Explore Egypt: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Hurghada - 10 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Cairo!

Welcome to Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo's airport, you'll be met by your guide who will assist you through customs and arrange a transfer to your hotel. Get settled in and rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 2: The Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, embark on a memorable excursion to Egypt's most iconic wonders. Start at the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, before continuing to the oldest known monumental sculpture and largest monolith statue in the world—the towering Sphinx. You'll also discover the Valley Temple, attributed to the 26th-century BCE King Chefren and used for part of the mummification process. Finally, you'll pay a visit to the Egyptian Museum where you can see the collection of Tutankhamen among other splendid pharaonic artifacts. 

In the evening, board a memorable dinner cruise, sailing along the Nile River for two hours while you enjoy an Egyptian-style dinner and live entertainment. Watch a spectacular Nile sunset before transferring back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Old Cairo Day Tour

Today you'll embark on a tour of Cairo's historic city streets, starting at the massive medieval Salah El-din Citadel and its enclosed Mohamed Ali alabaster mosque, once a stronghold against the Crusaders. The brilliant domed ceilings, suspended lights, and views of the city from this ancient fortress are sure to captivate. Keep going to the churches of Old Cairo and the Khan El Khalili old market to browse before you retire for the night.

Day 4: Fly Cairo to Aswan, Board Nile Cruise

This morning you will catch a quick flight south to Aswan, an archaeologically rich city on the banks of the Nile. Here you'll meet your guide and embark on a tour of the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Isis. Afterward, visit Egypt's remarkable engineering achievement of the modern era, the Aswan High Dam.

From here you'll transfer to the shores of the Nile River to set sail on your scenic Nile cruise, which serves as your accommodation for the next three nights. After lunch on board, take a ride on a felucca (a traditional river sailboat) for panoramic views of the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island, and Agha Khan Mausoleum. 

Day 5: Cruise Aswan to Edfu, Tour the Temples of Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo 

Start today with an optional visit to the magnificent Abu Simbel, a pair of temples built by the Egyptian king Ramses II, who reigned 1279–1213 BCE. These massive rock-cut temples are truly incredible to see in person: despite their relatively remote location, they're one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. After lunch, you'll continue your Nile journey towards the Temple of Kom Ombo. Built during the Ptolemaic era, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the crocodile god (Sobek) and falcon god (Haroeris). Admire its many intact courts and halls, along with wall carvings and statues, then return to the boat and cruise to Edfu, where you'll enjoy a Nile-side dinner.

Day 6: Cruise Edfu to Luxor, Tour the Temples of Horus, Karnak & Luxor

Start today with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Edfu to reach the Temple of Horus, considered one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt. After reboarding the cruise, you'll set sail for Luxor. Here you'll cross to the Nile's east bank to visit the amazing Karnak and Luxor temples. Start at the famed Luxor temple complex, built during the New Kingdom around 1400 BCE. In the afternoon, you'll tour Karnak Temple, once a key religious center and one of Egypt's largest surviving temples. Return to the cruise to enjoy your final night on board, with a celebratory dinner and a spectacular Nile sunset.

Day 7: Valley of the Kings Excursion, Transfer Luxor to Hurghada & the Red Sea

Early risers can begin today with an optional sunrise hot air balloon excursion to the Valley of the Kings. Discover the exteriors of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the beautiful Temple of Der el Bahari (dedicated to the funerary cult of Queen Hatshepsut), and the Statues of Memnon.

Then you'll switch gears from ancient Egyptian history to the great outdoors, transferring to Hurghada by car. This resort town on the coast of the Red Sea is known for its long sandy beach and an old town, El Dahar, where you can dine on traditional Egyptian cuisine and shop in colorful souks. The region is also a hot spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. One popular place for diving is the SS Thistlegorm Wreck, a famous shipwreck dive site with lionfish, stonefish, and sea turtles swimming alongside the ruins of the sea vessel. The afternoon is free for exploring and relaxing by the sea.

Day 8: Explore Hurghada & Desert Safari

After a leisurely breakfast, you're free to choose from a range of activities. If you want to see more of the desert, opt for a safari adventure in the afternoon, choosing between a 4x4 vehicle, ATV, or camel. Whichever option you choose, you'll enjoy getting a lift as you explore Bedouin villages and enjoy sweeping mountain and desert views. For a more laidback pace, join a scenic boat tour or visit the nearby Hurghada Aquarium.

Day 9: Hurghada Beach Day

Today is yours to spend completely at your leisure. Relax on Hurghada's white-sand beaches, swim in the warm waters of the Red Sea, and savor your final day in Egypt.

Day 10: Depart Egypt

After breakfast, you'll bid Egypt farewell and transfer to the Hurghada Airport for final departure. Safe travels!

More 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. 

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