Egypt Travel Guide: 7 Days and 14 Days of Pharaohs, Pyramids, and Adventures Along the Nile
Egypt is one of those dream destinations where ancient history, bustling bazaars, and stunning landscapes all come together. Whether you’re in it for a week or two, you’re about to cover some serious ground, from the Great Pyramids of Giza to Luxor, Aswan, and even some diving in the Red Sea. Get ready for a magical journey!
7-Day Egypt Itinerary
A week in Egypt means you’re hitting the essentials: Cairo, the pyramids, and a taste of the Nile. Here’s the itinerary!
| Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo | Start with a visit to the Egyptian Museum (for the famous Tutankhamun treasures!), and stroll Khan El Khalili bazaar. | Cairo traffic is wild—budget extra time for getting around! |
| Day 2 | Giza – Pyramids & Sphinx | Head to Giza for the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and maybe even a camel ride. | Go early to beat the crowds and the heat. Take lots of water! |
| Day 3 | Cairo – Islamic Cairo & Coptic Cairo | Explore Islamic Cairo (the Citadel and Sultan Hassan Mosque) and then check out Coptic Cairo. | Dress modestly on mosque visits; scarves and long pants are a good idea. |
| Day 4 | Fly to Luxor – Temples and Tombs | Fly to Luxor and start with Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. | Karnak is HUGE, so wear comfy shoes. Stay for the Sound and Light Show at night! |
| Day 5 | Luxor – Valley of the Kings & Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple | Cross the Nile to explore the Valley of the Kings (King Tut’s tomb!) and Hatshepsut’s Temple. | King Tut’s tomb requires a separate ticket, but it’s worth it! |
| Day 6 | Luxor to Aswan by Train – Temples and Nile Cruise | Travel to Aswan by train and start a Nile cruise! Visit Edfu and Kom Ombo temples en route. | Nile cruises are relaxing and a great way to see multiple temples easily. |
| Day 7 | Aswan – Philae Temple & Felucca Ride | Visit Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam; end with a sunset felucca ride on the Nile. | Feluccas are fun but bring a light jacket; it can get breezy on the water! |
14-Day Egypt Itinerary
With two weeks, you can add more adventures—like Abu Simbel, the Red Sea, and Alexandria. Ready? Here we go!
| Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Cairo & Giza – Great Pyramids, Egyptian Museum | Follow the first three days of the 7-day itinerary but add some time in Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid. | Saqqara’s pyramid is less crowded and feels otherworldly. |
| Days 4-5 | Luxor – Temples, Valley of the Kings, and Luxor Museum | Same as the 7-day Luxor itinerary but add the Luxor Museum and explore more tombs if you’re up for it. | Luxor Museum is smaller but has a great collection, including mummies! |
| Day 6-7 | Luxor to Aswan on a Nile Cruise | Board the Nile cruise to Aswan, with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples along the way. | Bring a book or camera; Nile views are so relaxing on the cruise! |
| Days 8-9 | Aswan – Philae Temple, Abu Simbel & Nubian Village | Take a day trip to Abu Simbel, then check out Philae Temple and visit a Nubian Village in Aswan. | Abu Simbel is a long drive but SO worth it; aim for sunrise if possible. |
| Days 10-12 | Red Sea / Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh | Head to Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh for beach time, snorkeling, or diving in the Red Sea. | Book a boat trip to see coral reefs—they’re famous for a reason! |
| Day 13 | Alexandria – Catacombs, Library & Mediterranean Vibes | Travel to Alexandria for the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Library of Alexandria, and seaside views. | Alexandria has a different vibe—more Mediterranean, super chill. |
| Day 14 | Return to Cairo – Final Souvenir Shopping | Head back to Cairo for any last-minute shopping and a farewell feast. | Khan El Khalili is great for unique gifts, just be ready to haggle! |
Top Tips for Traveling Egypt
- Popular Attractions: Book tickets for the Great Pyramids, Abu Simbel, and Valley of the Kings early. These are big bucket-list items for most travelers, so they can get crowded.
- Clothing Tips: Egypt is generally hot, so light, breathable clothing is key. For temples, cover up a bit out of respect.
- Safety & Water: Egypt is pretty safe for travelers, but drink bottled water and stay hydrated, especially in Luxor and Aswan.
Egypt’s must-sees are truly unforgettable, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples along the Nile and the gorgeous Red Sea beaches. Grab your sunscreen, water bottle, and a sense of wonder—it’s going to be amazing!