Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

10-Night Egypt Highlights: Cairo, Luxor, Nile Cruise, Aswan & Alexandria (11-Day Loop)

Viewed by 109 travelers

Day 1: Arrive & Settle

Cairo, Egypt on October 1, 2025

9:00am

Arrival & Hotel Transfer

Arrive at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Zamalek or Downtown; relax and recover from travel.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h30m.

11:00am

Hotel Breakfast / Light Walk

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take a short orientation walk in the neighborhood to get cash/sim card if needed.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h.

1:00pm

Lunch — Koshary Abou Tarek

Try Egypt's national comfort food, koshary, at this famous downtown spot — quick, filling, and great value.
CURRENCYEGP150, 1h.

3:00pm

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Explore the historic market lanes, pick up souvenirs, and sip mint tea; the bazaar is lively in the afternoon and evening (shops often open until late).
CURRENCYEGP0, 2h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Sequoia (Zamalek)

Riverside dinner with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes; popular spot for views of the Nile and a relaxed first-night meal (reservations recommended).
CURRENCYEGP600, 1h30m.

Day 2: Pyramids & Museum

Cairo, Egypt on October 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast so you can reach the Giza Plateau before peak heat and crowds.
CURRENCYEGP0, 30m.

8:30am

Giza Pyramids & Sphinx

See the Great Pyramid, Khafre and Menkaure and the Sphinx on the Giza Plateau; arrive early (site typically open ~7:00am–5:00pm) to avoid crowds and midday heat.
CURRENCYEGP200, 3h.

12:00pm

Lunch — Andrea or Felfela (Giza/Cairo)

Enjoy Egyptian and seafood options with pyramid views (many restaurants around the plateau offer terrace views).
CURRENCYEGP350, 1h.

2:30pm

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) or Egyptian Museum (Downtown)

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids (check current opening hours; GEM often opens ~9:00am–7:00pm) or the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir to see Tutankhamun and other antiquities.
CURRENCYEGP300, 2h.

6:00pm

Sound & Light Show at Giza (optional)

Enjoy the evening Sound & Light narration at the Pyramids (seasonal hours; check schedule and book in advance if interested).
CURRENCYEGP200, 1h.

8:30pm

Dinner — Abou El Sid

Classic Egyptian dishes in a highly rated atmosphere; great for sampling traditional flavors after a big day of sightseeing.
CURRENCYEGP450, 1h30m.

Day 3: Old Kingdom Sites

Cairo, Egypt on October 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early start for Saqqara and Dahshur to see step and bent/Red pyramids before heat and crowds.
CURRENCYEGP0, 30m.

8:00am

Saqqara: Step Pyramid & Teti Tombs

Explore the Step Pyramid complex and Old Kingdom tombs; site hours typically ~8:00am–5:00pm—excellent for history and archaeology fans.
CURRENCYEGP150, 2h.

11:00am

Dahshur: Bent & Red Pyramids

Short drive to Dahshur to see rarely crowded pyramids with striking angles — atmospheric and photogenic.
CURRENCYEGP100, 1h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Local restaurant near Saqqara

Casual Egyptian lunch with local specialties; good opportunity to refuel before transfer to the airport.
CURRENCYEGP200, 1h.

4:00pm

Flight to Luxor (recommended)

Fly from Cairo to Luxor in the late afternoon (flights ~1h15m). Book an early evening flight to maximize time on Day 3 and to be rested for Day 4.
CURRENCYEGP1500, 2h.

7:30pm

Dinner — Al-Sahaby Lane (Luxor)

Arrive at your Luxor hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a recommended local restaurant near the Nile corniche; sample regional Upper Egyptian or classic Egyptian dishes.
CURRENCYEGP300, 1h30m.

Day 4: Luxor East Bank

Luxor, Egypt on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to beat the heat and arrive at Karnak when gates open (Karnak usually opens around 6:00am–5:00pm).
CURRENCYEGP0, 30m.

8:00am

Karnak Temple Complex

Spend the morning at Karnak, the largest temple complex in Egypt — see the Hypostyle Hall, obelisks and avenues of sphinxes; allow plenty of time to walk the grounds.
CURRENCYEGP200, 2h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch — Sofra Restaurant & Cafe

Traditional Egyptian cuisine in a charming setting close to Luxor Temple.
CURRENCYEGP300, 1h.

2:30pm

Luxor Temple & Luxor Museum

Visit Luxor Temple in the afternoon (often open later into the evening and beautifully lit) and the nearby Luxor Museum for well-presented artifacts.
CURRENCYEGP150, 2h.

7:30pm

Dinner — Winter Palace (1886 Restaurant) or Corniche

For a special night, dine at the historic Winter Palace or choose a Nile-side restaurant on the corniche with local flavors and views.
CURRENCYEGP600, 1h30m.

Day 5: West Bank & Cruise

Luxor, Egypt on October 5, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Very early breakfast for access to the West Bank tombs by opening time (Valley of the Kings is usually open ~6:00am–5:00pm).
CURRENCYEGP0, 30m.

7:00am

Valley of the Kings

Explore selected royal tombs (including Tutankhamun's burial artifacts at museums) — buy the separate 'KV' tickets for some tombs; arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.
CURRENCYEGP300, 2h.

10:00am

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon

Visit the impressive terraced temple of Hatshepsut and stop at the Colossi for photos on the way back to the Nile.
CURRENCYEGP150, 1h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Local West Bank Cafe

Light lunch near the West Bank or back at the hotel; rest before boarding your Nile cruise in the afternoon.
CURRENCYEGP200, 1h.

4:00pm

Board Nile Cruise (Luxor → Aswan)

Board a 3-night, 4-day Nile cruise in the late afternoon — typical schedule includes stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way to Aswan. Check cruise check-in time with operator.
CURRENCYEGP8000, 0h45m.

7:30pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy dinner and an onboard briefing about the next days; many cruises offer evening entertainment.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h30m.

Day 6: Cruise: Edfu & Kom Ombo

Nile between Luxor & Aswan, Egypt on October 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Board

Start the day with breakfast on deck as you approach the morning stop.
CURRENCYEGP0, 45m.

8:30am

Edfu Temple (Horus)

Shore excursion by horse-carriage or motorboat to Edfu's well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple of Horus; opening hours vary with cruise schedules — typically visited in the morning.
CURRENCYEGP150, 2h.

1:00pm

Lunch on Board

Return to the cruise for lunch while cruising toward Kom Ombo.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h.

3:30pm

Kom Ombo Temple

Visit the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus overlooking the Nile (typically an afternoon stop).
CURRENCYEGP100, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Evening on Board — Lecture or Nubian Music

Relax with evening activities on board; crews often hold talks or performances about ancient Egypt and local culture.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h30m.

Day 7: Arrive Aswan

Aswan, Egypt on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on Board & Disembark

Enjoy breakfast as the cruise docks in Aswan; disembark and prepare for local sightseeing.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h.

9:00am

Philae Temple (Isis)

Take a short boat ride to Philae Island to visit the beautifully sited Temple of Isis (site hours often ~8:00am–5:00pm).
CURRENCYEGP200, 2h.

12:30pm

Lunch — Nubian House or Fish Market

Try local Nubian or fresh Nile fish dishes at a recommended Aswan restaurant near the corniche.
CURRENCYEGP300, 1h.

3:00pm

Aswan High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk

Visit the modern engineering marvel of the High Dam and see the massive unfinished obelisk in the granite quarries.
CURRENCYEGP100, 1h30m.

5:30pm

Felucca Sunset Sail

Take a traditional felucca sail on the Nile around Elephantine Island at sunset — a peaceful local experience.
CURRENCYEGP200, 1h15m.

8:00pm

Dinner — 1902 Restaurant or Local Spot

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a well-regarded local restaurant serving regional specialties.
CURRENCYEGP350, 1h30m.

Day 8: Abu Simbel Excursion

Aswan → Abu Simbel, Egypt on October 8, 2025

3:30am

Pre-dawn Departure for Abu Simbel

Leave very early by road (approx 3–3.5 hours) or take a short charter flight for the Abu Simbel temples — early arrival avoids heat and crowds (temples open ~6:00am–5:00pm).
CURRENCYEGP800, 5h.

7:30am

Abu Simbel Temples

Explore Ramses II's monumental rock temples, rescued and relocated in the 1960s — the site is an unforgettable highlight of Upper Egypt.
CURRENCYEGP250, 1h30m.

10:30am

Return to Aswan

Drive or fly back to Aswan, arrive early afternoon and rest at the hotel or explore the local market.
CURRENCYEGP0, 3h.

1:30pm

Lunch — Local Cafe

Late lunch and downtime after the long morning excursion; hydrate and relax before evening.
CURRENCYEGP200, 1h.

4:00pm

Explore Aswan Souk / Botanical Gardens (Optional)

Stroll the Aswan market or visit the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island by short boat ride if time and energy permit.
CURRENCYEGP100, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner — Nubian Restaurant

Finish the day with a relaxed Nubian-style dinner in town, enjoying local hospitality and flavors.
CURRENCYEGP300, 1h30m.

Day 9: Return to Cairo

Aswan → Cairo, Egypt on October 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Transfer to Aswan Airport

Breakfast and morning transfer for your flight back to Cairo (flight ~1h30m); book morning flight to maximize time in Cairo.
CURRENCYEGP1200, 2h.

10:30am

Arrive Cairo & Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Cairo and check into your hotel; short rest before afternoon activities.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h.

1:00pm

Lunch — Church Sandwich or Local Coptic Restaurant

Try a local spot in Coptic Cairo near the Hanging Church for a casual midday meal.
CURRENCYEGP200, 1h.

2:30pm

Coptic Cairo (Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue)

Visit Coptic Cairo's historic churches and the Ben Ezra Synagogue; many sites are open ~9:00am–5:00pm but confirm seasonal hours.
CURRENCYEGP100, 2h.

5:30pm

Islamic Cairo — Khan Al-Khalili if missed or Citadel of Saladin

Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque for panoramic city views (Citadel typically open ~9:00am–5:00pm; evenings for the mosque) and stroll the nearby market.
CURRENCYEGP150, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner — Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant (Khan el-Khalili)

Dine in one of Cairo's best-known restaurants inside the bazaar for a memorable last-night-in-Cairo meal.
CURRENCYEGP450, 1h30m.

Day 10: Alexandria Daytrip

Alexandria, Egypt on October 10, 2025

7:00am

Depart Early for Alexandria

Drive (approx 2.5–3 hours) or take the early train from Cairo to Alexandria to make the most of your day; travel NW along the coast.
CURRENCYEGP250, 3h.

10:00am

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Visit the modern library and cultural complex — check current opening hours (usually ~9:00am–7:00pm) for exhibitions and reading rooms.
CURRENCYEGP100, 1h30m.

12:00pm

Qaitbay Citadel

Explore the seaside fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria; great coastal views and photo opportunities.
CURRENCYEGP80, 1h.

1:30pm

Lunch — Seafood on the Corniche (e.g., Fish Market or Balbaa Village)

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean seafood on the corniche; Alexandria is famed for its fish restaurants and mezze.
CURRENCYEGP450, 1h.

3:30pm

Kom el-Dikka / Roman Amphitheatre or Montaza Gardens

Choose between the Roman remains at Kom el-Dikka and the amphitheatre or a relaxing stroll through the Montaza Palace gardens overlooking the sea.
CURRENCYEGP80, 1h30m.

6:00pm

Return to Cairo

Drive or train back to Cairo (arrive in the evening) and prepare for departure the next day.
CURRENCYEGP250, 3h.

9:00pm

Dinner — Local Cairo Spot

Light dinner near your hotel in Cairo and pack for departure; choose a relaxed local restaurant or hotel dining.
CURRENCYEGP300, 1h.

Day 11: Departure Day

Cairo, Egypt on October 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Hotel Check-out

Final breakfast, settle bills and check-out; leave luggage with concierge if your flight is later in the day.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h.

9:00am

Optional Last-minute Shopping or Short Museum Visit

If time allows, quick stop at a nearby museum shop, souvenir stop, or a short museum such as the Museum of Islamic Art (confirm opening times).
CURRENCYEGP100, 1h.

11:30am

Transfer to Cairo International Airport

Transfer to the airport for your departing flight; aim to arrive 2–3 hours before international departures.
CURRENCYEGP0, 1h30m.
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version