For the full list of things to do in Cairo, read our article, For the full details on how to plan your day trip, read our, For full details on this road trip, with information about what to expect on the drive and pricing information, read our article, Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu, For a full list of things to do on the West Bank of Luxor, with more information on how to plan your time, how to get around, and where to eat, read our, For a full list of things to do on the East Bank of Luxor, with more information on how to plan your time, how to get around, and where to eat, read our, How to Add a Nile Cruise to this Egypt Itinerary. 11:05 a.m. Egypt is the stuff of dreams: it's home to the ancient Giza pyramids, the sprawling 2-Week Egypt Itinerary - Wild Junket Adventure Travel Blog Plan an adventure of a lifetime with my 2-week Egypt itinerary, designed for first-time visitors. Nuweiba is surrounded by desert mountains and deep canyons that are the home of Bedouin communities that still live in traditional ways in this harsh landscape today (though most of them have phones and cars now!). Day 2 - Cairo - All the Pyramids. All transport will accept euros,dollarsand sterling notes but we suggest exchanging your money before arriving into Egypt to Egyptian pounds as this will stretch your money a lot further. Abu Simbel is a small village in the Egyptian part of Nubia, about 150 miles southwest of Aswan and near the border with Sudan. After, get a bit lost and walk through the vast maze that makes up Cairos downtown, theres always people around and its super safe during the day. Where to stay: Accommodation in Siwa is very simple and down-to-earth. Youll need to take a tour, and theres the option of exploring the area on a camel ride tour too! Car rental:A wide range of international car rental companies operate at the airport and their offices are located in all Terminals. Itll overwhelm all your senses and give you a glance of a more modern version of Egypt. Theyre probably the first thing that comes to your head when you think of Egypt, and no trip to the country would be complete without a visit to the pyramids. ASWAN: For a list of the top experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Aswan. Located on the River Nile, the temples were built by the pharaoh Ramses II in 1200 BC. Saqqara was the necropolis for the Egyptian capital city of Memphis. Day 1: Arrive in Cairo Day 2: Cairo: Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum Day 3: Cairo: Dahshur, Memphis & Saqqara, Fly to Aswan Day 4: Aswan Day 5: Abu Simbel Day 6: Drive to Luxor, with visits to Kom Ombo, Edfu, & Esna Day 7: West Bank of Luxor Day 8: East Bank of Luxor Day 9: Fly to Cairo, with the option of more time in Luxor Day 10: Fly Home. Day 2: Day Trip From Cairo to Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis. 7 Day Egypt Itinerary - Tourist Egypt - Discover Egypt Cultures of the World - Stories from Egypt. Ideal for the first-time traveler to Egypt, this itinerary includes a Nile cruise, nights Luxor and Aswan and the opportunity to explore the treasures of Cairo and Giza. For the full list of things to do in Cairo, read our article 15 Best Things to do in Cairo. Ticket prices will vary depending on which package/tour you choose to book you can choose from guided tours, thematic tours, archaeology, kings and queens and ancient Egypt. The great thing about lake Nasser is that its 341 miles long so if you want to be close to the airport before you jet off then you can drive or get a taxi to an area of lake Nasser and then head home. It takes three to four hours to visit Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara. Always make sure you know where youre going, and stay a bit alert and you shouldnt have any problems. A team of engineers and scientists carefully took apart the structures then they rebuilt the temples about 200 feet above their original location. Aswan and Luxor Road Trip: How to Visit Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna. Youll feel like youre in a dream as you sit on the waters edge sipping your morning coffee and watching little boats float by. Back in 1176 he ordered the construction of what is Cairos modern-day citadel, which was designed to protect Cairo from the Crusaders and be the epicentre of the Egyptian government. Unlike the other four temples, Luxor temple is not dedicated to a cult God or a deified version of the pharaoh in death. You could easily spend the whole morning there. Luxor is the perfect travel destination for history fans. We are unsure why, but we got upgraded to a Royal Villa, which was amazing (they knew nothing of our travel blog and we pay full price when we travel). Its one of the most culturally shocking places in Egypt, as conservative Muslim attire and customs are still strictly followed. You can get from one side of Luxor to the other via motorboat, there are always lots parked on the edge of the Nile. However, there are three important temples and historical sites to visit on the way, at Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna. LEARN MORE: How to Plan Your Dahshur, Memphis and Saqqara Day Trip. You can find beaches in Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheik. But Egypt is different. I think the best time to visit Egypt is in the winter months (November to January). The walls of the temple are riddled with cryptic hieroglyphs and carvings of ancient Egyptian gods. It is home to many sacred temples, including the memorial temple of Seti I. A car rental upfront is going to be the most expensive option but if youre doing a lot of travelling around Egypt then this could work out to be one of the more convenient and cheaper options. Today, they remain a distinct indigenous and ethno-linguistic group. and Siwas moon pools. You cant skip the Cairo Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Saladin. The beautiful ceiling of the Hathor Temple, LEARN MORE: Day Trip to Dendera and Abydos. We had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a terrace with a private view of the Nile River. This museum is also conveniently located next to the Giza Plateau, so it will be very easy to combine these two sites without needing to navigate the streets of Cairo. You dont need any prior experience to dive, amazingly, it isnt even a requirement that you know how to swim when you go on a diving tour as the guide can hold you up from your tank! Luxor is a large city that sits on the East bank of the River Nile in Southern Egypt and is the most well know recognised city in Upper Egypt. Egypt is located in North East Africa in the Middle East and is bordered by Libya, Sudan, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. If youre travelling from Aswan, then this will take around three hours in the car but we promise that its worth it! Some cruises sail to Kom Ombo the first night and others will sail to Kom Ombo the morning of day 2. On this Egypt itinerary, you will spend three nights in Luxor. Id recommend going on a cycling trip in the morning before it gets too hot and spending the afternoon or evening in the hot springs, soaking your sore muscles and relaxing. In this museum, you can expect to find the gold mask of Tutankhamun, The Grave Mask of king Amenemope, Merneptah Stele and 119,997 more items! There are two temples on the site that were built by the Egyptian king Ramses II. The most famous thing to see in Abu Simbel are the temples yes more temples but they wont disappoint you in the wow department. Lastly, theres very little information about the pyramids on site, so if you want to know about their history go on a guided tour, heres one option: Tour of the Pyramids. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For a full list of things to do on the East Bank of Luxor, with more information on how to plan your time, how to get around, and where to eat, read our Guide to the East Bank of Luxor. I'm Lauren and I've been travelling the world on a permanent basis since 2011. Luxor (3 days) What You Need To Know Before Traveling In Egypt We recommend flying this evening in order to give yourself a full day for sightseeing tomorrow. Best Time to Visit Egypt. The Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers 5 days in Egypt Itinerary | A wonder worth exploring! (2023) As we said, Dahab is along the Red Sea which is home to vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine species dont be surprised if you see an eel swimming past you! The main temple was dedicated to two sun Gods and the second temple was built for Nefertari. Most people arrive around 10 am and it stays busy for the rest of the day. Theres a well-reviewed tour option here. To finish off, visit Abdeen Palace. Lucky you, this place is every bit as magical as you ever dreamed, and more. Today is a nice, relaxing day with just a few places to visit. The stakes are high because 95 percent of Egypt's water comes from the Nile. Your entrance ticket includes a visit to three tombs. If you arent staying here, or even if you are, The Terrace at the Sofitel is a nice place to have lunch. For more valuable tips about visiting Egypt, including safety, tipping, SIM cards, and visas, read our article, You can see all of our articles about Egypt in our. Siwa is also known for its stunning salt lakes that are a short bike ride from the town, youre talking about 30 minutes or so! To get to this temple youll have to get a boat across which wont cost much money and youll get to see a little bit more of Egypt than you would travelling by car! When you have finally made the journey then we hope that you have got something cool to put on as the average yearly temperature in Egypt is 28 degrees and it can even reach highs of 35 degrees (sometimes hotter) in the summer time and rarely dip below 20 degrees in the winter! Day 5: Visit the Karnak & Luxor temples. Only a handful of high end restaurants serve alcohol in Egypt. This is yet another hotel that boasts amazing views of the Pyramids of Giza. The other half is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Hi Julie, did tailor made pick you up and drive you to all your locations? Typically, we travel independently, and very rarely do we hire guides or take tours. Admittedly the tour involves sleeping in a tent, so if youre not a camper this might not sound very appealing, but seriously its worth giving up a little luxury for a night to go on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Fortunately, a cruise can easily be added to this itinerary. See the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known obelisk in the world. Cheers, Julie, We do not run tours but you can share this itinerary with a travel agent. The temple sits 9 meters below street level. This museum contains artifacts that were found in the Luxor area, as well as artifacts from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The Grand Egyptian Museum is massiveits so big that our guide, Laila, joked that you would need a tuk-tuk to see all of it. Many of the hot springs are open till late at night, so you can decide whether you want to go during the day or spend the evening soaking in the warm water beneath the stars (or you can do both of course!). Its said to be the same location as the biblical Mount Sinai, where Moses received his Ten Commandments. Spend the night either in Giza, for one last view of the pyramids, or near the airport, to minimize travel time tomorrow. It would be mad to go to Siwa and not take an overnight tour into the Sahara. Theyre located on the West Bank of Luxor. Weve talked about what you can do in Egypt in 8-days and although you can get a lot done if youre mainly looking to relax and not travel around so much then 6-7 days will also be enough time. Where to stay: This quintessentially Egyptian hotel on the West Bank feels homely, luxurious, and old-fashioned all at once. If you were to drive directly between these two cities, without time for stops, it takes just over 3 hours, if you take the highway. Its got a somewhat hippy feel to it, and its not exactly luxury accommodation but its cheap, cool, and a great spot. On this Egypt itinerary, you will not take a cruise on the Nile River. In fact, a Nile Cruise is one of the most cost-efficient ways of witnessing the most famous archaeological sites that Egypt is peppered with. It was dedicated to Hathor, who was the goddess of the sky, women, motherhood and love. Theres so much to discover in Egypt, and it really is one of those destinations that leaves a lasting impression and impact on you. Top tip, always ask for the price and negotiate before you consume street food, otherwise youll likely get ripped off. Where to Go 2. Small, traditional, and charming best describes the town of Siwa. Day 5-7: A 3-night Nile cruise. Egypt Itinerary- How to Spend 2 Weeks in Egypt - Travel? Yes Please! Within the citadel itself there are three museums and three mosques. The standard tour is done in groups of about 10, and it involves a 44 ride over the desert dunes at high speed (a great dose of adrenaline! To make this an 8-day Egypt itinerary, spend only one day in Cairo. The traffic in Cairo is terrible, with some of the most congested streets we have seen. By scenic route, the rural roads along the east bank of the Nile River, it can take four and a half hours. Important Note: The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open in 2023, although this date seems to change frequently. Now, you wont have seen this in the documentaries or read about it in travel magazines, but prepare to be harassed by vendors and men with camels as you walk around. A visit to the White Desert takes two days and one night of your time. The Pyramids of Giza are just outside of Cairo in the city of Giza. You'll also be cruising along the Nile River and then saving some time to relax on the beaches of Hurghada, at Egypt's Red Sea resorts. The best time to visit Egypt is the cooler months of the year: November through March. On a day trip from Cairo, you can visit the beautiful Mediterranean city of Alexandria. If you have time, head over to the Temple of Hatshepsut afterwards. Once open, it will replace the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square. That said, beware of the high costs of these spirits. Prepare to see kids as young as seven driving cars and directing carts led by donkeys pulling either food or an entire family behind them. Some of the most famous are Cleopatras pool (the name is a bit misleading as theres actually no evidence that she ever visited!) The most famous hiking spot in the area is the Colored Canyon, and Nuweiba is the closest town. Ahmed Afify Egypt Itineraries Egypt Itinerary 10 Days: What to do as a First-Time Visitor Contents Our suggested Egypt itinerary 10 Days: Day 1: Cairo City Tour Day 2: Giza Pyramids Tour Days 3: Fly to Luxor Days 4: Luxor Tour Days 5, 6, and 7: Nile Cruise Day 8: Aswan Days 9 and 10: The Red Sea Theres nothing quite like the quiet and tranquillity that you experience in the desert. (Tips, Tricks, And Things To Do), Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Itinerary: 7 Days in Cambodia, One Week in Hawaii: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary, Best 10 Restaurants in Santorini: Caldera Views to Top Cuisine, 9 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Eco Friendly Travellers. PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you suffer from claustrophobia, skip the visit to the inside of these pyramids. CAIRO: Start with our article Best Things to do in Cairo. It may be overwhelming deciding what to see your first time here but fear not, I got you covered. Philae became known during the Ptolomaic Dynasty as the centre of the cult of the goddess Isis. Oh, did I mention its the main office and official residence of the president? On this Egypt itinerary, you will visit the intricately decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings, drift on the Nile River in a felucca, and see the Pyramids of Giza. Required fields are marked *. How Much Does a 7-Day Trip to Egypt Cost 4. Its cheaper, you have the option to tour the tombs and temples in a small, private group (rather than in a large cruise ship group), and you have a lot more flexibility in your schedule. This attraction is extremely cheap and although the journey may be a long one, its definitely worth the visit to explore the village and temples. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Spend the night at a hotel near the airport, to save yourself a long drive into and out of Cairo. We also have a guide on how to visit Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna while driving between Aswan and Luxor. First Time Itinerary To Egypt | Cultured Roads | Boutique Travel Agency The temple is open from 6am to 5pm where you will need topre-booktickets. Day 6 - Dahabiya - All Aboard! One week in Egypt is the perfect amount of time to soak up the hum of the ancient world. It's a little bit hippy and unusual, but it often ends up being people's favourite destination in Egypt because of the tranquil atmosphere and relative progressiveness of the place. If you want to do lots of travelling around Egypt then 10-days would be sufficient to see all the sights as well as not tiring yourself out too much. Check out my 5-Day Egypt Itinerary for a condensed itinerary for Egypt. Many flights arrive in Cairo midday or later, so you will not do much sightseeing on this first day of the trip. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as the Djeser-Djeseru, is a mortuary temple of Ancient Egypt located in Upper Egypt. To get here, it is a 4-hour drive from Cairo and you spend the night camped out in the desert. Dahabs best beach spots are either in the town itself or a short walk away, so its easy to get around. Theres no need to panic as weve got the perfect 8-day Egypt itinerary just for you! If you want to try local cuisine thenBab El-Sharqis the restaurant for you! Natures spa, theyre relaxing and rejuvenating. First Time traveling to Japan 2 week Itinerary - Japan Forum Throughout time, some of the tombs have been robbed and raided, but the hieroglyphs and brightly coloured paintings still remain, testifying to the adoration and importance of each of the ancient pharaohs. The square is named after Talaat Harb, an Egyptian entrepreneur, and theres a commemorative statue of him. In the evening, fly to Aswan. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 9 Best Things to do in Waikiki at Night (Besides Clubbing). The kitchen is very basic, but the included breakfast is served in the garden, and it is always filling and delicious! On day 4, disembark the ship and tour the East Bank of Luxor. When you get to the arrival hall there will be lots of taxi drivers who will ask if you need a ride anywhere. Breakfast is a buffet with endless choices of food (its one of the best hotel breakfasts we have had yet). From the upper terrace, you have wonderful views of the Nile River. It was constructed as a cult temple in honour of Amun, Mut and Khonsu, and it was constructed over 2,000 years, somewhere between 2055 BC to 100 AD. There were many occasions when I spent an hour wandering around looking for a shop or restaurant that didnt exist, and likely never did. Egypt has a fascinating culture, incredible coastal destinations riddled with colourful coral reefs, desert landscapes like no others, and lush oasis along the Nile. Sadly, most of the famous buildings have been abandoned, but the stunning French neoclassical buildings, like the old Groppi tearoom and Cafe Riche, remind us of Cairos colonial past. The Valley of the Kings was the final resting place of many of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. You will spend two nights at this hotel. Both temples were painstakingly dismantled and then reassembled on higher ground. This stunning property gave me the perfect balance between modern and traditional. The temple was actually built by a Macedonian king from the Ptolemaic dynasty who disguised himself as Egyptian, worshipped Egyptian gods, and built Egyptian monuments in order to take over the country and rule Egypt! The twisty and colourful walls of the canyon were formed by the erosion of water on the sandstone and limestone. Tips for Arranging a 7-Day Trip to Egypt Where to Go for 1 Week in Egypt? At the rear of the temple, theres even a shrine in honour of Alexander the Great. On your first day, walk around the town, try haggling (seriously, you have to haggle for everything in Egypt or youll end up spending five times as much as the product is actually worth) for some souvenirs, then take a cool dip in the Red Sea. It is thought to be the largest religious building ever constructed. The street was named after Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatimi, the fourth Caliph of the Fatimid Dynasty who reigned from 953 to 975. Hi! In the southern part of the country, such as Luxor and Aswan, rain is unlikely. Located in the Valley of the Queens, this is the most spectacular tomb we visited in Egypt. Firstly, Google Maps doesnt work in a lot of the cities in Egypt, particularly Alexandria. It is difficult walking up and down through these tunnels, hunched over. Inside of the Bent Pyramid you can see a lot of bats. 10 Day Itinerary For Egypt - A Trip Of A Lifetime