Best of Edfu

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Edfu

One of the best preserved temples in the country lies in the small village of Edfu, along the west bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. The Temple of Horus was built on an ancient cemetery site dedicated to the cult of Horus, the falcon god, and its vast size and atmospheric antechambers impresses even the most jaded of visitors. Well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions carved between the 3rd and 1st century BCE provide insight into mythology, religion and language during the Ptolemaic Kingdom.

Guided visits give you a deeper understanding of the temple and its historical context. According to legend, this is where the god Horus avenged the murder of his father Osiris by killing Seth. Amid the columned halls, you’ll see rooms like the former library where ritual texts were once held, a laboratory used in preparing perfumes and incense, and a chamber where daily offerings of fruit, flowers and other items were presented.

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Start your trip in Cairo and explore the world-class Egyptian Museum

Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Edfu: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, seven to nine days is the perfect amount of time for an Egypt trip with stops in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Edfu. It's also possible to hit the highlights in five or six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—our favorite itinerary extension includes Hurghada. See more ideas for Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Edfu itineraries below.

Exploring ancient temples on a Nile River cruise

Nile River Cruise: Luxor, Edfu & Aswan - 5 Days

This short but exciting cruise down the Nile River offers travelers a fantastic introduction to the wonders of ancient Egypt. After exploring Luxor, board a boat for several days of sightseeing along the waterway. You'll explore the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, wander around the Valley of the Kings, discover the antiquities of Edfu in a horsedrawn carriage, and ride to the archeological ruins of Elephantine Island in a traditional wooden sailing vessel.

Walk among the ancients at the famed pyramid complex of Giza

Highlights of Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Petra & Wadi Rum - 8 Days

Set off on a quick, eight-day journey through Egypt and Jordan to see the highlights of both countries. You'll start with a guided tour of Old Cairo and a day trip to the pyramids in Giza, then fly to Aswan for a three-day cruise up the Nile River. Stop at landmarks like Abu Simbel and the Temple of Khnum until you disembark and trade Luxor for Amman, Jordan's capital. End your trip by exploring Petra at your own pace and seeing the sights of Wadi Rum via Jeep.

Rise above Luxor's ancient temples and tombs in a hot-air balloon at sunrise

Highlights of Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Petra & Wadi Rum - 9 Days

This nine-day adventure takes you to some of the best natural landscapes and ancient ruins that Egypt and Jordan have to offer. Spend two days exploring Cairo and the Giza Pyramid Complex before flying to Aswan, where you'll board a three-day cruise up the Nile River. Disembark each day to explore the surrounding temples, then fly to Amman, Jordan's capital. Visit the archaeological site of Petra and end with an exhilarating Jeep tour across Wadi Rum.

Jewels of The Nile: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan - 8 days

Explore Egypt on a luxurious Nile River cruise as you visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Highlights will include visiting the Pyramids of Giza, seeing art and artifacts at the Egyptian Museum, and Karnak Temple in Luxor. As you cruise down The Nile, you will also have time to relax and take in the scenery.

Cruise down the Nile to Luxor and explore its tombs and temples

Egypt Ancient Wonders & Nile Cruise: Cairo, Aswan, Edfu & Luxor - 6 Days

This quick six-day trip around Egypt starts and ends in Cairo, exploring plenty of ancient wonders in between. In the capital, see highlights such as the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza before setting sail on a three-day cruise down the Nile, where Aswan and Luxor's ancient sites await, including the Temple of Kom Ombo and Karnak. Disembark and spend your last few hours in Egypt exploring the Valley of the Kings, a burial site for pharaohs and noblemen.

Spend four days cruising up the Nile River to see landmarks like Philae Temple

Highlights of Jordan & Egypt: Amman to Cairo - 11 Days

Combining cultural landmarks and natural wonders, this 11-day itinerary introduces you to the highlights of Jordan and Egypt. Discover the archaeological hotspots of Amman and Jerash, relax on the shores of the Dead Sea, wander through the ancient city of Petra, and camp under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert. Once in Egypt, check the great pyramids off your bucket list before boarding a scenic river cruise up the Nile River to Luxor—stopping to explore ancient temples along the way.

Explore the Treasures of Egypt and Jordan - 10 Days

Witness the ancient wonders of Egypt and Jordan during this 10-day adventure. After arriving in Cairo, you'll get to see pharaohs' treasures at the Egyptian Museum and explore the Pyramids of Giza, including the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Cruise the Nile River to see the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Luxor. Transfer to Jordan, where you'll visit the Roman Theater and Citadel in Amman, and get a full-day tour of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, dip your toes in the lowest point of the Earth: the Dead Sea.

Spend three nights crusing up the Nile River

Cairo & Nile River Cruise: Aswan, Edfu & Luxor - 7 Days

Egypt's ancient wonders await on this unforgettable week-long itinerary. After touring the Great Pyramids in Cairo, fly to Aswan to board a three-night river cruise up the mighty Nile. Visit the famed temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, and Edfu along the way—then disembark at Luxor to discover the Valley of the Kings. Your journey comes to a close back in Cairo, where you'll spend a final morning browsing the treasures of the Egyptian Museum.

Luxury Egypt Nile Cruise & Red Sea Relaxation - 7 Days

Enjoy a bucket-list adventure in Egypt that involves a luxury cruise down the Nile, the world's longest river. The scenery is spectacular, but more than that, the banks of the Nile are lined with some of the most ancient and awe-inspiring temples, monuments, and archaeological sites in the world, which you'll explore with the help of private guides. But that's not all—cap the trip with two days of relaxing beach time in Sharm el-Sheikh, the Red Sea's premier coastal resort town.

After full days of sightseeing, rest well in your luxurious accommodations (photo courtesy of Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan)

Luxury Egypt Sailing Adventure: Luxor to Aswan - 7 Days

Enjoy a grand weeklong sailing tour down Egypt's Nile River, bookended by stays at 5-star hotels fit for a pharaoh. This fast and fabulous adventure begins on the banks of the Nile at Luxor, where you'll board a luxury dahabiya sailboat and commence a private cruise down the world's longest river. As you go, you'll stop at marvels of the ancient world, from the temples of Luxor and Horace to the Valley of the Kings—you'll even take a cooking lesson to learn the secrets of Egyptian cuisine.

Traditional sailboats on the Nile at Luxor

Cairo & Nile Cruise: Aswan & Luxor - 7 Days

Check off some of Egypt's most iconic sights on this diverse week-long itinerary. Cairo serves as your base for three nights, while you explore the nation's capital, tour the Pyramids of Giza, and discover Alexandria's storied past. After a quick flight to Aswan, it's all aboard for a scenic three-day cruise up the Nile River, disembarking for day trips to the spectacular temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu & Karnak. Your adventure ends in Luxor, where you'll stroll through ancient history in the Valley of the Kings.

Dive into the ancient temples of Luxor on this eight-day expedition in Egypt

Egyptian Highlights From Cairo to the Red Sea - 8 Days

Combine Cairo, the Nile River, and the Red Sea on this whirlwind eight-day tour that ticks off some of Egypt's greatest wonders. Wander the streets of the capital on a food tour, then learn the secrets of the pharaohs from an Egyptologist at the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum. Take a three-night cruise up the Nile, visiting riverside temples and tombs, then transfer to the beach town of Hurghada for a desert safari through the Sahara and snorkeling in the colorful coral reefs of the Red Sea.

Enjoy a free day in Hurghada to soak up the sun and swim in the Red Sea

Wonders of Ancient Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Hurghada, Wadi Rum & Petra - 10 Days

Discover the remnants of ancient temples, tombs, and cities on this 10-day tour across Egypt and Jordan. In Cairo, visit landmarks like the Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramid Complex before flying to Aswan to board a three-day cruise along the Nile River. Stop at temples in Edfu and Luxor along the way, then spend a day snorkeling in the Red Sea off Hurghada. Finally, fly to Jordan to dry off at a desert camp in Wadi Rum and explore the UNESCO-listed Petra, the former capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.

Egyptian Highlights of Cairo & The Nile - 8 Days

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.

Treasures of Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Luxor & the White Desert - 9 Days

Combine cultural sights with a Nile River cruise and a desert adventure on this 9-day jaunt through Egypt. Start in Cairo to discover the antiquities of the Egyptian Museum and the Great Pyramids, then board a luxurious river cruise to journey up the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Visit the ancient wonders of Abu Simbel, Edfu, and the Valley of the Kings along the way—then change gears and venture into the breathtaking White Desert for a camping trip under the stars.

Take advantage of free time in Sharm el-Sheikh to relax on the beach or explore historic landmarks

Best of Egypt & Jordan: From the Pyramids to Petra - 14 Days

Dive into Egypt and Jordan for two memorable weeks! Kick off in Cairo, exploring the Giza pyramids and Egyptian Museum. Cruise down the Nile from Aswan, visiting Nubian villages and iconic temples like Kom Ombo. Take a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor before heading to Sharm El-Sheikh for a desert tour and a trek up Mount Sinai. Then, hop on a ferry to Jordan, where you'll discover the ancient city of Petra, traverse Wadi Rum in a Jeep, float in the Dead Sea, and uncover the wonders of Amman.

After your three-day Nile cruise, relax on the golden sands of one of Hurghada's beaches

Egyptian Highlights From Cairo to the Red Sea - 9 Days

In just nine days, you'll see some of Egypt's most iconic landmarks and natural wonders—from the historic streets of Cairo to the coastal Red Sea city of Hurghada. In between, spend three days cruising down the Nile, stopping at ancient temples like Edfu and Karnak along the way. Other highlights include a food and walking tour in the capital, a day trip to the Giza pyramid complex, a boat trip to the Giftun Islands, and a Jeep tour across the desert.

Discover why T.E. Lawrence nicknamed Wadi Rum the "Valley of the Moon"

Historic Marvels & Natural Wonders of Egypt & Jordan - 13 Days

Experience the best of Egypt and Jordan in less than two weeks! Begin in Cairo, exploring ancient Memphis, the Saqqara Necropolis, and the iconic Giza Plateau. Then, fly to Aswan for a serene three-day Nile cruise, visiting the timeless temples of gods and pharaohs along the way. Wander through the Valley of the Kings and unwind by the Red Sea in Hurghada before flying to Amman, Jordan, to discover the wonders of UNESCO-listed Petra, the red sands of Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea.

Luxury Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, & More - 9 Days

Experience some of the most popular sites of the ancient world in style on this nine-day Egyptian luxury tour. You'll start off in Cairo, then cruise down the Nile to visit towering temples, elaborate tombs, and other monuments as you travel in style.

Explore Nile temples from Aswan to Luxor with the help of a private guide

Ultimate Luxury in Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Sharm el-Sheikh - 10 Days

Imagine a 10-day holiday that mixes tours of the world's most iconic antiquities with luxury cruises and relaxing beach time. That's what you're getting with this grand Egypt adventure, which begins in the capital of Cairo with dinner on the Nile River and a special insider's tour of the Giza pyramids. Then, set sail on a multiday cruise down the Nile, stopping at showstopping landmarks like the Temple of Luxor before winding up on the Red Sea coast at one of the finest beach resorts in the Middle East.

Hop aboard a luxury sailboat for a memorable trip down the Nile (photo courtesy of Movenpick)

Luxury Egypt Sailing Adventure: Luxor to Aswan - 10 Days

Pack your bags for a great adventure that will take you to the highlights of Egypt on land and water. This luxury tour begins in Cairo, where you'll marvel at iconic landmarks like the Sphinx and the pyramids, then discover Egypt's tantalizing flavors at the city's finest restaurants. Then, step aboard a private sailboat for a cruise down the Nile, stopping to see the Pharaonic statues at Abu Simbel, stroll the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and visit the Temple of Horus, one of the grandest shrines of ancient Egypt.

Spend four days exploring the Nile River's ancient temples on a traditional dahabiya

Discover Egypt's Capital & Sail the Nile River - 9 Days

In just nine days, you'll explore Egypt's bustling capital and sail along the Nile River on a traditional dahabiya sailboat. Start with a food tour in Cairo, then discover Memphis, the Saqqara Necropolis, and the Giza Necropolis on the city's outskirts before taking a day trip to the desert to visit Abu Simbel. Fly to Aswan to begin your four-day cruise, stopping at ancient landmarks like the temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, and Karnak. Then, return to the capital to tour Coptic and Islamic Cairo and the Egyptian Museum.

Get up close to the Ramesses II Statue at Karnak Temple during your Nile cruise

Ancient Sites & Scenic Views of Egypt - 10 Days

Set off on a captivating 10-day journey through Egypt, starting with the iconic Giza Pyramid Complex and the Great Sphinx outside of Cairo. Then, fly to Aswan to board a three-day Nile cruise, taking you to iconic temples in Edfu and Luxor. Disembark and rise above the Valley of the Kings in a hot-air balloon before making your way to the lush Siwa Oasis. Visit the ancient Shali Fortress, float in Lake Siwa, and marvel at the necropolis carved into Gebel al-Mawta, ending back in the capital for your flight home.

Set off on a four-day Nile River cruise aboard a luxurious dahabiya

Discover Egypt's Capital & Sail the Nile River - 10 Days

Immerse yourself in Egypt's rich history and culture, starting with a food tour in Cairo, followed by visits to iconic landmarks like the Giza Pyramid Complex and the Egyptian Museum. Then, fly to Aswan to board a luxurious dahabiya and sail along the Nile River. Stop at historical sites like the Temple of Kom Ombo, Gebel el-Silsila, and the Temple of Nekhbet. Rise above Luxor in a hot-air balloon at sunrise before heading to Hurghada to scuba dive in the Red Sea and flying back to Cairo to visit a community farm.

Nile River Cruise & Cultural Tour: Cairo, Luxor & Aswan - 10 Days

See Egypt by land, sea, and air on this unforgettable 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.

Visit landmarks like Luxor Temple on your five-day Nile cruise

Ancient Treasures & Natural Landscapes of Egypt & Jordan: From Cairo to the Dead Sea - 16 Days

Set off on a 16-day adventure through Egypt and Jordan! Begin with the wonders of Memphis, Saqqara, and the Giza pyramids outside Cairo. Then, fly to Aswan for a five-day Nile cruise, discovering ancient temples and other gems along the banks. Enjoy three blissful days by the Red Sea in Hurghada, then jet off to Jordan to explore the otherworldly beauty of Wadi Rum, the rose-hued city of Petra, and step back in time at Jerash's Roman ruins before capping it all off with a soothing float in the Dead Sea.

Visit the world's oldest stone pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser

Egypt & Jordan's Ancient Ruins & Natural Landscapes - 16 Days

Desert landscapes, lush oases, and ancient temples await you on this 16-day tour across Egypt and Jordan. From Cairo, visit the Giza Pyramid Complex, sail down the Nile in a felucca, and explore the temples lining its shores. Then, rise above Luxor in a hot-air balloon and visit the Valley of the Queens before flying to Jordan to jump on a Jeep tour across the desert's red dunes in Wadi Rum, hike along the Jordan Trail to Aqaba, and explore the "Rose City" of Petra at your own pace.

Among the tours and ancient temples, there'll be plenty of time for 5-star relaxation on your trip (photo courtesy of Sunrise Arabian Sharm el-Sheikh)

Ultimate Luxury in Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Sharm el-Sheikh - 14 Days

You couldn't plan a more epic two-week luxury vacation than this grand tour of Egypt's highlights. Walk in the footsteps of ancient history in Cairo as you visit the best museums and hike around the Giza pyramids and Great Sphinx. Then you're off on a first-class cruise down the famed Nile River, stopping at ancient temples in Luxor and Aswan before jetting off to Sharm el-Sheikh for a few days of fun in the sun at Egypt's premier beach resort on the Red Sea.

Rise above Luxor and the Valley of the Kings in a hot-air balloon

Journey Through Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Aswan & Alexandria - 13 Days

In just under two weeks, you'll discover five Egyptian cities, starting in the capital, Cairo. Visit ancient landmarks like the Giza Pyramid Complex and Saqqara Necropolis before heading to Luxor to board a five-day cruise along the Nile. Stop at grand temples, float above Luxor in a hot-air balloon, and sail on a felucca (traditional boat). Then, head to Alexandria for a city tour, exploring the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and the Library of Alexandria before returning to Cairo for museums and mosques.

Explore Egypt: Ancient Cairo, Nile Cruise & Red Sea Beaches - 14 Days

This two-week tour showcases the highlights and hidden gems of Egypt— from ancient temples to Red Sea resorts. Discover the iconic Great Pyramids and the lesser-known sites of Saqqara and Dahshour, cruise up the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor, and head to the coast for rest and relaxation on the beaches of Hurghada. End your journey by circling back to Cairo, where you'll tour historic mosques and markets and embark on day trips to Alexandria and Fayoum.

Visit the mud-brick Shali Old Town, an ancient Berber settlement in the Siwa Oasis

Highlights & Hidden Treasures of Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria, Siwa, Aswan & Luxor - 13 Days

Delve into Egypt's cultural heritage and natural beauty in just under two weeks, starting in the capital, Cairo. Watch the sunset from the city's highest point, take a day trip to the waterfalls of Wadi el-Rayan, and visit landmarks like the Egyptian Museum. Step off the beaten path to visit ancient ruins in Alexandria and the Siwa Oasis, then cruise down the Nile for three nights, stopping at temples along the way. Back in Cairo, finish with a Nile dinner cruise and cultural show aboard a Pharaonic barge.

Sail around the highlights of the Nile River on your own private vessel

Luxury Egypt Sailing Adventure: Cairo, Luxor & Aswan - 14 Days

Make your dream of Egypt a reality as you set off on a luxury trip to marvel at a few of the greatest sites the world has ever known. Tours of Cairo's highlights and the iconic pyramids are a mere starter, as afterward, you'll board a luxury sailboat for a private Nile cruise. The adventure takes you from the Valley of the Kings in Luxor to the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the 13th-century Abu Simbel in Aswan, all while enjoying first-class dining both onboard the ship and at the country's finest restaurants

Traverse the lunar-like White Desert in a 4WD vehicle and wait for the sun to set

Egypt's Ancient Wonders, Desert Landscapes & Coastal Bliss - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring Egypt's rich history and diverse landscapes, starting with a food tour in Cairo. Visit ancient sites like Memphis and Giza, traverse the Western Desert in a 4WD, and overnight in a Bedouin camp before flying to Aswan for Nubian culture and the temples of Abu Simbel. Sail along the Nile on a dahabiya for three days, visiting ancient quarries and temples. Then, head to Hurghada on the Red Sea to snorkel, swim, and sunbathe before returning to Cairo for museums and culture.

Hot air balloons over the Valley of the Kings

Treasures of Egypt: Cities, Deserts & Nile Cruise - 15 Days

Immerse yourself in Egypt's ancient history and natural beauty on this comprehensive 15-day itinerary. See the Great Pyramids, stroll the markets and mosques of Old Cairo, set sail on an unforgettable river cruise up the Nile, and tour the temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, and Luxor. After day trips to Alexandria and Wadi Natrun, you'll venture into the sand dunes and oases of the White Desert to camp under the stars.

Take a trip out to the Siwa Oasis to explore ancient mudbrick fortresses and desert pools

Egypt's Highlights & Hidden Corners: Cities, Oases, Nile Cruise & Red Sea - 15 Days

This far-reaching 15-day tour combines Egypt's iconic landmarks with off-the-beaten-path treasures. Visit the pyramids of Giza, explore Alexandria's historic center, and join a food and walking tour of Cairo. Then, unwind in the remote Siwa Oasis before boarding a three-day cruise down the Nile, stopping at ancient temples. Finally, dive into adventure in Hurghada with snorkeling in the Red Sea and desert quad biking to a Bedouin village before returning to Cairo for a dinner cruise.

Sail the Nile in a luxurious dahabiya sailing boat

Egypt & Jordan Grand Tour: Cairo, Nile Sailing Trip, Hurghada, Bahariya & Petra - 20 Days

Enjoy culture, adventure, and relaxation on this unforgettable 20-day tour of Egypt and Jordan. See the iconic pyramids, temples, and tombs of the ancient world, explore otherworldly deserts and Red Sea beaches, and board a traditional dahabiya sailboat to cruise the Nile River in style. After discovering Egypt's many highlights and hidden gems, it's time to hop over to Jordan to camp among the red dunes of Wadi Rum and experience the "Lost City' of Petra by candlelight.

A highlights of your 16-day adventure is a night spent in the White Desert

Adventurous Egypt: Cities, Deserts, Nile Cruise & Red Sea - 16 Days

Ancient wonders meet adventurous nature excursions on this epic 16-day trip across Egypt. Alongside a jam-packed itinerary of temple tours, city explorations, and a multiday Nile River cruise, you'll see a more rugged side of the country as you venture deep into the White Desert and explore the Red Sea coastline around Dahab. Immersive day trips to Alexandria and Abu Simbel and a cross-border visit to Petra round things out.

Adventure your way through Egypt on this 15-day tour that takes you from Cairo to the Red Sea town of Dahab

Adventurous Egypt: City, Desert, River & Coast - 15 Days

With desert camping, camel rides, and a Red Sea snorkeling excursion, this 15-day itinerary adds a dash of adventure to your Egyptian vacation. Start in Cairo with some classic sightseeing and the pyramids of Giza, then it's on to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings by hot-air balloon and board a Nile River cruise to Aswan. After a day trip to Alexandria and a night under the stars in the White Desert, fly to coastal Dahab, where you'll dive into coral reefs and take a quick jaunt into Jordan to see Petra.

Other popular travel destinations in Egypt
Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Kom Ombo · Esna · Hurghada · Sharm el-Sheikh · Alexandria · Siwa · Fayoum

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