Egypt in Style, Where You Will Stay on My 14 Night Nile Cruise and Red Sea Itinerary

Celina McKenzie on 18 Feb 2026

If you are dreaming of Egypt, you are probably picturing the Pyramids of Giza, golden tombs in the Valley of the Kings and traditional boats gliding along the Nile at sunset. My 14 night itinerary brings all of that to life, but just as important is where you stay along the way. Here is a quick look at the hotels and cruise I typically use for this trip, along with some lovely upgrade options if you want to make it extra special.

Cairo, 3 nights, a modern base for the Pyramids

Your journey starts in Cairo, a city that never quite sits still. For this part of the trip I usually recommend a central, modern hotel that makes it easy to get out and explore.

A popular choice for my clients is Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo, or a similar 4 star hotel in downtown Cairo. It has a good size outdoor pool, airy contemporary rooms and a great location for the Egyptian Museum, Nile Corniche and local restaurants. It is an ideal base for your full day tours to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

If you would like to start your holiday with a touch more luxury, I can switch you to the Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza. This is a stylish riverside hotel with beautiful pool decks, Nile view rooms and outstanding service, perfect if you enjoy a little indulgence at the beginning or end of a trip.

Luxor, 2 nights, relaxing on the Nile before you cruise

From Cairo you fly to Luxor, often called the world’s greatest open air museum. Before you board your cruise, I like to include a two night stay in a comfortable hotel right on the river.

My go to here is Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor, or a similar 4 star Nile side property. Set on Luxor’s Corniche, it offers a lovely river facing pool terrace, several bars and restaurants and easy access to Luxor and Karnak Temples. It is a very comfortable place to unwind, adjust to the pace of Upper Egypt and enjoy your first Nile sunsets.

If you prefer something with more history and character, I can book you into the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor instead. This is a grand, colonial style hotel set in lush gardens with an old world feel and a prime central location. It is perfect if you like a sense of occasion and a classic, elegant style.

4 night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan

The highlight for many people is the 4 night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. Rather than packing and unpacking, you settle into your cabin and let the scenery come to you.

I work with a range of 5 star Nile cruise boats, such as MS Blue Shadow, MS Steigenberger Minerva or similar. You will usually have a main deck cabin with a large window or French balcony, on a full board basis with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

During the cruise you can expect a programme of guided sightseeing, typically including:

West Bank touring from Luxor with the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon
East Bank temples of Karnak and Luxor
Edfu Temple, one of the best preserved in Egypt
Kom Ombo Temple and the small but fascinating Crocodile Museum
Aswan highlights including the island temple of Philae and the High Dam

There is still plenty of time to relax on the sun deck by the pool as the boat glides past palm groves, small villages and riverside temples. If you would like to upgrade, I can also offer more boutique or all suite style Nile cruises with a higher level of service and even more space.

Hurghada, 4 nights, beach time on the Red Sea

After you disembark in Aswan, the final part of your trip takes you to the Red Sea for some well deserved relaxation.

For most travellers I recommend a good quality 4 star resort such as SUNRISE Garden Beach Resort in Hurghada, or a similar property. Expect a wide sandy beach, multiple pools, water slides, a choice of à la carte and buffet restaurants and plenty of daytime and evening entertainment. Many of my clients choose to stay on an all inclusive basis here so they can just switch off and enjoy.

This is also the perfect base for a full day boat trip to Orange Bay, which I usually include. You will have time to snorkel over coral reefs, relax on soft white sands and swim in shallow turquoise waters, with lunch and soft drinks on board.

If you want something quieter and more exclusive, I can arrange a stay at The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh instead. This all suite luxury resort offers spacious villas and suites, excellent on site snorkelling just off the beach, very high service levels and a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.

Key experiences included

Alongside your hotels and cruise, I can include a selection of must do excursions so that everything important is covered:

A full day guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, with hotel pick up, entrance fees and an English speaking Egyptologist
A full day at the Grand Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo, including time in the Khan el Khalili bazaar
A full day Orange Bay boat trip from Hurghada with snorkelling, lunch and drinks
Optional evening desert safari from Hurghada by jeep or quad bike, usually with a simple Bedouin style dinner under the stars

Because I put this together as a complete ATOL protected package, your hotels, cruise, transfers and excursions are clearly listed and organised for you, and you have my support before, during and after your trip.

If this sounds like your kind of Egypt adventure, get in touch and I will create a personalised version of this itinerary based on your preferred dates, airports and budget.