10 days in Egypt Itinerary

When you visit Egypt, you’re not just checking off a list of historical sites – you’re stepping into a living, breathing place with its own rhythms. While the country’s sights are unmatched, navigating Egypt can be a challenge. The heat, the crowds, the bustle – it’s all part of the charm, but it helps to know what to expect and how to manage it. I’ve packed this itinerary with the highlights, but also with moments of peace and beauty. Here’s my guide to the best Egypt itinerary for 10 days.

Egypt itinerary 10 days overview

What to see in Egypt in 10 days? You'll definitely want to make sure not to overpack your itinerary. If you are short on time or want more time at each destination, see our other Egypt itineraries. We took this trip in late September, but it could definitely work at other times of the year. See our guide to when to go to Egypt.

Egypt 10 day tour overview:

• Day 1: Arrive in Cairo – Settle in and explore Cairo's food scene.
• Day 2: Explore the Pyramids of Giza – Visit the Pyramids and Sphinx, then fly to El Gouna.
• Day 3: Relax in El Gouna – Enjoy the beaches and marina.
• Day 4: Active day in El Gouna – Go on a desert safari and try kitesurfing.
• Day 5: Beach day and travel to Luxor – Relax at the beach, then drive to Luxor.
• Day 6: Luxor East Bank – Visit Karnak and Luxor Temples.
• Day 7: Luxor West Bank – Explore the Valley of the Kings and tombs.
• Day 8: Explore Aswan – Visit Philae Temple, the Aswan Dam, and the Nubian Museum.
• Day 9: Nile cruise – Cruise the Nile and visit Kom Ombo and Edfu temples.
• Day 10: Return to Cairo – Fly back and visit the Coptic area if time allows.

The first of our 10 day trip to Egypt in the capital and largest city:

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo

A bustling metropolis of 20 million people, Cairo has been Egypt's heart for over a millennium. It's loud, chaotic, and is a great way to start a 10 day itinerary.

After checking into our hotel, we wasted no time. To get a taste—literally—of local life, we joined a food tour through Islamic Cairo. Trying koshari, Egypt's beloved street food made from lentils, rice, and pasta, was a highlight. Paired with fresh sugarcane juice and crispy falafel, it was the perfect introduction to Egypt.

Editor's tip: Before you arrive, make sure to download Uber – it works well in Cairo and it makes getting around much easier and less stressful.

Where to stay in Cairo

Cairo is massive, so where you stay makes a difference. Here's a quick rundown of some great neighborhoods to stay, but if you want a more thorough look, see our guide to where to stay in Cairo.

• Downtown Cairo: The city's vibrant heart, offering a mix of historic sites, museums, and bustling streets with numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Zamalek: An affluent island district on the Nile, known for its leafy streets, embassies, upscale boutiques, and a variety of dining options.
• Maadi: A green, tranquil suburb favored by expatriates, featuring tree-lined avenues, international schools, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the city's hustle.
• Giza: Home to the iconic Pyramids and the Sphinx, this area offers accommodations with stunning views and proximity to ancient wonders.

Day 2: Explore the Pyramids of Giza

Travel time: 45 minutes by car or taxi

It's hard to put into words what it feels like to stand in front of the Pyramids of Giza. Pictures just don't do justice to their size and scale. Knowing they've been standing here for thousands of years—it's surreal.

How to visit Giza

We got there right when the gates opened at 7 AM, which turned out to be one of our best decisions. The early morning light was incredible, and we managed to avoid the midday heat and crowds. We hired a local guide at the entrance, and honestly, it was worth it. They knew all the shortcuts.

Make sure to visit the panorama point for the perfect view of all nine pyramids at once. Entering the Great Pyramid is worth the crouch through its narrow passages - the experience of standing in chambers that have survived millennia is incomparable.

In the evening, we flew from Cairo to Hurghada Airport, followed by a short 30-minute transfer to El Gouna.

Day 3: Relaxing day in El Gouna

After the whirlwind of Cairo, El Gouna felt like the perfect antidote. It’s quiet, picturesque, and just a bit fancy—but without being over the top. What makes El Gouna special is that it’s not your typical tourist spot like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada. It’s a thoughtfully planned out town, designed with elements of luxury with sustainability. It’s lagoon-and-canal setup gave it its nickname of the "Venice of the Red Sea", and this is where you'll find some of the best beaches in Egypt.

The town's 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) of coastline is divided into distinct beaches, each with its own character. We spent day three at Marina Beach, which had calm waters and nearby restaurants. It’s an idea spotl for families looking for a laid-back beach day. A lazy breakfast, a dip in the sea, and an afternoon wandering the marina was exactly what we needed. 

Where to stay in El Gouna

Here are some great places to stay in El Gouna.

• Abu Tig Marina: An elegant area known for its luxury yachts, upscale restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, offering a lively atmosphere for visitors.
• Downtown El Gouna: The town's central hub, featuring a variety of shops, cafes, and entertainment options, ideal for those seeking convenience and local charm.
• Mangroovy Beach: Located in the northern part of El Gouna, this area is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, especially kitesurfers, due to its favorable conditions.

Day 4: Active day in El Gouna

El Gouna isn’t just for relaxing. We kicked off our 4th day of this 10 day Egypt itinerary with a sunrise desert safari in the Eastern Desert. 

The light of the sunrise made the Red Sea Mountains glow. This harsh landscape was once home to early Christian hermits and still houses ancient Coptic monasteries. Drinking Bedouin tea in this vast, quiet landscape felt surreal.  If you’re lucky, you might even spot a gazelle darting across the hills.

In the afternoon, we focused on the water. The consistent winds here make it a great spot for kitesurfing, even if you’re a beginner. For something easier, paddle boarding through the lagoons is a calm, scenic option. If you’re in the mood for more desert exploring, quad biking is another fun way to take in the landscape.  For some it could be worth extending a your trip to spend time here, see our guide to how many days to spend in Egypt. 

Day 5: A day at the beach in El Gouna

On our last morning in El Gouna, we kept it simple with some time at the beach. The water is incredibly clear and great for snorkelling, and there is plenty of coral to explore. If you’d rather stay on land, the beaches are peaceful and perfect for unwinding.

After lunch, we started the 4-hour drive to Luxor. The route takes you through changing landscapes—first the Red Sea coastline, then to the barren stretches of the Eastern Desert and finally into the green fields of the Nile Valley. It’s a long drive, but the changing views keeps it interesting and was one of the best things we did in Egypt. 

Day 6: Exploring Luxor East Bank

Luxor is the ancient capital of Thebes and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The city today sits atop layers of history spanning over 4,000 years. The East Bank, known as the "City of the Living," is where the ancient Egyptians built some of their most remarkable temples.

Things to see at East Bank

We started early at the Karnak Temple Complex, an incredible site that grew over 2,000 years as each pharaoh added their mark. Arriving early meant we could explore before the crowds descended, and it was truly worth it.

Begin at the Avenue of Ram-headed Sphinxes and enter through the massive first pylon. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive columns, is a sight not to be missed.

We also took a moment to check out the Sacred Lake, where priests performed purification rituals, and the towering obelisk of Hatshepsut, one of the tallest remaining ancient Egyptian monuments.

In the late afternoon, walk or take a horse carriage to Luxor Temple. The temple was built to celebrate the Opet Festival, when the god Amun would travel down the Nile from Karnak. The massive columns and statues of Ramesses II are truly impressive, and the temple also features a 14th-century mosque built atop the ancient ruins.

Day 7: Exploring Luxor West Bank

On day 7 of this 10 day Egypt itinerary we crossed over to the West Bank, known to the ancients as the City of the Dead, where the setting sun symbolized the journey to the afterlife. This side of Luxor is home to thousands of tombs and temples built into the cliffs, where ancient Egyptians were buried for over 500 years.

Things to see at West Bank

Although this is entirely optional, we began our day with a hot air balloon ride at dawn. It's admittedly a bit pricey, but it was really a fantastic way to get a sense of the vastness of ancient Thebes and see the temples and tombs rising from the misty morning landscape. For us it was definitely worth it.

Otherwise, you'll want to begin at the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs built their secret tombs for over 500 years. Your ticket covers three tombs, and while you can choose from those open that day, definitely add on King Tutankhamun's tomb for an extra fee.

While his treasures are in Cairo, seeing his mummy is an experience you won't forget. We also visited the tomb of Seti I, known for its vivid colors that have survived for over 3,000 years.

Next, we headed to the Temple of Hatshepsut, built in three terraces against the cliffs. It's a remarkable site, and despite efforts to erase her legacy, her monument stands strong.

We ended our West Bank tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two 60 foot (18 meter) high quartzite statues that once guarded Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. These ancient giants were famous in Roman times for producing a mysterious "singing" sound at dawn, caused by wind passing through cracks from an earthquake. In the afternoon, we took the train to Aswan.

Day 8: Explore Aswan

Travel time: 3 hours by train

Aswan has a very different vibe from Cairo or Luxor. Ancient Egyptians called it Swenet, meaning "trade," and it was once Egypt's southern gateway. The town sits where the Nile narrows, with granite cliffs rising from the riverbanks. Here, Nubian culture adds to the Egyptian traditions.

Things to do in Aswan

We began the day by visiting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple's history is fascinating—it was dismantled and relocated to higher ground when the Aswan Dam was built to prevent flooding. We took a boat ride to the island, where waterline markers on the temple walls are still visible. One highlight was the ancient graffiti left by Napoleon's soldiers and Victorian explorers who had visited the site.

Next, we explored the Aswan High Dam, while not ancient, it is one of humanity's most ambitious attempts to control nature. The dam created Lake Nasser, the largest artificial lake in the world, and transformed Egypt's agriculture. From the viewing platform, you can see where the Nile's cataracts once posed challenges to ancient sailors.

We then visited the Unfinished Obelisk, still attached to the bedrock in its quarry. It would have been the largest obelisk ever built. In the afternoon, we explored the Nubian Museum which was fascinating.

Day 9: Nile cruise in Aswan

On the 9th day of this 10 day Egypt itinerary, we  boarded a Nile cruise, following the route once taken by ancient pharaohs to inspect their realm. Our first stop was the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Known for its symmetrical design, we explored the temple's ancient medical instruments and the nilometer carved into its walls. We also visited the newly opened crocodile museum, which is a really interesting display of mummified crocodiles discovered nearby.

Next, we sailed to the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it gives a complete view of an ancient Egyptian temple. We toured the sanctuary where Horus’s statue once stood and admired the impressive 120 foot (37 meter) pylon. The carvings on its walls vividly tell the temple’s history.

Between temples, we relaxed and watched life along the Nile—farmers, children, and water buffalo in a timeless scene.

How to book a cruise

When booking your Nile cruise, it's recommended to plan at least a month in advance, especially during peak season (October to April). You can choose between a traditional dahabiya sailboat, which offers a more intimate experience with only 8-12 passengers, or a larger cruise ship that offers more amenities like pools, dining options, and entertainment. Dahabiyas provide a more peaceful, relaxed journey, while larger ships cater to those looking for more comfort and convenience. 

Many hotels in Aswan can assist with booking your cruise, or you can use international travel platforms for more options. Either way, booking in advance ensures you secure your spot.

Day 10: Travel back to Cairo

On our final day, we flew back to Cairo. Book a window seat for the flight back and you can catch a glimpse of the contrast between the lush green Nile Valley and the surrounding desert. It's easy to understand why Egypt is called the "Gift of the Nile" when you see it from above.

If you have time before your flight, I definitely recommend visiting the Coptic area of Cairo. If you have more time, there are a lot of great day trips from Cairo that you could add in here.

And this unfortunately was the end of our 10 day Egypt travel itinerary. We would have happily explored for longer.

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