10 Days in Egypt - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Nile River Cruise & Cairo Cultural Tour

See the best that Egypt has to offer on this classic 10-day tour, perfect for first-time visitors. Starting and ending in Cairo, you'll have plenty of time to check out the city's highlights and head out on a day trip to the Pyramids of Giza. Then, fly to Luxor and embark on a thrilling Nile River cruise, complete with stops at the Temple of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and the Aswan High Dam, as well as a day trip to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples.

Welcome to Egypt! Your 10-day adventure begins in Cairo, the country's capital and largest city. After spending your first evening enjoying cityscape views from Cairo Tower, you'll make a day trip to see the famous Giza Pyramids complex and the Great Sphinx. Next, catch a flight to Luxor and enlist the help of a guide to learn the storied past of the ancient Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple; then, tour Luxur's famed West Bank region the following morning. As night falls on Day 4, you'll board a boat on the Nile and start making your way down the river.

First, you'll cruise to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, continuing to the temple at Kom Ombo the following day. Then, journey down the Nile River to Aswan, where you'll admire the modern-day marvel of Aswan High Dam, which created Lake Nasser. Next, it's back on the road for an excursion to the incredible Abu Simbel Temples, a pair of massive rock-cut temples, and after an overnight in Aswan, it'll be time to fly back to Cairo and spend the last few days sightseeing. Options include visiting the Egyptian Museum, touring Islamic Cairo, shopping for souvenirs, and sampling modern Egyptian cuisine. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Nile River Cruise & Red Sea Getaway

If you love to be on the water, this 10-day Egyptian adventure, featuring a multi-day cruise on the Nile and several days to relax and enjoy the coastal charms of Sharm el-Sheikh, is perfect for you. You'll also take a deep dive into the country's history while exploring Cairo alongside a local guide, visiting the famous Pyramids of Giza, and roaming Luxor's archaeological sites.

Your trip begins in Cairo, where you'll enjoy three days of getting a well-rounded introduction to the city's culture and historical landmarks. Start with an evening up the Cairo Tower, spend the following day pondering the impressive Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx, and the Pyramid of Djoser, and end your stay in the city touring the Egyptian Museum, Citadel of Saladin, and other Islamic Cairo highlights alongside a local guide. Next, hop on a flight bound for Aswan, and after delighting in an afternoon visiting the city's famous landmarks, you'll board a boat and begin your Nile adventure.

Over the following two days, you'll cruise down the Nile River to Luxor, stopping to see the temples at Edfu and Luxor along the way. Next, enjoy an afternoon touring Luxor's West Bank and the Valley of the Kings. Then, spend a final night on the boat until it's time to fly northeast to Sharm el-Sheikh, located on the Red Sea. Delight in a free day relaxing on the beach or snorkeling near Ras Muhammad, followed by a trip to the awe-inspiring St. Catherine's Monastery, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, before flying back to Cairo. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ancient Egypt & Oasis Adventure Tour

Split your time between exploring Egypt's ancient cities and otherworldly desert landscapes on this 10-day trip, perfect for those looking for a blend of history, culture, and adventure. Throughout your journey, you'll visit Cairo's museums, historic mosques, and ancient souks, embark on a day trip to the Giza Pyramids, and spend time in the ancient city of Alexandria. Then, enjoy three days in the Siwa Oasis, exploring the area's major sites and embarking on a thrilling 4WD tour through the desert.

Begin your Egyptian journey in Cairo, dusting off any jet lag and getting to know the country's deep-rooted culture. A great place to start is a stroll down the historic Al-Muizz Street; then, over the following two days, you'll visit the Egyptian Museum, shop for unique souvenirs in Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and head out on a day trip to see the Giza Pyramids. A 3.5-hour drive brings you to Alexandria, and with two days here, you'll have plenty of time to visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Alexandria National Museum, the Citadel of Qaitbay, and the gardens of Montazah Palace.

Kickstart the second half of your trip during a scenic drive to the Sahara Desert and the otherworldly Siwa Oasis, stopping en route at El Alamein to visit a World War II museum. Wake early the following day and pack in visits to the Mountain of the Dead, the famous Cleopatra Bath, and Oracle Temple. Spend the next morning visiting the Shali Fortress and the afternoon embarking on a thrilling 4WD safari adventure through the desert. On Day 9, it's time to head back to Cairo for one final evening before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, the Sinai Peninsula & Amman

Crafted for those looking to experience a multicountry adventure that includes Egypt and Jordan, this 10-day highlights tour showcases grand pyramids, an ancient monastery, and otherworldly landscapes. Starting in Cairo, there's plenty of time to ponder the Giza Pyramids and visit colorful souks. Then, travel from Saint Catherine's Monastery northeast to the Dead Sea, stopping in Dahab, Wadi Rum, and Petra along the way.

After arriving in Cairo and spending your first evening relaxing, you'll get straight to the sightseeing the next morning. Start with a day trip to see the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx, followed by a full-day city tour, complete with stops at the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and Al-Azhar. Then, on Day 4, you'll head out of the city to Saint Catherine's Monastery, stopping to visit Moses Springs and the Tomb of the Prophet. Delight in a memorable night within the religious landmark and embark on a dawn hike (or camel ride) up Mount Sinai before transferring to the coastal resort city of Dahab.

The second half of your trip begins with a trip to the Colored Canyon and a fascinating snorkeling excursion in the Blue Hole. Then, board a ferry at the Nuweba Port and cross the Red Sea to Aqaba (Jordan). Continue to Wadi Rum for a 4WD tour in the desert before transferring north to Petra—one of the world's seven wonders. Make the most of your afternoon in this ancient city as you'll continue to Amman in the evening. Spend your last full day traveling to the Dead Sea, stopping in the ancient town of Madaba and Mount Nebo along the way. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Egypt Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other 10-day Egypt itineraries, with Nile River cruises, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.