Heliopolis in 11 Days for Couples - Guided visits: Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and Egyptian Museum
In Collaboration with TourShare. Updated on February 23, 2026.
A compact, small-group journey through Egypt’s highlights: Cairo’s ancient and medieval core, a full 3-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, and a relaxing 3-night Red Sea stay in Hurghada. Includes airport pickup, all entrance fees listed in the agenda, sleeper train Cairo→Aswan, guided site visits, transfers and most meals as noted in the agenda.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with TourShare, inspired by the tour 11 Days Discover Egypt, Budget Adventure (Entrance Fee & Tipping Incl.). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visits: Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and Egyptian Museum
- 3-night full-board standard 5* Nile cruise with guided shore excursions
- Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu (Horus), Karnak, Luxor and Valley of the Kings
- Sleeper train Cairo → Aswan and business-class intercity bus connections
- 3 nights all-inclusive 4–5* resort time in Hurghada on the Red Sea
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Cairo with airport pickup and hotel check-in. Meet your tour manager for an itinerary briefing and orientation.
Arrival & airport transfer — meet your tour manager
On arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI) you will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Heliopolis. Your tour manager will meet you in the hotel lobby to assist with check-in, provide a briefing, and confirm timings for the next day. Time shown is for typical mid-afternoon arrivals; actual pickup time will match your flight arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your passport and arrival card ready for the driver and hotel check-in to speed the transfer process.
- If you arrive late, text or call the emergency contact provided in your travel documents so the tour manager can adjust the meet time.
- Carry a small day-bag with essentials (medication, chargers, a light jacket) — main luggage will be transferred separately to your room.
Day 2
Full-day guided tour of medieval and Coptic Cairo, Salah El-Din Citadel, and the Egyptian Museum with lunch included.
Salah El-Din Citadel, Coptic Cairo & Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)
After breakfast meet your Egyptologist guide (approx. 09:00) for a balanced day visiting the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, Coptic Cairo's religious complex (including the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue), followed by lunch and a guided visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities at Tahrir. Return to the hotel mid/late afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly for mosque visits: shoulders and knees should be covered; women may be asked to cover their hair.
- Carry small change (in Egyptian pounds) for restroom tips and small purchases in Coptic Cairo; many sites have snack stalls nearby.
- Expect security checks at major sites; keep photo ID and any bags easily accessible to speed entry.
Day 3
Giza Plateau exploration and Grand Egyptian Museum visit, then evening transfer to the sleeper train to Aswan.
Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum; evening sleeper train to Aswan
Start at the Giza Plateau to walk around the pyramids and see the Sphinx. Midday visit to a local craft/industry stop (optional time to purchase personalized souvenirs), lunch, then the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Return to the hotel to collect luggage and be transferred to the train station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Train pickup window typically between 17:45 and 18:30 — confirm at briefing.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle for the Giza Plateau — shade is limited and surfaces are sandy.
- If you plan to enter tombs, expect narrow staircases and low ceilings; a small flashlight can help during dim sections.
- Confirm your sleeper cabin allocation at hotel check-out to ensure luggage is loaded onto the train with you.
Day 4
Arrive in Aswan, transfer to the Nile cruise and guided visit to Philae Temple. Afternoon and evening at leisure aboard the cruise.
Aswan arrival, transfer to cruise & Philae Temple visit
Meet at Aswan train station on arrival and transfer to your Nile cruise for check-in. Take a motorboat to Philae Temple for a guided visit to the island sanctuary dedicated to Isis. Return to the cruise for lunch and afternoon relaxation on deck.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light jacket for the early morning or late evening on deck; river breezes can be cool.
- Motorboat transfers to Philae involve short climbs on and off boats — wear slip-resistant shoes and follow crew instructions.
- Carry any necessary medication and a copy of your passport; cruise cabins may be locked while ashore.
Day 5
Cruise day with Kom Ombo visit; optional early-morning Abu Simbel excursion is offered (pre-book before arrival). Evening onboard entertainment and overnight in Edfu.
Sail to Kom Ombo — visit Kom Ombo Temple (option: Abu Simbel early excursion)
Today the ship sails to Kom Ombo. Guests may choose the optional early Abu Simbel road excursion (very early departure) or remain on board to relax on deck; the group rejoins for the Kom Ombo Temple visit in the afternoon. Evening dinner and entertainment on board; overnight on the river (docked at/near Edfu).
Tips from local experts:
- If considering the Abu Simbel option, note the departure is very early (pre-dawn) and involves several hours driving each way — bring ID, sun protection, and light snacks.
- On the river deck keep small valuables secured; wind can be stronger when the ship is underway.
- Kom Ombo site has open, sunny areas: a hat and comfortable walking shoes will make the visit more pleasant.
Day 6
Edfu visit (Temple of Horus), sail through the Esna Lock and arrive in Luxor for a horse carriage city tour and optional felucca at sunset.
Temple of Horus (Edfu), sail to Luxor & Luxor city carriage tour
Morning guided visit to Edfu's Temple of Horus. The ship then proceeds toward Luxor, passing the Esna Lock system. On arrival in Luxor enjoy a horse carriage tour through local neighborhoods and cultural interaction. Optional sunset felucca sail is available in the evening (not included).
Tips from local experts:
- Edfu temple has uneven stone flooring and steps — use stable footwear and allow extra time for boarding/unboarding the shuttle to the site.
- During the carriage tour in Luxor, agree on a return time with the driver and clarify fares for any short stops.
- If opting for an evening felucca, request lifejackets and confirm pickup location with the hotel or ship crew ahead of time.
Day 7
Checkout from the cruise in Luxor; guided visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple at sunset, then hotel check-in.
Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple at dusk
After breakfast, check out from the cruise and visit the Karnak Temple complex with your guide. Enjoy lunch in Luxor, then spend the evening at Luxor Temple when the site is atmospheric at sunset. Transfer to your Luxor hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- Karnak is extensive — follow the guide route to cover highlights and save energy for Luxor Temple at sunset.
- Carry a scarf or light layer for temple visits where sun exposure is high; shops near Karnak accept cards but smaller vendors prefer cash.
- Sunset at Luxor Temple is popular — arrive with your group to secure good photo spots and enjoy the temple illumination.
Day 8
West Bank of Luxor: Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut, then afternoon transfer by air-conditioned coach to Hurghada and hotel transfer on arrival.
Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut; Go Bus transfer to Hurghada
Morning itinerary focuses on Luxor's West Bank: the Valley of the Kings (entry includes access to three tombs) and the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. After lunch transfer to the bus station for a scenic ~5-hour air-conditioned Go Bus journey to Hurghada (business-class seating). On arrival in Hurghada our representative will transfer you to your resort and check you in.
Tips from local experts:
- At the Valley of the Kings, photography inside tombs is restricted — listen to the guide and keep camera use to allowed areas.
- Pack an overnight/day bag with swimwear and essentials for Hurghada — your main luggage will be transferred separately.
- On the bus, keep valuables in a small carry-on and bring earphones; the journey includes one or two rest stops for refreshments.
Day 9
Full free day in Hurghada at your all-inclusive resort. Optional activities (snorkeling, desert safari) are available locally.
Free day in Hurghada — resort time and optional activities
Enjoy resort amenities: beach, pool and relaxation. Optional activities are available locally if you wish to explore (snorkeling boat trips, desert/safari excursions) — these are not included and can be arranged through the resort or your tour manager.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling and check the resort’s recommended meeting point and pick-up time if you book a boat trip.
- Resort restaurants typically accommodate couples seeking a quieter table—ask the host for a seafront or terrace seat at dinner.
- If planning evening excursions, confirm pickup times and dress codes with the activity provider a day in advance.
Day 10
Second free day in Hurghada to relax at the resort or choose optional water or desert activities.
Leisure day in Hurghada — beach, pool and resort facilities
Another full day to relax and enjoy the Red Sea. Use resort facilities or book optional activities (snorkel trips, diving courses, or desert safaris) through the resort reception or your tour manager.
Tips from local experts:
- Book popular water activities in the morning to secure preferred times and to avoid afternoon winds that can affect sea conditions.
- If diving or snorkeling, inform the operator of any medical conditions and bring any required certification if you have it.
- For quiet, romantic moments ask the resort concierge about quieter beaches or private cabana options for the day.
Day 11
Free morning in Hurghada, resort checkout and afternoon/evening bus transfer back to Cairo with final pickup on arrival.
Morning at leisure, transfer to bus station & Go Bus to Cairo
Enjoy a relaxed morning, then check out and transfer to Hurghada bus station for your air-conditioned bus to Cairo. On arrival in Cairo you will be met and transferred to the location you prefer (hotel or airport area). The day includes a breakfast before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep travel documents and passports in your carry-on during checkout and the bus transfer; you'll need them upon arrival in Cairo.
- Confirm the bus departure time the evening before with the hotel reception and allow extra time for traffic during transfer to the station.
- For comfort on the long bus journey, bring a neck pillow, light blanket, and any preferred snacks for the trip.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 11 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Attraction, Outdoor, Break |
