Pyramids, ancient temples, feluccas on the Nile and Red Sea reefs: in ten days, Egypt offers some of the greatest sites in the world. On the ground, an Egyptologist guide or a local tour agency makes all the difference for transport, tickets and understanding the sites. Best time: October to April.
Days 1 to 3: Cairo and Giza
- Day 1: arrive in Cairo, evening at the Khan el-Khalili souk.
- Day 2: the Giza pyramids and the Sphinx, then the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Day 3: Saqqara and Dahshur, or Islamic Cairo and the Citadel; night train or flight to Aswan.
To share: a driver and guide for Giza and Saqqara, much more comfortable as a group than public transport.
Days 4 to 7: Aswan and the Nile cruise
- Day 4: Aswan, a felucca ride and a Nubian village.
- Day 5: optional dawn trip to Abu Simbel, then board the cruise.
- Days 6 and 7: sail to Luxor, stopping at the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu.
Day 8: Luxor
- A sunrise hot-air balloon over the west bank.
- The Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut in the morning, Karnak and Luxor temples later in the day.
Days 9 and 10: the Red Sea
- Day 9: drive to Hurghada (about 4 hours), afternoon on the beach.
- Day 10: boat trip to the Giftun Islands for snorkeling, then fly home.
To share: the boat trip and the balloon ride, often cheaper as a small private group.
Choosing your guide or agency
- Check other travelers’ reviews and what is included: transport, tickets, lunch, Egyptologist guide.
- Ask whether the tour is private or in a group, and in which language.
- Beware of forced shop stops: ask for the exact programme in advance.
- Keep small notes for tips (baksheesh), customary in Egypt.
Practical tips
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and religious sites.
- Bargain in the souks, with a smile.
- Drink bottled water and protect yourself from the sun, even in winter.
Find your companions and tours
On Globamigo, add your dates to see the travelers who are in Egypt at the same time as you, and contact local guides and tour agencies in Cairo, Luxor or Hurghada directly. Messages are translated automatically.