12 Day Egypt and Saudi Tour 2026 — Nile Cruise, Jeddah, Madinah & Desert Safari
Overview
The 12-Day Egypt and Saudi Tour combines the full Nile cruise experience in Egypt with the Red Sea and Islamic heritage side of Saudi Arabia rather than the inland desert circuit. Six days in Egypt: the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor covering the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae in Aswan. Then four days in Jeddah: the Tayebat Museum, the Floating Mosque on the Red Sea, the King Fahd Fountain, the UNESCO Al-Balad district, and a full day to Madinah by the Haramain high-speed train.
The key distinction from the other long Egypt-Saudi programs is the Saudi destination: this itinerary focuses on Jeddah and Madinah rather than Riyadh and AlUla. It suits travelers who are specifically interested in Red Sea heritage and Islamic history — or who have already visited Riyadh and want to experience Saudi Arabia’s coastal side. An optional desert safari is available on the free Day 11. ETA Licence Category A No. 1947.
12-Day Egypt & Saudi — At a Glance
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 — Cairo | Arrival · Transfer · Hotel |
| Day 2 — Cairo | Pyramids · Sphinx · GEM · Khan El-Khalili |
| Day 3 — Luxor | Fly Cairo–Luxor · Board cruise · Karnak · Luxor Temple |
| Day 4 — Luxor West Bank | Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon |
| Day 5 — Edfu & Kom Ombo | Horus Temple Edfu · Kom Ombo · Sail to Aswan |
| Day 6 — Aswan | High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Philae Temple · Disembark |
| Day 7 — Cairo | Fly Aswan–Cairo · Hotel overnight · Optional Abu Simbel |
| Day 8 — Jeddah | Fly Cairo–Jeddah · Hotel check-in |
| Day 9 — Jeddah | Tayebat Museum · Jeddah Open Museum · Floating Mosque · King Fahd Fountain · Al-Balad UNESCO |
| Day 10 — Madinah | High-speed train Jeddah–Madinah · Prophet’s Mosque area · Museum of Prophet’s Biography · Qiba Mosque · Return Jeddah |
| Day 11 — Jeddah (Leisure) | Free day · Optional: desert safari in the Arabian desert near Jeddah |
| Day 12 — Departure | Breakfast · Transfer King Abdulaziz Airport · Departure |
Entrance Fees 2026 — Included in Your Tour Price
| Site | Fee (included) |
|---|---|
| Egypt | |
| Giza Pyramids complex | 700 EGP (~$14) |
| Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) | 1,590 EGP (~$32) |
| Karnak · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut · Edfu · Kom Ombo · High Dam · Philae | All included |
| Saudi Arabia | |
| Tayebat Museum, Jeddah | ~30 SAR (~$8) |
| Jeddah Open Museum | Free |
| Haramain train return (Jeddah–Madinah) | ~120 SAR (~$32) |
| Museum of Prophet’s Biography (Madinah) | Free |
Jeddah vs. Riyadh — The Two Sides of Saudi Arabia
This tour focuses on Jeddah and Madinah rather than Riyadh. The two cities represent fundamentally different Saudi experiences. Riyadh is the Najd heartland — conservative, Bedouin in cultural roots, with the UNESCO Diriyah mud-brick capital and the modern financial city towers rising side by side. Jeddah is the Hijaz coast — historically more cosmopolitan, shaped by centuries of Red Sea trade and Hajj pilgrimage traffic, with the UNESCO Al-Balad coral-stone merchant quarter, the King Fahd Fountain (the tallest in the world at 312 metres), and the Corniche seafront stretching 30km along the Red Sea. Travelers who want Riyadh and AlUla should choose the 13-Day Egypt and Saudi Discovery. Travelers who want Jeddah and Madinah — with the Nile cruise in Egypt — should choose this 12-day version.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program says "small group" in the overview — is it private or shared?
The Egypt leg (Cairo and Nile cruise) runs privately with your own Egyptologist guide and private vehicle. The Saudi leg in Jeddah uses private local transport with an English-speaking guide. The Madinah day trip (Day 10) may operate as a small expert-guided group depending on availability. The Nile cruise itself is a shared vessel (the ship carries other passengers), but your daily excursions from the ship are private. Egypt For Travel will clarify the current structure for your specific dates at booking.
Is the optional desert safari on Day 11 near Jeddah?
Yes — the Day 11 optional desert safari uses the desert terrain northeast of Jeddah, approximately 45–60 minutes from the city by private vehicle. Contact Egypt For Travel to add this to your booking; it is not included in the base price.
Do I need visas for Egypt and Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Egypt: $25 e-visa or on arrival. Saudi Arabia: e-visa at visa.visitsaudi.com for most Western nationalities. See our Egypt Visa Guide 2026.
Book the 12-Day Egypt & Saudi Tour — Nile cruise + Jeddah + Madinah. From $2,999 per person (triple, May–Sep).
???? WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466 · [email protected] — ETA Licence Category A No. 1947.
| Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights | Type: Private Tour | Run: Everyday |
Included
- All airport transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles.
- Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo with daily breakfast.
- 4-night stay aboard a 5-star superior Nile cruise, including full board.
- 4 nights’ accommodation in Jeddah with daily breakfast.
- All tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
- Private sightseeing tours in Cairo as specified.
- Shared sightseeing tours during the Nile cruise with a group.
- English-speaking local guide in Cairo.
- English-speaking local guide in Jeddah.
- English-speaking driver for other tours in Saudi Arabia.
- Local English-speaking guide in Medina.
- Desert safari led by an English-speaking driver.
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- All meals listed in the itinerary.
- Bottled water provided during transfers and excursions.
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
Excluded
- International airfare.
- Entry visas for Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as drinks during meals, laundry, and phone calls.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, or other service providers.
- Camera fees at sites where applicable.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Begin your unforgettable journey with Egypt for Travel on our 12 Day Egypt and Saudi Tour! Upon landing at Cairo International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by our tour manager, who will assist you with the entry visa process and ensure a hassle-free arrival. Afterward, you'll be comfortably transferred to your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Take this opportunity to relax, unwind, and prepare for the incredible adventure that lies ahead, exploring the timeless wonders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Day 2: Pyramids and Cairo Sightseeing
Day 3: Fly to Luxor - East Bank Sightseeing
Day 4: West Bank Sightseeing
Day 5: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
Day 6: Aswan Sightseeing
Day 7: Fly to Cairo
Day 8: Arrive in Jeddah from Cairo
Day 9: Jeddah
Day 10: Jeddah/Madinah/Jeddah
Day 11: Jeddah
Day 12: Depart Jeddah
Prices:
Standard Accommodation
Prices
Deluxe Accommodation
Prices
Notes:
Prices Policy
All prices for the Cairo and Riyadh Tour are quoted per person in US dollars, based on room occupancy (triple, double, or single) and accommodation tier. Euro and GBP pricing available on request. May–September rates are lowest; October–April high-season rates reflect peak demand. Christmas, New Year, and Easter carry additional surcharges. Your rate is locked from the moment of deposit receipt.
Tips for Departure
On Day 6, avoid booking outgoing international flights before 3:00 PM from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. For Cairo (Day 2): closed-toe shoes are essential for the Pyramids plateau and GEM’s extensive walking galleries. For Riyadh: modest dress is required throughout Saudi Arabia — shoulders and knees covered for women, and long trousers for men. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome at the entrance areas of mosques but cannot enter prayer halls. Bring sun protection for outdoor sites in both countries; Riyadh’s desert sun is intense year-round.
Children Policy
Infants up to 2 years: free, sharing parents’ room. Children under 6: 25% of adult rate. Children under 12: 50%. Children 12+: full adult rate. Maximum one discounted child per room.
Payment Policy
25% deposit required to confirm booking. Christmas and New Year departures require 50%. Balance due one week before arrival, payable by bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, or cash on arrival in Egypt.
Installment Policy
Installment plans available over 6, 9, or 12 months. Balance must be settled before arrival. Contact us via WhatsApp (+20 155 555 2466) or email [email protected] to set up at booking.
Tipping
Egypt Egyptologist guide $8–10 per person per day; Egypt driver $4–5; Nile cruise staff $3–5 per person per day (pool on final cruise night); Jeddah guide $5–8 per day; Madinah spot guide $3–5; Saudi drivers $3–5 per day. Not mandatory — adjust based on experience.
Cancellation Policy
61+ days before arrival: 10% of total price. 31–60 days: 20%. 15–30 days: 50%. 1–14 days or no-show: 100%. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
Emergency Cancellation Policy
If a formal government travel advisory or airline cancellation occurs due to unforeseen emergency circumstances, Egypt For Travel applies a flexible policy: full credit valid for 12 months, or refund less non-recoverable charges. Our own cancellation fees are waived under confirmed emergency advisories. Contact us via WhatsApp (+20 155 555 2466) if affected.
About Egypt For Travel — Who Operates This Tour
Egypt For Travel holds Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947 — the highest classification issued by the ETA, reserved for operators who meet stringent standards of guide licensing, vehicle safety, and client service. The company was founded in 2010 and has designed and operated thousands of Egypt itineraries across all durations and budgets for international clients from the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and the GCC.
Egypt For Travel is part of a specialist travel group that also operates Around Egypt Tours, Egypt Top Tours, and Best Nile Cruises — a network of Egypt specialist sites built on the same operational infrastructure, licensed guiding staff, and supplier relationships. Every tour on this page is operated directly by Egypt For Travel, not subcontracted to a third party. Your Egyptologist guide in Egypt is ETA-licensed and works exclusively for Egypt For Travel.
Contact us directly:
WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466
Email: [email protected]
???? www.egyptfortravel.com
Last updated: July 2026
