The Pyramids of Giza and a Nile cruise are the two experiences almost every traveler dreams of in Egypt: standing before the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, then drifting south on the eternal river past temples that have watched it for thousands of years. Enjoying both on one trip is easy, as long as you know how they fit together.
This guide explains where the pyramids and the cruise route actually are, shares our best tips for enjoying the Egyptian pyramids and your days on the river, and finishes with the ideal route and the packages that combine them. Here are all the things you need to know about how to enjoy the pyramids and a Nile cruise:
Discover If You Can See the Pyramids From a Nile Cruise
No, and knowing this is the first step to planning well, so the best way to enjoy both is simple: see the pyramids in Cairo, then fly south to join your cruise. But you can always book your Cairo and Nile Cruise tour with trips in Egypt and make the impossible a vivid reality.
Almost all Nile River cruises sail in Upper Egypt, between Luxor and Aswan, a stretch of about 200 kilometers of river. The pyramids stand in Lower Egypt, on the Giza Plateau at the edge of Cairo, about 500 kilometers to the north in a straight line.
Even in Cairo, the river does not run past the pyramids. The plateau lies about 8 kilometers west of the Nile in Giza, so a Cairo dinner Nile cruise, from $30, gives you city lights and music on the water but no pyramid view. A few ships do sail the whole way from Cairo to Aswan, such as our long Cairo to Aswan Nile cruise, a 16-day package from about $2,480, but even there the pyramids sit far back from the river.
Learn How to Enjoy the Grand Pyramids of Giza
The Giza Pyramids Complex is open from early morning, and a well-planned half day there is enough for most visitors. These tips will help you make the most of it.
Arrive at Opening Time
Be at the gate when it opens in the early morning. The light is soft, the desert is still cool, and the large tour groups usually arrive later. From October to March, morning temperatures are about 14°C to 22°C; from May to September, the plateau can pass 35°C by noon.
See the Big Four
- The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for King Khufu around 2560 BC, originally stood about 146 meters high and was the tallest structure made by humans for nearly 3,800 years.
- The Pyramid of Khafre looks taller because it stands on higher ground and still keeps some of its smooth casing stones near the top.
- The Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three at about 65 meters, was once partly cased in red granite.
- The Great Sphinx, about 73 meters long and 20 meters high, is carved from the bedrock of the plateau and guards the causeway to Khafre's pyramid.
Go Inside the Great Pyramid
A separate ticket lets you climb up through the narrow passages to the Grand Gallery, about 47 meters long and 8.6 meters high, and on to the King's Chamber, where Khufu's empty granite sarcophagus still stands. The climb is steep and humid, so skip it if you dislike tight spaces; the smaller pyramids of Khafre or Menkaure are easier alternatives.
Ride to the Panorama Point
The Panorama Point, a short drive or camel ride into the desert, lines up all nine pyramids of Giza, including the small queens' pyramids, in one frame. It is the best photo of your trip, and our Pyramids Photo Session Day Tour, from $50, takes you to the right spots at the right time. Agree on the price of any camel or horse ride before you mount.
Add the Grand Egyptian Museum
About 2 kilometers from the plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum holds the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, and its windows and terraces face the pyramids. Visiting the museum and the pyramids on the same day is the perfect introduction to ancient Egypt.
Go Further to Saqqara and Dahshur
With a full day, head south to the older pyramids. At Saqqara, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2670 BC by the architect Imhotep, is the oldest large stone building in the world. At Dahshur, King Sneferu's Bent and Red Pyramids are quieter, and you can often go inside with few other visitors.
End With the Sound and Light Show
In the evening, the pyramids and the Sphinx are lit up while their story is told, a memorable end to your day at Giza. For more ideas, read our guide on how to enjoy the Giza Pyramids Complex.
Pyramid Tour Options
| Tour | What it covers | Price from (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Half Day Pyramids Tour from Cairo | Giza pyramids, Sphinx and Panorama Point | $45 |
| Day Tour to the Pyramids, Saqqara and Dahshur | Giza plus the Step, Bent and Red Pyramids | $70 |
| Pyramids, Museum and Khan El Khalili Trip | Giza, the museum and Cairo's old bazaar | $95 |
Discover How to Enjoy Your Nile Cruise
After the crowds and energy of Cairo, the river slows everything down. These tips will help you enjoy every day on board.
Choose the Right Cruise and Season
The 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan and the 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor visit the same main temples; the longer one gives you more time to relax on deck. October to April brings the most comfortable weather, while summer is cheaper but very hot. Read our guide to the best time for a Nile River cruise, and compare ships on our Luxor and Aswan Nile cruises.
Pick Your Cabin Wisely
Upper-deck cabins have the best views and are farther from the engine noise; many luxury ships offer balconies. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship, although the Nile is calm and seasickness is rare.
Sightsee Early, Relax in the Afternoon
Most cruise excursions start between 6:00 and 8:00 am, so you see Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo before the heat. Afternoons are for the sun deck and the pool, watching farms, palm groves and villages slide past.
Enjoy the Moments Between the Temples
- The Esna lock: between Luxor and Edfu, ships pass through a lock while local traders in rowing boats call up to the decks and throw galabeyas and tablecloths up to sell.
- Edfu by horse carriage: the ride from the dock to the Temple of Horus is part of the fun.
- The Crocodile Museum at Kom Ombo shows mummified crocodiles sacred to the god Sobek.
- The galabeya party: most ships hold an evening where guests dress in traditional Egyptian robes.
Add the Best Extras
In Luxor, rise before dawn for the Luxor hot air balloon ride, from $80, over the West Bank. In Aswan, sail around the islands on a felucca and visit Philae Temple, then take the Day Trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel by Car to see the great temples of Ramses II. For more ideas, see the best activities to do on a Nile cruise and our tips on how to enjoy a perfect Nile cruise.
Pack and Tip Smartly
Bring light, modest clothing for the temples, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm layer for winter evenings on deck. Crew tips are usually given at the end of the cruise in one envelope at reception and shared among everyone on board.
Uncover How to Combine the Pyramids and a Nile Cruise
The classic route follows the history of Egypt from north to south, from the Old Kingdom pyramids in Cairo to the New Kingdom and Ptolemaic temples along the river.
- Arrive in Cairo and spend two or three nights.
- See the pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with Saqqara and Dahshur if you have a full day.
- Fly south to Luxor or Aswan, a flight of about one to one and a half hours.
- Board your cruise for 3 or 4 nights.
- Fly back to Cairo for your international flight home.
Seven to eight days is the ideal length: two or three days in Cairo, a cruise of 3 or 4 nights, and a day for travel. With ten days or more, you can add Abu Simbel, Alexandria or a few days on the Red Sea.
The Best Cairo and Nile Cruise Packages
| Package | Length | What it includes | Price from (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Days Nile Cruise from Cairo | 4 days | Flights from Cairo to Aswan and back from Luxor, with a 3-night cruise | $765 |
| 6 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Holiday | 6 days | Giza, the Sound and Light Show, the Grand Egyptian Museum and a 3-night cruise | $1,005 |
| Cairo and Nile Cruise Classic Tour Package | 8 days | Giza, Saqqara, the Grand Egyptian Museum, a 3-night cruise and a night in Luxor | $1,185 |
Our Cairo and Nile cruise packages include domestic flights, the cruise on a full-board basis, an Egyptologist guide and entry fees to the sites in the itinerary; the longer ones add hotel nights in Cairo. See all Egypt tours that include a Nile cruise for more options.
Enjoy the Pyramids and the Nile With Trips In Egypt
The timeless pyramids of Giza and the golden temples of the Nile are two halves of one unforgettable journey. Start in Cairo, take your time on the plateau, then let the river carry you south through 5,000 years of history.
At Trips In Egypt, we arrange every Cairo and Nile cruise holiday as a private tour, with your own Egyptologist, domestic flights, and transfers handled for you. Our Cairo and Nile Cruise Classic Tour Package is the most popular way to enjoy both, or you can explore all our Egypt tour packages and design your own route with our tailor-made tours. Discover the pyramids and the Nile by booking with us now or contact our operations department today.
