10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Egypt

1. Day 1: Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza
   45 minutes from Cairo

   Discover the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza and stand in awe of the engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.

2. Day 2: Explore the Khan el-Khalili market
   30 minutes from the Great Pyramids of Giza

   Get ready to haggle your way through the bazaar that has been in operation since the 14th century. Discover locally made souvenirs and spices.

3. Day 3: Visit the Egyptian Museum
   40 minutes from Khan el-Khalili market

   View over 120,000 artifacts of ancient Egypt including Tutankhamun's treasures. Watch out for extra charges for the mummies room.

4. Day 4: Take a short cruise along the Nile River
   4 hours from the Egyptian Museum

   Grab a cheap boat ride and admire the views of the bustling riverbanks, the local farms and the ancient river views along the way.

5. Day 5: Enjoy the scenic view from Mount Sinai
   6 hours from the Nile River

   Take a camel ride to catch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Sinai. The trek might be hard for some people but the trip is worth it.

6. Day 6: Relax on Hurghada Beach
   6 hours from Mount Sinai

   Chill out at the warm sandy beaches of Hurghada and take a swim in the clear Red Sea water. Perfect for diving and snorkeling.

7. Day 7: Discover the temples of Luxor
   3 hours from Hurghada Beach

   Explore Luxor's Temple of Karnak, and the tombs and temples of the West Bank including the Valley of the Kings.

8. Day 8: Visit the Abu Simbel temples
   6 hours from Luxor

   Appreciate the iconic temples of Abu Simbel carved on sandstone cliffs honoring Pharaoh Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari.

9. Day 9: Stroll around Alexandria
   10 hours from Abu Simbel temples

   Roam around the city's cultural landmarks including Bibliotheca Alexandrina and visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.

10. Day 10: Experience Egypt's White Desert
    4 hours from Alexandria

    Visit this unique site for surreal snow-white rock formations. Amazing spot for a night's camping. Take an off-road jeep tour or a hike.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Great Pyramids of Giza (2 hours, EGP 200)
• Khan el-Khalili market (2 hours, EGP 100)
• Egyptian Museum (3 hours, EGP 400)
• Nile River cruise (3 hours, EGP 200)
• Mount Sinai trek (6 hours, EGP 200)
• Hurghada Beach (5 hours, EGP 150)
• Luxor temples (6 hours, EGP 250)
• Abu Simbel temples (8 hours, EGP 400)
• Alexandria landmarks (4 hours, EGP 200)
• White Desert (8 hours, EGP 400)
Total Estimated Costs (EGP): EGP 2,500

Useful Tips

If you have extra days, Nubian village, Siwa Oasis, and Aswan might worth exploring. If you have less time, skip Alexandria and Hurghada beach. Avoid visiting outdoor destinations in July and August as it’s extremely hot. Tipping is expected almost everywhere - keep small bills and coins handy.