Spanning thousands of years of ancient history, how can you see it all when visiting Egypt? Because Egypt is such a high-traffic tourist destination, there are plenty of strategic trips to book to make the most of your time. While the shorter, five-day tours incorporate the top historical highlights, from the Pyramids of Giza to cruising along the Nile River, with more time, you can also explore beaches, deserts, and even cross over into a second country.
Five days in Egypt offers plenty of choices, where most travelers want to spend time in Cairo, a great hub for visiting the famous Egyptian Museum, and nearby Giza to see the pyramids and Sphinx. For ancient Egyptian history, opt to continue to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings or make a side trip to Alexandria, seeing the Roman ruins before returning to Cairo for a Nile dinner cruise. Another alternative is to sail down the Nile River or combine a few days touring ancient Egyptian monuments with a few days at a beach resort on the Red Sea.
With six days in Egypt, it's best to focus on two regions or book a multiple-stop cruise to maximize your time. History buffs will enjoy Egyptologist-led tours of Alexandria's catacombs and the pyramids of Giza. Culinary travelers will relish the chance to dine under the stars at a Bedouin camp and sample street food on a Cairo tasting tour. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel at Ras Mohamed National Park, go bird-watching at Qarun Lake, and join an overnight trek to see the sunrise at Mount Sinai.
With a week to spend in Egypt, travelers have several great options. Try a highlights tour that takes you to Cairo, Alexandria, and the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh, or choose an itinerary that focuses specifically on history and culture, including a side trip to Aswan and the incredible rock-cut tombs at Abu Simbel. Alternatively, combine a few days of sightseeing in Cairo with a three-day boat cruise down the Nile. Or add Jordan into the mix, spending a few days in Egypt before crossing the border to explore Petra and Wadi Rum. Find out more about your options by reading the itineraries below.
Ten days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Egypt. With enough time to explore several regions, you can combine an extended stay in Cairo with a multi-day cruise down the Nile River or opt for a faster-paced tour and include time in Sharm el-Sheikh. You could also combine a tour of ancient Egyptian cities with a safari in the desert oasis of Siwa, while those looking to include Jordan in their itinerary can travel from Cairo and Saint Catherine's Monastery northeast to the Dead Sea.
Two weeks is a generous amount of time to spend in Egypt. With 14 days, you can focus on Egyptian culture and history, touring the country's pyramids and ancient monuments, or opt to structure your trip around a cruise down the Nile River. Alternatively, you might like to divide your time between more than one country: Spend the first week in Egypt before adventuring to Morocco or Jordan.
