Should I book the cruise in advance or in Egypt?

Book 2-3 weeks ahead online for better cabin selection and prices. Last-minute bookings in Luxor can be cheaper but risk no availability or poor cabins during peak season (December-February).

Is it safe to drink tap water on Nile cruises?

Stick to bottled water. Most cruises provide free bottled water in cabins. Avoid ice in drinks and be careful with fresh salads. Cruise ship restaurants are generally safe for cooked food.

How much should I tip guides and cruise staff?

Cruise: $3-5 per day for room steward, $5-7 per day for guide (if group tour). Private guides: $20-30 per day. Temple guards who show you around: $2-5. Have small bills ready.

What's the best way to buy temple entrance tickets?

Buy individual tickets at each site. Luxor West Bank combination ticket saves money if visiting multiple tombs. Photography tickets are separate and cost extra ($10-20 per tomb). No advance booking needed except for Nefertari's tomb.

How to plan a classic Egypt Nile itinerary from Cairo to Aswan

A classic Cairo to Aswan Nile itinerary takes 10-14 days total. Spend 3-4 days in Cairo, then either fly to Luxor for a 3-4 day Nile cruise to Aswan, or take the overnight train. Budget $150-300 per day depending on cruise level and accommodation choices.

Start with 3-4 days in Cairo. Book accommodation near Tahrir Square or Islamic Cairo. Visit the Pyramids of Giza (full day), Egyptian Museum (half day), and Islamic Cairo including Khan el-Khalili bazaar (1 day). Add Saqqara and Memphis if you have 4 days.
Get from Cairo to Luxor. Fly EgyptAir (1.5 hours, $80-120) or take the overnight sleeper train (12 hours, $80-100 for a cabin). The train is an experience but flights are more comfortable. Book trains through Egyptian National Railways or local tour operators.
Explore Luxor for 2 days before your cruise. East Bank: Karnak Temple (morning) and Luxor Temple (late afternoon). West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon (full day). Book a West Bank taxi tour for $40-60.
Take a 3-4 day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Book a standard cruise ($100-200 per day) or luxury option ($300-500 per day). The route includes Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and scenic sailing. Most cruises include meals and guided temple visits.
Spend your final 2-3 days in Aswan. Visit Philae Temple (half day), take a felucca ride around Elephantine Island (2 hours), and see the Unfinished Obelisk (1 hour). Optional day trip to Abu Simbel (early morning flight, $200-250 including transport).
Plan your return. Fly from Aswan to Cairo (1.5 hours, $100-150) for international connections. EgyptAir has 3-4 daily flights. Book at least 3 hours between domestic arrival and international departure.

Should I book the cruise in advance or in Egypt?: Book 2-3 weeks ahead online for better cabin selection and prices. Last-minute bookings in Luxor can be cheaper but risk no availability or poor cabins during peak season (December-February).
Is it safe to drink tap water on Nile cruises?: Stick to bottled water. Most cruises provide free bottled water in cabins. Avoid ice in drinks and be careful with fresh salads. Cruise ship restaurants are generally safe for cooked food.
How much should I tip guides and cruise staff?: Cruise: $3-5 per day for room steward, $5-7 per day for guide (if group tour). Private guides: $20-30 per day. Temple guards who show you around: $2-5. Have small bills ready.
What's the best way to buy temple entrance tickets?: Buy individual tickets at each site. Luxor West Bank combination ticket saves money if visiting multiple tombs. Photography tickets are separate and cost extra ($10-20 per tomb). No advance booking needed except for Nefertari's tomb.