Egypt stands as the ultimate bucket-list destination, where millennia of history seamlessly blend with vibrant modern culture. This comprehensive travel plan takes you on an unforgettable journey through the land of pharaohs, from the iconic pyramids to the serene waters of the Nile River. You’ll discover ancient landmarks that have stood the test of time, immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences, and have the opportunity to customize your adventure with optional excursions.
This carefully structured Egypt itinerary can be adapted to suit trips ranging from 7 to 14 days, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a leisure traveler, Egypt has something unforgettable for you.
Why Visit Egypt?
This ancient land captivates visitors with its unparalleled historical legacy, showcasing some of humanity’s most remarkable achievements. The ancient pyramids rise from the desert sands like stone mountains, while elaborate temples and tombs tell stories of pharaohs and their eternal quest for immortality. These monuments aren’t merely tourist attractions; they’re windows into one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.
The country’s natural landscapes are equally compelling. The life-giving Nile River creates a lush green ribbon through golden deserts, while the Red Sea offers a paradise for divers and beach lovers. Traditional markets buzz with energy, filling the air with the aroma of spices and the sound of friendly bargaining. Local cuisine tantalizes with flavors that have evolved over thousands of years.
The nation also stands out as a remarkably accessible destination. International flights connect major cities worldwide to Cairo, while the visa process is straightforward for most nationalities. Compared to many other bucket-list destinations, Egypt offers exceptional value, allowing travelers to experience world-class attractions without breaking the bank.
When to Visit Egypt
The perfect time to follow this Egypt itinerary falls between October and April when temperatures remain pleasantly moderate, making exploration comfortable. During these months, you can fully enjoy outdoor attractions without the intense summer heat that characterizes the region.
Travelers should avoid visiting from May to September when temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), making sightseeing challenging, particularly in Upper Egypt. However, if you do travel during summer, plan your activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Consider timing your visit to coincide with the Abu Simbel Sun Festival in February or October, when sunlight illuminates the temple’s inner sanctuary in a spectacular display. Experiencing Ramadan, while requiring some schedule adjustments, offers unique insights into local culture and traditions.
To avoid peak crowds, schedule your visit for shoulder seasons (October-November or March-April) and book major sites for early morning visits.
Start Your 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
Your expedition through Egypt unfolds across ten carefully planned days, balancing ancient wonders with modern experiences. This travel guide takes you from the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene banks of the Nile, through the magnificent temples of Luxor, and to the pristine shores of the Red Sea. Each day maximizes your experience with thoughtfully timed activities, local dining recommendations, and insider tips to help you discover both famous attractions and hidden gems. Follow this plan to experience the very best of Egyptian diversity, or adapt it to match your preferred travel pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Your Egyptian adventure begins in the vibrant capital city, where ancient history meets modern life.
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Arrive at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Choose from the historic Marriott Mena House overlooking the pyramids or the sophisticated Four Seasons Nile Plaza. Take time to refresh and acclimate to your new surroundings.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Begin your first day with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Marvel at the treasures of Tutankhamun, including his famous golden mask and burial artifacts. Your expert guide brings the museum’s most significant pieces to life with stories of ancient Egyptian history and culture.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Explore the bustling Khan El Khalili market, Cairo’s oldest bazaar. Wander through narrow alleys filled with shops selling everything from spices to silverware. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Egyptian cuisine like koshari and molokhia.
Day 2: Pyramids and Sphinx
Discover Egypt’s most iconic monuments that have captivated travelers for millennia, experiencing both their massive scale and intricate details.
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Start early to maximize your time at the Giza pyramid complex. Your expert guide leads you through the history of these magnificent structures, from their precise construction to their ongoing archaeological significance. Enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu to explore its internal chambers, then view the mighty Sphinx, carved from a single piece of limestone and standing guard over the plateau for over 4,500 years.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Travel to Saqqara, home of the world’s oldest pyramid complex. Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, revolutionary in its time as the first pyramid ever built. Explore the newly opened Tomb of Mehu with its vibrant reliefs, and see the Pyramid Texts inside the Pyramid of Teti, the oldest known religious writings in history.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Return to the Giza plateau for the sound and light show, where colorful illuminations and dramatic narration bring the ancient stories to life. Enjoy dinner at 9 Pyramids Lounge with spectacular views of the illuminated monuments.
Day 3: Cairo to Aswan (Flight)
Transition from the energy of Cairo to the tranquility of Upper Egypt, where the Nile flows more gently and ancient traditions remain strong.
Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Take an early morning flight to Aswan, known in antiquity as the gateway to Africa. Upon arrival, check into your hotel — choose between the historic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, where Agatha Christie wrote “Death on the Nile,” or the modern Movenpick Resort on Elephantine Island.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Begin your exploration of Aswan with a visit to the High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that tamed the Nile’s annual flood. Continue to the ancient quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk, still attached to the bedrock and offering insights into ancient stone-working techniques. End at the Temple of Philae, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser and rebuilt stone by stone on Agilkia Island.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Board a traditional felucca sailboat for a sunset cruise around Aswan’s islands. Watch birds soar over the Nile while enjoying traditional Nubian refreshments. Return to your hotel for dinner with views of the illuminated Nile.
Day 4: Abu Simbel Excursion
Your journey takes you to one of ancient Egypt’s most magnificent monuments, a testament to both Ramesses II’s power and modern engineering ingenuity.
Morning (5:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Depart Aswan in the early morning darkness for the journey to Abu Simbel, either by private vehicle or optional flight. Upon arrival, your expert guide leads you through the massive temple complex, explaining the intricate hieroglyphs and remarkable history of its construction and modern-day relocation. Marvel at the four colossal statues of Ramesses II guarding the main temple’s entrance, and explore the smaller but equally impressive temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Begin your return journey to Aswan, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Take advantage of free time to relax by your hotel pool or explore the city’s famous Nubian market, where local vendors sell colorful spices, traditional handicrafts, and aromatic hibiscus tea. Consider visiting the Nubian Museum to deepen your understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards)
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your hotel’s restaurant, savoring authentic Egyptian cuisine while reflecting on your day’s exploration. Take a stroll along the Nile Corniche to watch traditional felucca boats glide past as the sun sets over the river, or arrange a visit to a local Nubian village for an evening of traditional music and hospitality.
Day 6: Nile Cruise (Edfu and Luxor)
Today combines a morning of ancient discovery with an afternoon of scenic sailing, as your ship continues its journey toward the ancient capital of Thebes.
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
After an early breakfast, take a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Edfu to reach the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple. Your guide reveals the temple’s dramatic history through its massive pylons, towering columns, and detailed reliefs depicting the triumph of Horus over Seth. The temple’s remarkable state of preservation offers unparalleled insights into ancient Egyptian religious architecture.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Return to the ship for lunch as you begin sailing toward Luxor. Pass through the Esna Lock and enjoy a leisurely afternoon watching rural Egyptian life unfold along the riverbanks. Upon reaching Luxor, marvel at the massive temple complex of Karnak, exploring its Great Hypostyle Hall with its forest of 134 massive columns.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Dine aboard ship while docked in Luxor. Take advantage of free time to explore the modern city’s riverside promenade, or relax on deck watching the lights of the temples shimmer on the Nile’s waters.
Day 7: Luxor’s West Bank
Explore the ancient necropolis of Thebes, where generations of pharaohs prepared their passages to the afterlife in elaborate tombs and temples.
Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Begin your day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, offering spectacular dawn views of the ancient necropolis and the Nile Valley. Then explore the Valley itself, visiting several remarkable tombs including that of Tutankhamun. Your expert guide explains the sophisticated burial practices and the intricate decorations that were meant to guide pharaohs through the afterlife.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Visit the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, built into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Learn about Egypt’s famous queen-pharaoh while exploring the temple’s elegant colonnades and relief-covered walls. Continue to the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded an ancient temple complex.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Return to your Nile cruise ship for dinner, or opt for an evening exploring Luxor’s famous souk, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts and sample local street food specialties.
Day 8: Luxor to Hurghada (Drive)
Experience the dramatic transition from the fertile Nile Valley to the stark beauty of the Eastern Desert as you journey toward the Red Sea coast.
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Depart Luxor after breakfast for the scenic drive through the desert mountains to Hurghada. Watch as the landscape transforms from agricultural lands to dramatic desert terrain. Arrive at your beachfront resort in time for lunch, choosing from luxury properties like the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh or the Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Settle into your resort and begin exploring the pristine beaches of the Red Sea. Take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or relax by the pool. Consider booking water activities for the following day at the resort’s diving center.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant along the marina, where the day’s catch is displayed on ice. Sample grilled red snapper or calamari while watching fishing boats return to harbor against the setting sun.
Day 9: Red Sea Adventures
Discover why the Red Sea ranks among the world’s premier diving and snorkeling destinations.
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Join a snorkeling or diving excursion to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. Whether you’re a certified diver or first-time snorkeler, experienced guides ensure a safe and memorable experience. Alternatively, take a glass-bottom boat tour to observe the underwater world while staying dry.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Explore Hurghada’s old town, El Dahar, with its traditional Egyptian atmosphere and local markets. Shop for souvenirs or relax at a beachfront café. Optional activities include desert safaris by quad bike or camel rides along the shore.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Experience a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars, complete with local music and entertainment. Learn about desert culture while enjoying grilled meats and fresh-baked bread.
Day 10: Return to Cairo
Conclude your Egyptian journey with a final day in the capital, experiencing modern Cairo’s cultural highlights.
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Take a morning flight back to Cairo. Visit the Citadel, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views over the city, and explore the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known as the Alabaster Mosque.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Tour the newly opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, home to the Royal Mummies Collection. These perfectly preserved remains of ancient pharaohs provide an intimate connection to Egypt’s past.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Nile, reflecting on your journey through this remarkable country. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of your Egyptian adventure.
Practical Tips for Your Trip to Egypt
Navigating Egypt successfully requires understanding some key aspects of local customs, practical considerations, and travel logistics. This detailed Egypt itinerary covers significant distances and various cultural zones, so proper preparation ensures a smoother journey. Whether you’re haggling in Khan el-Khalili bazaar, boarding your Nile cruise, or exploring ancient temples, these essential tips will help you make the most of your Egyptian adventure.
Visas and Entry Requirements
The process for obtaining an Egyptian visa is straightforward for most visitors. E-visas can be obtained online before travel, typically processed within 7 days and valid for 30 days. Many nationalities can also obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports. Keep your passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Currency and Payments
The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency. While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger establishments, carry cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors. ATMs are readily available in major cities and tourist areas. Tipping (baksheesh) is an integral part of Egyptian culture — plan for small tips to service providers throughout your journey.
Safety Tips
Exercise normal precautions as you would in any tourist destination. Be aware of common scams like unofficial guides or inflated prices. Book tours through reputable companies and use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation. Keep valuables secure and be particularly vigilant in crowded areas.
Health Precautions
Consult your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations before travel. Drink only bottled water and ensure food is properly cooked. The Egyptian sun can be intense — wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and plan outdoor activities for cooler morning or evening hours.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or local communities. Women should cover shoulders and knees, and both men and women should remove shoes when entering mosques. Ask permission before photographing people, and respect prayer times at religious sites.
Beyond the Pyramids
This timeless land’s appeal lies in its perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern experiences. Your Egypt itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to the country’s highlights while maintaining a comfortable pace that allows for both discovery and relaxation.
While this journey serves as an excellent framework, don’t hesitate to modify it based on your interests and travel style. Perhaps you’ll want an extra day exploring Cairo’s museums or more time cruising the Nile. The key is creating an adventure that resonates with your personal travel goals while experiencing the warmth of Egyptian culture and the majesty of its ancient sites.
From the pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor, from the bustling souks to the serene Nile cruise, your Egyptian journey will create memories to last a lifetime. This destination isn’t just a place to visit; it’s an experience that captures the imagination and calls you back for more.
