6 Days in Egypt - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Egypt Ancient Wonders & Nile Cruise: Cairo, Aswan, Edfu & Luxor

Perfect for first-time visitors and history buffs, this Cairo and Nile cruise itinerary takes you to some of Egypt's most popular historical sites. After a food tour of Cairo's markets, you'll visit the famous Great Pyramids of Giza, then board your multi-night Nile cruise. Stops include Philae Temple in Aswan and one of the country's largest preserved temples in Luxor. You'll also learn about religious rituals and funeral traditions on a tour of the Valley of the Kings.

Kick off your Egypt adventure with a Cairo tasting tour and the chance to try traditional dishes like koshary (a recipe made with rice, pasta, lentils, tomato sauce, and spices) while wandering through the markets. In the morning, you'll embark on a full-day tour that includes Cairo's famous Great Pyramid of Giza, as well as the Papyrus Institute, where you'll learn the history behind papermaking. Next, you'll fly to Aswan, where you'll check out the hieroglyphics on the walls of Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess of healing and magic, and board a Nile cruise, which will be your base for the next three nights.

The following day, you'll sail to the Temple of Kom Ombo and marvel at the intricately carved reliefs and hieroglyphics that tell stories of ancient rituals and medical practices. Your ship will continue along the river to Luxor, where you'll visit Luxor Temple to see its towering obelisks and statues before walking along the river to nearby Karnak, one of the largest preserved temples in Egypt. On your final day, you'll disembark and take a guided tour of the Valley of the Kings, where you'll learn about religious rituals and funeral traditions while exploring the tombs and sacred spaces. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Egypt City, Desert & Coast Adventure: Cairo & Sharm el-Sheikh

This active city and coast tour is ideal for adventure seekers looking to pair pyramid visits with a Red Sea escape. Highlights include a tour to the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure; an overnight hike up Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise; a camel ride to a Bedouin camp for dinner and stargazing; a snorkeling excursion in the Ras Mohamed National Park, and a walking food tour in Cairo. 

On arrival in Cairo, you'll hit the streets for a walking tour to learn some of the city's history and heritage as you weave through the alleyways of El-Moez and practice your bartering skills while souvenir shopping at Khan el-Khalili bazaar. The following day, you'll see the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure while riding a camel before browsing ancient artifacts at the Egyptian Museum. On your third day, you'll fly to Sharm el-Sheikh and set off in the evening for a trek up Mount Sinai to catch sunrise from the summit. Then, you'll hike back down for a tour of St. Catherine's Monastery.

The next day, your driver will take you inland to the desert to meet a Bedouin guide and your next form of transportation: a camel that will carry you to a traditional Bedouin camp. Here, you'll learn how to make traditional bread, dine by candlelight, and enjoy a fire-dancing show and stargazing experience. Finally, you'll round out your trip in Ras Mohamed National Park, Egypt's first national park, with a full-day sailing and snorkeling excursion. On the day of departure, you'll return to Cairo, and if you have time before your flight, sample street eats on a walking food tour. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Egypt: Alexandria & Siwa

Skip Cairo's crowds and enjoy coastal and desert experiences and remote historical sites on this northern Egypt adventure. Well suited to history enthusiasts eager to get off the well-worn path, this itinerary will have you touring the catacombs of Alexandria with local Egyptologists, traversing desert dunes around Siwa Oasis, visiting the ancient tombs of Gebel el-Mawta, swimming in Cleopatra's Bath, celebrating with a Bedouin dinner under the stars, and more.

Your driver will meet you at Cairo Airport and whisk you away to the coastal city of Alexandria. Here, an Egyptologist will introduce you to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa (one of Egypt's largest Roman burial sites) and the Roman Amphitheater. Following this, you'll delve further into the city's rich history, visiting the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay and stopping along the way for stuffed grape leaves and other local fare. Wake early on your third day for your transfer through the Sahara Desert, pausing at the World War II site of El-Alamein and the resort town of Marsa Matruh for a seafood lunch. 

On arrival at Siwa Oasis, you'll have a free evening to relax before your adventures tomorrow. After breakfast, you'll tour Gebel el-Mawta (the Mountain of the Dead), which houses tombs dating back to the Saite Dynasty, then take a swim at the Cleopatra Bath. You'll also learn about local culture and crafts at the Siwan House museum, then end your evening with a sunset on Fatnas Island with views of the salt lakes. On your final full day, you'll visit the 13th-century Shali Fortress, traverse the dunes on a 4WD excursion, and celebrate your journey with a Bedouin dinner under the stars. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Cairo in Depth: Discover the Egyptian Capital

This immersive Cairo-based exploration is best for travelers keen on taking a deep dive into the city's history and surrounds. You'll visit ancient sites that include the Great Pyramids of Giza and the tombs of Saqqara, get to know the Coptic side of the city on a guided tour of Old Cairo, and view mummified remains and tomb treasures at the Egyptian Museum. A day trip to Fayoum Oasis offers a chance for sandboarding on the dunes and bird-watching at Qarun Lake.

Get acquainted with Egyptian history at an evening sound and lights show at the Pyramids of Giza. Then, head off with an Egyptologist to see the sites up close on a tour of the Giza Plateau. You'll also have time to see the Great Sphinx that's been guarding the city for 5,000 years, and explore Saqqara's stepped pyramid and tombs. Next, you'll stop by the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see ancient artifacts housed here, then check out military architecture from the Middle Ages at the Citadel of Saladin and do some souvenir shopping in the Khan el-Khalili souk (market). 

Your exploration of Cairo continues with a visit to the Fortress of Babylon, the city's oldest original structure, and the Egyptian Museum, where you can view remains and tomb treasures in the Royal Mummies Room. Take a day trip outside the city to Fayoum Oasis. Here, you'll climb Mudawara Mountain for sweeping desert views, and then visit Egypt's only waterfall at Wadi el-Ryan. You can also try sandboarding on the dunes and enjoy bird-watching on the shores of Qarun Lake before returning to Cairo. Get one final glimpse of the Nile from atop Cairo Tower before heading to the airport. Learn more

More Great Egypt Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other Egypt itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.