural and artistic creations that reveal the spiritual and cultural essence of ancient Egypt.

Lunch Time: Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, then check in to your 5* hotel to rest and refresh.

In the evening, prepare to experience the Luxor Temple by Night. Bathed in moonlight, this living miracle tells the epic stories of ancient Egyptian kings and gods. Built around 1400 BC by rulers like Ramses the Great, Amenhotep III, and Alexander the Great, it celebrates the rejuvenation of kingship, hosts the Opet Festival, and serves as the venue for various crowning ceremonies.

Return to your hotel in Luxor for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Luxor Hotel

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, join your Egyptologist tour guide to explore the must-see attractions on the West Bank of Luxor.

Start with the magnificent Hatshepsut Temple, a stunning masterpiece built in 1479 BC to honor Amun and the immortal legacy of Queen Hatshepsut. This temple is one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architectural and artistic skill, offering deep insight into the mastery of its creators.

Next, visit the Valley of the Kings, the magical resting place of the royals of the New Kingdom (1570–1050 BC). This underground necropolis contains 63 tombs of legendary Pharaohs such as Ramses II, Amenhotep I, Seti I, Tutankhamun, Hatshepsut, and many more. Explore the tombs to uncover the religious beliefs, funerary practices, and mythological knowledge of ancient Egypt.

 Enjoy a delicious meal on a Nile island, including a relaxing boat ride as part of your tour.

Continue to the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues built by Amenhotep III (1386–1353 BC) around 1350 BC to guard his mortuary temple, which no longer exists. The statues were rebuilt over time and gained fame in the Ptolemaic era for the unique vocal phenomenon of Memnon.

Return to your hotel in Luxor for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Luxor Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then join your experienced Egyptologist tour guide and continue your journey on a private A/C vehicle to explore the remarkable sites on the West Bank of Luxor.

Begin with the Valley of the Queens, one of the most enchanting archaeological treasures in Egypt. This site contains 93 tombs of queens and princesses from the New Kingdom (1570–1050 BC), spanning the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. The highlight is the magnificent tomb of Queen Nefertari (1290–1224 BC), the beloved wife of Ramses the Great.

Next, visit Habu Temple, the epic mortuary temple of Ramses III (1187–1156 BC), situated on the Theban hills. Admire the magical reliefs depicting the defeat of the Sea Peoples, and explore the intricate architectural design honoring Amun.

Lunch Time: Enjoy a delicious meal at a high-quality local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to Deir El-Medina, the incredible ancient village of the skilled workers who built the Valley of the Kings. Dating back to the 18th–20th Dynasties (1550–1080 BC), this village offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, work, and social structure of these elite craftsmen.

Return to your hotel in Luxor for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Luxor Hotel

On your 8th day in the Land of Pharaohs, enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then check out and travel by a deluxe A/C vehicle to explore two of the most awe-inspiring temples of Ancient Egypt.

Start with Dendera Temple, the magnificent center of worship for Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, and beauty. Constructed between 2250 BC and 343 BC, this temple is a masterpiece of ancient art and architecture, featuring wonders like the Dendera Zodiac, the Dendera Light, and many other mysterious treasures.

Next, visit Abydos Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred archaeological wonders in Egypt. This divine temple was regarded as the gateway to the underworld ruled by Osiris and houses the incredible temple of Pharaoh Seti I (1290–1279 BC). Here, the famous Abydos King List preserves the chronological names of Pharaohs from Menes to Ramses I.

Lunch Time: Enjoy a delightful meal at a reputable local restaurant.

After lunch, transfer to Hurghada  by a modern A/C vehicle, check in at your 5 hotel*, and spend the overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hurghada Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then have a free day to relax and soak up the sun on the beach, or explore Hurghada city at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll along the promenade, enjoy local markets, or simply unwind by the Red Sea, the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks
Overnight: Hurghada Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then get ready for an exciting scuba diving excursion with a professional instructor. Explore the vibrant coral reefs and discover the magical underwater world of the Red Sea. After your diving adventure, return to your hotel to relax and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks
Overnight: Hurghada Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then get ready for an exhilarating Desert Safari by quad bikes to experience the majestic desert landscapes and the thrill of off-road adventure. As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner under the desert sky before returning to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks
Overnight: Hurghada Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then check-out and transfer to Cairo Airport by private A/C vehicle for your flight from Hurghada to Cairo. Upon arrival, meet your Egyptologist tour guide who will accompany you for a full day exploring Cairo’s historical treasures.

Start your tour with The Egyptian Museum, the heart of Cairo where you can see the incredible collection of over 120,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, including statues, jewelry, and treasures of the pharaohs.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Salah El Din Citadel, an iconic fortress built between 1176–1183 AD, featuring museums, mosques, and the grandeur of Islamic architecture.

Next, visit Mohamed Ali Mosque, the majestic Ottoman-style mosque built between 1830–1848 AD with alabaster from Giza, standing as a symbol of power and independence over the city.

Continue to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat, showcasing over 50,000 artifacts spanning more than 5,000 years of Egyptian history, including mummies and fascinating archaeological treasures.

Walk through Al Muizz Street, a cultural maze filled with Islamic architecture, historic buildings, and magical cafes that reflect Cairo’s rich heritage.

End the day with a visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a lively market dating back to the Mamluk era (1382–1389 AD), where you can shop for unique souvenirs and witness the skill of Egyptian artisans.

Finally, transfer back to your 5 hotel in Cairo* for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flight: Hurghada to Cairo
Overnight: Cairo Hotel

After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to the land of the Pharaohs. Our representative will escort you to Cairo International Airport by private air-conditioned vehicle to assist you with check-in and departure formalities.

Fly back home with unforgettable memories of your 13-day overland Egypt adventure, having explored the wonders of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and the Red Sea.

Meals: Breakfast