The Only 2-Week Egypt Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

Embarking on a trip to Egypt isn’t just a journey; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. In this article, I’m sharing the ultimate Egypt itinerary that helped me uncover Egypt’s mesmerizing beauty and rich history. From cruising down the Nile to exploring the pyramids, I’ve compiled everything you need to make your journey as magical as mine was. Whether you’re a history buff, or just in love with travel, this 2-week Egypt itinerary is crafted to ensure you experience the best of Egypt.

It took me many hours to create this Egypt itinerary and I hope it will save you a lot of time and some travel mistakes by sharing it with you. And, just like it did for me, it will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Cities Included in this Egypt Itinerary

This comprehensive 2-week Egypt travel plan includes all the essentials for crafting the perfect trip to Egypt, including must-see destinations, recommended tours, insider advice, and plenty more!

• Cairo: 4 nights
• Luxor: 2 nights
• Nile Cruise: 2 nights
• Asway: 2 nights – day trip to Abu Simbel
• Alexandria: 2 nights

Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip to Egypt

Here are some things I wish I had known before traveling to Egypt—these would’ve made my experience so much better!

Secure Your Visa and Documents

Visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality. It’s also good practice to keep both digital and physical copies of essential documents like your passport, travel insurance, and any medical prescriptions. Having these at your fingertips can save a lot of hassle in case of emergencies or unexpected requests.

Pack Smart & Dress Appropriately

Egypt’s climate can go from toasty to downright scorching, especially during the summer months. Stock your suitcase with lightweight, breathable fabrics, and don’t forget a hat or scarf to shield yourself from the sun. Remember that Egypt is culturally conservative—covering your shoulders, chest, and knees is a thoughtful move when you’re exploring mosques or wandering through smaller towns.

Avoid Tap Water

The desert heat is no joke, so keep a water bottle handy at all times. Bottled water is widely available in supermarkets and hotels—definitely opt for sealed bottles over tap water to dodge any tummy troubles. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh juices (like sugarcane or mango) are also popular, but be sure to buy from reputable vendors.

Manage Your Money Wisely

Egypt runs on the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and you’ll want a decent stash of small bills for quick buys, tipping, and local transport. ATMs are usually easy to find in big cities and tourist hubs—just watch out for fees and plan accordingly.

Use Reputable Transport

Cairo’s traffic can be intense, so using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Careem can save you a major headache. Hotels often have trusted car services they can hook you up with as well. For longer journeys, trains and domestic flights are reliable bets—especially if you’re traveling between cities like Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan. And if you have the time, hopping on a Nile cruise or riding a traditional felucca can be a memorable way to get around.

Related: Mayfair Nile Cruise Review—5-Day Itinerary from Luxor to Aswan

Practice Bargaining

Haggling is part of the game in Egypt, especially at local markets (souks). The first price you hear is rarely the final one—don’t be shy about negotiating. It’s all in good fun, so keep it friendly. A typical approach is to counter with about half the initial quote and work your way up. Over time, you’ll develop a feel for fair prices, but always trust your gut and walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

Be Aware of Cultural Norms

Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, particularly in smaller towns. If you’re visiting a mosque, dress modestly and be mindful of prayer times. It’s polite to ask before snapping photos of people or religious spaces.

Stay Alert and Trust Your Instincts

Like traveling anywhere in the world, a bit of street smarts can save you from common scams. Keep valuables stashed away, especially in bustling areas like Khan El Khalili market or busy metro stations in Cairo. If a situation feels off, politely but firmly remove yourself from it.

Prepare for Tipping

You’ll find yourself handing over small bills to everyone from bathroom attendants to tour guides. Keep plenty of EGP 5s, 10s, and 20s on hand for these little moments.

2-Week Egypt Itinerary

Day 1: Cairo’s Ancient Wonders

Welcome to Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt! My husband and I arrived early morning and checked in at the Mena Hotel, a 5-star hotel near the Pyramids. We had an early breakfast at the hotel and shortly after, our Giza Complex private tour picked us up to venture into Cairo’s ancient wonders.

The tour included a driver and an Egyptologist, which included the Giza complex, Memphis city and Sakkara.

First stop: Giza complex

Our adventure in Egypt kicked off with the awe-inspiring Giza complex, home to the iconic Great Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These colossal structures were built as tombs for the pharaohs and have stood the test of time.

We were able to go inside the largest pyramid, known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, and see the empty tomb. After taking tons of pictures, our guide took us to ride the camels.

Right there, amid the Giza complex, we saw The Sphinx. This mythical creature, with the body of a lion and the head of a human, guards the entrance to the funerary complex. The Sphinx is believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre.

Next stop: Memphis

We continued our day by immersing ourselves in the ancient city of Memphis, the former capital of Egypt. We saw the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, which stand as testaments to Egypt’s rich heritage.

Last stop: Sakkara

Our final expedition took us to Sakkara, a treasure trove of history just a stone’s throw away from Cairo. Here, we explored the Step Pyramid, an architectural marvel that predates even the Great Pyramids. This pyramid, with its unique tiered design, marks a significant chapter in the evolution of pyramid construction.

Wandering through Sakkara was like stepping back in time. We were surrounded by tombs and artifacts that spoke volumes about the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians.

As we left Sakkara, we couldn’t help but feel a profound connection with history. Each step we took on this journey brought us closer to understanding the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture and its legacy. This trip wasn’t just about seeing the sights; it was about immersing ourselves in a world that once was, and in some ways, still is.

Things to consider regarding the tour:

• We recommend going early to the Giza complex to avoid the heat and the crowds.
• Take water bottles with you to avoid dehydration. Also, there are multiple vendors outside the complex where you can buy water bottles.
• Be aware that almost all tours stop in certain shops (i.e. perfume, cotton) where they earn a commission if you buy something.
• Egypt’s tourism has suffered a lot during the pandemic. So, we tipped our guide 20% of the total cost of the tour and 10% to the driver.
• There are lots of street dogs, so every time we got food we gave them our leftovers.

Day 2: Treasures of Cairo

After experiencing the pyramids, we decided to stroll around Cairo. We took an Uber and went straight to our first stop, the Egyptian Museum. Taking an Uber in Egypt is easy, just like in the States. The only thing is to make sure that the plate number matches the one in the Uber app.

Afterward, we decided to lose ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. We took an Uber there as well. The Uber dropped us off in front of the Bazaar. Funny enough, there is no way to cross the street unless you walk to the bridge and cross it. Once we crossed the street, we walked for less than 5 minutes and we were there.

By that time, we were starving. We had read reviews of the Naguib Mahfouz Coffee and headed that way for lunch. The food was amazing! We had chicken shawarmas, falafel, and mint tea. We recommend you stop by for lunch or dinner if you have the chance.

Thereafter, we strolled around the bazaar and immersed ourselves in the scents, colors, and people. Be aware, that the haggling is real.

Where to Stay in Cairo

Mena House: This is a gorgeous five-star hotel. The best part? You can grab breakfast with an amazing view of the pyramids. The only bad thing is that it is a bit outside of the city—but the views are worth it.

Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah: Located close to Cairo Tower and the Egyptian Museum, this hotel provides a casino, a poolside bar, and a terrace.

Pyramisa Suites Hotel: A grocery/convenience store, shopping on-site, and 2 coffee shops/cafes are just a few of the amenities provided. The hotel also provides a sauna and steam room.

Tours to Book in Cairo

Nile River Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment – Experience an evening cruising along the Nile River in Cairo while enjoying dinner and traditional entertainment.

Egyptian Museum, Citadel, and Old Cairo Guided Tour – See the classic sights of ancient Egypt on this private day trip to the Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, Citadel, and Bazaar.

Full-Day Pyramids, Sakkara, & Memphis Tour with Lunch – Enjoy this private guided day trip from Cairo to see Egypt’s most ancient sites, such as the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, and Memphis.

From Cairo: Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Magic Lake, & Lunch – Embark on a desert adventure from Cairo and enjoy a 4×4 ride over the dunes. Ride a camel or horse, savor a BBQ lunch, and explore the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls, Mudawara Mountain, and Magic Lake.

Day 3: Luxor—A City of Splendor

We said goodbye to Cairo as we took an Uber to the airport to catch our flight to Luxor.

The airport was empty, so we were able to go through security faster than usual. Once we landed in Luxor, our driver picked up us and took us to the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, a 5-star luxury hotel built in 1886.

After checking in, we strolled along the Avenue of Sphinxes and the magnificent Luxor Temple.

Day 4: Hot Air Ballon Tour

We tour picked us up early in the morning, around 3 am for the hot air balloon experience. The tour we booked was a sunrise hot air balloon with Magic Horizon Ballon. We saw the air balloons rise while we waited. The panoramic views were breathtaking.

In the afternoon, we checked in to our Nile River cruise. If you want to know more about this cruise, please check this blog post.

Where to Stay in Luxor

Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor: Built in the 19th century, this hotel overlooks the Nile River and the Theban Necropolis. It’s a 6-minute walk from Luxor Temple and 10 km from Luxor International Airport.

Nile Compound Hotel: Located close to Mummification Museum and Luxor Museum, Nile Compound Hotel provides free cooked-to-order breakfast, a poolside bar, and a rooftop terrace.

Djorff Palace: This hotel offers free cooked-to-order breakfast, an airport shuttle, and a poolside bar. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a terrace and a coffee shop/cafe.

Tours to Book in Luxor

Hot Air Balloon Ride with Full-Day Sights Tour – Sail over Luxor in a hot air balloon. Continue your trip with a full-day tour of all the sights including temples.

Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour – Embark on a full-day tour in Luxor exploring the West Bank. Stroll through the tombs at the Valley of the Kings, and explore the impressive Hatshepsut Temple at Deir el-Bahari on a guided tour.

Luxor: 5 Days Nile Cruise with Abu Simbel and Guided Tours – Enjoy sailing the Nile for 4 nights with a 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor. Visit all the wonderful temples in Luxor and Aswan.

Day 5-7: Mayfair Nile River Cruise

After tons of research, we booked the Mayfair Nile River Cruise. It was such an amazing experience. We published another article that goes into detail, including pricing, daily itinerary, etc. Make sure to check it out.

If it is out of your budget, do not worry. This is a more affordable option: From Aswan:4 Days Nile Cruise Luxor Abu Simbel & Air Balloon.

Day 8: Aswan

Aswan was the cruise’s last stop. We disembarked after breakfast, and we headed to the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel.

On this day we decided to spend time at the hotel and have a couple’s spa day to relax after exploring for a week.

However, if you are in the mood to explore Aswan and you like history, we recommend going to the Nubian Museum and Nubian Village. The Nubian museum contains hundreds of Egyptian antiquities dating back to pre-historic times, to the Pharaonic period, the Coptic era, the Islamic age, and the Nubian era.

Day 9: Round Trip to Abu Simbel

We woke up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then our taxi picked us up to go to the airport. There are two round-trip flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel. We chose the latter flight at 9:50 am and landed around 10:35 am.

Once landed, we took the bus, provided by the airline, straight to Abu Simbel. It was the best time to get to Abu Simbel as it wasn’t too crowded. We were able to take great pictures and admire the temples.

Once we got back to the hotel, we decided to go to the Aswan Souk to stroll around. The Aswan Souk is basically a bazaar that offers Egyptian goods. You can buy spices, souvenirs, etc. The Aswan souk is so different than the Bazaar in Cairo. There is not much haggling, and you can shop in peace.

We decided to hire a taxi driver via GetTrasfer. He picked us up fast and accompanied us through the souk.

Later that night, we took a flight back to Cairo.

Where to Stay in Aswan

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan: Agatha Christie actually stayed in this hotel. The hotel sits on a pink granite cliff overlooking the Nile River.

Kato Dool Wellness Resort: Take in the views from the rooftop terrace when you stay at Kato Dool Wellness Resort. You can grab a bite to eat at the coffee shop/cafe, or indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or mani/pedis.

Kato Waidi Nubian House: There are onsite hiking/biking trails, and free perks include self-parking and breakfast daily.

Tours to Book in Aswan

Abu Simbel Temple Private Guided Day Trip with Lunch – Enjoy having your own private transportation and guide on this tour of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel.

Aswan: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, & Philae Private Tour – Explore Aswan’s sites on a half-day tour with a private Egyptologist guide. Learn the secrets of the legendary Philae Temple, the mystery of the Unfinished Obelisk, and the wonders of the High Dam.

From Aswan: 4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Guide – Explore the legendary Nile River on a 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Travel in 5-star comfort with full board and a private guide.

Day 10: Back to Cairo

This day we decided to stroll around Cairo and take it easy. First, we went to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Then, we headed to New Cairo, did some shopping, and grabbed some delicious Egyptian food. We bought tons of souvenirs. We were interested in getting Egyptian cotton sheets, however, we couldn’t find a store.

Day 11: Alexandria

Our private tour guide picked us up at 7 am and drove us to Alexandria. The drive takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, so we got there around 10 am.

Our first stop was the Roman Theater, one of the most important Roman architectural achievements in Egypt. Then, we visited the catacomb of Kom El-Shoqafa and the Qaitbay Citadel.

The final stop was the marvelous Alexandria Library.

Where to Stay in Alexandria

Al Alamein Hotel: Here, you’ll have access to onsite parasailing and water skiing. Other highlights at this resort include a 24-hour fitness center, a steam room, and a children’s pool.

Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch: Bring the kids when you stay at Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch in Al-‘Amriyah and they can enjoy the free kids’ club. Guests can visit the spa to be pampered with deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, or Ayurvedic treatments.

Palma Bay Rotana Resort: This hotel offers a private beach where you can enjoy beach umbrellas, beachside drinks, and sun loungers, plus you’ll have access to onsite water skiing.

Tours to Book in Alexandria

Alexandria: Archeological Day Tour – This trip is for Archaeology lovers. Explore the monuments, mosques, and gardens of Alexandria on this full-day guided tour.

Day 12: Farewell Egypt

We had breakfast at the hotel and said our goodbyes to Cairo.

I hope you feel as inspired and excited as I did when I was putting this Egypt itinerary together. From the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the tranquil waters of the Nile, each day was amazing and we learned so much about Egypt’s history. Remember, travel is not just about the places we visit, but the memories we create and the lessons we learn along the way. Here’s to your adventure in Egypt!