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Welcome to the ultimate guide for your Egyptian adventure! If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through ancient pyramids, sailing down the Nile, or exploring bustling bazaars, then our 14-day Egypt itinerary is exactly what you need. This comprehensive route will take you through Egypt's most iconic sites and hidden gems, ensuring you experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that this fascinating country has to offer. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for an unforgettable vacation, this itinerary has got you covered. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey that you'll remember forever!
In this Article:
Days 1-3: Cairo & Giza
Day 1: Exploring Cairo
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Kickstart your Egyptian adventure with a visit to the world-renowned Grand Egyptian Museum. Home to thousands of artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun, and many Mommies this museum is very interesting to visit whether you are deeply passioned by history or not. You can easily spend a few hours marveling at the ancient relics, and immersing yourself in the fascinating history of Egypt.
Khan El Khalili Market
In the afternoon, head to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Market. This bustling bazaar is perfect for shopping, people-watching, and discovering Egyptian street food. Don't miss out on haggling for unique souvenirs, from spices and jewelry to handcrafted goods. You will very likely overpay for what you buy as this is a very touristic market but it is worth walking deeper into the side alleys and getting lost to find a more traditional and local atmosphere to Cairo's oldest Market.
Cairo Food Tour
Right opposite to one of the main entrances of Khan El Khalili Market is the start to Cairo Night's Food Tour, a unique experience we had the chance to do and is still today one of our favorite memories of our whole Egyptian trip. On this tour you have the opportunity to enjoy smokey koftas, delicious pastries, and spiced koshari while learning about the city's rich culture and walking in areas of the city where no tourists go.
Day 2: The Great Pyramids & the Sphinx
Great Pyramids & the Sphinx with Guru Walk
Start your day early (around 7 am) to beat the crowds and the desert heat. We highly recommend joining a guided tour, we found ours on Guru Walk and absolutely loved it. It is in my opinion quite needed to get an insightful overview of the history of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx but also of the current research and Egyptology in general. This knowledge will be very helpful for the rest of your Egypt itinerary.
These iconic structures are even more breathtaking in person even though we all thought the Sphinx was much larger, it actually looks quite small compared to the 3 massive pyramids rising behind it.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Pyramids:
Carry lots of small bills as you might need to tip for taking photos with horses or camels.
If you want to go inside the pyramids, be prepared to pay an extra fee. It’s a unique experience, but it’s not recommended if you’re claustrophobic.
Dress in light, airy clothes and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Remember to dress respectfully as Egypt is a Muslim country.
Professional cameras may incur an extra charge, so plan accordingly.
Take your time to wander around the pyramid complex, soaking in the majestic views and taking plenty of photos. The sense of history and grandeur here is palpable, making it an unforgettable experience.
Citadel of Saladin and Cave Church
In the afternoon, after a nice lunch and a relaxing moment back in your hotel, head to the beautiful Citadel of Saladin where you will visit a majestic mosque and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the city of Cairo. On good weather days you can even see all the way to the pyramids of Giza.
With a short car ride from the Citadel, you will find an impressive cave church built by Cairo's Coptic community, have a short moment there to take in the atmosphere of the location. This cave church is located at the entrance to the Garbage city of Cairo which is also worth visiting if you have more time in the city. You can find our full article on our experience in the Garbage City here.
Day 3: Day Trip to Saqqara
Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara
On your third day, venture out to Saqqara to visit the Pyramid of Djoser. This step pyramid is considered one of the earliest colossal stone buildings in Egypt and is a precursor to the later pyramids at Giza. The site is less crowded than Giza, offering a more relaxed and intimate experience. These pyramids are quite far from the city so plan a relatively early wake up call to make it there before the heat kicks in.
Days 4 & 5: Alexandria
You can go from Cairo to Alexandria by Train or by Coach, we used the GoBus Business service which was very comfortable and efficient.
Day 4: Historic and Cultural Exploration
The Alexandria Library
Begin your Alexandria escape at the world famous Library of Alexandria, a modern marvel paying homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria. This cultural center houses millions of books, museums, and a planetarium, offering a deep dive into history and learning.
Ruins of the Library of Alexandria
Next, visit the ancient ruins of the original Library of Alexandria. Although little remains, the site evokes the grandeur of one of history's most significant centers of knowledge.
Fort Qaitbey
In the afternoon, head to Fort Qaitbey, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean and explore the historical artifacts housed within the fort.
Day 5: Ancient Tombs and Royal Gardens
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Start your day by descending into the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a fascinating underground necropolis combining Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. Wander through the labyrinthine tunnels and let yourself feel like a bit of an explorer, looking at the intricate carvings and burial chambers.
Montazah Palace
In the afternoon, visit Montazah Palace and its sprawling gardens. This royal residence, with its beautiful architecture and lush grounds, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Walk the Alexandria Corniche
End your Alexandria visit with a nice walk along the Corniche, the city's scenic waterfront promenade. Take in the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean, enjoy the sea breeze, and stop at one of the many cafés for a refreshing drink.
Days 6-8: Aswan
To go to Aswan we had to go back to Cairo, head to the Ramses II central station and take the sleeper train. You can find all the info you need on the sleeper train in our dedicated article here.
Day 6: Desert and Temple Day Trip
Abu Simbel Temples
Start your Aswan stay with a day trip to the Abu Simbel Temples. These colossal rock temples, built by Ramses II, located 3h south of Aswan are a marvel of ancient engineering and artistry. The intricate carvings and grand statues are sure to leave you in awe. This will be a long day with a lot of driving but I believe it is something to see once in your life. Out of all the temples we have visited, this one is by far one of the most impressive.
Wondering in Aswan's Night Market
Day 7: Historical and Cultural Exploration
Philae Temple
Begin your day with a visit to the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This beautiful temple complex, relocated to Agilkia Island, is only accessible by boat and offers a serene and picturesque setting.
Nubian Village
In the afternoon, visit a Nubian Village to experience the vibrant culture and hospitality of the Nubian people. Wander through the colorful houses, interact with locals, and enjoy the delicious traditional Nubian cuisine and vibrant crafts.
If you want to continue your Nubian culture discovery we would recommend going for dinner on Elephantina Island to King Jamaica restaurant & Cafe, this remains one of our best meals in our Egypt trip (order the fish tagine you won't regret it).
Day 8: Sailing the Nile
Felucca Ride
End your Aswan stay by embarking on a 2 Night 3 Day felucca trip on the Nile. Sail up North on this traditional wooden sailboat, enjoy the gentle breeze or even a nice refreshing dip into the Nile, and take in the beautiful sunset views over the river. This experience is the most memorable thing we've done in Egypt and is ranked very high up in the best experiences we've had in general.
We went with the company JJ Jamaica Felucca and they were absolutely amazing. You can see our full YouTube video on this experience below:
Days 9-11: Luxor
The city of Luxor has by far the highest concentration of Temples and Tombs in the whole country and is a must visit for anyone going to Egypt. We got there by train from Kom Ombo (where we disembarked the Felucca).
Day 9: Ancient Tombs and Temples
Valley of the Kings
Begin your Luxor journey with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs are located. You can spend hours exploring the beautifully decorated tombs and learn about the fascinating history and burial practices of ancient Egypt. Keep in mind though that your entrance ticket only includes the visit of 3 tombs and that the most famous and beautiful ones are not included. The overall bill can get quite high so I would recommend factoring that into your budget in advance.
Temple of Hatshepsut
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, an impressive mortuary temple dedicated to one of Egypt’s first female pharaoh. The temple’s unique architecture and stunning location at the base of a cliff make it a must-see. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of this temple from the West bank of the city.
Day 10: Sunrise and Majestic Temples
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank
Start your day early with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor. This is a favorite amongst tourists where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nile, temples, and the desert landscapes.
Karnak Temple
Later, visit the Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Wander through the grand hypostyle hall, marvel at the towering columns, and explore the various temples and obelisks within the complex. This temple complex is truly the most impressive in terms of size and is very touristy so try to get there as early as possible to not only beat the crowds but the heat as well.
Luxor Temple
In the evening, head to Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated against the night sky. This temple, dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship, is a stunning example of ancient Egyptian architecture and offers a magical atmosphere after dark. Unfortunately Luxor Temple being located right next to Karnak is not as renowned but definitely deserves a visit.
A quite unusual place to have dinner with a great view over the temple is the top floor of the McDonalds nearby. We tried it and it was a nice experience.
Day 11: Relaxation & Shopping
Relaxation
Temple hopping, tomb visiting and other activities in the heat can be very exhausting. I would strongly recommend taking one day 'off' just to relax and do the things you might not have had the chance to do on other days. You can also have a stroll along the Nile, enjoy a nice drink and just soak in all the things you've experienced in the past days.
Shopping
Luxor has a rather small but enjoyable Night Market in the center of the city where you can buy many souvenirs, clothes and spices to bring home.
Days 12-14: Hurghada
It is soon the end of the itinerary and after all this pyramid, museum, temple and tombs exploration you have earned yourself a nice relaxing couple of days on the coast. We travelled from Luxor to Hurghada by Bus with the company GoBus, it is a 4 to 5h bus ride so I highly suggest booking the highest class you can find for more comfort.
Day 12: Island Adventures & Night Life
Island Hopping
Start your Hurghada adventure with an exciting day of island hopping. Visit some of the beautiful islands off the coast, such as Giftun Island and Mahmya Island. Relax on beautiful beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Night Life
In the evening, you can experience the Hurghada night life on Sheraton street, enjoy a nice dinner, go for cocktails or a shisha.
Day 13: Underwater Exploration
Scuba Diving
Dedicate your day to scuba diving in the Red Sea, one of the world’s top diving destinations. Discover stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and shipwrecks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Hurghada offers dive sites suitable for all levels.
Day 14: Relaxation and Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Spend your final day in Hurghada snorkeling in the Red Sea’s warm waters. Explore the coral gardens just below the surface and swim with colorful fish. Many boat tours offer snorkeling excursions to prime spots, however, we would recommend going with a certified Diving School for a more authentic and less crowded experience. Most diving schools take snorkelers on board as well as their diving PADI students.
We went with a school named Scuba Hurghada Dive Center and we had a great experience. You can have an idea of our snorkeling experience watching the reel below:
