Visit the Great Pyramid, Khafre and Menkaure, and the Sphinx on the Giza Plateau; this site is best late afternoon for softer light. Typical hours: 7:00–5:00pm; plan 2–3 hours and consider a camel/horse ride if you like.
Stay for sunset photos; the Sound & Light show at Giza runs in the evenings (check show times, usually around 6:00–9:00pm). Book tickets in advance if interested.
Dinner at Sequoia (Zamalek) for Nile-view fine dining or Zooba for a modern casual Egyptian meal; both are open evening hours (Zooba until late; Sequoia by reservation).
Visit the Solar Boat Museum (next to the Great Pyramid) and, if purchased, enter a pyramid interior (Great Pyramid ticket is limited and sold separately). Pyramids open 7:00–5:00pm.
Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza—major archaeological displays and Tutankhamun galleries. Typical opening hours: 9:00–6:00pm; allow 2–3 hours.
Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the old city near Khan el-Khalili; many places are open through the evening and offer traditional cuisine and views.
Dinner along the Nile or a short evening felucca ride; Nile-side restaurants and feluccas run into the evening, so check specific start times for felucca trips.
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Cairo airport for a morning domestic flight to Luxor; flights typically 1h15m and run frequently (book ahead).
Visit Luxor Temple later in the day when the site is beautifully lit at sunset; Luxor Temple is usually open 6:00–10:00pm and is perfect for an evening stroll.
Optional sunrise hot-air balloon over the West Bank for spectacular aerial views (operators run flights around 5:00–6:30am). Book in advance and note weather-dependence.
Visit the Valley of the Kings to see decorated royal tombs (including options to enter select tombs). Open 6:00–5:00pm; allow 2–3 hours and purchase tickets for extra tombs if desired.
Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and stop at the Colossi of Memnon; sites open typically 6:00–5:00pm and provide distinct architectural contrasts.
Embark on a 3-night Nile cruise that will take you from Luxor downriver to Aswan with scheduled temple visits along the way. Boarding and itinerary times vary by operator—confirm boarding time with your cruise.
Disembark to visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus; usual visiting hours 8:00–4:00pm. Tour by horse-cart or on foot depending on pier.
Visit Kom Ombo, the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus; typical visiting hours 8:00–4:00pm. The site is compact and photogenic, especially late afternoon.
Visit Philae Temple (Isis) by short boat ride—one of Aswan's most picturesque island temples. Typical visiting hours 6:00–5:00pm; allow about 2 hours including boat transfer.
Depart extremely early for the Abu Simbel trip by private car/bus (or take the early flight) to arrive for the cool morning visit; road transfer is ~3 hours each way. Book transfers or flights well in advance.
Explore the twin temples of Ramses II and Nefertari—one of Egypt's most dramatic sites. Typical opening hours 6:00–5:00pm; most visitors see the site in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
Farewell-style dinner at Cairo Tower's revolving restaurant for panoramic city views or a favorite local restaurant for a relaxed last-night meal in Cairo.
Spend the afternoon in Al-Azhar Park for views and a relaxed walk, then stroll Muizz for more historic architecture and shops; park hours often 9:00–11:00pm.
Optional half-day trip to Dahshur to see the Bent and Red Pyramids—less crowded than Giza and historically interesting. Sites usually open 8:00–4:00pm.