This is the ultimate 10-day Egypt itinerary, that I personally created and followed, for first-timers to get a taste of various areas of this magical country. In this fast-paced itinerary, you will explore the city of Cairo, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride in the historical Luxor, sleep under the stars while camping in the Western Desert, and enjoy the crystal blue waters in Dahab. Unfortunately, you cannot possibly “do it all” in 10 days in Egypt, but this itinerary packs a lot in to give you an unforgettable trip. This 10-day Egypt Itinerary is for the adventurous traveler trying to see a lot of Egypt in a short amount of time!
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Note: All activities mentioned in this itinerary can easily be booked with your accommodation when you arrive or through online booking such as Get Your Guide.
Day 1-2: Cairo/Giza
Check out the full 1-day itinerary in Cairo here and the full 1-day itinerary to see the Pyramids here.
Getting to Cairo
Fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI). Arrange transportation from the airport with your accommodation in Cairo prior, or use Uber.
Day 1 In Cairo
To start your 10-day Egypt itinerary, you will spend time exploring the busy city of Cairo, Egypt’s capital. Whether on your own navigating the city using Uber, or going with a driver and a guide, you will see historical elements, beautiful mosques and churches, and exhilarating markets. Cairo is a large city and can be overwhelming. If hesitant, definitely go with a tour by asking your accommodation to coordinate one for you. It will most likely cover many of the stops below and can be a good way to understand the history better.
Coptic Cairo
Start your day by going to Coptic Cairo to see beautiful churches. Stop at one of the cafés to get a coffee.
- Hanging Church
- Babylon Fortress
- Church of St. George
- St. Sergius and St. Bacchus Church
Downtown Cairo
Next, head to downtown Cairo. The Egyptian Museum is massive and has endless amounts of artifacts to learn about. After the museum, walk around Tahrir Square, navigating to the Qasr El Nil Bridge, overlooking the Nile River.
Note: The Egyptian Museum is moving to Giza. Once this happens, skip the one downtown and go to Giza.
- Egyptian Museum
- Tahrir Square
- Qasr El Nil Bridge
Islamic Cairo
Lastly, go to Islamic Cairo to see beautifully structured mosques. End your evening at the Khan el-Khalili Market, stopping for food and looking at the endless shops. Try Hammam (pigeon) and Zalabia (fried donut holes).
- Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
- Bab Zuweilia
- Khan el-Khalili
- Muizz Street
Day 2 In Giza
For your second day in Egypt, explore the Pyramids. This is probably the activity that is on the top of your Egypt bucket list. To explore the Pyramids, I would recommend getting a driver and a guide. There is significant history behind these historical sites so learning from a guide adds to the experience. Ask your accommodation to set up this tour or check out some options here. You will get picked up from your accommodation in the morning and be transported to each location, while the guide explains the history.
The Pyramids of Giza are the star of the show here, BUT there are other famous Pyramids nearby that are incredible as well. This itinerary will take you to the Pyramids in Saqqara as well as Giza.
Saqqara
The famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by Imhotep, is located in Saqqara. You have the option to go inside, although it is an additional fee. There are also other tombs located here and there is plenty of space to walk around and admire the spectacular structures.
Pyramids of Giza
In Giza, you will explore the three main Pyramids (Khufu/Great Pyramid of Giza, Khafre, and Menkaure), several other smaller Pyramids, Tombs, and the Great Sphinx. The most common options to navigate the area include walking or riding a horse or camel. If you have dreams of riding a camel in Egypt, then you can certainly opt for a tour of the Pyramids of Giza on a camel. Riding a camel here really heightens the experience! Additionally, it is a large area to explore so being able to see the Pyramids from all angles is exceptional, which can be tough while walking.
Day 3-4: Luxor
Check out the full 2-day itinerary in Luxor here.
Luxor has a rich history shown through temples and tombs along the Nile River, which splits the area into two banks: the East Bank and the West Bank.
Getting to Luxor
There are two main ways to get to Luxor from Cairo. You can fly from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Luxor International Airport (LUX), or you can take a night train from Cairo to Luxor. For the purposes of this trip, I would recommend taking the quick ~1-hour flight to arrive at your hotel and get a good night’s rest due to the busy itinerary.
Tip: Contact your accommodation to arrange a car to pick you up at the airport. Uber is not available in Luxor and it can be difficult to negotiate prices with Taxi drivers, as they do not use meters. Additionally, once in Luxor, ask your accommodation to get you a Taxi for the places you need to go as it is difficult to navigate the area without locals relentlessly trying to get your business for Taxis, tours, etc.
Day 1 in Luxor
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
This is an absolute must in Luxor! Ranked one of the best places in the world to go on a hot air balloon, it is well worth the early wake-up call. There are many different companies that do these hot air balloon rides, but the easiest way to book this in my opinion is to talk with your accommodation and have them schedule it for you. You will get picked up very early in the morning (the exact timing depends on the sunrise), and you will get transported to the West Bank. You will hop in a large basket and start your climb up into the sky over the Valley of the Kings to see a spectacular sunrise.
Tip: Book the sunrise hot air balloon ride for your first day. It is common that these can be canceled due to weather, so if that happens you can reschedule for your second day.
Relaxation / Massage
After the hot air balloon ride, despite the high you may still be feeling from the amazing sight, you most likely will be tired. Grab breakfast at your hotel and then fit in a quick nap. To continue your relaxation, book a spa experience at the Hilton Resort and Spa. This was one of the best massages I have received and it provided a nice relaxation from the travels throughout Egypt. After your spa experience, stop for lunch at the restaurant at the hotel, overlooking the Nile River.
Luxor Museum
After you feel refreshed, head over to the Luxor Museum. Give yourself a self-guided tour, navigating through the MANY historical artifacts. This museum has great descriptions alongside each artifact that helps paint the story. Additionally, you will be able to see a few mummies. The mummies were definitely a highlight for me!
Sofra Restaurant and Café
For dinner, get a reservation at Sofra Restaurant and Café. This highly-rated restaurant has many traditional Egyptian meals in a unique, moody atmosphere.
Sunset Felucca Ride
A perfect activity to end your evening is to take a Felucca ride at sunset. A felucca is a traditional Egyptian wooden boat with a canvas sail. You will be provided tea and a beautiful view, cruising through the Nile River and watching the sunset.
Day 2 in Luxor
Historical Sites
Gear up for a busy and exciting day on your second day in Luxor. Book a full-day tour of the historical sites in the area. You will be provided with a driver and a guide. I highly recommend getting a guide as it will help you understand the rich history. On this tour, you will visit the places listed below. Expect to be absolutely speechless with trying to understand the complexity of this ancient time.
Valley of the Kings
You will experience many different tombs, getting to walk through these large pathways underground, surrounded by detailed hieroglyphics on the walls. There is a general entrance ticket to go through a couple of tombs, and many additional fees to enter other tombs. If you are looking to do one of these extras, I would recommend the Tomb of King Tut. You are able to see his mummy in the tomb, which I thought was mesmerizing.
Temple of Hatshepsut
This temple is partially built into the rock cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, which makes it stunning. In this mortuary temple, you will see large terraces with many columns and hieroglyphics covering the walls.
Colossi of Memnon
This will be a quick stop to get up close to two large stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Karnak Temple
You will see lines of statues on both sides of you as you enter this temple filled with humongous pillars covered with hieroglyphics. Karnak Temple served as a significant religious center, dedicated to the worship of Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu.
Luxor Temple
Large pillars, halls, and chambers encompass the Luxor Temple. This Temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, it served as a significant religious and political center in ancient Egypt.
Dinner
After exploring these temples, you will have had a history overload and your mind may be spinning (in a good way!). Get dinner and relax for the remainder of the evening. Dinner options can include:
- Sofra Restaurant and Café
- Al-Sahaby Lane
- Pizza Roma.It
- El Kababgy
- 1886
Day 5-7: White Desert
Check out the full guide to camping in the White Desert here or my personal experience here.
Getting to the White Desert
From Luxor, fly from Luxor International Airport (LUX) back to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Stay overnight in Cairo to get picked up early the next morning by your driver at your accommodation. Then, you will be driven five hours from Cairo to start your camping adventure.
Day 1-3 In the White Desert
The next three days will be spent exploring and camping overnight in the White Desert National Park. This is a unique experience that not many people do when traveling to Egypt. I 100% recommend it! This 10-day Egypt itinerary includes two nights of camping. If you have less time, I would recommend still doing it for one night as it is very much worth it! But trust me, you will wish you had more time here! And, if you have more time this is absolutely where I would add the days to.
Check out Western Desert Tours and inquire about the Magic Spring Tour, which is the 2-night, 3-day camping trip. All gear and transportation are provided and food is cooked at the campsite. Highlights include a stop at Bahariya’s hot and cold spring, hiking a hill to see views of the black desert, visiting the Magic Spring’s pools, seeing rock sugar loaves at Agabat Valley, sand boarding in the dunes, and exploring the White Desert National Park. In addition, you get to be in complete silence under the stars while you feel secluded and at peace in the desert. I cannot recommend this experience enough!
Note: I did the 1 night, 2-day Crystal Mountain Tour and it was incredible! I would highly recommend that option if you are limited on time. However, I definitely wanted to stay, so I would recommend the longer trips if you have time.
After your desert adventure ends, discuss transportation with Western Desert Tours to drop you off at the Cairo International Airport (CAI) to catch a flight that evening to Sharm El Sheik International Airport (SSH) to continue on your last leg of the trip.
Day 8-10: Dahab
Check out the full 3-day itinerary in Dahab here.
Getting to Dahab
Take a 1-hour flight from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Sharm El Sheik International Airport (SSH). Then, get a taxi or pre-arranged driver (I recommend reaching out to your accommodation to get transportation service) from the airport to Dahab, which is about an hour.
The next few days are going to be spent in the “chill” coastal town of Dahab, enjoying the beautiful blue, clear waters of the Red Sea.
Day 1 In Dahab
Snorkeling / Beach Tour
Start your trip off in Dahab with a full day Snorkeling / Beach tour. You will visit a couple of locations and get to admire and experience the crystal blue water.
- Blue Hole
- Ras Abu Galum
- Blue Lagoon
Day 2 In Dahab
Coloured Canyon
Another well-worth tour is to Coloured Canyon. This is a great activity if you want to hike and see the amazing rock formations up close. You will be able to visit Coloured Canyon, White Canyon, Ain Khudra Oasis, and Mushroom Rock. You will hike and experience a desert jeep ride through the sand. This is a fun, adventurous activity to do while you are in Dahab!
After you get back, I recommend taking a small nap. Then, once you are rested, explore the town center and get food, walk around, and go shopping.
Sunrise Mount Sinai Hike
This is an incredible activity in Dahab! So, gear up for a late night! You will get picked up around 10 p.m. (depending on your location and the time of the sunrise) and drive three hours to Mount Sinai.
Once you arrive in the very early morning, you will start hiking the mountain in the dark. You will probably be tired, but you will quickly snap out of it as you start hiking. There are a few places along the way you can stop for a break or have tea. The hike is about 3 miles one-way, with a steady, but not too drastic, incline.
You will arrive at the top with plenty of time. The tours allow a significant amount of time for the hike to accommodate all hiking skill levels. Depending on the pace of your group, you could be waiting at the top for the sunrise for about an hour. However, drink some tea or hot chocolate, have a snack, find a spot to sit, and try to keep your eyes open as you wait for the sunrise.
Once the sun starts to rise, it is truly a masterpiece! The sun peaks over the rugged mountains and the horizon ignites with tones of gold. The sky slowly begins to brighten with more tones of beautiful colors, allowing you to see the true beauty of the rugged mountains in front of you. You will quickly understand why you chose to go on this crazy experience! You have plenty of time to enjoy, take pictures, and soak it all in, before starting the descent.
After you descend, you will be able to explore St. Catherine’s Monastery at the base before heading back to Dahab.
Check out the comprehensive guide to hiking Mount Sinai at sunrise here.
Day 3 In Dahab
Relax
On your last day, have a relaxing day. Go in the water, sit on the beach, find an ocean-front café, and walk around the Promenade.
Now it is time to enjoy your 10-day Egypt Itinerary! You will have a captivating journey through time and culture, by immersing yourself into the wonders of ancient Egypt. You will have unforgettable adventures like riding a camel through the Pyramids of Giza, going on a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Luxor, camping in the Egyptian desert, and a sunrise hike on Mount Sinai. This will be an unforgettable trip and I hope you can experience at least part of it!
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