Spanning thousands of years of ancient history, how can you see it all when visiting Egypt? Because Egypt is such a high-traffic tourist destination, there are plenty of strategic trips to book to make the most of your time. While the shorter, five-day tours incorporate the top historical highlights, from the Pyramids of Giza to cruising along the Nile River, with more time, you can also explore beaches, deserts, and even cross over into a second country.
Five days in Egypt offers plenty of choices, where most travelers want to spend time in Cairo, a great hub for visiting the famous Egyptian Museum, and nearby Giza to see the pyramids and Sphinx. For ancient Egyptian history, opt to continue to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings or make a side trip to Alexandria, seeing the Roman ruins before returning to Cairo for a Nile dinner cruise. Another alternative is to sail down the Nile River or combine a few days touring ancient Egyptian monuments with a few days at a beach resort on the Red Sea.
With six days in Egypt, it's best to focus on two regions or book a multiple-stop cruise to maximize your time. History buffs will enjoy Egyptologist-led tours of Alexandria's catacombs and the pyramids of Giza. Culinary travelers will relish the chance to dine under the stars at a Bedouin camp and sample street food on a Cairo tasting tour. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel at Ras Mohamed National Park, go bird-watching at Qarun Lake, and join an overnight trek to see the sunrise at Mount Sinai.
With a week to spend in Egypt, travelers have several great options. Try a highlights tour that takes you to Cairo, Alexandria, and the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh, or choose an itinerary that focuses specifically on history and culture, including a side trip to Aswan and the incredible rock-cut tombs at Abu Simbel. Alternatively, combine a few days of sightseeing in Cairo with a three-day boat cruise down the Nile. Or add Jordan into the mix, spending a few days in Egypt before crossing the border to explore Petra and Wadi Rum. Find out more about your options by reading the itineraries below.
Domestic flights and a Nile cruise make it possible to visit several cities within eight days in Egypt. Alternatively, those seeking a slower pace can unwind in the Siwa Oasis hot springs or opt for a Sharm el-Sheikh beach getaway. Historians will appreciate an Egyptologist-led tour of the Great Pyramid, while active travelers will enjoy hiking Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise. Those eager to make the most of their time can combine Cairo's highlights and a Nile cruise with Jordan's Wadi Rum desert and Petra.
Given Egypt's large size, abundance of archaeological sites, and diverse landscapes, you'll need to plan your nine days wisely. Outdoorsy travelers will enjoy camping in the Black Desert and snorkeling in Sharm el-Sheikh. If the Giza pyramids are a priority, Cairo is a must. For those interested in history, a Nile cruise with stops at numerous ancient sites is your best bet for covering a lot of ground. Those keen on a multicountry trip can pair Egypt's ancient wonders with a hike through Jordan's Petra.
Ten days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Egypt. With enough time to explore several regions, you can combine an extended stay in Cairo with a multi-day cruise down the Nile River or opt for a faster-paced tour and include time in Sharm el-Sheikh. You could also combine a tour of ancient Egyptian cities with a safari in the desert oasis of Siwa, while those looking to include Jordan in their itinerary can travel from Cairo and Saint Catherine's Monastery northeast to the Dead Sea.
Egypt's domestic flights and multi-stop Nile cruises make it possible to see a variety of historic sites and landscapes in 11 days. Active travelers can hike up Mount Sinai, camp in the Black Desert, and snorkel in Sharm el-Sheikh. History enthusiasts will appreciate an Egyptologist-led tour of Luxor's temples and a visit to Giza's pyramids. Those looking to cover a lot of ground can opt for a two-country tour that includes a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor and a trek in Jordan's ancient city of Petra.
With 12 days in Egypt, you can visit up to five destinations or more if you opt for a Nile River cruise and trip to the ancient city of Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the Dead Sea in neighboring Jordan. A highlights itinerary will include the pyramids of Giza, the bazaars of Cairo, and snorkeling in beachy Sharm el-Sheikh. History buffs will want to include Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel temples, while adventurers should add the Siwa Oasis and camping in the Black Desert.
With just under two weeks in Egypt, you can visit up to six destinations— or more if you include nearby Jordan. A classic highlights tour combines Cairo, a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, and beach time in Hurghada. Add the Western Desert's Siwa Oasis and coastal Alexandria to step off the beaten path, while more adventurous travelers should camp in Bahariya and hike Mount Sinai in Sharm el-Sheikh. Opt for a multicountry trip to include the wonders of Petra and the Wadi Rum desert.
Two weeks is a generous amount of time to spend in Egypt. With 14 days, you can focus on Egyptian culture and history, touring the country's pyramids and ancient monuments, or opt to structure your trip around a cruise down the Nile River. Alternatively, you might like to divide your time between more than one country: Spend the first week in Egypt before adventuring to Morocco or Jordan.
