Start with a hearty Egyptian breakfast such as ta‘amiya (falafel) and fuul; Zooba is a reliable local chain with fresh options. Typical opening times: from 7:30–10:00am for breakfast cafes; confirm service hours with your hotel.
Explore the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and panoramic viewpoints on the Giza Plateau — it’s the must-see symbol of ancient Egypt; most visitors go early to avoid heat and crowds. Typical opening hours: ~7:00am–4:00pm (times vary seasonally); interior entry to the Great Pyramid is extra and limited, so pre-book if you want inside access.
Dine with direct views of the Pyramids — a relaxed lunch spot recommended after the plateau visit. The restaurant generally opens through lunchtime; check reservation policies for peak season.
Visit the modern Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza to see King Tutankhamun’s treasures and a vast chronological display; this museum significantly improves context after seeing the Pyramids. Opening hours are typically 9:00am–9:00pm, but confirm as exhibitions/hours can change.
Stroll the historic bazaar for souvenirs, coffee houses and local crafts; a great place for atmosphere and photos at dusk. Khan el-Khalili shops commonly stay open until about 9:00–10:00pm; late closing times vary by shop.
Enjoy traditional Egyptian dishes in a well-known setting inside the bazaar — excellent for trying local specialities. Dinner service typically runs into the evening; reservations recommended for weekends.
Visit the 19th-century citadel for sweeping views over Cairo and the impressive interior of Mohammad Ali Mosque, a landmark of Ottoman-style architecture. Citadel opening hours are generally around 8:00am–5:00pm; mosque visiting hours and modest dress rules apply.
Explore Coptic Christian sites clustered in Old Cairo — the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue give insight into Egypt’s Christian heritage. Most churches open mid-morning; check for short closures for services.
Taste koshary, Egypt’s popular street-food dish — cheap, filling and quintessentially Cairene. The busy restaurant is open for lunch most days; expect a short wait at peak times.
See a broad overview of Egypt’s history and the Royal Mummy Room (check ticketing if you want to see mummies, as slots are limited). Typical opening hours: about 9:00am–5:00pm; confirm mummy-room access in advance.
Relax in the landscaped park with panoramic views of the old city and the Citadel at sunset — a lovely city-break wind-down. Park opening hours usually extend into the evening, roughly 9:00am–11:00pm.
Dine on the Nile in one of Cairo’s popular restaurants on Zamalek island, offering Mediterranean and Egyptian-influenced dishes and great river views. Sequoia is typically open for dinner and is busy on weekends — book ahead.
Early transfer to catch a morning domestic flight to Luxor; allow ample time for airport security and check-in. Drive time depends on traffic — plan for 45–90 minutes from central Cairo.
A short domestic flight (≈1h15m) takes you to Luxor, the archaeological heart of Upper Egypt; flights depart frequently but book in advance for better fares. Flight schedules vary by airline — reconfirm times before travel.
Drop bags and freshen up; many hotels offer early check-in or at least luggage storage so you can start sightseeing. Transfer times from LXR airport to central Luxor are usually 20–40 minutes.
Explore Karnak’s vast pylons, hypostyle hall and avenues of sphinxes — one of the largest ancient religious complexes in the world. Typical opening hours: about 6:00am–5:00pm; late afternoon can be quieter.
A well-regarded local restaurant serving traditional Upper Egyptian and Nile-side dishes — convenient after a morning of touring. Open through lunchtime; check for weekend hours.
Small but well-curated museums give context to the sites you’ll visit on the West Bank and are a good afternoon activity when the sun is strongest. Museums typically open 9:00am–5:00pm; verify seasonal hours.
See Luxor Temple illuminated — an atmospheric way to end the day and much cooler than daytime visits. The temple is usually open until around 10:00pm for evening visits; check the current closing time.
Dine on traditional and Nile-side dishes near Luxor Temple — a popular choice for both tourists and locals. Dinner service is nightly; reservations recommended for larger groups.
Pre-dawn balloon flights give unforgettable aerial views of the Nile plain, temples and tombs — a highlight for many visitors; operators pick you up from your hotel very early. Flights typically run 4:00–6:30am depending on sunrise, and include transfers; availability depends on weather.
Visit several royal tombs carved into the West Bank cliffs — tomb interiors are richly decorated and a highlight of any Egypt trip. Opening hours are usually about 6:00am–5:00pm; individual tombs (e.g. Tutankhamun) often require separate paid access and visitor numbers may be limited.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch back in Luxor town to refuel before afternoon visits; simple Nile cafes offer fresh fish and Egyptian favourites. Open daily; check times if you’re on a tight schedule.
See the elegant terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the monumental Colossi that guarded the approach — both close to the Valley of the Kings and quick to combine. Sites typically open 6:00am–5:00pm; bring water and sun protection.
Evening domestic flight back to Cairo (≈1h15m) to complete the loop; choose a flight time that suits your onward plans. Confirm flight times and arrival terminal in advance.
Arrive back in Cairo and collect luggage; if you have additional time you can have a late dinner in the city, or transfer to your onward destination. Airport transfers and dinner costs will vary by preference.