Egypt Travel Wiki · Planning

Egypt Itineraries — day-by-day plans from 2 to 14 days

Twelve routes, side by side: what each length actually covers, what it leaves out, and the real tour that runs it. Start with the comparison, then open the day-by-day guide for the length you pick.

12itinerary lengths

7 daysshortest trip with a Nile cruise

8 dayswhat most travellers book

from $320real package prices

Start here

How many days do you need in Egypt?

Eight days is the answer for most people. It covers Cairo and the Pyramids, a three or four-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and Abu Simbel — the full classic route without a rushed day, from $1,205 per person. Seven days is the shortest trip that still puts you on the river. Under five days you are visiting Cairo, not Egypt.

Egypt itineraries compared by length, cities covered, Nile cruise and starting price
Length	Where you go	Nile cruise	Pace	Real package from	Day-by-day
2 days	Cairo	No	Fast	Day tours from $100	Read the guide
3 days	Cairo · Giza · Saqqara	No	Comfortable	$320per person	Read the guide
4 days	Cairo · Alexandria or Fayoum	No	Comfortable	$455per person	Read the guide
5 days Popular	Cairo · Luxor	No	Fast	$840per person	Read the guide
6 days	Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Abu Simbel	No	Fast	$1,050per person	Read the guide
7 days Popular	Cairo · Aswan · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor	3 nights	Comfortable	$1,270per person	Read the guide
8 days Popular	Cairo · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Abu Simbel	3–4 nights	Comfortable	$1,205per person	Read the guide
9 days	Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Alexandria or Hurghada	3–4 nights	Comfortable	$1,360per person	Read the guide
10 days	Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Alexandria or Hurghada	3–4 nights	Relaxed	$1,380per person	Read the guide
11 days	Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Hurghada	3–4 nights	Relaxed	$1,430per person	Read the guide
12 days	Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Hurghada or Bahariya	3–4 nights	Relaxed	$1,750per person	Read the guide
14 days	Cairo · Alexandria · Luxor · Aswan · Red Sea	3–4 nights	Relaxed	$1,850per person	Read the guide

Cairo only Reaches Upper Egypt by land Includes a Nile cruise Adds a second region

Not sure yet?

Pick your length in one line

Four situations that cover most travellers. Find yours, then jump straight to that plan.

Most booked “It is my first time and I want the famous sights” 8days Cairo, the Pyramids and a Nile cruise with Abu Simbel — the complete first trip, from $1,205. See the 8-day plan “I only have one week off” 7days The shortest length that still includes a real Nile cruise. Nothing shorter puts you on the river. See the 7-day plan “I have a long weekend or a stopover” 3days Cairo only, and that is fine — Giza, Saqqara and old Cairo fill three days comfortably. See the 3-day plan “I want to see everything and not rush” 10–14days Alexandria and the Red Sea join the classic route, and no day has to be cut short. See the 10-day plan

Every length

Egypt itineraries, 2 to 14 days

Each plan below links to its full day-by-day guide, and lists the real packages we run at that length — with the price you would actually pay.

Cairo only — the Pyramids and one museum

Cairo (2 nights)

You seeGiza Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum or the Egyptian Museum, and an evening in Khan El Khalili.

You missEverything south of Cairo. Two days is a stopover, not an Egypt trip.

Best forLayovers and add-ons to another trip.

Read the full 2-day itinerary How to Spend 2 Days in Cairo Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

Book this length

8 Hours

Giza · Cairo

Cairo Stopover Tour — Pyramids, Museum & Khan El Khalili

5.0 5 reviews

Pyramids of Giza on a layover
Egyptian Museum guided visit
Khan el-Khalili + lunch included

From $100 / person

View tour

8 Hours

Giza

Grand Egyptian Museum & Giza Pyramids Tour

5.0 8 reviews

Pyramids of Giza + the Great Sphinx
Grand Egyptian Museum guided tour
Private Egyptologist + lunch included

From $110 / person

View tour

We have no 2-day package — at this length you book day tours, not a tour. These two cover the essentials.

Cairo properly — Giza, Saqqara and old Cairo

Cairo (3 nights)

You seeGiza and the Sphinx, Saqqara and Memphis, the Egyptian Museum, Coptic and Islamic Cairo, Khan El Khalili.

You missLuxor, Aswan and the Nile. Still a city break.

Best forA first taste of Egypt, or a business trip with days added.

Read the full 3-day itinerary 3 Days in Cairo Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide

Book this length

3 Days

Cairo · Giza

Cairo 3 Day Tour — Cairo City Break

5.0 15 reviews

Pyramids of Giza + the Sphinx
Egyptian Museum & Khan el-Khalili
2 hotel nights, breakfast + 1 lunch

From $320 / person

View tour

3 Days

Cairo · Bahariya · Black Desert

3 Days Safari Trip at Bahariya Oasis from Cairo

5.0 18 reviews

Black Desert & Golden Mummies Museum
Hot spring + the White Desert by night
2 nights in Bahariya + all meals

From $695 / person

View tour

Cairo plus one day trip

Cairo (4 nights) + a day out

You seeEverything in the 3-day plan, plus one full day out — Alexandria on the Mediterranean, or Fayoum and Wadi El Rayan.

You missUpper Egypt. The temples are still out of reach.

Best forTravellers who want Cairo without rushing it.

Read the full 4-day itinerary Perfect Egypt Itinerary 4 Days: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Book this length

$50 off 4 Days

Cairo · Giza · Saqqara

Cairo Short Break: 4-Day Cairo Tour

4.9 17 reviews

Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis
Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Khan el-Khalili
3 hotel nights + airport meet & greet

From $455 / person

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4 Days

Bahariya · Black Desert · Djara Cave

4 Days Safari Trip at Bahariya Oasis including Djara Cave

5.0 19 reviews

Djara Cave rock art + Black Desert
Agabat Valley & Magic Spring
3 nights in Bahariya + all meals

From $695 / person

View tour

The first plan that leaves Cairo

Cairo (3 nights) + Luxor (2 nights)

You seeCairo and Giza, then a flight south to Luxor for Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut.

You missAswan, Abu Simbel and any Nile sailing.

Best forThe most searched length — and the shortest trip that shows you both halves of Egypt.

Read the full 5-day itinerary Perfect Egypt Itinerary 5 Days for Unforgettable Trip

Book this length

5% off 5 Days

Cairo · Giza · Luxor

5 Day Cairo and Luxor Tour Package

4.9 16 reviews

Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis
Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Khan el-Khalili
Fly to Luxor: Karnak + Valley of the Kings

From $840 / person

View tour

10% off 5 Days

Cairo · Giza · Saqqara

5 Day Tour of Cairo — Explore Cairo Like a Local

5.0 16 reviews

Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis
Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Khan el-Khalili
A day in Islamic & Coptic Cairo

From $560 / person

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5 Days

Bahariya · Farafra · Dakhla · Kharga

5 Days Oasis Circle Tour from Cairo

5.0 19 reviews

Four Western Desert oases
White Desert & Magic Spring
Bagawat necropolis in Kharga

From $695 / person

View tour

5 Days

Cairo · Giza · Saqqara

5 Days Luxury Tours in Cairo

Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis
Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Khan el-Khalili
A day in Islamic & Coptic Cairo

From $1,530 / person

View tour

Adds Aswan — and Abu Simbel becomes possible

Cairo + Luxor + Aswan

You seeCairo, the Luxor temples, then Aswan for Philae and the High Dam — with Abu Simbel as a genuine day excursion.

You missA Nile cruise. You move by flight and road, sleeping in hotels.

Best forSeeing all four headline sites when a cruise will not fit.

Read the full 6-day itinerary Egypt Itinerary for 6 Days: Ultimate Travel Guide & Tips

Book this length

6 Days

Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Abu Simbel

6 Day Cairo, Luxor and Aswan with Abu Simbel

5.0 20 reviews

Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum
Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel temples
Domestic flights + 5 hotel nights

From $1,050 / person

View tour

The shortest trip with a real Nile cruise

Cairo (3 nights) + 3-night Nile cruise, Aswan → Luxor

You seeCairo and Giza, then you sleep on the river: Philae at Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Karnak, sailing downstream to Luxor.

You missAbu Simbel and the Red Sea. One week is exactly enough for Cairo and the river.

Best forOne week off work. The classic Egypt trip.

Read the full 7-day itinerary Egypt Itinerary 7 Days: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Trip

Book this length

7 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor

7 Day Cairo with Nile Cruise Tour Package

5.0 17 reviews

Pyramids + Egyptian Museum in Cairo
3-night deluxe Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
Internal flights + all transfers included

From $1,270 / person

View tour

7 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor

7 Days Luxury Tours in Cairo City with Nile Cruise

Pyramids + Egyptian Museum in Cairo
3-night 5★ Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
Domestic flights + airport meet & greet

From $3,200 / person

View tour

The best-value length — cruise plus Abu Simbel

Cairo + 3 or 4-night Nile cruise (+ Abu Simbel)

You seeEverything in the 7-day plan with room to breathe — and on the 4-night sailing, Abu Simbel from Aswan.

You missAlexandria and the Red Sea.

Best forMost travellers. Our cheapest full cruise trip starts here, at $1,205.

Read the full 8-day itinerary How to Experience Egypt in 8 Days: A Complete Egypt Itinerary

Book this length

Best value 8 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor

8 Days Cairo & 3 Nights Cruise by Sleeper Train

5.0 16 reviews

Pyramids, Saqqara & Egyptian Museum
3-night 5★ Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
2 nights on the sleeper train

From $1,205 / person

View tour

8 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor

8 Days Cairo with 3 Nights Nile Cruise by Flight

5.0 16 reviews

Pyramids, Saqqara & Egyptian Museum
3-night 5★ Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
Domestic flights + 7 nights included

From $1,325 / person

View tour

Best-seller 8 Days

Cairo · Nile · Abu Simbel

8 Days Cairo and 4 Nights Cruise with Abu Simbel

5.0 18 reviews

3 nights Cairo + 4-night Nile cruise
Abu Simbel temples day trip
Karnak, Luxor, Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo

From $1,640 / person

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8 Days

Cairo · Nile · Abu Simbel

8 Days Luxury — Cairo and 4 Night Cruise with Abu Simbel

3 nights Cairo + 4-night Nile cruise
Abu Simbel temples day trip
Karnak, Luxor, Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo

From $3,132 / person

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Cruise plus a second coast

Cairo + Nile cruise + Alexandria or Hurghada

You seeThe full Cairo-and-cruise trip, then either a Mediterranean day in Alexandria or Red Sea time at Hurghada.

You missThe Western Desert oases.

Best forAdding a change of scene without stretching to two weeks.

Read the full 9-day itinerary Egypt Itinerary 9 Days: Ultimate Travel Guide

Book this length

9 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor · Hurghada

9 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise and Hurghada

5.0 18 reviews

Pyramids + Egyptian Museum in Cairo
3-night Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
2 nights on the Red Sea in Hurghada

From $1,360 / person

View tour

9 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor · Alexandria

9 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise and Alexandria

5.0 18 reviews

Pyramids + Egyptian Museum in Cairo
3-night 5★ Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
Alexandria day trip + domestic flights

From $1,420 / person

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9 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor · Hurghada

9 Days Luxury Tours — Cairo, Nile Cruise and Hurghada

5.0 15 reviews

Pyramids + Egyptian Museum in Cairo
3-night Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
2 nights on the Red Sea in Hurghada

From $3,650 / person

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Wide coverage — Alexandria, cruise and Abu Simbel

Cairo + Alexandria + Nile cruise + Abu Simbel

You seeCairo, a Mediterranean day in Alexandria, the full river cruise and the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel — or swap Alexandria for the Red Sea.

You missLittle. This is where an Egypt trip stops feeling compressed.

Best forFirst-time visitors who want to see it all, once, properly.

Read the full 10-day itinerary Egypt Itinerary 10 Days: Ultimate Adventure Guide

Book this length

10 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor · Hurghada

10 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise and Hurghada

5.0 16 reviews

Pyramids, Saqqara & Egyptian Museum
3-night Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
2 nights on the Red Sea in Hurghada

From $1,380 / person

View tour

10% off 10 Days

Cairo · Alexandria · Nile

10 Day Cairo, Alexandria and Cruise with Abu Simbel

5.0 20 reviews

Mediterranean day in Alexandria
4-night Nile cruise + Abu Simbel
All flights, hotels & guides included

From $1,550 / person

View tour

10 Days

Cairo · Alexandria · Nile

10 Days Luxury — Cairo, Alexandria and Cruise with Abu Simbel

5.0 13 reviews

4-night Nile cruise + Abu Simbel
Alexandria day trip from Cairo
Domestic flights + 9 nights included

From $4,100 / person

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The same route, unhurried

Cairo + Nile cruise + Hurghada

You seeTwo museum days in Cairo, a full Nile cruise, then four nights on the Red Sea.

You missNothing essential — this is the 10-day trip with the pace turned down.

Best forTravellers who hate feeling rushed on holiday.

Read the full 11-day itinerary Egypt Itinerary 11 Days: Ultimate 11-Day Itinerary

Book this length

11 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor · Hurghada

11 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise and Hurghada

5.0 19 reviews

Pyramids, Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo
3-night Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
2 nights on the Red Sea in Hurghada

From $1,430 / person

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Room for the desert or the reef

Cairo + Nile cruise + Hurghada or Bahariya Oasis

You seeThe full classic route plus a real second act — a beach week on the Red Sea, or the White and Black Deserts out of Bahariya.

You missSinai.

Best forFamilies, and anyone who wants Egypt beyond the monuments.

Read the full 12-day itinerary Egypt Itinerary 12 Days: Explore the Best of Egypt’s Treasures

Book this length

12 Days

Cairo · Aswan · Luxor · Hurghada

12 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise and Hurghada

5.0 16 reviews

Pyramids, Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo
3-night Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
3 nights on the Red Sea in Hurghada

From $1,750 / person

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12 Days

Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Bahariya

12 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise and Bahariya Oasis

5.0 14 reviews

4-night Nile cruise + Abu Simbel
Bahariya Oasis & the White Desert
Pyramids, Saqqara & Egyptian Museum

From $1,810 / person

View tour

12 Days

Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Alexandria

12 Days Luxury — Cairo, Alexandria and Cruise with Abu Simbel

5.0 16 reviews

2 nights each in Luxor and Aswan
Abu Simbel, Edfu & Kom Ombo temples
Alexandria day + Islamic & Coptic Cairo

From $5,110 / person

View tour

The grand tour — every region

Cairo + Alexandria + Nile cruise + Hurghada or Sharm

You seeCairo, the Mediterranean, the whole river between Luxor and Aswan, and a full week of Red Sea diving or beach time.

You missNothing on the standard map of Egypt.

Best forA once-in-a-lifetime trip, or a honeymoon.

Read the full 14-day itinerary Perfect Egypt Itinerary 14 Days: Ultimate Itinerary Guide

Book this length

14 Days

Cairo · Nile · Hurghada · Alexandria

14 Day Cairo, Alexandria, Cruise and Hurghada

5.0 16 reviews

3-night Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
4 nights on the Red Sea in Hurghada
Alexandria day trip + Old Cairo

From $1,850 / person

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14 Days

Cairo · Nile · Sharm · Alexandria

14 Day Cairo, Alexandria, Cruise and Sharm El Sheikh

5.0 16 reviews

3-night Nile cruise Aswan → Luxor
3 nights in Sharm El Sheikh
Alexandria day trip + Old Cairo

From $2,100 / person

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14 Days

Cairo · Nile · Sharm · Alexandria

14 Days Luxury — Cairo, Alexandria, Cruise and Sharm

5.0 18 reviews

4-night Nile cruise + Abydos & Dendera
3 nights in Sharm El Sheikh
Alexandria day trip + Old Cairo

From $5,610 / person

View tour

Budget

What an Egypt itinerary actually costs

Real 2026 prices from our own catalogue, per person on twin-share. Hotels, internal flights or the sleeper train, every entry fee, a private Egyptologist and all transfers are included. International flights are not.

2–4 days · Cairo

$320+

A Cairo city break. The Pyramids, Saqqara, the museums and old Cairo — no internal travel.

5–6 days · Cairo & the south

$840+

Add Luxor, and at six days Aswan and Abu Simbel too — by flight and road, hotel-based.

7–8 days · with a Nile cruise

$1,205+

The classic route. Cairo plus a full-board cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

9–14 days · plus a second region

$1,360+

Everything above, with Alexandria, the Red Sea or the Western Desert added on.

Timing

When to run your itinerary

October to April is the season. Luxor and Aswan regularly pass 40 °C in summer, which changes how any itinerary should be paced.

October Heat breaking, sea still warm November Ideal — warm days, low humidity December Peak season, cool evenings January Coolest month, busy sites February Comfortable, prices easing March Warm and clear before the heat Summer Very hot in Luxor and Aswan

None of these is quite right?

Every itinerary here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell Maro your dates and how many days you have, and you get back a day-by-day plan with pricing — before you commit to anything.

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Questions

Egypt itineraries — your questions answered

How many days do you need in Egypt?

Eight days is the length most travellers should book. It covers Cairo and the Pyramids, a three or four-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and Abu Simbel — the whole classic route without a rushed day. Seven days is the shortest trip that still includes a real Nile cruise. Below five days you are visiting Cairo, not Egypt: there is no realistic way to reach Luxor and back in less. If you have ten to fourteen days, Alexandria and the Red Sea fit comfortably alongside the classic route.

What is the best Egypt itinerary for 5 days?

Three nights in Cairo and two in Luxor. You see Giza, the Sphinx, Saqqara and the Egyptian Museum, then fly south for Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Our 5 Day Cairo and Luxor package runs this route from $840 per person. Five days is not enough for a Nile cruise — sailing between Luxor and Aswan needs at least three nights on the boat, which only fits from seven days up.

Can you see the Pyramids and a Nile cruise in one week?

Yes. Seven days is exactly enough: three nights in Cairo for the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor taking in Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and Luxor Temple. Our 7 Day Cairo with Nile Cruise package covers this from $1,270. Add one more day and the four-night sailing — which runs the other way, Luxor to Aswan — also brings Abu Simbel within reach.

How much does an Egypt itinerary cost?

Our real 2026 prices, per person twin-share: a 3-day Cairo break from $320, a 5-day Cairo and Luxor trip from $840, an 8-day Cairo plus Nile cruise from $1,205, and a 14-day grand tour with Alexandria and the Red Sea from $1,850. Luxury versions of the same routes run roughly two to three times higher — $3,132 for eight days, $5,610 for fourteen. Every price includes hotels, internal flights or the sleeper train, all entry fees, a private Egyptologist and transfers. International flights are not included.

What is the best time of year for an Egypt itinerary?

October through April. November, December, February and March are the sweet spot — warm days, cool evenings and bearable temperatures at Luxor and Aswan, where summer regularly passes 40°C. December and early January are peak season, so book several months ahead and expect crowds at the Valley of the Kings. If you travel in summer, shift sightseeing to early morning, keep the afternoons for the boat or the pool, and consider the Red Sea rather than the desert.

Should I do a Nile cruise or travel by land?

Cruise, if your trip is seven days or longer. The temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo sit on the riverbank between Luxor and Aswan, so a cruise reaches them with no extra travel day, and you unpack once. Three-night sailings run Aswan to Luxor and four-night sailings run Luxor to Aswan — the length decides the direction. Land travel makes sense on a six-day trip where a three-night sailing will not fit, or if you want more time in one city. Our 6 Day Cairo, Luxor and Aswan with Abu Simbel package covers the same sights by flight and road from $1,050.

Is 10 days too long for Egypt?

No — ten days is where an Egypt trip stops feeling compressed. It carries the full classic route plus one genuine addition: a Mediterranean day in Alexandria, Abu Simbel without a dawn rush, or Red Sea time at Hurghada. Our 10 Day Cairo, Alexandria and Cruise with Abu Simbel package covers that from $1,550. Beyond fourteen days you start repeating regions unless you add Sinai or the Western Desert oases.

Can I change one of these itineraries?

Yes — every itinerary here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. We build private trips, so you can move a day, swap Hurghada for Alexandria, add Abu Simbel, upgrade the cruise boat, or stretch a 9-day route to 11. Tell us your dates, how many days you have and what you most want to see, and we send back a day-by-day plan with pricing before you commit to anything.

Keep planning

Next steps in the Egypt Travel Wiki

Nile Cruise ItinerariesThe Luxor–Aswan route, 3 · 4 · 7 nights, and which direction to sail. Cairo AttractionsWhat to see in Cairo, by district — and how many days each area needs. Luxor AttractionsEast Bank and West Bank, the temples and the Valley of the Kings. Aswan AttractionsPhilae, the High Dam and how to reach Abu Simbel. Egypt Travel FAQsVisas, safety, tipping, packing and cost — before you book. All-Inclusive Egypt PackagesEvery route on this page, priced and ready to book.