From Alexandria to Cairo and Luxor all the way to Aswan by train.
Egypt itinerary: Along the Nile by train
From Alexandria to Aswan by train
Alexandria
Train tickets
OMIO
Countries
Egypt
Rail passes
-
Price range
$$
Travel time
approx. 34 hours
Distance
960 km
Stops
4 stops
Means of transport
Train
Recommended trip length
10 days
Best time to travel
All year round
The stages of your journey in detail
Alexandria: The city for history lovers
Alexandria, the country's second-largest city, is the next stop on our Egypt itinerary. Founded by Alexander the Great, the city is home to some incredible wonders, including one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. It's a great stop for history lovers, as you'll find a deep-rooted and passionate history here.
The Royal Library of Alexandria was built in 2002 as a memorial to one of the greatest libraries ever, which burned down in a terrible fire. The memorial isn't just a library – it also houses museums, art galleries, a planetarium and a laboratory.
If you want to enjoy unique architecture surrounded by other historic buildings, take a trip to the Montazah Palace Gardens. The gardens overlook the Mediterranean and are full of rare plants – perfect for a lovely stroll. The souq is a market with stalls selling meat, spices and other goods that make great souvenirs.
Alexandria Station Cairo Station
Cairo: Impressive pyramids
Egypt is often seen as a country surrounded by desert, which isn't entirely wrong – but it also has plenty of exciting places to explore. Cairo is a city of millions, full of beauty and history. In the city you'll get a feel for Egyptian street life, and from there you can head out to the surrounding areas to see some of the most incredible sights in the world.
You can't visit Cairo without taking a trip to the Pyramids of Giza. A phenomenal piece of architecture that is thousands of years old. You'll see pyramids of different sizes rising majestically out of the sandy desert. Close to the pyramids is the magnificent Sphinx. A symbol of ancient Egypt, it sits on the banks of the Nile and guards the pyramids.
If you'd like to learn more about Egyptian history, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, where you can explore this fascinating past. It houses a unique collection of pieces telling the story of the ruling pharaohs and the dynasties they left behind.
Cairo Station Luxor
Recommended accommodation:
02
8:00 – 11:00 hours
Luxor: Temples and tombs galore
Luxor is considered one of the best cities for experiencing Egyptian history. You'll find tombs and temples galore, ancient cities and hidden rocky valleys, plus other incredible sights you won't see anywhere else.
The Karnak Temple Complex is home to the Great Temple of Amun, the Temple of Khonsu, the Festival Temple of Thutmose III and other buildings.
Hidden among rocky hills lies the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of the kings of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. The valley has wall paintings that tell the story of death. There are around 63 tombs in the valley, including that of the famous boy king Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut. Just like the Valley of the Kings, there's also the Valley of the Queens, where the queens of the 19th and 20th Dynasties were laid to rest.
Luxor Station Aswan Station
Aswan: The oasis on the Nile
Because of its deep-rooted history, Egypt can be a pretty hectic country. Aswan is the perfect contrast to bustling Cairo: a warm, relaxed city with incredible sights. Located in the south of the country, it offers numerous archaeological sites in and around the city that give you a fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian history.
The Temple of Philae sits on an island in the middle of the Nile and is a fascinating sight. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple was partly flooded when the Aswan Dam was built. The temple grounds contain the ruins of a Christian church, and it's believed that the Christians who built it are the reason the hieroglyphs in the temple are damaged.
Before heading back to Cairo, be sure to take a trip to Abu Simbel, where you can visit the famous temples of Ramesses II. Make sure you book your tour in advance – and get to bed early, as tours start at 4 a.m. to avoid the heat of the desert. The Great Temple was dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II, and the smaller temple is dedicated to his wife Nefertari. Inside the temples you'll find huge statues, wall paintings and immaculate hieroglyphs.
Recommended accommodation:
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Train connections on this Egypt itinerary
Here you'll find a list of connections for this itinerary in Egypt.
From > To
Duration (h)
Changes
Transport
Alexandria to Cairo
2:30
Direct
Train
Cairo to Luxor
8:00 – 11:00
Direct
Train
Luxor to Aswan
3:00
Direct
Train
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