Travel Itinerary

15 Day Mega Nile & Middle Egypt Tour

15 days

Trip at a Glance

Trip Overview

Follow one of Gate East's most wide-ranging cultural routes on a 15-day trip from Cairo to Aswan. The program moves beyond the classic Cairo-and-cruise formula by travelling through Faiyum and the cities of Middle Egypt before joining a five-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan.

Begin with the Great Pyramids, Sphinx and historic Cairo, then continue to Faiyum for Qarun Lake, Wadi El Rayan, Wadi El Hitan, Hawara Pyramid and Magic Lake. The road south brings Meidum and Sannur Cave in Beni Suef, the Beni Hassan tombs and Amarna heritage around Minya, and Deir El Muharraq in Assiut as part of the Holy Family Route theme.

Sohag adds the White and Red Monasteries before Qena and Dendera lead into the Nile-cruise chapter. From Luxor, explore Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon, then continue through Edfu and Kom Ombo to Aswan for the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple.

The website packages are presented as Comfort 3 Stars and Premium. Both follow the same complete itinerary. Comfort uses the source's lower accommodation set, while Premium uses the higher accommodation set with upgraded hotels where available; both retain the source-listed 5-star Nile-cruise standard.

Trip Highlights

  • See the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx at the start of the trip.
  • Explore Old Cairo, Khan El Khalili, the Citadel of Saladin, Muhammad Ali Mosque and Babylon Fortress.
  • Discover Qarun Lake, Wadi El Rayan, Wadi El Hitan, Hawara Pyramid and Magic Lake in Faiyum.
  • Visit Meidum Pyramid and Sannur Cave in the Beni Suef region.
  • Explore the Beni Hassan tombs, Tell El Amarna, the boundary stelae and Tuna El Gebel around Minya.
  • Follow part of the Holy Family Route with a visit to Deir El Muharraq in Assiut.
  • Visit the White Monastery and Red Monastery in Sohag.
  • See Dendera's Temple of Hathor before embarking on the Nile cruise.
  • Explore Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
  • Sail south with temple visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
  • Complete the route in Aswan with the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple.
  • Choose Comfort 3 Stars or Premium while keeping the same complete route and guided sightseeing program.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to the Mega Nile Trip

Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where the trip begins with meet-and-assist service and the scheduled transfer to your hotel.

After check-in, settle into the first chapter of a route that will cross Cairo, Middle Egypt and the Nile Valley before ending in Aswan.

A welcome dinner is included before the first overnight in Cairo.

Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 02

Giza Pyramids & the Great Sphinx

After breakfast, begin the sightseeing program on the Giza Plateau with the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, the monumental opening to the ancient-Egypt theme of the trip.

Take time to experience the scale of the plateau and its desert setting before returning to Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 03

Old Cairo, Khan El Khalili & the Citadel

Continue through Cairo with the historic sites listed in the source program, including Old Cairo, Khan El Khalili, the Citadel of Saladin and the Muhammad Ali Mosque.

The day also includes Babylon Fortress, linking layers of Cairo's religious and urban history before the route turns south.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 04

Faiyum – Qarun Lake, Wadi El Rayan & Wadi El Hitan

Leave Cairo for Faiyum, where the program combines lake scenery, desert landscapes and archaeology in one of the most varied days of the trip.

Visit Qarun Lake, Wadi El Rayan and Wadi El Hitan, the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Whales, together with Hawara Pyramid and Magic Lake as stated in the source program.

Overnight in Faiyum.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 05

Beni Suef – Meidum Pyramid & Sannur Cave

Continue into Middle Egypt for the Beni Suef chapter of the route.

The program includes Meidum Pyramid, the region's agricultural heritage and Sannur Cave, creating a contrast between archaeological and natural sites.

Overnight in Beni Suef.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 06

Minya – Beni Hassan Tombs & Tell El Amarna

Travel to Minya and begin exploring the archaeological landscape of Middle Egypt.

Visit the tombs of Beni Hassan and continue to Tell El Amarna, the city associated with Akhenaten and one of the defining historical themes of this section of the trip.

Overnight in Minya.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 07

Minya – Boundary Stelae, Tuna El Gebel & Akhenaten Heritage

Continue the Minya program with the boundary stelae and Tuna El Gebel, extending the route through the heritage sites connected with the Amarna period.

The day is designed as a second focused exploration of the region rather than a rushed transfer south.

Overnight in Minya.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 08

Assiut – Deir El Muharraq & the Holy Family Route

Continue to Assiut for a key spiritual and cultural chapter of the trip.

Visit Deir El Muharraq Monastery, one of the places highlighted in the source program under the Holy Family Route theme.

Overnight in Assiut.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 09

Sohag – White Monastery & Red Monastery

Travel onward to Sohag and visit the White Monastery and the Red Monastery, two major Coptic heritage sites included in the program.

The day continues the religious-heritage thread before the route reaches Qena and the Nile-cruise section.

Overnight in Sohag.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 10

Qena & Dendera – Hathor Temple and Nile Cruise Embarkation

Continue to Qena and Dendera for the visit to the Temple of Hathor named in the source itinerary.

After sightseeing, transfer to the Nile cruise and begin the five-night Luxor-to-Aswan sailing chapter of the trip.

Overnight on the Nile cruise in the Luxor area.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Nile Cruise Ship

Übernachtungsart: Nilkreuzfahrt, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 11

Luxor East Bank – Karnak & Luxor Temples

Explore the east bank of Luxor with the Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple, two major monuments listed in the cruise program.

Return to the ship and continue the full-board Nile-cruise experience.

Overnight on the Nile cruise in the Luxor area.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Nile Cruise Ship

Übernachtungsart: Nilkreuzfahrt, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 12

Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut

Cross to Luxor's west bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, all included in the source program.

After the visits, return to the vessel and continue sailing south.

Overnight on the Nile cruise toward Edfu.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Nile Cruise Ship

Übernachtungsart: Nilkreuzfahrt, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 13

Edfu & Kom Ombo – Temples Along the Nile

Continue the Nile trip with the Edfu Temple visit before sailing onward toward Kom Ombo.

Visit Kom Ombo Temple and return to the ship as the cruise continues toward Aswan.

Overnight on the Nile cruise on the Kom Ombo–Aswan route.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Nile Cruise Ship

Übernachtungsart: Nilkreuzfahrt, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 14

Aswan – High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple

Reach Aswan for the final major sightseeing day of the route.

Visit the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple as listed in the source program, completing the cultural sequence from Cairo through Middle Egypt to Upper Egypt.

Final overnight on the Nile cruise in Aswan.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Nile Cruise Ship

Übernachtungsart: Nilkreuzfahrt, passend zum Reiseverlauf und zum gewählten Unterkunftspaket, soweit zutreffend.

Day 15

Departure from Aswan

Enjoy breakfast before the scheduled transfer to Aswan Airport.

The 15-day Mega Nile Trip ends after a route through ancient monuments, Middle Egypt heritage, the Holy Family Route and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan.

End of Gate East services.

Breakfast

Included in Your Trip

  • International flights related to the confirmed trip program.
  • Any domestic flights required by the confirmed itinerary.
  • Egypt entry visa.
  • Travel insurance provided as part of the trip program.
  • Accommodation according to the selected booking category.
  • All scheduled airport transfers and transfers between destinations.
  • Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles and the Nile cruise ship according to the itinerary.
  • German- or English-speaking Egyptologist and tour guide.
  • Sightseeing visits, excursions, activities, and entrance fees listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals according to the daily itinerary.
  • All other services specifically mentioned in the trip program.

Not Included

  • Personal expenses.
  • Private purchases or services not mentioned in the itinerary or the Included section.

Dates

  • October 10, 2026 - October 24, 2026
  • October 17, 2026 - October 31, 2026
  • October 24, 2026 - November 7, 2026
  • November 7, 2026 - November 21, 2026
  • November 14, 2026 - November 28, 2026
  • November 21, 2026 - December 5, 2026
  • November 28, 2026 - December 12, 2026
  • December 5, 2026 - December 19, 2026
  • December 12, 2026 - December 26, 2026
  • December 19, 2026 - January 2, 2027
  • December 26, 2026 - January 9, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Itinerary & Organization

How long is the trip?

The trip lasts 15 days.

Which destinations are included in the trip?

The trip covers Cairo, Giza, Fayoum, Wadi El Hitan, Wadi El Rayan, Beni Suef, Minya, the Nile Valley, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan.

What is the group size and difficulty level?

The trip is designed for groups of 2 to 16 travelers and has a Medium difficulty level.

How demanding is the trip?

The trip has a Medium difficulty level and combines sightseeing, walking, transfers, cultural visits, and the Nile cruise program.

Sights & Experiences

What kind of experiences are included in the trip?

The program combines cultural sightseeing, archaeological and historical visits, Middle Egypt, Nile Valley experiences, and a Nile cruise.

Is a Nile cruise included in the program?

Yes. A Nile cruise forms part of the itinerary, together with the scheduled sightseeing and activities during the cruise section.

Does the trip include Fayoum and its natural areas?

Yes. The program includes Fayoum as well as Wadi El Hitan and Wadi El Rayan according to the itinerary.

Accommodation & Meals

What accommodation categories are available?

The trip offers Comfort and Premium accommodation categories according to the confirmed booking package.

Are meals included?

Yes. The meal program is: Day 1 dinner; Days 2–14 breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Day 15 breakfast.

Is the meal program the same for Comfort and Premium guests?

Yes. The day-by-day meal plan is the same for Comfort and Premium guests.

Services & Travel Planning

What is included in the trip price?

The trip includes the services stated in the program, including accommodation, transportation and transfers, guide services, sightseeing, excursions, entrance fees, activities, meals according to the itinerary, and the other travel services specified in the program.

Are flights included?

Yes. International flights and any domestic flights required by the confirmed program are included and should not be treated as separate optional costs.

Are the Egypt entry visa and travel insurance included?

Yes. The Egypt entry visa and travel insurance provided as part of the confirmed trip program are included.

What is not included in the trip price?

Personal expenses and private purchases or services that are not stated in the itinerary or the Included section are not included.

Tour Guide & Transport

What type of tour guide accompanies the trip?

The trip is accompanied by a German- or English-speaking Egyptologist and tour guide.

How is transportation organized during the trip?

Transportation is provided according to the itinerary using air-conditioned vehicles and the Nile cruise ship, with any required program transfers included.

Are airport and program transfers included?

Yes. The required arrival, departure, and program transfers are included as part of the trip.

Travel Time & Climate

What is the recommended travel period?

The recommended travel period is from October to April.

What is the approximate elevation recorded for the trip?

The recorded approximate elevation for the trip is 108 meters.