How Many Days to Spend in Egypt?
Egypt, one of the oldest civilizations, is home to a plethora of attractions that are as rich as its history. From historical sites to leisurely beaches, if you're wondering how many days you'll need to explore all these sights, this article will help you plan the appropriate itinerary for your Egypt tour.
How Many Days in Egypt is Enough?
We've received questions like, "Is 5 or 7 days enough for exploring Egypt?", or "What's the ideal duration for an Egypt tour?"
Generally, we recommend the ideal duration of 10 - 12 days for an Egypt tour, as you can explore the best Egypt has to offer from north to south. However, 7 days are also enough for most iconic attractions, including the Giza Pyramids, the Nile Cruise between Aswan and Luxor, along with the ancient temples along the riverbank.
If you have about 14 days for the trip, you can take an additional splendor Nile Cruise from Abu Simbel and visit more popular cities such as Alexandria, Fayoum, Hurghada, etc.
If you can have more than 15 days of vacation, you can experience Egypt in depth or combine your Egypt tour with a nearby country, like Jordan, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, etc.
Spend About 10 Days in Egypt - Ideal Duration
We suggest 10 - 12 days, as you can experience the best of Egypt at a relatively relaxed pace. It allows a circle starting from Cairo to Aswan, then take a cruise along the Nile River through Kom Ombo, Edfu, and arrive in Luxor. Then, fly to Hurghada for a leisure beach holiday by the famed Red Sea.
Here's a brief itinerary with recommended things to see and do:
Day 1-3 Cairo
In three days in Cairo, you can explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling streets and have time to enjoy a meal or something you like, not rush from one site to another.
The iconic Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, should always be a must-see. It usually takes half a day. The Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the ancient Egyptian pyramids and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You can ride a camel to see the pyramids and sphinxes, which will definitely be an unprecedented experience. As the camel steps faster and faster, the pyramids and sphinxes gradually appear in front of your eyes. This kind of shocking feeling can't be felt in any book or video. Only when you walk into them can you feel grandeur personally. It's even harder to imagine how ancient Egyptians completed such a great building 4700 years ago without any modern tools. If you want, you can take a bit more time to go inside the pyramid to explore and see what it looks like.
Pyramids of Giza, Cairo
The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids is now soft-open; you can also take a half-day trip there for a deep dive into ancient wonders. Or, you can choose the Egyptian Museum in the city to see phraros antiquities.
Use one day to wander through Islamic Cairo, visiting the Citadel of Saladin, the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Coptic Cairo's Hanging Church. In addition, visiting the Khalili bazaar will be a special experience in the strong Arabian atmosphere. In the bazaar, the enthusiastic vendors, the noisy bargaining, the smell of spices, and the wide variety of small goods will surely make you unforgettable. As you enter the bazaar from the entrance of Al-Azhar Road, you can see historic Arabesque buildings on both sides of the road. If you are not a big shopper, just take some photos and rest in cafes opened by local artists around the market, with a cup of traditional Arabic tea.
Day 4-7 Nile Cruise
You can definitely listen to the call from an ancient civilization on a four-day, three-night Nile cruise. You can start from Aswan to Luxor. Both banks of the Nile River are pristine natural scenery.
During the journey, you can visit five temples along the way, including the Sobek Temple and the Temple of Horus. Sobek Temple differs from many Egyptian temples because it is dedicated to two gods, which will definitely give you a different experience.
The Temple of Horus is the best-preserved temple in Egypt and the only one with a roof remaining. When you see the vast tower gate of the temple, you will be struck by magnificent momentum. Its majesty seems to have never decayed over the generations but rather adds a sense of vicissitudes.
In addition, you can also visit the High Dam and Valley of the Kings, which are both very popular attractions in Egypt. More than that, you can watch the sunrise and sunset from the boat. In the evening, you can also enjoy Egyptian cuisine and participate in a distinctive Egyptian song and dance performance.
Valley of the Kings, Luxor
Day 8-10 Hurghada
Hurghada offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure by the Red Sea. After exploring Egypt's ancient wonders, unwind on pristine beaches, enjoy world-class resorts, and indulge in fresh seafood. For adventure seekers, Hurghada offers incredible snorkeling and diving at vibrant coral reefs, thrilling desert safaris, and water sports like kitesurfing and parasailing. In the evenings, stroll along the marina, explore local markets, or take a sunset cruise. It's the ideal way to wrap up your journey.
A Beach Resort in Hurghada
Spend 5-7 Days in Egypt - Quick Look
If your time is limited and you only have 5-7 days to travel in Egypt, you can choose 1 or 2 cities to visit depending on your preferences. Generally, if you are a fan of ancient Egyptian civilization, you can choose Cairo and Luxor to explore. As we mentioned above, these two cities boast the most iconic heritages in Egypt.
Especially if you are very interested in Egyptian temples, Luxor is a must visit. Luxor, with its complex of Pharaonic temples, is the city with the highest concentration of ancient Egyptian ruins; the famous Luxor Temple and Temple of Karnak are also located here.
Temple of Karnak, Luxor
If you are seeking to combine pyramids with a beach holiday within just one week, we would recommend Cairo plus Alexandria. Alexandria, a city steeped in history on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, exudes a timeless charm. Founded by Alexander the Great, it echoes tales of ancient wonders, including the legendary Great Library and the Pharos Lighthouse. The most important thing is that Alexandria is just about a 2.5 hours drive from Cairo, which is quite accessible.
Alexandria
Spend About 14 Days in Egypt
If you have about 2 weeks on vacation, you will have more time to explore mysterious Egypt. You can add 1 or 2 destinations into the 10-day itinerary we mentioned above, like Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Fayoum, or any city you're interested in.
Abu Simbel Temples, carved into a mountainside under the order of Ramses II, are one of Egypt's most extraordinary sights. Moreover, Abu Simbel is also the starting point for some Nile cruises, giving you an unforgettable journey down the river. For those visiting in February or October, the Abu Simbel Sun Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, when the sun aligns perfectly with the temple's inner sanctum, illuminating the statues of Ramses II. It's a magical addition that blends history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. An exploration to Abu Simbel usually takes a day after Cairo or Aswan, then connect with a Nile River cruise tour.
Abu Simbel Temples
Fayoum is about 100km from Cairo, which usually take 1.5 hours to drive. It is one of the oldest cities in Africa, and the Fayoum Oasis is one of the five great oases of Egypt. Take 2 or 3 days to explore Fayoum, you can not only visit the pyramids and temples of different periods but also participate in various interesting activities in the Fayoum Desert, such as sand skiing and camel riding. Besides, you can play in the water by the ancient Lake Moeris and visit ancient whale fossils in Wadi Al-Hitan. At night, you will camp in the desert and join the local people's party to experience Egyptian customs. As soon as you look up, you will see a sky full of stars, and you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable night.
Spend Over 16 Days - Egypt & More
For those with more than 16 days to explore Egypt, you can dive even deeper into its wonders and even extend your journey to nearby countries.
For an in-depth Egypt tour, beyond classic highlights like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and a Nile cruise, consider venturing into the White Desert for surreal landscapes, exploring the Siwa Oasis for its unique Berber culture and salt lakes, or spending extra time on the Red Sea, either in Sharm EI-Sheikh or the more laid-back Marsa Alam, known for its incredible diving spots and unspoiled beaches.
To make your travel experience more diverse, this duration makes it considerable for combining Egypt with nearby destinations. A short flight can take you to Jordan, where you can explore Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. You might also visit Morocco for a completely different North African experience with its vibrant souks and stunning desert landscapes. For those seeking wildlife and adventure, Kenya is an excellent addition, offering world-class safaris in the Maasai Mara, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.
12 DAYS 
15 DAYS 
12 DAYS 
14 DAYS Contact Odynovo for A Worry-Free Trip
If you want to plan an Egypt itinerary, please contact us simply. Our private and tailor-made service will provide you with a personalized itinerary based on your needs and interests within 24 hours.
Quick Question
What Our Clients Say
Explore the latest verified reviews of Odynovo's travel services on Tripadvisor, Google, Trustpilot, Product Review and more trusted platforms.
SUBSCRIBE TO WIN A FREE TOUR
Subscribe to our newsletter for a chance to win a free 7-day tour to Egypt! And more insider travel news, exclusive offers, and inspiration will be sent straight to your inbox. Check our previous newsletters and get some sparks.