A 7-day trip to Egypt gives travellers enough time to cover most of its popular sites when planned smartly and carefully. This guide provides a practical day-wise itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
Keep your first day in Egypt light and relaxed after a long journey.
What to see and do:
- Check into your hotel in Giza for easier access to the pyramids and other city attractions.
- Take a short walk near your hotel, whatever feels convenient.
- Enjoy a local Egyptian meal and confirm your tickets or plans for the coming days.
Day 2: Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
After an early breakfast, begin your day at the Giza Plateau.
What to see and do:
- Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure.
- Explore the Great Sphinx and the nearby temples.
- Head to the Grand Egyptian Museum to see its unique and historic Egyptian collections.
Helpful tip: Book museum tickets online through the official website to save time.
Day 3: Historic Cairo and Flight to Aswan
Spend the morning and early afternoon in Cairo before taking a flight to Aswan. This UNESCO-listed district is renowned for its historic mosques, fountains, religious schools and traditional streets.
What to see and do:
- Visit the Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
- Walk along the Al-Muizz Street to see masterpieces of Islamic architecture.
- Explore the Khan el-Khalili market, popular for lanterns and souvenirs.
- Enjoy a local dish like Koshary before leaving for the airport.
Travel Tip: Leave early for the airport to avoid missing your flight.
Day 4: Abu Simbel Day Trip
Freshen up and leave Aswan early for a day trip to Abu Simbel. You can either take a domestic flight or a road transfer as per your convenience and budget.
What to see and do:
- Visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II and see its four colossal entrance statues.
- Explore the smaller Temple of Hathor, built in honour of Queen Nefertari.
- Take a view of the carved halls, massive pillars and unique wall scenes inside the temples.
- Return to Aswan, have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at your stay.
Travel Tip: People who do not enjoy long day trips can skip this day trip and just explore Aswan at their own pace.
Day 5: Philae Temple and Travel to Luxor
Start your day by visiting the Philae temple in the morning. The temple complex is reached by boat.
What to see and do:
- Explore the Temple of Isis and see its gateways, courtyards and carved reliefs.
- Take a famous felucca ride on the Nile River (operational during suitable weather).
- Shop for spices, souvenirs and clothing from Aswan’s market.
- Travel to Luxor by train or a transport that is pre-booked.
Tip: Check the latest departure times before travelling.
Day 6: Explore Luxor’s Temples
Begin your day early on the West Bank of Luxor, which is popular for major tombs and temples belonging to ancient Thebes. UNESCO’s Ancient Thebes site includes the West Bank necropolis and the temples of Karnak and Luxor.
What to see and do:
- Explore your preferrable tombs in the Valley of the Kings
- Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.
- Visit Luxor Temple in the evening when the complex is illuminated.
Pro Tip: Check ticket details in advance, as some Valley of the Kings tombs require separate entry tickets.
Day 7: Karnak Temple and Departure
Spend your final morning in Egypt’s Karnak Temple before flying back to Cairo from Luxor.
What to see and do:
- Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall.
- See the temple’s obelisks, pylons and Sacred Lake.
- View the Avenue of Sphinxes linking Karnak and Luxor temples.
- Allow at least two hours to explore the complex properly.
Useful Tip: Keep a generous gap between separately booked domestic and international flights.
