Are you dreaming of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt? Look no further! In this article, we have curated the best Egypt itinerary for first-timers which will take you on a captivating journey through this historically rich and culturally diverse country in 8, 15 or 21 days.
From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the mystical temples of Luxor and the tranquil waters of the Nile River, get ready to immerse yourself in the extraordinary legacy left behind by one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique travel experience, our comprehensive guide will ensure that your visit to Egypt is unforgettable.
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We spent 21 days travelling Egypt from Alexandria to Abu Simbel. After much research with the many companies that offer Egyptian itineraries, we chose to travel with Egyptian Educational Travel.
Egyptian Education Travel (Edu Travel) came highly recommended to us by a fellow travel writer.
For our travels in Egypt, we chose to have our own private Egyptologist and driver instead of using a fully organised bus tour. This was our personal preference as we did not want to be rushed from site to site but to take our time and enjoy the experience at a slower pace. As I am an ex-travel agent I organised our flights, our Dahabiya cruise with Nour el Nil and accommodation and everything else such as transfers and tours etc was booked through Edu Travel.
We were so impressed with their services throughout the 21 days that we have partnered with them and can now offer you a 5% discount when booking your Egyptian adventure. They offer travel services for 1 to 45 people – private travel or group travel. Your contact is the owner Romani Gaballa. They have a team of experienced Egyptologists and some of the best drivers in Egypt. They are a one-stop travel organisation that can arrange flights, accommodation, ground transport, cruises etc.
If you want to organise it all yourself this article will give you options.
Now that we have spent time in Egypt we made the right decision to use the services of Edu Travel to organise the ground transport, tours and our Egyptologists in each location.
Good to know: you will need to ensure that you do book well in advance as hotels, cruises etc are booked many months in advance
Use Promo Code TTT24 when enquiring and booking your Egyptian AdventureHot Tip:
There is so much to learn about Egypt we purchased the book below before we travelled – it helped us to discover background history before we visited the many sites in our itinerary.
FAQ’s When Visiting Egypt
When is the Best Time To Visit Egypt
This is a frequently asked question and one that is very important when planning your travels.
The busiest months to visit Egypt are the winter and spring months from November to April. We visited in November and the weather was perfect. The nights can be a little chilly the further south you travel from Cairo. Our sunrise tour to Abu Simbel was chilly and windy so ensure that you have a jacket and scarf. During our two days in Alexandria, the weather was perfect, at night we did not need a jacket. We would recommend taking a hat with you, and ladies you will need a scarf to cover up when visiting mosques.
We did find on some days when visiting sites such as Sakkara, Memphis and Giza that during the day it was quite hot in the mid-30s. We are used to the heat after living in Singapore for 6 years and our home base is Sydney Australia where temperatures during summer reach 40 degrees.
The hottest months are from May to August. Our Dahabiya cruise company Nour El Nil does not operate during July and August due to the high temperatures.
Is it safe to visit Egypt?
When we planned our travels to Egypt the Israel-Gaza conflict of 7th October 2023 had not commenced. The Australian Government had had a ‘reconsider your plans to travel’ since July 2023 and this had not changed before we departed.
After being in the country for the 3 weeks we can say that we felt safe during the whole period. Everywhere we travelled whether arriving at our hotel, visiting sites or travelling on the road from Aswan to Abu Simbel there were security checks and the presence of police or armed security forces.
Our 3 Weeks in Egypt Itinerary Summary
Check out our YouTube video of our 2 weeks itinerary with Edu Travel and our one week on board the Malouka – Dahabiya Nile Cruise here.
Nile Cruise – Dahabiya Malouka with Nour El Nil Video
Related reading: How to spend 3 days in Cairo
How to spend two days in Alexandria
Day One – Arrive in Cairo
Day Two – Visit the Citadel of Saladin, the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, and the Egyptian Museum.
Day Three – Visit the Old Coptic and Islamic Cairo including the Hanging Church, Holy Family Cave Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Ibn Tulun Mosque with its unique minaret, and Museum of Sir Gayer Anderson, Khan El Khalili Bazaar and El Moez Street.
Day Four – Drive to Alexandria. On the way, we visited St Makarious Monastery and learnt about Coptic Monasticism and the daily routine of the monks. In Alexandria visit the Catacombs and Pompey’s Pillar.
Stay at the Paradise Inn Le Metropole in Alexandria for a classical luxury hotel stay. In the evening enjoy the lights of Alexandria from their rooftop bar and restaurant – Skyview.
Day Five – Royal Gardens of Montazah, National Museum of Alexandria, the New Library of Alexandria and Qait-bay Fortress.
Day Six – Depart Alexandria and head back to Cairo. On the way visit the new GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum).
Day Seven – Travel to Memphis, visit the Step Pyramid and the Nobel Tombs at Sakkara. BBQ lunch before heading back to Giza and visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Day Eight – Transfer to Cairo Domestic Airport for flight to Luxor.
On arrival, we were met by a representative of Edu Travel to visit the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor.
Read: how to spend 4 days in Luxor
Wondering where to stay in Luxor? Read our review of the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor here
We also stayed at the Pavillon Winter Palace in Luxor you can read the review here
Day Nine
Visit the Valley of the Kings, King Tut Tomb, Ramses IV tomb, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon.
In the evening a visit to the Sound & Light Show at Karnak.
Day Ten
Visit Dendera Temple and Abydos Temple. Book your tour here.
Day Eleven
Hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Ours was cancelled due to the weather.
Travel tip: Book the hot air balloon flight for the first morning you arrive in case of bad weather, so you have time to reschedule.
Visit the Temple of Madinet Habu, Ramesseum Temple, Valley of the Queens and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari. Book your tour here.
In the late afternoon tour Luxor and the local markets by horse and carriage. Visit the Mummification Museum.
Day Twelve
Day one of Nour El Nil Dahabiya Nile River Cruise, departure from the hotel for transfer to Esna.
In Esna visit the Temple of Khnum and a local market before boarding.
(There are many cruises available from Luxor to Aswan if you do not want to travel via a dahabiya. Check this cruise out here.
Day Thirteen
On day two of our Dahabiya Cruise visited El Kab and Edfu.
Day Fourteen
Day three of our Dahabiya cruise. Time for a swim in the Nile at lunchtime before heading to the evening destination. In the afternoon a sunset walk in the desert.
Day Fifteen
Day four of our Dahabiya cruise. Visit the sandstone quarries and the Temple of Horemheb.
Day Sixteen
Day five of our Dahabiya cruise. Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo and the new Crocodile Museum. Overnight in Aswan.
Day Seventeen
Day six of our Dahabiya cruise – Aswan. Check out of our Dahabiya cruise in the morning and check into your hotel, we stayed at the – the Old Cataract Palace.
You can read our review here of the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel here
In the afternoon, sail by felucca around Elephantine Island before visiting the Botanical Gardens of Aswan. Take a motorboat and cross to the west side of the Nile to visit the Monastery of St Simon and a Nubian Village.
Day Eighteen
Related reading: How to spend 2 days in Aswan
Visit Philae Temple, the local Nubian Museum and Arch-Angels Michael Coptic Cathedral.
Day Nineteen
Related reading: How to spend two days in Abu Simbel
Drive or fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
In the evening enjoy the Sound & Light Show at Abu Simbel.
Day Twenty
Sunrise tour of the Temple of Abu Simbel.
Day Twenty One
Drive to Aswan and fly to Cairo Airport or fly from Abu Simbel to Cairo.
Flight bookings can be made here.
15-Day Egypt Itinerary
Read our 3 day in Cairo itinerary here
Day One – Arrive in Cairo
Day Two – Visit the Citadel of Saladin, the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, Egyptian Museum.
Day Three – Visit the Old Coptic and Islamic Cairo including the Hanging Church, Holy Family Cave Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Ibn Tulun Mosque with its unique minaret, and Museum of Sir Gayer Anderson, Khan El Khalili Bazaar and El Moez Street.
Day Four – Drive to Alexandria. On the way, we visited St Makarious Monastery and learnt about Coptic Monasticism and the daily routine of the monks. In Alexandria visit the Catacombs and Pompey’s Pillar.
Stay at the Paradise Inn Le Metropole in Alexandria
Day Five – Royal Gardens of Montazah, National Museum of Alexandria, the New Library of Alexandria and Qait-bay Fortress.
Day Six – Depart Alexandria and head back to Cairo. On the way visit the new GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum).
Day Seven – Travel to Memphis, and visit the Step Pyramid and the Nobel Tombs at Sakkara. BBQ lunch before heading back to Giza and visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Day Eight – Transfer to Cairo Domestic Airport for flight to Luxor.
Stay at the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor
or you can stay at her sister hotel Pavillon Winter Palace located in the same grounds
On arrival, we were met by a representative of Edu Travel to visit the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor.
Day Nine
Visit the Valley of the Kings, King Tut Tomb, Ramses IV tomb, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon.
In the evening a visit to the Sound & Light Show at Karnak.
Day Ten
Visit Dendera Temple and Abydos Temple.
Day Eleven
Hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Ours was cancelled due to the weather.
Travel tip: Book the hot air balloon flight for the first morning you arrive in case of bad weather.
Visit the Temple of Madinet Habu, Ramesseum Temple, Valley of the Queens and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari.
In the late afternoon tour Luxor and the local markets by horse and carriage. Visit the Mummification Museum.
Day Twelve to Day Fifteen – Option One Nile River Cruise
3-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Fly from Aswan back to Cairo.
Day Twelve to Day Fifteen – Option Two
Day Twelve – day at leisure in Luxor
Day Thirteen – fly from Luxor to Abu Simbel. In the evening Light and Sound Show
Day Fourteen – sunrise tour to Abu Simbel and rest of day at leisure
Day Fifteen – fly from Abu Simbel back to Cairo
8-Day Egypt Itinerary
Read our 3 days in Cairo itinerary here
Day One – Arrival in Cairo.
Day Two
Morning: Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali.
Afternoon: Egyptian Museum
Day Three
Morning: New GEM Museum, Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Afternoon: Khan El Khalili Bazaar and El Moez Street with its many Islamic Mosques
Day Four
Morning: Fly to Luxor
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor
Day Five
Morning: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Temple of Memnon.
Afternoon: Back to your hotel and early evening enjoy the Sound and Light Show at the Temple of Karnak.
Day Six
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Flight over the Valley of the Kings and the Hatshepsut Temple, tombs and villages on the West Bank of the Nile.
Morning: Visit the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Madinet Habu-Ramesseum Temple and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari.
Late Afternoon: relax by the pool before visiting the town of Luxor by horse carriage
Day Seven
Fly to Abu Simbel, visit the Temple of Abu Simbel, and return to Luxor
Day Eight
Flight from Luxor to Cairo.
Whether you plan to spend 7, 9, 10, 12 or more or less days in Egypt you can use a combination of the itineraries we have given.
Looking for a add-on to a beach destination in Egypt ?-Check out our guide on Hurghada here
Have you considered travelling to Petra in Jordan on this trip?
Hotel Accommodation Egypt
There are so many hotels available throughout Egypt to suit all budgets. As Egypt was a bucket list travel experience for us we chose to stay in luxury hotels. There are many options for 4-star and 3-star hotels throughout Egypt.
Good to know: some of the hotels in Cairo do not serve alcohol. If you enjoy a nightly sundowner check before you book.
Our list of hotels in Egypt we stayed in: (check out our YouTube videos here of our stay in each hotel)
Cairo – Steinberger El Tahir
Alexandria – Le Metropole
Giza – Marriott Mena House
Luxor – Sofitel Winter Palace and Sofitel Pavillion Winter
You can read our review of the Sofitel Winter Palace here
You can read our review of the Pavillon Winter Palace Hotel here
Aswan – Old Cataract Hotel
You can read our review of the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel here
Abu Simbel – Seti Abu Simbel
General Information for Arrival in Egypt
Egyptian Visas
Most countries will need a visa to enter Egypt. There are only a few exceptions.
Obtaining an E-Visa
If you need a visa you can apply online here at the official Government visa website. It is a simple process. Ours took just under 24 hours to arrive. If you’re not eligible to apply for a visa online, you’ll need to do so through your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate. Please allow enough time to organise your visas.
Print your visa out with you and carry it in your passport throughout your time in Egypt.
Obtaining a Visa on Arrival
To obtain your visa at the airport you will need USD25 per person. There are approved bank kiosks within the airport arrival hall, before reaching immigration counters.
You will be given a stamp to put on your passport before you reach the immigration counter. Ensure that you have 6 months validity on your passport, a travel itinerary and documentation for accommodation and tours etc.
Obtaining a Visa Through a Visa Company
This is an extra cost for the visa company to obtain the visa for you. For more details click below.
Obtaining Egyptian Pounds
We travelled with Australian Dollars and exchanged them at the bank counters in the arrival hall with ease. You can also obtain Egyptian pounds from ATMs and hotels.
The exchange rate is set by the Government for your currency conversion.
Credit/Debit Cards
We travel with a debit and a credit card. If you are not travelling in a group or with a guide where tickets are purchased in advance for the major sites they will need to be paid for by credit card or Egyptian pounds (depending on the site). Ensure that you have a mix of both.
Sim Cards
On this journey, we trialled Holafly e-sim as well as purchased a sim card after passing through Immigration at Cairo Airport through Vodafone.
I had excellent coverage with my e-sim even on the 3-hour journey through the desert from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Good to know: you can’t make telephone calls or send SMS messages currently with the Holafly e-sim nor can you hotspot to your laptop or other device.
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