Egypt is one of the best-value heritage destinations in the world, but the total cost depends on four things: your flight, how many days you stay, whether you add a Nile cruise, and the hotel level you choose. This guide breaks down each part so you can plan a realistic budget before you book.
1. Flights from the U.S.
Round-trip airfare is usually the single biggest cost. Prices change with season and how early you book, so check fares for your dates before setting a budget. EgyptAir flies nonstop to Cairo from New York (JFK), Newark and Washington Dulles, and added nonstop service from Los Angeles and Chicago in 2026. Many travelers also connect through Europe or the Gulf. Read our guide to flights from the U.S. to Egypt for routes and tips.
2. Visa
Most U.S. passport holders need a tourist visa, available online as an e-Visa or on arrival at Cairo airport. See our Egypt visa guide for U.S. citizens for the current process and fee.
3. Tour packages: what our trips start from
These are the starting prices currently shown on our tour pages. Your final price depends on travel dates, hotel category and group size, and we confirm it in writing before you pay.
- Short trips (3 to 4 days): Cairo and Giza packages start from about $330, Cairo and Alexandria from $390, and Cairo and Luxor from $550 to $585.
- One week (7 to 8 days) with a Nile cruise: from about $995 to $1,240. See the full list of Egypt packages.
- 10 to 11 days: Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile cruise start from about $1,460; versions with the Red Sea or Siwa Oasis run from about $1,540 to $1,590.
- Luxury versions: 10 to 11 day luxury itineraries start from about $3,200 to $3,500.
Prefer something built around your own dates and budget? Ask for a tailor-made itinerary, or start with our budget Egypt tours.
4. Nile cruises
A 3-night cruise from Aswan starts from about $490 and a 4-night cruise from Luxor from about $580. Individual ships are listed on our Nile cruises page, and our Nile cruise guide explains how to choose.
5. Day tours and extras
- Cairo day tour to the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum: from about $80
- Luxor and Karnak temples day tour: from about $45
- Sunrise hot-air balloon over Luxor: from about $90
- Cairo food tour or night tour with dinner: from about $50
Browse every option on our Egypt day tours page.
6. Tipping and spending money
Tipping is part of daily life in Egypt, for guides, drivers, cruise staff and restaurant service. Budget for it from the start; our tipping guide gives practical amounts. Add money for souvenirs at Khan El Khalili, meals outside your package and any optional excursions.
Sample budgets
One week, mid-range: round-trip flight + visa + a 7-day Cairo and Nile cruise package (from about $995 to $1,240) + tips and spending money.
Ten days, comfort: flight + visa + a 10-day Cairo, Alexandria and Nile cruise package (from about $1,460) + extras like the Luxor balloon ride.
Ways to save
- Travel in the shoulder months; our best time to visit guide compares seasons.
- Travel as a group: churches, sororities and families often get better per-person pricing on our group trips.
- Book flights early and keep your dates flexible.
Ready to price your trip? Send us your dates and group size and we will reply with a clear quote.
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