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!
Honest note: This is not a relaxing trip. Egypt can be overwhelming: there is traffic, heat, dust, and plenty of people trying to sell you something. But, I absolutely loved this 10-day Egypt itinerary, and want to make sure you are fully prepared! If you have any questions at all, just reach out via email so I can help you have the best trip to Egypt!
Download this exact itinerary above! Need to customize it to fit your travel style? Explore our travel planning services or reach out directly via email!
Quick Tips for Visiting Egypt
Before jumping into the itinerary, here are a few important things to know about traveling to Egypt.
- Book local tours through your accommodation. It is usually cheaper and more reliable than booking online.
- Tipping (“baksheesh”) is expected everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE! From bathroom attendants, drivers, and tour guides, they will expect a tip, so remember to keep small bills/coins handy.
- Negotiate prices upfront. It is important to agree on the amount you will pay for services like taxis or camel rides prior so there is no confusion at the end.
- Dress modestly. Especially in Cairo and Islamic religious sites, you should cover your shoulders and knees.
- Avoid tap water. To ensure you have a healthy trip and can keep up with this itinerary, stick to bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.
- Uber works in Cairo. I highly recommend taking Uber over taxis in Cairo, as it is easier and cheaper. Uber is not available in Luxor, Dahab, or the desert.
- Be prepared for intense street vendors. You will be approached quite a bit, so practice a polite but firm “la, shukran” (no, thank you). If you are with a tour guide, this will be much easier to manage.
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). I would highly recommend arranging transportation from the airport to your accommodation. Otherwise, it is cheaper to use Uber, but expect some confusion with the pickup point. (There are signs for the Uber pickup, but I was still confused, and with the language barrier, it was difficult to communicate with the driver in the app about where the pickup was, but after walking quite a ways from where I was, I finally found the 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. Although possible to navigate this day on your own using Uber, I recommend going with a private guide + driver for the day.
You will see historical elements, beautiful mosques and churches, and exhilarating markets. Cairo is a large city and can be overwhelming.
Highlights:
- Coptic Cairo: A peaceful and historic area with the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church, the Babylon Fortress, and the Church of St. George.
- Downtown Cairo + Egyptian Museum: Explore Tahrir Square, Qasr El Nil Bridge, and the huge museum with so many artifacts and history. Note: The downtown museum is soon to be replaced by the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. If the new one is open when you visit, skip this one and go there instead.
- Islamic Cairo: Visit Sultan Hassan Mosque, Bab Zuweilia, Muizz Street, and end with a chaotic stroll through Khan el-Khalili Market. Try zalabia (fried donuts), Hammam (pigeon), and mint tea, and brace yourself for intense crowds and vendors.
Day 2 In Giza
For your second day in Egypt, explore the Pyramids! This is probably the activity that is at the top of your Egypt bucket list. To explore the Pyramids, go with a guide and driver who includes both Giza and Saqqara. 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! Yes, it is touristy, but also iconic. Just negotiate the price beforehand. 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.
From the airport, ask your accommodation in Luxor to send a driver. There is no Uber here, and taxis can be frustrating, as they do not use meters, so it can be difficult to negotiate a price. 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 as 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 is through your accommodation. 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.
MY BIGGEST TIP is to 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 help 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. Getting a guide 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.
Tip: You will be walking a lot in the heat. Wear comfortable shoes, bring lots of water, and tip the bathroom attendants.
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. I cannot recommend this experience enough!
Check out Western Desert Tours and inquire about the Magic Spring Tour, which is a 2-night, 3-day camping trip. All gear and transportation are provided, and food is cooked at the campsite.
Highlights:
- Bahariya’s Hot and Cold Springs: A stop for tea and/or a quick dip in the springs.
- Black Desert: A quick hike to view the volcanic rock formations that give this place an otherworldly vibe.
- Crystal Mountain: A short hike to view natural quartz crystals.
- Agabat Valley: Golden sand dunes and dramatic limestone formations make this one of the most scenic spots.
- Sandboarding: Epic sandboarding spot in the dunes.
- White Desert National Park: The ultimate place! With its chalk formations and white sands, the landscape looks like snow in the middle of the Sahara.
- Camping Under the Stars: Complete silence under the stars while you feel secluded and at peace in the desert.
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.
What to Expect:
- It gets cold at night, even if it is hot during the day, so bring a jacket and warm layers!
- There are no real bathrooms. Your “toilet” is the desert. Wet wipes, sanitizer, and a roll of toilet paper (with a lighter to burn it) are essential.
- The stars, sunrise, and sunset here are next-level, so make sure to lie back and take it all in.
Is this for everyone? Honestly? No. If you are not comfortable with minimal amenities, it might not be your favorite part. But if you are up for the adventure, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Seriously! So please, at least consider it!
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, meet your pre-arranged driver you booked through your accommodation, and drive 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: One of the most famous dive/snorkel spots in the world.
- Ras Abu Galum: Transfer to a bumpy jeep ride to the rugged, but scenic Bedouin village.
- Blue Lagoon: Enjoy the many windsurfers and just enjoy the stunning water.
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 very bumpy desert jeep ride through the sand. This is a fun and 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.
Final Thoughts
This 10-day Egypt itinerary is fast-paced, adventurous, and packed with iconic sites. This will be an unforgettable trip, and I hope you get to experience it for yourself! And remember:
- Get guides for historical sites. Egypt’s history is too rich not to understand what you are looking at.
- Always carry cash, especially small bills for tipping.
- Expect chaos, especially in Cairo. Go with the flow and do not take it personally if things feel hectic.
- Trust your accommodations. Egyptians are incredibly hospitable, and many hotels and guesthouses can help coordinate your next step.
You can download this full 10-day Egypt itinerary here!
And if this itinerary is not quite the perfect fit for your travel style or timeline, I would love to help you make it your own! I offer custom travel planning services, so whether you want to slow it down, swap in different excursions, or add something special, I am here to help you create your ideal trip.
For more guides, itineraries, and inspiration, check out the full Egypt page here
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