Start your journey in Egypt with a visit to the Giza necropolis, which houses the legendary Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the neighbouring Sphinx. Walk around the complex and marvel at these architectural feats from the ancient world. In the evening, stroll down Cairo's vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar, one of the city's oldest souks, to sample some local delicacies and buy some souvenirs.
Drive to the charming city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, once known as the cultural capital of the world. Visit the stunning Greco-Roman Citadel of Qaitbay, and then immerse yourself in the rich history of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, one of the great libraries of the ancient world, destroyed and then rebuilt in the 21st century. End your day with a stroll along the famous Corniche and enjoy the fresh breeze of the Mediterranean.
Take a train to the city of Luxor, the world's greatest open-air museum. Visit the iconic Karnak Temple, the largest religious structure ever built by man, the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial site of the pharaohs, and the beautiful Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the few temples in Egypt directed by a female Pharaoh. In the evening, take a felucca ride on the serene Nile River as the sun sets.
Travel south to the charming city of Aswan, an ancient frontier town with a distinctly African atmosphere. Visit the beautiful Philae Temple, perched on a charming island on the Nile River, and the famous Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk that was never completed. Take a camel ride to the beautiful St. Simeon Monastery, perched on the desert hills far away from the bustling city. End your day with a beautiful sunset over the Nile.
Drive to the resort town of El Gouna, a beautiful seaside town overlooking the exquisite Red Sea. Take a dip in the crystal-clear water and soak up in the sandy beaches. Go snorkelling and diving in the beautiful coral reefs and explore the abundant marine life. Take a stroll around the beautiful marina and end your day at the buzzy downtown area, where you can find various shopping and dining options.
Travel to the beautiful resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, known for its stunning coral reefs and beautiful sandy beaches. Visit the Ras Mohamed National Park, one of the world's best snorkelling and diving sites, and enjoy the spectacular marine life. Take a day trip to the beautiful St. Catherine's Monastery, located at Mount Sinai's foot. End your trip with some shopping and entertainment in the vibrant Naama Bay.
Travelling in Egypt could be challenging, but rewarding. The vast distances, the language barrier, and the cultural differences can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, the trip would be an unforgettable experience. For long-distance trips, trains and private cars are the most reliable options, while private cars or taxis are best for short trips in the cities. Consider the times when planning transportation as some attractions may close earlier than others.
Estimated costs: Train tickets from Cairo to Luxor range from EGP 200 to EGP 1200, while private cars cost around EGP 8000 in total for the whole trip. Taxis within cities cost around EGP 30-100, while long-distance taxis cost around EGP 200-500.
If you have more time, consider visiting the stunning beaches of Hurghada or Marsa Alam, the exquisitely preserved temples of Abu Simbel, or the charming Siwa Oasis. If you have less time, cut down on the time spent in the busy cities of Cairo and Alexandria by skipping some of the museums and bazaars.
Egypt's main airport is the Cairo International Airport (CAI), located about 15 miles north-east of Cairo's city center. Several major airlines operate in and out of the airport, including EgyptAir, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) and Hurghada International Airport (HRG) are the other major airports that cater to visitors coming in from Europe and other Middle Eastern destinations.