10-Day Egypt Itinerary for Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada
Egypt, the ancient land of mummified pharaohs and towering pyramids, is a destination that has fascinated and beckoned travelers for centuries. If you’re intrigued, you’re not alone. Approximately 12 million people visit Egypt every year, making it the third most touristed amongst the Middle Eastern countries.
My trip to Egypt back in 2022 was forever life-changing. I toured the bustling street markets of Cairo, stood in awe of the Great Pyramids of Giza, rode in a hot air balloon in Luxor, got up close with mummies, and swam in the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea, to name a few.
To me, Egypt is not just a vacation; it is an immersion into history and culture that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
This detailed 10-day Egypt itinerary provides a comprehensive and vibrant look at Egypt’s top destinations: Cairo, Luxor, Dendera, & Hurghada. As a first-time visitor just dipping your toes in, these are the cities I highly recommend exploring!
Here’s my 10-day Egypt itinerary!
Summary
Egypt Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in the Bustling City of Cairo
Welcome to the beating heart of Egypt! Cairo is the home to the country’s busiest international airport, so it makes sense to begin your itinerary here.
The Cairo International Airport sits just outside the city. Depending on where your accommodation is, it can take an hour, sometimes longer, to get checked in. It also doesn’t help that the traffic is absolutely terrible and congested.
Use the first day to reach your hotel, relax, and get over the jetlag.
After settling into your accommodations, head out and dip into the local cuisine with a stroll through Cairo’s street markets.
Egypt Itinerary Day 2: Sightseeing Tour of Cairo, Egypt
Good morning! Today is your first full day in Cairo! I recommend using this day to get out and explore the city.
Top sites to see in Cairo:
- Coptic Cairo. A historic neighborhood in Cairo where you can trace the roots of Christianity in Egypt. It’s home to some of the world’s oldest churches. Be sure to check out:
- The Hanging Church. This church is perhaps the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo, dating back to the 5th century AD.
- Church of St. Sergius & Bacchus. This is home to the cave where the holy family hid for three months.
- Mohammed Ali Mosque within the Saladin Citadel
- Khan el-Khalili Bazar
- Cairo Citadel
- Saqqara and Dahshur. Egypt’s largest archaeological site and home to the Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest pyramid. You’ll also find the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid located here.
see also:
Egypt Itinerary Day 3: Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum
Today’s the day! On day three of this Egypt itinerary, you get to spend time at the oldest and only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World: The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.
Nine pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and a collection of smaller tombs sit on the Giza Plateau, also called the Necropolis of Giza. The Pyramid of Khufu, with its two neighbors, the Pyramid of Khafre and Menkaure, form one of the most iconic sights in Egypt, if not the entire world.
I recommend getting there as early as possible to avoid the crowds and afternoon heat. If you want to read up on everything you’ll need to know before visiting the pyramids, read my all-inclusive guide here.
SEE ALSO:
After touring the pyramids, spend the afternoon avoiding the heat at the Egyptian Museum. This museum contains the world’s most extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts.
You could spend several hours here and not even scratch the surface!
Egypt Itinerary Day 4: Morning Flight to Luxor & Sightseeing Tour of Luxor
Kiss Cairo goodbye and head south to the city once known as Thebes! Board your short, early morning flight from Cairo to Luxor.
Top Sites to see in Luxor:
- Amun Temple Enclosure
- Karnak Temple Complex. This includes the Great Temple of Amun-Re and the Avenue of the Sphinxes.
- Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu
- Luxor Temple. I recommend you spend the evening at the Luxor Temple. The stones light up at night, creating an eerie spectacle as shadow and light play off the reliefs and colonnades.
- Valley of the Queens
Egypt Itinerary Day 5: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Vally of the Kings
Before dawn, hop in a hot air balloon and witness the sunrise over the beautiful landscape of Egypt. See firsthand just how vast the Nile River flows and the endless golden desert as far as the eye can see.
Cross the Nile today and behold the sacred sights of the West Bank of Luxor. For 500 years, this is where ancient Egyptians built tons of tombs and shrines for royalty, including Queen Hatshepsut and King Tut.
In the evening, cruise down the Nile on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat used since ancient times, for a magical sunset over the Nile River.
Egypt Itinerary Day 6: Head to Dendera, then to a Change of Scenery in Hurghada
On day six of your Egypt itinerary, head up the Nile to Dendera, home to one of the best-preserved temple complexes remaining from Ancient Egypt. The temple complex is enormous, with unique temples and patios dating back to various Egyptian periods.
Visiting the Dendera Temple was one of my personal favorites of my Egypt itinerary. The temple has an intriguing dome decorated with sculptures depicting the ancient Egyptian zodiac.
It’s a mind-blowing look into the astrological beliefs of the ancient Egyptians and is even the first representation of the zodiac in history.
Take a peek at the Dendera Light Relief, a wall carving that some believe depicts modern electricity usage in ancient times.
After visiting Dendera, begin your transition to beach life as you continue your travels to the coastal city of Hurghada.
Egypt Itinerary Day 7: A Day of Azure Magic on Paradise Island
Welcome to Hurghada! Clear your schedule for a day of pure relaxation and underwater wonders.
Paradise Island is a private beach off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt. It’s a peaceful place with crystal clear blue water and is truly quite a paradise. A day trip to Paradise Island is a great way to escape the bustling big cities of Egypt.
I recommend booking an all-day boat tour that includes snorkeling in the Red Sea, too!
Egypt Itinerary Day 8: Activity Day in Hurghada
Don’t be fooled by Hurghada’s serene beauty – this city knows how to keep you entertained!
Top Activities in Hurghada:
Engage in
- water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, or riding a banana boat
Delve into
- the marine world with a visit to the Hurghada Grand Aquarium
- Go on a 4WD safari tour through the rugged Eastern Desert
Egypt Itinerary Day 9: Return to the Hustle & Bustle of Cairo
It is time to leave the serenity of the Red Sea and transition back to the lively streets of Cairo. This is the longest travel time of the itinerary: you’ll need a whopping 5-6 hours to commute from Hurghada back to Cairo.
Highlights:
- Travel back to Cairo from Hurghada
- Wrap up or revisit some must-see Cairo sights, like the Cairo Tower or Al-Azhar Mosque
Egypt Itinerary Day 10: Fly Home
It’s time to say goodbye to the land of gods, pharaohs, and pyramids. Your last moments in Cairo can be spent shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a leisurely meal.
Take one last stroll around Cairo to soak up the atmosphere and say goodbye!
In hindsight, Egypt is a demanding, exhausting, and sometimes annoying country. But at the same time, it’s so worth all the hassle!
If you’re traveling to Egypt for the first time, check out my post on the top ten essentials to know before visiting Egypt here.
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Best Time to Visit Egypt
The best time of year to visit Egypt is from October to April when the weather is mild and comfortable. This also coincides with peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
The summer months (May to September) can be scorching but offer lower prices and fewer tourists. Regardless of when you visit, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!
Entry Requirements for Your Trip to Egypt
Before traveling to Egypt, make sure you have
the following entry requirements in order:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining
before expiration - A tourist visa (can be obtained upon arrival for most nationalities)
It’s always best to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date entry requirements before your trip.
What to Wear & What to Pack for a 10-Day Trip to Egypt
When packing for your trip to Egypt, it’s important to consider the country’s conservative culture and warm desert climate. I dedicated an entire post on this topic here. Some highlighted essentials include:
- Modest clothing: To respect the local customs, make sure to pack modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Sun protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Egyptian sun.
- Comfortable shoes: With all the walking and exploring you’ll be doing, comfortable shoes are a must. Sandals or closed-toe shoes are best for navigating uneven terrain and climbing through ancient ruins.
- Scarf or shawl: You may need to cover your head when visiting religious sites, so it’s helpful to have a scarf or shawl on hand.
- Light layers: While the days may be hot, the evenings can get cooler. Pack light layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- In addition to these essentials, make sure also to pack any necessary medications and a first aid kit.
SEE ALSO:
Egyptian Food You Must Try During Your Visit
No trip to Egypt is complete without indulging in some of the country’s most delicious and unique dishes.
Here are a few must-try dishes during your visit:
- Koshari: A popular street food made with rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas, and topped with tomato sauce and crispy fried
onions. - Ful medames: A traditional breakfast dish made with fava beans, herbs, and spices.
- Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea balls served in a pita or on their own with tahini sauce.
- Umm Ali: A decadent dessert made with puff pastry, nuts, and a creamy milk sauce.
Last-Minute Advice to Keep in Mind While Planning Out Your Egypt Itinerary
- Research and book your activities well in advance.
- In my experience, Egypt is a difficult country to travel solo. Consider using a trusted tour company (Like EF Ultimate, GAdventures, Contiki, GetYourGuide, Viator, etc.) for transportation and guided tours to ensure safety and overall convenience.
- Try to maintain a balanced schedule. While cramming as many activities and sights as possible into each day may be tempting, this can quickly lead to burnout. Allow yourself some flexibility.
Egypt offers an incredible mix of adventure, culture, and history that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. A 10-day trip to Egypt will surely be an unforgettable experience for any adventure-seeker!
Reina Conboy
I am a full-time traveling registered nurse, fitness enthusiast, and plant-based nutrition expert. Every morning I wake up intending to bring awareness of the importance of health and spiritual wellness, especially to the traveling community. This blog is designed to bring you travel and health advice while sprinkling in some fun life stories.
