Most people visiting Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor spend about seven to nine days in Egypt, which usually includes some time in Edfu, Hurghada, Kom Ombo, or Esna, as well. If you're not interested in extending your itinerary, the same timeframe is enough for your Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four to six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and beyond.

How many days do you need in Cairo, Aswan & Luxor?

  • Most travelers spend 7-9 days in Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor combined
  • Visiting Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor in 4 to 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Edfu, Hurghada, Kom Ombo, and Esna 

How Many Days to Spend in Egypt

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Recommended Itineraries for Cairo, Aswan & Luxor

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Visit the jaw-dropping Temple of Luxor before returning to Cairo
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo Cairo
Day 2 Visit the Pyramids of Giza & Memphis Cairo
Day 3 Tour the Egyptian Museum, Learn About Islamic Cairo Cairo
Day 4 Fly to Aswan, Board Nile Cruise Aswan
Day 5 Boat to the Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo Luxor
Day 6 Explore the Temple of Luxor Luxor
Day 7 Fly to Cairo, Depart  


Enjoy the best of Egypt on this weeklong adventure. Spend a few days in Cairo, visiting museums, learning about Islamic history, and side-tripping to the Pyramids of Giza before boarding a boat for a cruise along the Nile River. Highlights along the journey include Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak Temple. The itinerary ends up back in Cairo—a perfect way to spend seven days! Read more

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Edfu

Felucca sailboats on the Nile
Look for the traditional felucca sailboats while cruising along the Nile
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo Cairo
Day 2 Explore the Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum Cairo
Day 3 Transfer to Luxor, East Bank Tour, Board Cruise Luxor
Day 4 Cruise to Esna Lock & Edfu Edfu
Day 5 Cruise to Kom Ombo Edfu
Day 6 Cruise to Aswan Aswan
Day 7 Fly to Cairo, Free Time Cairo
Day 8 Depart Cairo Cairo


Follow the ancient Nile down through Egypt to sail to some of the ancient world's most dramatic structures. Spots such as Karnak, Luxor, and Abu Simbel evoke the complex structures of ancient Egyptian life and architecture, while a city tour of Cairo and a trip to the Aswan Dam will help bring you into Egypt's present. Read more

9-Day Itinerary Including Esna & Kom Ombo 

Stop to see the Kom Ombo Temple during your Nile cruise
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo, Explore Cairo
Day 2 Tour the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Bazaar Cairo
Day 3 Discover the Great Pyramids: Giza & Memphis Cairo
Day 4 Fly to Luxor, Board Nile River Cruise, Tour the Temples of Luxor & Karnak Luxor
Day 5 Explore the Valley of the Kings, Cruise to Esna Esna
Day 6 Cruise to Kom Ombo via the Temple of Edfu Kom Ombo
Day 7 Cruise to Aswan, Visit the Temple of Philae, Aswan Dam & Unfinished Obelisk Aswan
Day 8 Disembark from Nile River Cruise, Fly to Cairo Cairo
Day 9 Depart Cairo  


Cruise deep into the heart of Egypt on this laid-back, 9-day itinerary. After exploring the many charms of Cairo—from the Great Pyramids to bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar—you'll catch a quick flight south to Luxor to board a memorable Nile River cruise toward Aswan. By day, you'll discover ancient sites and antiquities, while nights are spent falling asleep to the gentle rhythms of the river. Read more

10-Day Itinerary Including Hurghada & Edfu

Take a day trip to Aswan to see the Abu Simbel Temples
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo, Optional Activities Cairo
Day 2 Day Trip to the Pyramids of Giza Cairo
Day 3 Fly to Luxor, Sightseeing Luxor
Day 4 Tour the West Bank, Board Nile River Cruise Hurghada
Day 5 Cruise to the Temple of Edfu Edfu
Day 6 Tour Kom Ombo, Cruise to Aswan Edfu
Day 7 Day Trip to Abu Simbel Temples Aswan
Day 8 Fly to Cairo, Optional Activities Cairo
Day 9 Full-Day Tour of Cairo Cairo
Day 10 Depart Cairo Cairo


See Egypt by land, sea, and air on this memorable 10-day adventure. Start in Cairo and the legendary pyramids of Giza, then fly to Luxor and take a ride down the Nile River, stopping to tour ancient temples along the way. Circle back to the capital and immerse yourself in Cairo's Islamic heritage as you visit mosques and museums and browse for souvenirs at the 14th-century market, Khan el-Khalili. Read more

Map

Map of Cairo, Aswan & Luxor: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Cairo, Aswan & Luxor: Best Itinerary Ideas