The land of the Pharaohs, ancient temples, the River Nile, and iconic monuments – Egypt’s history and culture span over 5,000 years.
This North African country is home to one of the world’s earliest and greatest ancient civilizations, making it a top destination for travelers interested in archaeology, ancient wonders, and breathtaking landscapes.
From the mesmerizing Pyramids of Giza to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Precinct to cruising the Nile River and relaxing at the Red Sea resorts, Egypt guarantees an unforgettable experience.
10 Days to Discover the Best of Egypt
With so much to see and do, planning the ultimate Egyptian adventure can be overwhelming.
This 10-day Egypt itinerary will help you experience the highlights and hidden gems while discovering the Land of the Pharaohs at your own pace.
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
Arrive at the bustling capital city, check into your hotel, and take an evening stroll to ease your jet lag.
Cairo never sleeps – walk along the Nile Corniche, grab some shisha at a local café, haggle at Khan el Khalili bazaar, or admire the city lights from the Cairo Tower viewpoint.
Day 2: The Pyramids of Giza & Camel Ride
No Egypt trip is complete without visiting its star attraction – the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World.
Spend your day at the Giza Plateau exploring the 4000-year old pyramids built for pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
Don’t forget the panoramic view from the desert plateau, learning about the Sphinx’s secrets up-close and enjoying a short camel ride for the ultimate Egyptian experience.
Day 3: Memphis & Saqqara
Dedicate the next day for the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Memphis and Saqqara south of Cairo.
Once the ancient capital, explore Memphis open air museum. See Ramses II’s colossal statue at the Unas Pyramid of Saqqara, and descend into the Step Pyramid – the earliest pyramid ever constructed.
Day 4: Luxor’s West Bank – Valley of the Kings
Fly out to the city of Luxor early morning. Known as “The World’s Greatest Open Air Museum”, Luxor was the religious capital of Ancient Egypt.
Start by crossing over to the west bank where the New Kingdom pharaohs built massive mortuary temples and were buried within the secluded Valley of the Kings with its peculiar shaped tombs.
Explore various royal tombs painted with historic scenes and texts from Egyptian mythology.
Day 5: Karnak & Luxor Temples
Dedicate your day to the mammoth temple complexes in Luxor city oriented to worshipping the Theban triad of gods.
At Karnak, walk along the Avenue of the Sphinxes leading up to the marvelous Hypostyle Hall with its towering pillars. Then watch the sun set over the Nile from the regal Luxor temple.
Day 6: Cruise down River Nile
Board your Nile cruise ship and embark on a relaxing 3–4-day ride down Egypt’s lifeline branching through desert valleys dotted with temples.
Make stops along the way to visit Dendera, Abydos, and more riverside ruins. Relax on the sundeck and take in views of palm-fringed shores backed by desert hills.
Days 7-8: Red Sea Resort
After disembarking from your Nile cruise on day 6, make your way over to Egypt’s eastern coast on the Red Sea.
Check into a beachside resort in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, El Gouna, or similar resort towns for some rest and relaxation.
Go snorkeling in the turquoise waters to discover coral reefs filled and sail on a glass-bottom boat. Or explore the nearby desert landscapes on a quad bike. The Red Sea Riviera promises lazy beach days combined with aquatic adventures.
Day 9: Fly Back to Cairo
Catch a morning flight for your last day back in Cairo. Visit the staggering collections of Egyptian and Mediterranean antiquities at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
Then embark on a walking tour of medieval Islamic Cairo. Explore labyrinthine souqs perfumed with spice, admiring intricately carved mosques and madrassas, and have a memorable last supper at a traditional restaurant.
Day 10: Final Departure
Indulge in final views of the pyramids if time permits before your flight back home. Say farewell (for now) to magical Egypt taking home unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!
Additional Tips for an Epic Egypt Adventure
- Avoid the summer months between June-August due to extreme heat
- Respect local culture by dressing modestly when visiting religious sites
- For female solo travelers, modest clothing and joining group tours allows comfortable sightseeing
- Carry small Egyptian Pounds for entrance tickets to monuments and haggling at bazaars
- Check visa requirements and secure in advance to avoid delays
- Only drink bottled water and get necessary vaccinations
- Use licensed guides at ancient sites for an educational and hassle-free experience
An incredible destination for history buffs and culture aficionados alike, this Egypt itinerary lets you curate an unparalleled North African adventure discovering ancient treasures along the Nile to modern coastal resorts by the Red Sea over 10 magical days.
Have you been dreaming about your Egyptian trip? Now is the perfect time to book it!
