Welcome, wanderers! In this ultimate Egypt Itinerary, we will weave through ALL the MUST see iconic ancient wonders and accommodation suggestions over 7 epic days.
Expect to see everything from the impressive Pyramids of Giza to the Temples of Luxor and the Tombs of the Kings and Queens. Then onto the bustling markets and the colorful Nubian Village of Aswan, and lastly to sailing up the Nile on an overnight felugga boat that will BLOW YOUR MIND!!!
Table of contents
- Egypt Itinerary (7 Days)
- Things to know before you go
- STOP 1 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary: Cairo (2 nights)
- Things to do in Giza and Cairo
- STOP 2 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary : Aswan 2 nights
- Where to stay in Aswan
- Things to do in Aswan
- STOP 3 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary : Sailing up the Nile on a Felugga
- STOP 4 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary: Luxor 2-3 nights (sail or drive from Aswan)
- Where to stay
- LUXOR Highlights
- If 7 days in Egypt is not enough for you…
Egypt Itinerary (7 Days)
Things to know before you go
- VISA: Before you arrive in Egypt you need to apply online for a Visa on Arrival. Depending on the country you’re from it could be different for you, so it is important to check first. We ordered ours here: Egypt e-Visa Portal (visa egypt.gov.eg) (It cost $25usd in December 2023)
- ESIM: I suggest you order yourself an esim before you arrive. I found it essential to have internet connection and this is the easiest way to stay connected and keep your own sim and phone number active. We used Airalo they have good i that cover Egypt.
- TRANSPORT: Our hotel arranged our transfers and it cost $25USD for a van for 4 passengers. I suggest you allow your hotel to arrange.
- DISCOUNT CODE: All throughout Egypt, it is recommended that you use trusted tour guides and tours. We found Klook, to be a great site to book tours and guides, with trusted suppliers and reviews. To get 10% off you can use our code TRAVELLIVNKLOOK
STOP 1 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary: Cairo (2 nights)
Our 7 day Egypt Itinerary kicks off at the capital of Egypt and where you will likely arrive from your international destination… Cairo. Here you will find the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and other ancient temples that have stood for over a millennium.
Where to Stay
Where we Stayed at: Pyramids Inn
I cannot recommend this hotel more, the view from our room was UNBELIEVABLE and the kind you see in your saved folder on Instagram. It has a full front view of the entire Giza Pyramid complex and was straight across from the entrance gates. It was incredibly CHEAP and also the perfect view point to watch the evening light show, meaning you did not have to buy a ticket! Winning!
Find out more: Pyramids Inn
Things to do in Giza and Cairo
The first place you are going to want to visit is the Pyramids of Giza and inside the Sakkara Pyramids! I would suggest starting first with the Pyramids of Giza to avoid the crowds and then follow it straight up with a visit to the Sakkara Pyramids.
Both of these can be done together as part of a private tour, with a tour guide. Having a tour guide is highly recommended, and you will find it so much easier.
See here: Private tour: GIza Pyramids, Memphis City & Sakkara Pyramid – Klook
➡️ Pyramids of Giza
Probably the most famous landmark in Cairo, and an absolute MUST for any Egypt Itinerary, are the iconic Giza Pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and the Sphinx. A must see if you are in Cairo.
Other things you can do within the Pyramid complex is having a camel ride or having lunch, brunch or a coffee at the @9pyramidslounge which has expansive views over the Pyramids.
ENTRY FEE was 500EGP
➡️ Sakkara Pyramids
Sakkara Pyramids are the lesser-known pyramids of Cairo, these are equally as impressive on the outside however on the inside these pyramids have much more to explore and see.
Having a guide will ensure you go inside the best and most impressive pyramids in this complex.
ENTRY FEE was 450EGP (and extra to get into each Pyramid)
Other things to do while in Cairo
➡️ Souk: Khalili El Moez Street Cairo
Khalili El Moez Street in Cairo city is a bustling souk, and labyrinth where you will find yourself immersed in the sights and smells of Egypt, selling a myriad of goods from spices and textiles to traditional crafts and souvenirs.
➡️ Museum
Visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
STOP 2 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary: Aswan 2 nights
You will start the day early by catching a morning flight from Cairo to Aswan.
The next stop in this 7 Day Egypt Itinerary is Aswan, where you can Immerse yourself in the laid-back charm of this city as you explore the Philae Temple and the beautiful Nile River. Navigate the colorful winding streets of the Nubian villages and absorb the warmth of the locals’ hospitality.
Where to stay in Aswan
Things to do in Aswan
➡️Nubian village
Another MUST Do, in your Egypt Itinerary, is to take a boat trip and visit the traditional Nubian villages. Experience the Nubian culture, colorful houses, and warm hospitality of the locals.
PRICE: We bartered with a local boat and paid 400EGP for a return trip
➡️Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a 3 hour drive from Aswan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt, renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramesses II, showcasing remarkable ancient Egyptian architecture and artistry. You will need to organize a tour to visit Abu Simbel, click here for our suggestion.
➡️Visit the Temple of Philae:
Explore the stunning Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, situated on an island in the Nile. The temple complex is known for its well-preserved hieroglyphs and architecture.
STOP 3 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary: Sailing up the Nile on a Felugga
➡️TRIP HIGHLIGHT: Take an overnight Felugga Sailing adventure to Luxor including a visit to Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo Temples
BOOK THIS EXACT FELUGA HERE: Felugga Stay
This was one of the biggest highlights of the whole trip! We spent a night sailing up the Nile River sleeping aboard a Felugga. It was so relaxing and peaceful, the whole experience like nothing like I have ever done!
BOOK THIS EXACT FELUGA HERE: Felugga Stay
➡️ Kom Ombo
Along the route on aboard the Felugga you will get to stop to visit Kom Ombo Temple. A beautiful temple along the Nile River
ENTRY FEE: 360 EGP
➡️ Temple of Edfu
You will have one more stop before arriving in Luxor and that is the Temple of Edfu, another impressive temple. Each temple is so unique and so different.
ENTRY FEE: 450 EGP
STOP 4 (Egypt 7 Day Itinerary: Luxor 2-3 nights (sail or drive from Aswan)
Where to stay
Our suggestion is: Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor
LUXOR Highlights
➡️ Valley of the Kings
Explore the Valley of the Kings, where you can visit INSIDE the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
TIP: Our favorites were Ramases iv and Ramases v/vi
PRICE: Complex fee 600 EGP, and extra for each tomb
➡️ Hot air balloon
This was INCREDIBLE and the views over the Valley of the Kings and Queens spectacular. We booked through this company:
We booked through: Enjoy Egypt Tours
Other Temples and things you can do, that we didn’t as we ran out of time, are:
➡️ Valley of the Queen’s
Valley of the Queen’s the final resting places of queens, princes, and high officials in the Valley of the Queens, adjacent to the Valley of the Kings.
➡️ Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is an ancient temple complex dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu, beautifully illuminated at night.
➡️ Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple is one of the largest religious sites in the world, featuring ancient temples, chapels and the iconic Hypostyle Hall.
➡️ Sunset sail
What better way to finish your day in Luxor that to sail down the Nile River for a Sunset cruise. This can easily be arranged when you arrive by bartering with a local.
If 7 days in Egypt is not enough for you…
We also added Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik onto our itinerary which I will review in another Blog 🫶🏼 so stay tuned for that one!
Got a Question about our Egypt 7 day Itinerary? Ask below:
