egypt tour blog

The Ultimate Two Week Egypt Itinerary You Should Steal!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 19, 2023

Categories EGYPT

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Are you ready for the wildest adventure you’ve had yet? This two-week Egypt itinerary is not for the faint-hearted.

But, it will guarantee to be a journey you won’t forget in a hurry. Ancient temples, baron and mysterious desert, thriving cities, and tropical palm trees swaying by the crystal clear Red Sea. Egypt really has something for everyone.

Personally, I travelled through Egypt for nigh on five weeks by myself. I like slow travel but, on reflection, I could have cut down my time to 14 days in Egypt.

As well as how to spend your time with the best cities and places to visit in Egypt. I will be taking you through some top tips about transport options for travelling around, how to book hotels, safety in Egypt, and scams to watch out for.

Now, without further ado, let’s begin!

Things you need to prepare before you visit Egypt

You will need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. These cost $25USD and you can buy these at the immigration border. I personally would recommend ordering in advance of travel. I have written a whole guide here about how to acquire one for UK citizens which applies to most countries
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s super easy to get sick in Egypt. World Nomad’s offers competitive rates and their policies cover lots of activities (sailing, camel riding etc).
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP) and 1 British Pound = roughly 22 Egyptian pounds.
You will need to dress conservatively in Egypt to respect the local culture. I’ve written the ultimate women’s packing list for outfit inspirations and things you shouldn’t travel to Egypt without.
Hello = Samal alikum
Thank you = Shukran
How much? = Kam Althaman

Is Egypt safe to travel to? Is Solo female travel in Egypt safe?

I always think that the word ‘safe’ means different things to different people. But, I certainly found Egypt to be safe.

There is a lot of security around major tourist attractions and security checkpoints on the highways. So, anyone that shouldn’t be there, won’t be. Public transport was also safe, trains have policemen on board.

The most common complaints are pickpocketing, scams, and catcalling. Although I didn’t get any of my things stolen, I definitely was victim to a few scams while I was in Egypt (including buying gold) and being verbally harassed on a daily basis.

As a woman travelling alone for five weeks, I felt for the most part safe. Having been to conservative countries in the past, I knew the drill.

Egypt is a patriarchal society so I’m used to men seeing me as subordinate and I just remember to bite my tongue. Or, I let the wave of anger pass over my head when men patronise me.

I also dressed conservatively to draw less attention to myself. But, no woman in Egypt is immune to marriage proposals and shameless catcalling so rise above it and ignore it!

Never, allow any man to touch or treat you any more than what you’re comfortable with. If you feel under threat or if someone does offend you, make sure to call it out. I always find going a little crazy and making a scene does the trick.

Transport options for Egypt

There are many public transport options to travel around Egypt for all types of budgets;

Egypt by Plane – Egyptair has the biggest fleet of planes that run all over Egypt and the Middle East. They also have a generous check-in allowance (23KG) on all flights and provide meals and drinks for even the shortest of flights. I always use Skycanner to book flights.
Egypt by Train – Trains run to most of the tourist attractions and cities in Egypt. For more information see the Man in Seat 61 , the guru of all things train travel.
Egypt by Bus – I used GoBus for many journeys in Egypt. This is the cheapest way to travel around. They have an app to book on the go. I used them many times! Some of the buses have leather reclining seats, touch screen TV and coffee/snacks. You can see my full review here .
Egypt by Cruise – If you’re planning to do a Nile Cruise , these only run from Luxor to Aswan (only one goes further down to Abu Simbel). Cruises from Cairo haven’t sailed for years.
Should I rent a car in Egypt? I wouldn’t advise it. I didn’t see a car without a dent and the driving is manic putting it lightly. Leave driving to the locals.

How to get around cities in Egypt

Cities like Cairo and Alexandria have Uber to get around the cities. I would always recommend Uber in Cairo as the taxi drivers are just out for your money there. I have a whole post around safety with using it here .

Local taxis are good for shorter journeys, especially when the meter is turned on.

In Luxor and Aswan, It would be worth getting a private car to take you around the sites as some can be many kilometres apart. I paid £550 (approx. £22) for a half-day tour in Luxor. There are also rickshaws and horses and carriages to take you places.

There isn’t really a thing of local buses for tourists. Most are minibusses that follow a strict local route and may not even go near the tourist sites. So, unless you’re fluent in Arabic and you’re prepared to take a gamble to reach your destination, I would grab cabs.

Although transport is cheap, my biggest tip would be to haggle and agree a price before you take off. Many drivers agree a price and then ‘forget’ at the end. Always honour your end of the bargain as agreed and don’t be fooled. They will take a chance!

Booking hotels in Egypt

I would recommend booking hotels in Egypt in advance if you want to stay in high-standard accommodation, especially in peak seasons.

Sometimes you may get lucky, but it’s not worth taking the risk. There are many hotel options from 5* luxury to hostels and budget guesthouses.

I always used booking.com to book my hotels throughout Egypt. These do come with a tax levy of around 20% so be prepared to pay more than the initial booking price.

Tipping in Egypt or ‘Baksheesh’

A word you will hear many times in Egypt is Baksheesh which means tip. Tips are expected throughout Egypt.

From paying the toilet cleaner, taxi drivers, hotel staff, waiters, photo takers, guides, and cruise ship staff. Sometimes I paid tips to people and I didn’t even know why, ha!

But, when budgeting for Egypt, I would factor in tips. Keep your small notes spare and be prepared for these to eventually add up.

The ultimate two week Egypt Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: explore the great pyramids of giza & cairo.

Welcome to Cairo, the crazy capital of Egypt! Whether you get a culture shock, breathe in the thick air or love the chaos on the roads, you’re sure to be bedazzled by this city.

No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip to the Pyramids of Giza and I would actually recommend staying in Giza itself.

The view of the Pyramids from your room each morning cannot be beaten! There are lots of budget hotels in the area with a Pyramid view so it’s worth looking around.

Start off your first day with a tour of the Pyramids, a wonder of the world, first thing in the morning.

I would recommend hiring a guide, you can observe the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid (the last surviving ancient wonder of the world), and some epic viewpoints! You don’t necessarily need a camel on your tour but it helps to get around.

Once you’re finished grab an Uber and head out to the city for some sightseeing!

Here you can check out the Citadel of Seladin or get lost in the massive Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. The next day you can visit the Egyptian Museum, visit the garbage city and find the oasis gardens in the city.

For more information on Cairo – check out my articles below;

A survival guide for the Pyramids of Giza

9 places you must not miss in Cairo

Why you must visit Naguib Mahfouz Cafe in Cairo

Where to stay in Giza

On my first night in Egypt, I wanted to wake up to the Pyramids in style. So, I chose to stay at the iconic Marriott Mena House Hotel where famous celebrities and royalty like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie had stayed before me. For my full review see here.

Then, on my second visit, I stayed in the fabulously hospitable Panorama Pyramids Inn . It’s bang slap opposite the Pyramids and they provide complimentary breakfast, drinks and a dinner fit for a king included in your price. You can even watch the sound and light show for free from their balcony.

There’s also the Pyramid Villages Inn which is a brand new hotel in Giza. It has single rooms and suites overlooking the Pyramids and the staff will treat you like family.

Day 3 Head to Alexandria and explore

If you hadn’t considered visiting Alexandria in Egypt, I would highly recommend you reconsider. At only a 2 hour drive from Cairo, it’s a fabulous day out or weekend getaway.

Although today it isn’t the powerhouse of learning, philosophy, and kings it once was, you can still chase ghosts in the legacies that were left behind all those centuries ago.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and was once the location of the Great Library of Alexandria.

This wasn’t just a library, it was an innovative centre of learning about worldly culture, arts, and the human mind. But, unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire and numerous battles for power in the city.

It also used to boast an ancient wonder of the world, the lighthouse of Alexandria.

But now, the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay is in its place. You can also visit a medieval wonder of the world, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the royal palaces and gardens of Montaza.

Don’t miss out a walk along the Corniche by the Mediterranean ocean or a dip into the amazing café culture here!

To read more on Alexandria you can read my articles here;

15 reasons you shouldn’t miss Alexandria in Egypt

11 Incredible Instagram locations in Alexandria

Where to stay in Alexandria?

I checked into the iconic Cecil hotel while I was staying in Alexandria. It is’ landmark where famous figures like Winston Churchill and Omar Sherif (a famous Egyptian movie star) have slept. In fact, I was a resident of his suite while I was here.

Most rooms have a dramatic sweeping view of the ocean and the Citadel of Qaitbay from the balconies. It’s the perfect place to relax with a coffee as you watch the sunset over the horizon.

For dates and rates available at the Cecil, see here.

Day 4 Head back to Cairo and then into the West Desert of Egypt

The West Desert is certainly one of the best places I had the pleasure of visiting in Egypt.

You’ll question whether you’re on Earth or another planet more than once here. The landscapes are like nothing I had ever seen before.

You’ll wander through a black desert, white desert, the waves of a small sand sea, a magic spring, meet fennec foxes and climb a crystal mountain! If you’re thinking this sounds like a fantasy, I’m living proof that this really does exist.

As you moved through all this baron and mysterious land, I felt so at peace than I did in the rest of Egypt. It really gave me a chance to reflect and disconnect for a few days.

White Desert in Egypt | western desert tours egypt

I booked my tour with Western Desert Tours. There are no permanent camps in the desert here, so your lodgings will be set up around you each evening.

You can sleep under the stars and contemplate how small we are in this big world of ours and all your food is prepared fresh over the campfire. It’s a real (but safe) off-the-beaten-track adventure in the wilderness!

To see more about my White Desert adventure and why you shouldn’t miss it, see my Western Desert Egypt post here.

Day 5 spend the day exploring and back to Cairo for the overnight train/flight to Aswan

If you only choose to spend one night here, the morning will start out in the White Desert. I would highly recommend getting up at sunrise to start the day. It’s an incredible view from here all over and the sky, if you’re lucky, it’s a pale shade of pink.

You can then have breakfast and go sightseeing for some iconic formations in the rock. Observe the sphinx, the fishtail, cobra, and the iconic chicken and the mushroom.

Then, you’ll head back to the safe house in Baharayia and you’ll be happy for a shower and food before your journey back to Cairo.

You can get the overnight from Giza or fly to Aswan for the next part of your journey.

Where to stay in Aswan?

The Old Cataract in Aswan is a landmark that was built by Thomas Cook in 1902.

It’s the most famous hotel in the area and was where Agatha Christie chose as her muse to write her famous novel ‘Death on the Nile’.

She checked in for almost a year in 1937 and today you can still see her writing desk in the lobby.

Today it’s a Sofitel Old Legend status property and a 5* resort of pure luxury. It’s had a redesign but what I loved is that most of the original fixtures are still there.

If you do decide to become a resident of the Old Cataract don’t miss out on their walking tour where you can explore both Agatha Christie’s and Winston Churchill’s suites which cost up to around £10k a night. The views are to die for and you can only imagine being able to afford to stay there.

You can also dine in their fabulous signature 1902 restaurant, the Moorish architecture was to die for!

If you want to read more, you can see my whole review and all the secrets I unveiled about the Old Cataract here. For dates and rates available at the Cataract see here.

Day 6 Spend the day exploring the sights of Aswan

Aswan is the start of your ancient temple hopping and there is so much history to explore.

Start off the day at the romantic Philae Temple, also known as the Temple of Love. It’s in the middle of the Aswan low dam, so you’ll need to ride a boat over here, adding to the mystery of the place.

You can see facades of the temple of Isis and Hathor and the last hieroglyphics ever carved here.

Don’t miss learning about the controversial Aswan High Dam where they made efforts to stop the annual Nile floods or a visit to the colourful Nubian villages.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for a visit to Aswan, see my post of all the places to visit in Aswan here.

I would also highly recommend a visit to Abu Simbel if you have more time. Some say that if you miss a trip to Abu Simbel while you’re in Egypt, your visit is incomplete.

Here you can explore the Great temple of Ramses II and the Nefertari temple, in honour of the wife he loved the most.

It’s around a 4 hours drive from Aswan by desert road and I’ve put together a whole post about how to reach Abu Simbel here and without all the crowds too.

Day 7 Check into your Nile cruise in Aswan and Sail overnight to Kom Ombo

A Nile Cruise is such an iconic way to go sightseeing on your Egyptian adventure. There’s nothing like cruising down the River Nile and sunbathing while sightseeing from the roof of your ship!

It had always been a dream of mine to cruise down the Nile and I ended up having a blast, even though I was on my own.

It can be difficult to choose a Nile Cruise provider. They’re hit and miss on quality and you really do get what you pay for! I found it was more beneficial to book in with a tour company so my cabin and sightseeing attractions were included in my fee.

Most cruises provide full board and you want to make sure that it’s a hygienic choice, it’s no fun having food poisoning while you’re here with the heat! I decided to book in with Memphis Tours who were amazing.

The MS Mayfair is the one I would recommend if you want a luxury cruise at an affordable price. The fresh cabins and interiors, the spectacular service and the tasty food all made for such a memorable trip.

If you’d like to read more about how to book and a review of my experience, see my MS Mayfair Nile Cruise here.

Day 8 Explore Kom Ombo, Edfu and sail overnight to Luxor

We sailed overnight from Aswan to Kom Ombo. I was so happy to wake up and have a coffee to the view of the temple from my cabin. It was like a movie set! We had breakfast and then disembarked to explore the temple with our guide.

Kom Ombo used to be a temple dedicated to Sobek, a crocodile God. Research has led scholars to believe that they harboured crocodiles in the temple as a religious way to keep crocodiles from attacking locals in the Nile.

So, you’ll see many hieroglyphics explaining that in the temple. Also, you can visit the Crocodile Museum, where you will see them mummified as part of your ticket.

Then you will sail to Edfu temple. It’s a few kilometres from the Nile dock so you’ll get a horse and carriage over the ancient site. Edfu is one of the most preserved temples in Egypt and it’s gigantic inside!

Most of the antechambers are still fully in tact and you can even climb up the ancient stairways.

This temple was dedicated to Horus and was home to the ancient cult that worshipped him. Inside you can still see hieroglyphics that translate to how to make perfumes and honey for offerings.

Day 9 Arrive in Luxor and Explore the West Bank

The last stop on the Nile Cruise will be Luxor. The ancient city of Thebes and capital of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt.

The West Bank of Luxor is popular with tourists as here you can enter the Valley of the Kings. This was made famous by Howard Carter on the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and the mysterious curse of King Tut.

You’ll need a bit of preparation for visiting as you can only enter three tombs, I’ve written a whole post to guide you through a visit to VOK here.

After that you can visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut who was the longest reigning pharaoh of Egypt.

Her legacy is one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture due to the alignment of her temple with the sun and moon.

You can also make a stop at Howard Carter’s house, The valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon and the temple of Madinet Habu.

If you’ve seen enough on the ground an alternative way to see these sights is from the sky. Every morning air balloons fly over the West Bank and you can seem magical views for miles. I’ll warn you now that these don’t have the best reputation,

If you’re not exploring with a tour group on a bus, you can hire a private taxi to take you around. I paid £550EGP (approx. £22GBP) for half a days tour.

For my top Luxor Air Balloon safety tips see here.

Day 10 Explore the East bank of Luxor

The next day, you’ll be explore the East Bank of Luxor which is in and around the main part of the city.

Here you can start your day at sunrise in Karnak Temple. Karnak is almost like an ancient citadel with lots of places to explore so allow a few hours.

After you’ve passed the iconic Ram Road you can enter inside to explore the iconic pillars, temples, facades and the lakeside.

After Karnak, you can visit the smaller, but no less impressive, Luxor temple.

Centuries ago both Karnak and Luxor were connected by the Ram Road. Here you can see the statues of Ramses III and even Roman wall paintings at the back from the occupation.

Aside from this, there is Luxor Museum to explore, felucca rides to be had and you can shop ’til you drop!

In the evening, the sun kissed temples of the day light up against the night sky. Don’t miss out on exploring Luxor temple at night or the light and sound show in Karnak.

To read more about Luxor, you can see my articles here;

The ultimate Luxor itinerary

Top activities in Luxor at night

Where to stay in Luxor?

In keeping with my historic hotel binge, I decided to stay at the iconic Winter Palace . Built by Thomas Cook at the beginning of the 20th century, it’s now a 5* Sofitel resort that stands proud on the East Bank of the Nile.

In 1922, Lord Carnarvon, Howard Carters Patron, announced the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb from its very steps!

You can stay in their Nile view rooms which are fabulous paired with a balcony view at sunset or cool off from temple hopping in their oasis-like pool!

Even, if you’re not a resident, it’s worth checking out the hotel and dining with them in their many restaurants. Or, have a nightcap at their Royal Bar in the evening before you turn in.

To read a review about my whole experience and why it’s perfect for history lovers, see my Winter Palace Review here.

Day 11 – 14 Head to Hurghada and relax at the beach!

After all that adventure, I’m sure your body is crying to unwind so why not head over to the Red Sea?!

Hurghada is only four hours away from Luxor so it’s the perfect place to get some rest and recuperation.

If you’re not the type to laze away your days under a palm tree with a cocktail in hand, you can always go diving.

There are plenty of tour companies in the area that offers scuba diving, snorkelling, or glass-bottom boat trips so you can see the colourful corals!

The Red Sea here is crystal clear so it’s perfect for spotting schools of fish, turtles, and octopi.

Where to stay in Hurghada?

I would highly recommend booking in an all-inclusive resort. There are plenty at an affordable rate and it’s better value for money this way.

Food and drinks are notoriously expensive if not included in your rate in this area. But, saying this, I would make sure you book in with a good one!

Again, like the cruise, you don’t want to get food poisoning. I would check reviews fiercely and make sure that you don’t read “I got very sick”, “the hotel staff tried to hard sell me tours and massages”, “bad animations team” and even worse “boring or plain food”.

I stayed in Meraki Resort , which was an adults-only all-inclusive. A variety of tasty food was plentiful and I always had a cocktail in hand here. It doesn’t just have to be a boring buffet either.

Most hotels provide a range of a la carte restaurants and even snack bars with a variety of amazing meals. You have to think some people hideaway for two weeks in these places at a time and it would an outrage with the same meals every day!

I wouldn’t miss out on a visit to the Red Sea in Egypt. If you have more time, you could head to Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It’s home to The Ras Muhammad National Park which has epic diving locations.

If you’re bored of the beach, you can climb Mount Sinai and visit the Al Sahaba Mosque too!

Some ways to shorten this Itinerary if you have less time

Of course, you could cut this itinerary down to a week if you wanted to. A ‘classic Egyptian route of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan would only need 7 days. But, here’s a few ways to get more economic with your time if its limited;

Only spend one day in Cairo and skip out Alexandria or the West Desert
You don’t have to get a cruise for sightseeing around the Nile. You can get between Luxor and Aswan by Train in four hours! The train also has stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples on the way.
You could explore all the temples of Luxor in the West/East bank in one day as opposed to two
Skip out a trip to Abu Simbel, it’s a long journey and takes up a whole day to visit
Skip the Red Sea and relaxing at the end (although I would definitely recommend not skipping this)!

Tourist scams in Egypt you need to watch out for

The most common complaints from tourists in Egypt are food poisoning, cat calling and scams. If there is money to be made from you, it will be, even if it wasn’t honest. So these are scams to watch out for in Egypt;

Taxi Scams in Egypt – Cairo airport and the taxi drivers in Cairo will demand a ridiculous price for journeys, refusing to turn on the meter. Or, agree a price and then not honour it at the end. To avoid this, I would get Uber taxis in Cairo/Alexandria and organise a private car in Luxor/Aswan.
Tipping Scams in Egypt – not always a scam as tips are expected for most things, but you may find that they ask for more of a tip than what is given in good faith.
Shopping scams in Egypt – watch out when buying items of value. Egyptian alabaster is famous in these parts but you could be buying a Chinese version which is fake. Also papyrus scrolls are a neat souvenir, but some retailers are actually selling you banana leaf not genuine papyrus. I was scammed out of $300 dollars for a Gold Necklace in Egypt. To avoid it happening to others I’ve put a whole post together with tips for buying it in Egypt.
Tour Guide scams in Egypt -watch out for anyone trying to offer you their services in the street and ‘show you around’ for free. Always organise an official guide with your hotel or tour company.

Don’t miss out on an incredible adventure through Egypt

Egypt was a spectacular destination for many reasons; travelling through time in ancient temples, feeling like I was on another planet in the West Desert, and swimming in the crystal waters of the Red Sea.

It all made for a wild and unforgettable adventure I will treasure for a lifetime.

If you’re contemplating whether you book a visit due to safety reasons, I would urge you to go ahead and book.

Egypt is very safe for tourists and you won’t find any trouble due to the intense security designed to keep you from harm. It would be a shame to miss out as it’s a journey of epic proportions.

I could have wandered around Egypt for more than five weeks! There is so much to explore that hasn’t made it to onto this list. Book a ticket and take the ride, you won’t regret a thing!

Save this Two Week Egypt Itinerary for later!

Monday 26th of June 2023

A very nice article, thank you. Your pictures are so beautiful they almost don’t look real! A correction though—Hatshepsut is not the longest reigning pharaoh. There are many who ruled far longer; she’s just the most powerful female pharaoh.

And the Tombs of Nefertari and Seti are not to be missed!

Sophie Pearce

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

Hi Victor, thanks so much for your kind words about my photos and for reading my blog. Oops, I'll have a look at that fact then. I must of misread :) I definitely wanted to visit those tombs but had it on the list for next time. Some of the tickets were expensive when I went but have now been reduced down :) Sophie x

Monday 29th of May 2023

Absolutely loved everything about this post! Your itinerary, your gorgeous pictures, and your clear descriptions/tips. Thanks! We came to Cairo for 4 days only last time, and I've been wanting to do a more in-depth tour ever since. If we end up going this year, I'm 100% following your plan.

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Danielle, thanks so much for reading and your kind words. Egypt is honestly a dream and I'm so excited you're heading back. Have an awesome time. Sophie x

Saturday 6th of May 2023

Hi Sophie, what great information you provide! Marvelous!! We’re planning a trip in March 2024 to include a 3 or 4 nite Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. We want to also make it to the Red Sea for some scuba and snorkeling. I have concerns about safety on the long drive from Luxor to Hurghada. We will be in a hired private car with driver. I’ve read about poor drivers and no rules for the road, many accidents and checkpoints. Should we be worried about this and rethink getting there by car? Thanks in advance for your feedback. Regards, Christine

Hi Christine, I've heard that hiring cars in Egypt can be very dangerous as the driving there is chaotic and you'll most likely get your rental car damaged. I think you've made the right choice in hiring a driver who is used to driving in the country. Drivers also will want a tip so they wouldn't do anything to jeopardise your experience. Most drivers I had in Egypt were fabulous and drove with the upmost care as I was a tourist. If you're concerned about speed or anything whilst in the car raise it with your driver at the time. Or, if you're really worried I would go with GoBus. I used them from Luxor and Hurghada and it was a very smooth ride. Hope this helps! Sophie x

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Do you think it is necessary to use one of the big tour companies to get in to attractions and around the country or can you DIY it safely? I have been looking at various tours with the big companies and they vary in range, price, length of stay, sites visited, quality of accommodations, etc. There are so many it can be overwhelming. Plus, you are on their schedule. I have heard of people who tried to DIY it and ended up having trouble in the airport and at various tourist sites like the pyramids because they did not have some kind of tour guide to help them. What is your recommendation? Thank you!

Thursday 16th of February 2023

Hi Rich, I did my tour completely self-guided and had no issues with transport. I booked flights with Skyscanner and hotels on Booking.com. When I reached the tourist attractions, I would usually hire a guide on the day to show me around or I would ask my hotel to arrange a driver/tour guide. Most of the official tour guides will have a license (usually around their neck). The only time that I did an organised tour was with my Nile Cruise on Memphis Tours. So, we'd sail on the cruise and then our tour guide would take us around the sites once we disembarked on the boat for the day. Personally, I preferred going self-guided as it gives you way more freedom. There is Uber in Cairo and local taxi services in Luxor/Aswan to get around the sites. Hope this helps! Sophie x

Friday 3rd of February 2023

Hi Sophie. Thanks for writing the blogs. I'm planning a last minute trip to Cairo in couple of weeks and was quite nervous about travelling around as a solo female (and petit Asian woman). Is there anything other tips for what I should do/don't to avoid the harassment and pickpocketing? Could you get around fine as a woman without knowing the language? Many thanks!

Sunday 5th of February 2023

Hi Annie! Thanks for reading my blog posts. I found it perfectly fine to get around Cairo as a solo female traveller! I would rise above/ignore cat calling, if you're nervous hire a tour guide at attractions. Also, have valuables zipped up and not on display. It's very easy to get around without knowing the language most people speak English, I used Uber and trains to travel around. Uber is the best for Cairo. Hope this helps and have an amazing time! Sophie x

Ultimate Egypt Itinerary for 7 Days, 10 Days or 2 Weeks

Planning the perfect Egypt itinerary is never an easy task, because this is one of the largest countries in North Africa, and there’s a lot to try and fit in.

Any first time Egypt itinerary needs to include all the best things that the country is known for, and that means you’ll be delving into ancient history, and exploring tombs and pyramids.

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.

There’s a lot to fit in, and we promise to use all of the knowledge and experience we have gained from our 7 weeks of travel in Egypt to help you plan the perfect trip.

To inspire your North African adventure, here’s our guide to crafting the perfect Egypt Itinerary.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Egypt (Travel Guide)

Putting Together the Ultimate Egypt Itinerary

Table of Contents

The Best Time to Visit

David Stock Jr of Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel blog exploring Egypt

Egypt enjoys hot weather all year round, with a Mediterranean climate on the coast and a more desert-like climate in the interior.

The most popular time to visit is in winter and spring, between November and April when the weather is much cooler but still beautiful. This is peak season though so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

From May through to August the weather is blisteringly hot, but you’ll beat the crowds, while fall can be a lovely time to visit.

Read more Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month Breakdown

Getting Around in Egypt

When planning your Egypt Itinerary you’ll need to consider the best way to travel around. It’s a big country so to save on time you’ll want to fly between the north and the south or take overnight trains.

You can take a flight or sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor for instance, or Cairo to Hurghada. The best way to get from Luxor to Aswan is the scenic route, along the Nile River.

You can visit Egypt independently or you can have your tour organized in advance.

If you want to save time and hassle then having everything arranged or being part of a group tour makes traveling to Egypt so much easier, especially if it’s your first time in the country.

We recommend having at least 2 weeks for a well-rounded Egypt itinerary, giving you enough time to see the highlights and to enjoy a few more relaxed days during the trip.

However, we will also layout itineraries for both 7 day and 10 day options in this guide too.

Costs & Budget

David Stock Jr of Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel Blog with the Key of Life.

By most standards, Egypt is an inexpensive country to travel around. You can comfortably stay in private accommodation and hotels and eat out each night and you can still keep your costs below 50 USD per person per day.

Budget travelers can easily spend much less than that too, by taking local transport and eating at the really local places.

Safety in Egypt

Egypt can be a chaotic and confusing place to visit for first-time travelers, and in terms of travel, it can be both a challenge and an experience.

Part of the challenge can be the safety aspects, and while the country is safe to visit you do need to be careful of petty theft and unfortunately, harassment too.

Look after your belongings and watch your pockets in crowded markets and public transport. Also keep on top of the news and political events, as this can be an unstable part of the world to be in.

7 Days in Egypt Itinerary

Egypt is a big country, and you don’t want to underestimate the distances between the cities when you’re planning how to get around and planning how long you’ve got to explore.

This said, 7 days is the absolute least amount of time you can give yourself to see the very high-level sites of Egypt. You will miss stuff, but we can definitely work with a one week Egypt itinerary.

7 Day Egypt Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
Day 2: Cairo – Tour the Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum
Day 3: Fly to Luxor – Tour temples and join Nile River Cruise
Day 4: Nile Cruise – Luxor West Bank & sailing
Day 5: Nile Cruise – Edfu, Kom Ombo & sailing
Day 6: Nile Cruise – Aswan & Abu Simbel option
Day 7: Aswan – Philae Temple, High Dam & Fly to Cairo
Day 8: Depart Cairo

I will not lie, this is going to be a rushed and shallow overview of what Egypt has to offer. However, you will get a good taste and see many of the places that Egypt is famous for.

As you can see, I have suggested the addition of a Nile River Cruise because with only one week in Egypt, you will want to maximize your time. You can do this by having the bulk of your sightseeing as part of your tranportation.

We have traveled Egypt both independently, on a tour and by cruise. If you choose to forego the cruise, know that you will not be able to see Edfu and Kom Ombo.

You will also not have the time to visit Abu Simbel because you will need to give up a day to transportation logistics. In my opinion, it is simply not worth it and highly recommend the cruise option.

Cairo: 1 to 2 Days

David Stock Jr of Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel Blog at The Pyramids of Giza

Cairo is Egypt’s capital, the largest city in the country and for many travelers, it’s usually the starting point for any Egypt itinerary.

Yes, Cairo is big. It’s chaotic and it’s sprawling, but it’s also exciting and enthralling in equal measure.

You won’t need more than a few days, but with great museums, bustling bazaars and the iconic Pyramids of Giza to see, there’s a lot to pack in.

How much time you spend in Cairo will depend entirely on how many days you have for your Egypt itinerary. On a 7 day itinerary, you will have time to only tour the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum.

Both of which are must not miss sites in Egypt. However, with longer itineraries, you will have more time to explore Cairo and it is worth it.

Popular Things to See in Cairo

THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA

While Cairo itself doesn’t date back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians, just outside the city you can find the Pyramids of Giza. Dating back thousands of years, these iconic structures are a must-see.

Experience ancient Egypt first-hand on a private tour from Cairo or Giza to the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, and Saqqara . Walk alongside your guide as you visit a trio of pyramids and the Valley Temple, then visit the ancient and mysterious sphinx.

THE MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES

Lina Stock of the Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel Blog at the Egyptian Museum.

This epic museum is easily the best in Egypt, with a huge collection of artifacts that will take you back to the ancient world.

Discover the Egyptian Museum, one of the most incredible museums for Egyptian antiquities in the world with a certified Egyptologist guide during this half-day trip to Cairo . Step back in time 5,000 years as you explore the museum’s collection of more than 160,000 jaw-dropping ancient objects.

KHAN EL-KHALILI BAZAAR

A sprawling market place where you can buy almost anything. Haggle and joke with the vendors as you delve into the local culture.

Read more 21 Amazing Things to Do in Cairo

Luxor: 2 to 4 Days

Luxor is found in the south of Egypt, along the beautiful, green banks of the Nile River.

This is one of the best stops on any Egypt Itinerary if you’re into your Ancient Egyptian history.

Luxor was known to antiquity as Thebes and it was an important capital for the Egyptian Pharaohs, many of whom are buried in the valleys around the city.

Popular Things to See in Luxor

VALLEY OF THE KINGS

The Valley of the Kings is the single most important archeological site in Egypt. This is where many Pharaohs had their tombs and monuments built, including the infamous boy-king, Tutankhamun.

See the highlights of Luxor on this full-day tour of the East and West Bank of the Nile . Explore the city’s magnificent temples, tombs, and monuments in the company of an Egyptologist guide.

Includes visits to the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Karnak Temple.

KARNAK TEMPLE

Lina and David Stock (Americas Adventure Couple) exploring in Luxor Egypt

This huge temple complex is located in the city itself and is one of the main reasons why Luxor is often called the largest open-air museum in the world.

Book this great combo admission ticket and private transport service to see the Karnak Light and Sound Show at Luxor hassle-free . Watch the history of Egypt’s pharaohs unfold while you walk around the ancient temple complex. Getting there is easy with an included round-trip transfer.

HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS

One of the best ways to see Luxor is from above, and hot air balloon rides are an increasingly popular activity in the city.

Take in aerial views of Luxor and its iconic landmarks on this private 45-minute hot air balloon flight . Your guide will be dedicated to just you and your private party.

You’ll be able to ask questions and listen to commentary tailored to your interests. All transportation to and from the launch site is included for a door-to-door experience.

Read more 15 Epic Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt

Nile River Cruise: 5 to 7 Days

No Egypt Itinerary is ever complete without a cruise along the famous Nile River.

At well over 4000 miles in length, this is the longest river in the world, and it’s famously green and verdant in comparison to the surrounding desert sands of Egypt.

The best part of the river to cruise is the section heading south from Luxor to Aswan. This is virtually the only way to visit the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo.

You can join multi-day excursions where you sleep on the boat and call in at temples and tombs during the day. The length of the Nile River Cruise can vary but you’ll want at least 4 days to really make the most of it.

To visit these historic places comfortably, and easily, savvy travelers consider this inclusive, multi-day cruise down the Nile River . Enjoy several stops along the way, and hop off the ship to see ancient tombs, temples, and monuments.

Aswan: 2 to 3 Days

Aswan is another wonderful stop on any Egyptian Itinerary because like its neighbor Luxor, along the river to the north, this is a place that’s overflowing with history.

In Aswan, you can marvel at temples and enjoy the serenity of the Nile River, as you delve into ancient history. The city is also the gateway to the stunning Abu Simbel, located near the border of Sudan.

Aswan is a special place in that is unlike any other place you will visit in Egypt. It has a completely different vibe and culture, so it’s worth spending a few more days here uncovering that.

Popular Things to See in Aswan

NUBIAN MUSEUM

Learn all about ancient Nubian culture and history at the excellent Nubian Museum.

Explore the Nubia Museum with an Egyptologist on a private 1.5-hour tour , and discover Aswan’s most stunning artifacts.

ELEPHANTINE ISLAND

Found in the middle of the Nile River, Elephantine Island was the original site of Aswan when it was a trading post and frontier town on the edge of the Egyptian empire.

Visit ruins and temples and enjoy well preserved Archeological sites.

Read more 15 Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt (For First Time Visitors!)

Abu Simbel: 1 Day

Carry on south towards the Sudanese border from Aswan, and you’ll reach the incredible temple complex at Abu Simbel.

You only need one day to visit, but you’ll be impressed by the engineering and artistry of the ancient Egyptians who constructed this epic temple.

Dedicated to the Gods of old, the temple was commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II thousands of years ago.

The temples were literally carved from the cliff face where you still find it today, having stood the test of time in the deserts of North Africa.

See the ancient marvel of Abu Simbel on a private day trip from Aswan . Journey southward by private, air-conditioned vehicle as your personal guide shares tales of the 3,400-year-old complex, a masterwork of ancient Egyptian engineering beside Lake Nasser.

Ideal 10 Days in Egypt Itinerary

While the above 7 day Egypt itinerary is a possibility for someone with limited time, I would recommend that 10 days be the absolute minimum if you can swing it.

Adding an additional 3 days to your itinerary will give you time to see more in and around Cairo. This includes both the City of Saladin and Coptic Cairo, both of which have very rich history.

You’ll also be able to see the incredible sites of Saqqara, Dashur and Memphis, where pyramids pre-date the Pyramids of Giza. All of which are essential in understanding the evolution of ancient Egypt.

10 Day Egypt Itinerary Overview:

Day 8: Cairo – Take a city tour to Coptic Cairo & the City of Saladin
Day 9: Cairo – Take a day trip to Saqqara, Dashur & Memphis
Day 10: Depart Cairo

This 10 day Egypt itinerary includes all of the stops mentioned above, with Cairo in greater detail as I already mentioned.

The biggest addition is the day spent exploring the Saqqara complex, Dashur, ancient city of Memphis and Imhotep Museum. The highlights of this can be found below. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss it.

Saqqara, Dashur & Memphis : 1 Day

Bent Pyramid at Saqqara - Egypt itinerary

Located 30km from central Cairo, the Saqqara Complex and surrounding sites are some of the most spectacular, yet under-visited attractions in Egypt.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is a spectacular, and recently restored, example of the first pyramids in Egypt. Surrounding this pyramid is a massive complex full of tombs with well-preserved wall art too.

We have shown photos to people of these tombs and everyone immediately assumes they are from the Valley of the Kings. Wrong! These are impressive things to be seen in Saqqara.

Nearby and sitting in the middle of the desert landscape are the Dashur and Red Pyramids. The two structures that link the Bent Pyramid to the most famous architecture of pyramids that we know today.

Pair this with the opportunity to visit the second largest Sphinx in Egypt, see a massive statue that was unearthed of Ramses II, a chance to gaze upon the oldest mummy ever found and this makes for a spectacular day of uncovering ancient Egypt.

Popular Stops on this Day Trip

SAQQARA TOMBS & STEP PYRAMID OF DJOSER

As I’ve already mentioned, there are some spectacular tombs to explore around the Saqqara Complex. Unlike the Valley of the Kings, where all the tombs are meters underground, the tombs of Saqqara on ground level and easy to access.

Many of them are free to enter and inside you’ll find intricate hieroglyphs depicting daily life in ancient Egypt. You’ll also find detailed cartouche etchings that tell the story of the tomb’s occupant.

BENT PYRAMID OF DASHUR

One of my favorite things about the Bent Pyramid of Dashur is that you can climb inside to the burial chambers for free. This is not for the faint of heart of claustraphobic.

The shaft is long, narrow and decends deep into the pyramid. Once inside, you climb up and down stairs, including another smaller shaft before entering the final chamber.

On the exterior, you can compare the design flaws that led to it’s shape as the Egyptians transitioned from step pyramids to the iconic design we know today.

RED PYRAMID

While this pyramid doesn’t look much different from the Giza Pyramids, it is actually very important. This was the very first construction of the classic pyramid shape that we know today.

The Red Pyramid was built after the failed completion of the Bent Pyramid. The Egyptians, using the knowledge that they had gained about mathematics and geometry, made the angles less steep.

It is possible to go inside of this pyramid now and it is also free of charge. If tomb raiding is your thing, I’d recommend you come here versus paying the high prices to enter the Giza Pyramids. Truthfully, they all look the same inside!

IMHOTEP MUSEUM

This museum sees few people but that is unwarranted. It houses a wonderful collection of ancient artifacts that have been exumed from Saqqara.

There are plenty of pristine examples of pottery, jewelry, hieroglyphics and art to see here. You can also observe a beautifully preserved mummy, which happens to be the oldest known one in all of Egypt.

MEMPHIS OPEN AIR MUSEUM

In Ancient Egypt, it was Memphis that housed the capital of civilization. Today, not much exists of the city but, in my opinion, it is still worth visiting.

Located in an open-air museum (pictured above) you can closely view a massive statue of Ramses II that was uncovered on the site.

Outside, you’ll find the second-largest Sphinx in the country along with several exhumed pillars and statues from the city.

Ideal 2 Weeks in Egypt Itinerary

A 2 week Egypt itinerary is the absolute sweet spot. This will get you into all the good spots and also give you time to relax on the Red Sea.

It also sends you all the way to the North to explore the city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you’ll find a strong overlap of Roman and Egyptian history.

2 Weeks in Egypt Itinerary Overview:

Day 3: Cairo – Take a day trip to Saqqara, Dashur & Memphis
Day 3: Fly to Luxor – Tour Luxor & Karnak Temples
Day 4: Luxor – Day trip to Dendera & Abydos, join Nile Cruise
Day 5: Nile Cruise – Luxor West Bank & sailing
Day 6: Nile Cruise – Edfu, Kom Ombo & sailing
Day 7: Nile Cruise – Aswan & Abu Simbel option
Day 8: Aswan – Philae Temple, High Dam & Fly to Hurghada
Day 9: Hurghada – Relax on the Red Sea
Day 10: Hurghada – Relax on the Red Sea
Day 11: Morning on the beach then fly to Cairo
Day 12: Cairo – Take a city tour to Coptic Cairo & the City of Saladin
Day 13: Cairo – Take a day trip to Alexandria
Day 14: Depart Cairo

While I have sent you to Hurghada, mainly due to logistics, it is also realistic that you could exchange this for either Sharm el Sheikh or Dahab instead.

Personally, I prefer Dahab, as it is more laid back and the diving up there is spectacular. The resorts are also very affordable and simple compared to both Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.

Logistically though, reaching Dahab is going to require more effort than the other two options. For me, Hurghada becomes the second choice over Sharm el Sheikh, simply due to how commercial it is structured.

That said, you cannot go wrong with any of the towns on the Red Sea. You will find some stunning coral, loads of fish, shipwrecks and plenty of companies willing to take you out diving or snorkeling for the day.

Alexandria: 1 Day

Alexandria is Egypt’s second city, and one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean Sea.

It’s a bustling metropolis that dates back thousands of years to the time of Alexander the Great, who founded the city as he conquered the known world.

Today, it’s the perfect addition to any Egypt Itinerary, being just a 3-hour train ride from Cairo and offering layer upon layer of history to peel back, from the ancient Egyptians and Romans through to the Islamic era.

Popular Things to See in Alexandria

BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA

In the Ancient World, Alexandria was a famed place of learning, known for its exceptional library.

The library was lost though, burnt down by the Romans, but in recent years the Egyptians opened up the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a tribute to the city’s past.

It’s a library and a cultural center and you can visit four museums on-site to learn more.

Join this luxurious tour at the legendary city founded by Alexander the Great. You can see there many thousands of books.

The library has shelf space for eight million books, with the main reading room covering 20,000 square meters on eleven cascading levels.

You will also visit abbo el Abbas mosque which was redesigned and was influenced by Egypt’s Old Cairo buildings and architecture.

CATACOMBS OF KOM EL-SHOQAFA

Journey below ground to see the exceptionally well-preserved Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, many of which date back to the Roman era.

In this great Alexandria tour, they cover the highlights of the city. Visit the catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the Pompeii’s pillar, the citadel of Quetbay, and many more. you will have free time for lunch.

After enjoying Alexandria you will be dropped off back at your hotel.

ALEXANDRIA CORNICHE

The long Corniche is a great way to see the best of Alexandrina. Take a walk along this seafront boulevard, and enjoy sweeping views over the harbor and the Mediterranean.

Read more 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt

Hurghada: 3 to 5 Days

Hurghada is Egypt’s Red Sea resort destination, and this beautiful stretch of coastline is the best place in the country to relax and unwind.

You can lounge on beaches, enjoy world-class snorkeling or Scuba Diving and make the most of the sunshine and the great hotels.

Popular Things to See in Hurghada

SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING

Hurghada is one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. There are coral reefs just off the coast, while more advanced divers can descend to deep shipwrecks.

Head out on the waters of the Red Sea on a full-day snorkeling tour from Hurghada . You’ll travel by boat toward Giftun Island, where you can jump in to swim and snorkel with the native marine life. Lunch is provided on board.

DESERT SAFARIS

Away from the coast, you can head into the desert to discover how the local Bedouin have lived for hundreds of years. Join a jeep safari or hire quad bikes, as you bash through wadis and dunes.

Experience a fantastic adventure far away from mass tourism on this day trip from Hurghada .

Learn about the four-wheeled vehicles and you familiarize yourself with your vehicle. Then you have one hour for a fast ride through the desert.

Navigate over sand dunes and through the canyons that run through this unique landscape.

You’ll reach a small Bedouin village, where you have the opportunity to explore the desert a little more relaxed on the back of a camel. Enjoy the beautiful sunset in the desert of a small hill and follow the rhythm of the Bedouin.

Read more 15 Top Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt

Putting it All Together

The biggest thing is to make sure that you have given yourself enough time to truly see the best of Egypt. As I’ve pointed out, it can be done in 7 days, but 2 weeks is definitely the sweet spot.

Where you go and what you do will have a lot to do with how much time you have and your budget. It is possible to experience Egypt as a backpacker on a budget, in a high-end luxury way and everything in between.

Feel free to share your Egypt itinerary ideas and questions below!

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

The Ultimate One to Two Week Egypt Travel Itinerary

20 Comments

Last Updated On: April 5, 2024

Egypt has countless attractions, ranging from nature, to temples, to mummies, to vast pyramids. Egypt’s has an incredibly rich history dating back to the beginning of civilization and as such, Ancient Egyptian society left behind so many amazing sights, all somehow incredibly well preserved, despite the numerous tomb raiders that looted Egypt throughout history.

Before reading this itinerary, make sure to read my Egypt Travel Guide!

Also, with all the negative press Egypt has been receiving in recent years, many people ask if Egypt is a safe place to travel? This post will clear that up!

How many days do I need to spend in Egypt?

The million dollar question. While planning for Egypt, for some reason I thought there was just too many attractions and I’d never be able to see them all. Well, there certainly is an endless amount of temples and sights. Unless you’re an archaeologist or major history buff, how may temples can you see, and how much history can you ingest before you’ve had enough? As I write this post, I’ve already forgotten most of the temple names let alone the history behind it!

It turns out a week is enough, in my opinion, to see the main historical sights of Egypt. Opting for 8 days in Egypt would be the best choice in this regard, allowing ample time to explore landmarks like:

The Great Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx
Sakkara Pyramids
Egyptian Museum of Cairo
Valley of the Kings

Philae Temple

Karnak temple in luxor.

Luxor Temple
Abu Simbel Temple
Nile Cruise

List is long I know, and you may want more time at each place, but there’s a reason most tours around Egypt are around a week long. If you have more than 1 week, then I’d highly recommend a visit to the Red Sea and the Sinai peninsula. If you’re looking to scuba dive, Dahab has some of the best and is the cheapest diving in the world. It’s one of my all time favorite places.

To Tour or not to tour?

As I was traveling solo, I booked a tour with TopDeck Tours that had fairly cheap prices, about $400 for a 7 day tour that visited all these sights. Turns out, the price did not include entrance fees, the Nile cruise, or any of our food which is ridiculous. After all our extra expenses, the tour probably ran me over $1000 in total.

Egypt is such a cheap place to travel through (which I realized after I arrived in Egypt), that I could have done the exact same itinerary for half the price. I essentially paid the extra money for the company of other travelers, which in the end was probably worth it as we had a great time.

Map of Itinerary

Egypt Two Week Itinerary Day by Day

If a guided tour is not your style, that’s okay, I’m here to provide a general itinerary for seeing all the sights, which also happen to be the same itinerary as most guided tours. The main thing to remember when touring Egypt is the main sights are all located along the Nile, because Ancient Egyptians believed this river to be the lifeblood of anything and everything they did in life. Naturally, they all lived along the Nile and all the impressive monuments they built were as well.

Day 1-2: Great Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx, Egyptian Museum Day 3: Alexandria Day 4: White Desert Tour overnight Day 5: White Desert Tour, overnight train to Aswan Day 6: Abu Simbel Temple Day 7: Nile Cruise Day 8: Nile Cruise D ay 9: Nile Cruise Day 10: Arrive in Luxor Day 11: Valley of the Kings and Karmac temples Day 12: Fly to Sharm El Sheikh for the Red Sea Day 13: Dahab Day 14: Dahab Day 15: Dahab

Very good map detailing Egypt's main sights along the Nile.

Day 1-2: Egyptian Museum of Cairo and Pyramids of Giza

Cairo is a huge city and one of the most populated in the world. I found it to be very dirty, with ugly buildings and trash everywhere so I was perfectly content just checking the main sights and getting out.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the first stops on most people’s itineraries when traveling to Egypt. With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum houses an incredible display depicting ancient Egypt’s glorious reign. You can enjoy mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewelry and of course King Tutankhamen’s treasures. King Tut’s goodies include his socks, underwear and the boy-king’s death-mask made of solid gold, described as the most beautiful object ever made. The displays are not all labeled very well and it’s a little haphazard but you’ll enjoy it nevertheless.

The place is massive, and devout history buffs could spend a few days here alone. It is inevitably overwhelming but there are some big attractions to see here but more visually stunning attractions ahead.

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Likely the most iconic of Egypt’s attractions are the great pyramids of Giza. Located within the city of Cairo, the pyramids can be seen afar pointing to the sky. There are three pyramids in total, and they are every bit as impressive as I’d always imagined. Nowadays, modern Egyptians built around the pyramids so when you’re standing on them, you can actually see downtown Cairo, which is good and bad I suppose.

For my detailed 1 day itinerary of Cairo, please read here!

Many pictures you’ll see of the pyramids make it look like it’s this lost city in the middle of the desert. Quite the opposite.

The great pyramids are actually some of the oldest monuments in Egypt, built during the old kingdom four thousand years ago. It’s absolutely incredible they’ve stayed in such good shape so long after they were built. Truly some incredible people in those times.

The Sphinx is located just a kilometer or two away from the pyramids. The statue of the pharaoh’s head on the lion with the pyramids in the background is probably one of the best pictures you’ll get in Egypt. The Sphinx to me was a bit underwhelming, far smaller than what I thought.

Day 3: Alexandria

The ancient capital of Egypt, Alexandria is Egypt’s second biggest city, located right on the Mediterranean. We spent a day seeing all the sights in Alexandria but sadly enough, most of its ancient wonders have been pillaged over the centuries, not kept up, and have decayed. Trains run regularly from Cairo and I’d only recommend visiting Alex if you have plenty of extra time.

From Cairo, you can either take an Uber (about 1000 LE one way) or take the train. There are also numerous buses daily that take you to Alexandria but I found the trains to be quite nice.

Day 4-5: Overnight Tour to the White Desert

Ah, how I wish I visited this place. I heard all about it from other travelers I met in Egypt and it sounded like a surreal spot. It’s called the white desert because the sand is literally bleach white. Like snow, instead of sand. Trips are easily organized from Cairo to spend a few nights camping under the stars in a much more untouched part of the country.

Trips leave regularly from Cairo and should not cost more than $150 for an overnight tour ($100 is reasonable).

Day 5-6: Overnight Train to the Abu Simbel Temple

Located near the southern town of Aswan, Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses The Great in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari.

Because of the construction of the Aswan High Dam (which is also an impressive sight), the entire complex was man-moved to a new sight which is where it is now. MAN-MOVED! That’s pretty impressive considering how delicate and massive these sculptures are. I was a really big fan of the statues at Abu Simbel.

Day 7-10: Nile River Cruise

The Nile River cruise is a staple attraction of Egypt. The relaxing ride on a luxury ship with some of the most fantastic sunsets you’ll see is a great way to see Egypt. The cruise stops at some very famous and wonderful temples along the way making it a fantastic and economical way to see Egypt.

A cruise down the Nile is something well warranted. Whether it’s done on a Felucca (a large Arabian Dhow, much more modern than the ones in Mozambique however ) or a cruise ship, it is a good way to relax, take in the sights along the Nile, and a good form of transportation to see Egypt’s other attractions.

The most popular Nile cruise routes go from Aswan to Luxor, allowing you to visit almost all the sights covered in this post. Expect to pay about $60-$80 a night for a nice cruise ship, and this price includes all your meals.

After a long day of walking around temples and bumpy car rides, it’s not too bad to just relax on one of these boats, and take in the beautiful Nile views. The accommodations were quite nice and all had balconies to watch the sunsets from.

Located on an island (Philae Island), and accessible only by taking a ferry ride out, the Philae Island is rich with vegetation, lovely flowers and magnificent temples. Because of its beauty and abundance, it was rightfully once called the ‘Pearl of Egypt’.

Egypt was conquered by the Greeks, and then the Romans and architecture from both these civilizations along with ancient Egyptian are all on display in this place.

Edfu Temple

Of all the temples I saw in Egypt, and I saw many, I think this one was the best preserved. It’s a huge temple, second only to the Karnak temple in Luxor and is dedicated to the falcon God Horus. Our guide here attempted to tell us the story of Horus fighting with ISIS(another Egyptian God), but between his questionable English, and my awe of the giant structure, I didn’t get much history out of it.

To be honest, whatever history I did learn in Egypt was immediately forgotten because there’s just so much of it.

Day 10-11: Luxor and surrounding area

The Valley of the Kings near Luxor is a valley where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and privileged nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley contains 63 tombs and chambers, ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers.

The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. All of the tombs seem have been opened and robbed in antiquity except for the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Temple of Hatshepsut

One of Egypt’s most iconic temples, this temple is located in Luxor and built by Queen Hatshepsut. Compared to the other temples and monuments in Egypt, I thought this temple looked the most different from the others. It’s incredible to think that this area was once so green and fertile, and what a temple like this would have looked like during its prime.

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings

This was a great experience. As an optional excursion, we decided to all do a hot air balloon tour through the Valley of the Kings. While not as impressive as the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey , how often will you get to take a hot air balloon over Ancient Egyptian temples? I booked this through a hostel that my friend recommended and paid 250 EGP (~$35) per person as of 2014! This is likely 600-800 EGP in 2018 with the exchange rate but it is still a complete STEAL for a hot air balloon! Would not hesitate to recommend this activity!

Karnak is the largest temple in Egypt and probably some of the largest in the world. We came here last on our week long Egypt Tour and I was so burnt out by temples, I almost skipped this one. Thank god I did not. This temple is just simply amazing. The Temple of Karnak actually consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located outside of Luxor town. One of most famous structures of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall, a huge hall area with over a hundred giant columns.

The carvings on the columns are quite well preserved in places, and some paint can be seen on rare occasions. The tall ornate columns standing in a row dwarf the visitors strolling by as they look up to admire the awesome sites.

Day 11-15: Red Sea and Dahab

From Luxor, take the Egyptair flight from Luxor to Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh. There is also a bus option but this will take much longer and the bus from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh regularly shuts down due to unfavorable activity.

From Sharm El Sheikh airport, take a taxi to Dahab, the beautiful and infinitely chilled beachfront town that is probably one of my all time favorite places in the world. There is world class diving to be had here at perhaps the cheapest prices in the entire world. There is also fantastic kitesurfing in the Bay with otherworldly views.

The construct of green water, desert, and granite mountains here make for some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth in my opinion. It feels like a place that shouldn’t have great diving, but it absolutely does! Read more about Dahab in my Ultimate Dahab travel guide!

Egypt One Week Itinerary

So what if you only have 7-8 days for a visit to Egypt? This depends on what you want to see. If you’re focused on history, temples and mummies, then follow this itinerary to check off the historical sights. This more or less eliminates the Red Sea and the White Desert

Day 1 – Cairo: Egyptian Museum and Great Pyramids of Giza Day 2 – Alexandria : Full day trip in Alexandria, overnight to Aswan Day 3: Abu Simbel Temple Day 4: Aswan to Luxor 3 night Nile Cruise tour Day 5: Same as above Day 6: Same as above Day 7: Luxor, explore Karmak temples and the Valley of the Kings Day 8: Return to Cairo for flight out.

Egypt One Week Itinerary Focusing on Diving

If your plan is to soak in the diving and views of the Red Sea, use this itinerary instead. If this is your first time in Egypt, then at the very least you need to see the pyramids! The other temples are fantastic but the Pyramids are still the most iconic and just a 1 hr Uber ride from the airport.

Day 1-2 – Cairo: Egyptian Museum and Great Pyramids of Giza Day 3 – Fly to Sharm El Sheikh : There are regular flights to Sharm so take an early morning flight out of Cairo Day 4-8: Dahab/Sharm El Sheikh Diving

Continue Reading:

The Best Gyms And Fitness Clubs In Athens, Greece
Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide (Updated 2023)
Why I Love Living in Singapore: Expat Life In The Lion City
The Perfect One to Two Day Itinerary For Cairo, Egypt
Is Egypt Safe To Travel?
The Ultimate American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

The Perfect Fiji Honeymoon Itinerary: One To Two Weeks

The Perfect 5 Day Itinerary For Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon
Diving the Rainbow Reef And Great White Wall in Taveuni, Fiji
The Ultimate Borobudur and Prambanan Travel Guide
Island Hopping In The Yasawas: Fiji’s True Island Paradise

The Perfect Fiji Travel Itinerary: Beaches, Diving, and Island Paradise

Ultimate Guide To Diving With Sharks In Fiji – Beqa Lagoon and Barefoot Koata

The Perfect Vietnam Travel Itinerary: One Week, Two Weeks, and Three Weeks

The Perfect Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary: One Week, 10 days, and Two Weeks

The Perfect Two Week Travel Itinerary For Greece

The Perfect One Week Itinerary For Greece

MET&T Releases Updated Hotel Rankings for Egypt

The Most Significant Artifact that Most People Miss in the Egyptian Museum

“Dr.” Sherif and the Great Papyrus “Institute” Scam

The Man Who Deciphered the Rosetta Stone

All About Christmas in Egypt

New to egypttravelblog.com.

We’re the world’s #1 most trusted resource for information, insights, recommendations, reviews, and advice on travel to and around Egypt.

Don’t Plan Travel To Egypt Until You check out one of these!!

Evergreen advice that never gets old

On egypt travel logistics…, egypt packing & clothing recommendations, how long should you stay in egypt, getting from the airport to your hotel in cairo, arriving in egypt & getting through the airport, getting to egypt – airline and routing options, when is the best time to visit egypt, on sites & cities in egypt…, everything you need to know about visiting the pyramids & sphinx, what to see & do in luxor, exploring aswan and abu simbel, where to go on egypt’s red sea, all about the egyptian museum, the importance of patience at the pyramids, on scams, taboos & faux pax, “dr.” sherif and the great papyrus “institute” scam, all about camels… and the pyramids camel scam, what not to wear in egypt, cairo’s chaotic traffic, taking the right type of taxi in cairo & giza, the super aggressive “taxi jumpers” at the giza pyramids, explore more about.

Cities & Regions

Sites & Monuments

Food & Dining

Hotel Reviews

Travel Advice

The Best of Egypt

Tour Companies

The Mystery of King Tut’s “Other Worldly” Burial Dagger Finally Solved

New archaeological finds in Egypt continue to astonish

Did Ancient Egyptians Really Mummify Their Pets?

Was Imhotep an alien or human?

New Discovery Makes Pharaohs Look Modern, Sort Of

Tracing the Physical Legacy of Cleopatra

Ancient knowledge and modern remembrance.

World’s Oldest Haute Couture

The World’s First Drag “King”

Who was Umm Kulthum?

Common Misconceptions about Egypt: Fact vs. Fiction

Egypt marks Mawlid al-Nabi in the sweetest way

Reflections on the Media and the Arab Spring in Egypt

Fun Facts about the new Grand Egyptian Museum

The Best Dang Food 30 Cents Can Buy

All the Good Feels at the “Deaf KFC” in Giza

Podcasts from etb.

Egypt Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit

Egypt, the land of mysteries. Explore the world-famous Pyramids, ancient temples, incredible landscapes, white beaches, and the beautiful reefs of the Red Sea. Egypt is an enormous country that can be traveled on every kind of budget. It is time-consuming to travel around Egypt, so we recommend spending at least one week in this beautiful destination. Use our 10-day Egypt travel guide to visit the best places in Egypt

Egypt Travel Guide (10 days)

The majority of historical sights to visit in Egypt are located along the Nile because the ancient Egyptians lived along its banks. In these 10 days traveling Egypt, you will be guided down following that river. Please note: We optimized the tour we did so you can possibly do the best itinerary.

Day 1 – 2: Cairo

Your journey starts in Egypt’s capital: Cairo. It is the gateway to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. Cairo itself is chaotic but in a fascinating way. Visit the mummy room in the museum, the mosque and plan to spend two days with the things to do in Cairo .

Cairo to Luxor: 9 hours

Hotels in Cairo 😴

Day 3 – 4: Luxor

Welcome to the world’s largest open-air museum. Luxor is the city where would need at least 4 days to visit all the well-preserved temples and tombs. Good to know: If you travel in Egypt is it required to buy a photography pass in order to take photos at most sites.

Egypt Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit

The city has a relaxed vibe, very different from Cairo. You will find yourself in some ‘jaw-dropping’ moments, for example when wandering around in Valley of the Kings. This is where the tomb of Tutankhamun is located.

Here’s: how to get your Visa for Egypt

Spend two days in Luxor and visit the Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Luxor is one of the highlights when you travel to Egypt.

Luxor to Aswan: 4 hours

Hotels in Luxor 😴

Day 5: Aswan

Aswan is another great stop on the Egypt Travel Guide. Like Luxor, Aswan is located on the Nile. Therefore, sailing the Nile with a felucca from Aswan to Luxor is a popular way to travel Egypt .

Order your Visa online here

While in Aswan, visit the Kom Ombo and Philae Temple and plan a trip to the temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt.

Hotels in Aswan 😴

Day 6: Abu Simbel & Nubian village

Rise and shine early and prepare for a 3-hour trip down south Egypt to visit Abu Simbel. The temple complex near the border with Sudan is completely carved out of the side of a rock. Between 1964 and 1968, the entire temple has been moved to higher ground because it was threatened to be flooded. An unbelievable story when you are standing in front of the massive temple. Read more about the colorful Nubian Village in Egypt .

Tip: If time isn’t a problem, visit Abu Simbel in the afternoon. It will be far less crowded.

Get back to Aswan, arrange a motorboat and cruise the Nile to the Nubian village. The Nubians are known for their kindness and colorful building. Wander around in the village for 2 hours, have lunch at Kato Dool restaurant and jump back on the boat the Aswan.

Stay in a beautiful Nubian House

Day 7 – 9: Dahab

Dahab is a chilled backpacker town on the Red Sea. Most travelers visit Dahab for its incredible snorkeling and diving into the Blue Hole. Rent an ATV and go on a desert safari and eat at some delicious restaurants located on the boulevard. After traveling in Egypt, Dahab will be one of your top stays so make sure to spend enough time here.

Hotels in Dahab 😴

You can either fly from Aswan into Sharm El-Sheikh via Cairo. This is only 20 minutes away from Dahab.

Book your flight to Sharm el Sheikh

Another option is a 12-hour drive, where you catch a ferry from Hurghada to Sharm El-Sheikh.

We recommend to rent a car in Egypt through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 10 – End of Traveling Egypt

Your incredible Egypt travels have come to an end. Depending on where you need to fly, you should take an international flight from Cairo or Sharm El-Sheikh.

Book your tour online

Egypt + Jordan

Egypt by tour or not?

Traveling in Egypt with a tour company is a great decision. Why? Getting from A to B isn’t that easy, and in Egypt, every little thing comes with a hassle. By joining a tour, you learn a lot about Egypt’s history, it makes traveling safer , and easier, and you will meet a lot of like-minded people.

Best time to visit Egypt

Travel to Egypt in their winter which runs from October until April. Temperatures will be much more comfortable but the attractions will be busier. Try to avoid December and January as these are known as the peak months.

Egypt Budget

Egypt can be traveled on any kind of budget. Go on a low budget by staying in hostels and traveling by train and local buses. Or choose for a little more comfort by joining a tour in Egypt .

Costs of Traveling in Egypt

Travel on a budget in Egypt, from $190 − $470 USD weekly per person, mid-range $530 − $790 USD, and high-end from $760 − $1180 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

Hotels: $30 − $120 USD Check available hotels
Hostels: $10 − $40 USD Check available hostels
Transport: $5 − $30 USD Book public transport
Food: $4 − $20 USD
Activities: $5 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

What to wear while traveling in Egypt?

Egypt is a modern country where they wear modern clothes. As a woman, you don’t need need to cover your hair or ankles outside religious sites. It’s best to wear breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk. During the winter time, take a sweater and long jeans as the temperatures in the evening will drop.

Visa in Egypt

Entering Egypt requires a visa. A Visa on Arrival can be purchased for 25 USD at the airport in Cairo. Make sure to have the exact amount with you in US dollars.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

Find Hotels via Booking.com
Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
Find Flights to Egypt via Skyscanner
Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

7 Best Things To Do in Cairo, Egypt

7 best things to do in luxor, egypt, visa for egypt: how to get it and entry requirements.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

We had such a great time in Egypt! We didn’t get to visit a Nubian Village, but we hope there is a next time :)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me when new comments are added.

An Epic Trip to Egypt [2 Week Itinerary]

By: Author Corinne Vail

Posted on Published: 16 March 19 - Last updated: 1 January 24

Home » DIY Travel » Itineraries » An Epic Trip to Egypt [2 Week Itinerary]

Ever dreamt of visiting the land of the Pharaohs; of Cleopatra, the Nile, and hieroglyphs? Egypt, is all at once exotic, amazing, and timeless. Our trip to Egypt was epic, and we know yours will be too!

Egypt? I couldn’t wait to go! Northern Africa seems more like the Middle East, but Africa! For me, the name conjures up images of pyramids , souks, hieroglyphics, exotic foods and yes, even romance!

Raise your hand if you ever wanted to be Cleopatra lounging on that chaise, sipping wine, with buri fans waving nearby to keep you cool! After traveling all over Europe , Egypt was going to be a bit different, of that I was sure. I had questions, so many questions.

Some of the questions I had was: Was it safe to travel to Egypt? How much money will it cost? Where should we go? Should we take a group tour or plan it all on my own? You know me, we did it all on our own, and we really had a great trip to Egypt!

In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more:

Is Egypt Safe?

How to Get to and Around Egypt

A 2 Week Egypt Itinerary

Nubian shepherds with their sheep on a windy day.

A Taste of Egypt

“Walk like an Egyptian,” Jim’s sister, Aisha, is demonstrating the correct way to carry a pallet of bread.Egyptian bread, somewhat like a pita, is flat and easy to stack on pallets such as this to carry around the city. I’ve seen families buying whole racks of bread to feed their family for the day. The flatbread is delicious, especially warm.

Bread and newspaper vendor selling early morning in Cairo.

Every morning while we were in Cairo, we’d walk the streets of the city early in the morning or in the late evening. That is when everyone is out either hurrying to or from work, shopping, visiting family, or just going about their daily business.

Right outside of our hotel, this woman tries to keep warm in the early morning, before the sun has warmed the sidewalks, while she hawks her bread and newspapers to passersby.

Is it Safe to Travel in Egypt?

Nowadays, it seems that it can be dangerous to go places such as Egypt in the Middle East, or northern Africa. Modern day Egypt is…chaotic, hectic, frenetic, noisy, and downright overwhelming, but it is pretty safe, and it’s really worth it!

Many people explore this exotic country by taking either a Nile cruise or at least a ride on a felluca, often captained by a local who knows the river and area well.

Others take group, guided tours letting the tour guide do the hard work, not worrying about which hotels to book, where to go, and how to get there. This is a fantastic option for those that are worried or a little frightened about traveling in this area of the world.

It’s true that there has been terrorist activity there, but it’s hard to find a destination where there hasn’t been. Do read the news beforehand, check the U.S. Government Travel Advisory, and make a good choice for you and your family, but overall, I didn’t feel any less safe there than many other places I’ve traveled.

If you are anything like me, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic country where we found the people friendly and hospitable, even those trying to sell you something.

If you are flying from the States, it’s not a cheap flight over the Atlantic, but there are plenty of options. Before you go, make sure to purchase your visa online . It will cost you $25 for a single entry up to 30 days or $60 for a multiple entry.

Most people fly into Cairo, where you immediately feel you are smack dab in the middle of an exotic, chaotic place. As you file through customs, claim your bags, and fight off everyone trying to have you hire them to carry your luggage, you will get a good taste of what you will be experiencing during your vacation.

From the airport I suggest you have a driver from your hotel or privately hired to pick you up. Navigating to your accommodations after a long flight will not put you in the best of moods. However you can traverse the 22 km by bus if you want, and you can set up your pick up with the Cairo International Airport Shuttle.

Pin Trip to Egypt Travel Blog

The most exotic destination in the world – Egypt!

Getting Around Cairo was always one of the most difficult things when you had to make sure to get a taxi driver that would use the meter. However, now there are plenty of services like Uber , or hiring a car and driver from your hotel. It makes the payment so much easier.

We also can recommend traveling by train to the other cities. We traveled to Aswan by overnight train. The four of us were quite comfortable in our own compartment.

We didn’t purchase any tickets before we were in the country, but the first day we were in Cairo we went down to the train station to get them with no issues at all. You can also fly to many of the cities, and in-country flights are rather reasonable.

Underground in the Valley of the Kings - King Tut's Tomb.

Our Two-Week Egypt Itinerary

We were traveling over our Christmas Break, so we only had two weeks in Egypt. We weren’t able to see and do everything on our list, but we did quite a bit and definitely hit the highlights.

If we had more time, we would have gone to Alexandria, the White Desert, and a trip over to the Sinai. We also did not opt to take the Nile Cruise, which many of my friends have done and loved.

There are plenty of amazing sights and activities to do in Egypt, so I would try and go for at least three weeks if you can.

Cairo – 4 days, including Giza and the pyramids
Jim’s sister’s city, El Mahalla- 3 days over Christmas
Aswan – 3 days, including a full day guided tour to Abu Simbel, a camel ride out to St. Simeon Monastery, Philae Temple
Luxor – 3 days, including a guided tour to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, a couple hours ride on a felluca, wandering through a Nubian Village

The Khan el Khalili Market, a famous Cairo bazaar is a must do while visiting Egypt.

In Cairo, we visited the Egyptian Museum loving the King Tut exhibit as well as all the information on mummification. We also loved the neighborhood around Khan El Khalili. The market is just what you expect, with fantastic souvenirs and food stuffs.

Of course visiting Giza and the pyramids were high on our list, so we put that on our itinerary for our very first full day that we had. We explored Cheops pyramid, rode horses, and gawked at the Sphinx.

Feluccas line the banks of the Nile, awaiting passengers.

There are lots of boating and cruise opportunities in Egypt from the Red Sea to the Nile. The Nile really is the center of all commerce and existence. I love how it cuts through the desert of brown in stripes of blue and green.

The very first day we were outside of Cairo, we went straight down to the edge of the river to see the papyrus growing along its banks. I almost expected a hippo to come rushing out of the water like in Botswana.

In the city of Luxor, we hired a felluca to take us on a short ride. Who can resist? That wintery day, the winds were so strong that our skipper had a difficult time keeping the boat going in the right direction.

He finally called it quits and dropped us off in a Nubian town north of Aswan. We had to take a taxi back to town, but like much of travel, it was an adventure and we got to see something not on our itinerary.

Getting out of Cairo gave us plenty of opportunities to see some great cities, temples, and archaeological sites. Even though Luxor had the most impressive tourist sites, like Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, we loved Aswan and our excursion to Abu Simbel much more. From there we rode camels out in the desert, witnessed Eid, and overall really just enjoyed the vibe of the city.

More Photos of Egypt

Vendors selling lemons at a local market.

Have you ever wanted to visit this amazing country?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Top 10 Things to do in Egypt

This article lays out the "biggies" for you. We tell you our favorites, the must-dos and how to best include it on your itinerary.

The Pyramids of Giza, Are They Worth It?

The pyramids are the number one thing to see in Egypt, but what is the experience like?

World Heritage Site Egypt - Abu Simbel

The most majestic, adventurous world heritage site I've ever been to, Abu Simbel is a must! Check it out.

Wednesday 15th of January 2014

LOL hahaha that's me! That's hilarious! Come on, sing it with me, ..."walk like an EEgyptshun...!" ;^)

Corinne Vail

I love this pic! Thank you Aisha!

Wednesday 25th of September 2013

Great photo and it sure looks like Aisha and Mo. Is it?

Egypt Travel Guide

Egypt is full of 'bucket list' experiences. The most famous of these would easily be the Great Pyramids of Giza near the capital city of Cairo, but there are also some other 'must see' sights in central and southern Egypt.

Top sights in my opinion would have to include the archaeological museums and temples of Luxor, and the incredible pharaoh statues and ancient tombs at Abu Simbel .

Read through this complete Egypt travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Arabic; 'Thank you' is 'shoukran'

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Visa on arrival for most nationalities

Arid; hot & dry year round. Coolest months are Dec - March

Power Plugs

Uber, Careem

As a tourist, your main airports in Egypt will be Cairo (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), and Sharm El Sheikh (SSH). Cairo has lots of direct flights from countries around the world. There are also smaller airports in Luxor (LXR) and Aswan (ASW). You can shop for flights to Egypt on Skyscanner.

Egypt has struggled with some safety issues over the years, but the situation seems to be improving. Even so, I'd recommend avoiding crowds and practicing situational awareness; terrorist attacks have occurred near some popular tourist areas in Egypt.

The other thing to note is that Egyptian culture is conservative, so clothing in public should be modest.

The climate of Egypt is arid, so it's hot and dry year round. The coolest months are from December to March, and this is probably the most popular time to visit, but honestly any month in the spring or fall would also be fine.

I visited Egypt in September, and the heat was bad at times in Luxor, but I didn't think it was too much of a problem in Cairo. Egypt is not as hot as nearby Middle Eastern countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates .

Egypt is a budget friendly travel destination, with hostels available from 185 Egyptian pounds ($6 USD) and private hotels from 500 EGP . With that said, your money won't go as far here as it will in Southeast Asia. Meals in Egypt are about 150 to 300 pounds depending on location.

Transportation is generally by car or train, and these are very affordable. You can use taxi apps like Uber and Careem in Egypt.

The best Egypt tours & activities

The Great Pyramids

My latest blog posts about Egypt

How To Visit The Pyramids Of Giza & Sphinx In Egypt

What kind of bucket list doesn’t include the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt? Believe it or not, the Giza pyramids are fairly easy to visit on …

Queen Hatshepsut Temple In Luxor Egypt: How To Visit

The Queen Hatshepsut Temple is one of the most spectacular ancient Egyptian monuments in Luxor. This desert tomb near the Valley of the Queens was one of …

How To Visit Luxor Temple In Egypt

Luxor Temple is one of the most famous and easily accessible Egyptian temple ruins in the Luxor area of Egypt. Luxor was formerly the ancient capital of …

Medinet Habu Temple (Madinat) In Luxor, Egypt

The Medinet Habu Temple is one of the ancient Egyptian temples in Luxor that was built by pharaoh Ramses III and dedicated to the god Amon. In …

30 Ancient Egypt Pictures That Will Make You Want To Travel

I visited Egypt in 2018 and was blown away by all of the incredible things to see and do. Check out some of these ancient Egypt pictures …

Abu Simbel Temple & Statues Of Ramses II In Egypt

The Abu Simbel Temple in Egypt may not be as well known as the pyramids, but it was easily one of my favorite travel experiences ever. This …

13 Best Things To Do In Egypt – Adventure, Fun & History

Egypt isn’t just about the pyramids. If you do some exploring, you’ll find it’s a country loaded with ancient temples, colossal statues, archaeological museums, and more. I …

How To Visit Karnak Temple In Luxor Egypt

The Karnak Temple complex in Luxor is one of Egypt’s biggest and most famous ancient buildings (especially the temple of Amun). Karnak was a huge religious monument …

Colossi Of Memnon – Giant Statues In Luxor, Egypt

The Colossi of Memnon are two giant statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that sit near Luxor, Egypt. There’s some cool history behind these impressive monuments, and they’re …

Get In Touch

Feel free to contact me if you have travel questions, comments, or suggestions! I'll try to get back to you!

Egypt Travel Tips: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt

Egypt is a land of dreams for travelers looking for a bustling destination with a vibrant culture. For Europeans, Egypt has been a popular spot (among Turkey and Tunisia) to go for a resort getaway with occasional day trips to Luxor and Cairo.

Growing up, I remember seeing many chartered flights to Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada, and everyone and their mother had been to Egypt. It’s no surprise that Egypt has been the first place I traveled to solo after my high school graduation back in 2007, at the age of eighteen.

However, Egypt for Americans has never been a ‘hot spot’, but after my second independent trip to Egypt, I can say that it surely should be! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Egypt and the most useful Egypt travel tips .

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt

Safety in Egypt

First things first: is Egypt safe? Absolutely! When I visited Egypt back in 2008 safety wasn’t the biggest concern. Unfortunately, nowadays most of the Middle East is currently in political or social unrest, but we often forget to see the difference between Egypt and the rest of the Middle East.

Sure, there are some regions which are not safe, but there are also regions where are perfectly fine. Just like in any other country and city. That said, everywhere in Egypt I was told that the only rules for tourists in Egypt are to “enjoy and feel like at home”.

As you may know by now, Egypt is NOT on the travel alert or travel warning list for the U.S Department of State .

Tourist attractions are largely safe and not under any threat. Egyptians are one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered on my travels ( among Iranians !) and they love tourists. Not once I feel in any danger anywhere in the country, people constantly had my back when I looked lost or unsure

I was very saddened to read a lot of other blog posts saying that everyone in Egypt wants your money, as it’s absolutely not my experience. I met locals trying to help me on numerous occasions, asking me if I’m all right, and feeding me good food. Everyone was nothing but nice to me.

Read more on my experience of traveling to Egypt solo .

When to Go to Egypt?

Don’t make my mistake during my first visit by going to Egipt in the summer. In summer, temperatures can get up to 45 degrees Celsius in dusty, so Luxor and Aswan are unbearable.

Remember that nights can be freezing so bring a sweater and a pair of warm socks. Trust me, you can thank me later.

The best time to go to Egypt is surely between October and April. The tourist high season is considered from December to February, so if you come slightly out of season you will also enjoy cheaper hotel prices and fewer crowds. Also, make sure to avoid traveling during Ramadan.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Egypt?

Not much. Egypt is comparatively cheap if you’re coming from a developed nation. For a bed in a dorm, you’ll usually pay about $4, guesthouse would be about $12 per night and a higher standard shouldn’t be more than $150. If you’re backpacking you could get by for $30 a day without any issues.

The most expensive thing I paid for in Egypt was my hot-air balloon flight ($50).

Always carry a lot of coins and small bills. You will have to “tip” many times a day, for all kinds of reasons. While you don’t HAVE TO do this, it’s customary to for instance give some coins to a bathroom lady who hands you a few sheets of toilet paper.

I was completely fine with tipping here and there, especially after visiting some of the poorest neighborhoods of Cairo and Luxor.

Food in Egypt

I enjoyed the food in Egypt very much. I ate anything from basic kebabs to local vegetables and rice, through the most traditional dish – Koshary. It’s a mix of rice, macaroni, and lentils topped with tomato-vinegar sauce and fried onions.

If you’re staying in local hostels or hotels be prepared that you’ll be served a LOT of food. Quite often for breakfast, I was receiving a few bread rolls, 8 balls of falafel, hummus, omelet, hard boiled eggs, french fried, yogurt and a fresh smoothie. It was impossible to eat it all!

How to Get Around Egypt

Domestic flights in Egypt as affordable and great. You’d be looking at two airlines: EgyptAir and NileAir (I can only personally vouch for EgyptAir and they’re great). For a flight from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan, you’ll pay about $50-80 one way and the flight takes about an hour.

If you’re on a strict backpacking budget, you might want to look into Go Bus . Their buses are very comfy, cheap and easy to book on the website or app on your phone.

Sleeper trains are another popular way of traveling, but since my flight to Luxor cost me the same as the sleeping train would have, the choice was obvious.

Boat (Nile Cruise)

There is a cruise on the Nile that starts in all of the touristic cities, and most tourists decide to do it. Many travelers think the Nile Cruise is the only way to get to some places, which isn’t true as the same places can be reached by car or bus.

Keep in mind that it’s not going to be a very local experience hanging out at the pool and eating touristy food on the boat. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I opted for a cheaper version staying in local guesthouses.

Uber & Taxis

In Cairo, you can take Uber anywhere and it’s extremely cheap. For instance, an average taxi trip from Cairo Airport to downtown Cairo should not cost more than 50-60 LE, whilst a journey from Cairo Airport to the Pyramids go for 100-110 LE.

Extra Egypt Travel Tips:

Traffic jams and driving in Egypt, particularly in Cairo, can be quite intimidating. But don’t be afraid to cross the street.
Egypt gets extremely hot, particularly during the summer, so stay hydrated. If you want to save on bottled water get a LifeStraw Water Bottle . You can fill it anywhere even with water from a puddle!
Always haggle a bit and never say yes to anything without discussing the price first.
Bring your own toilet paper. The toilets here have a built-in bidet spray nozzle.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Egypt

The Egypt Travel Blog

Our Egypt Travel blog is your gateway to everything Egypt vacations, tours, Nile cruises, history, and so much more.

Travel to Egypt has never been easier or more affordable, and as millions have already discovered, there is something for everyone in the ancient land of the pharaohs. Our private Egypt tour packages allow you to explore pyramids, temples and tombs; discover the unrelenting vastness of the Sahara, cruise the Nile or succumb to the pleasures of the Red Sea coast. Our Egypt travel blog is everything you need to start planning.

Design Your Custom Tour

Travel to Egypt

Everything travel to Egypt. In-depth guides to Egypt tours and what to see and do when traveling Egypt. Explore ➝

Egypt Vacations

Egypt vacations beyond pyramids, temples and tombs. Sail the Nile, dive the Red Sea and conquer the desert. Explore ➝

Egypt Tourist Attractions

Embark on an ancient Egyptian journey of discovery. The ultimate guide to the top sites in Egypt. Explore ➝

Nile River Cruises

Understand the Nile River in Egypt. Everything Nile River cruises, history, attractions and more. Explore ➝

Red Sea Holidays

Red Sea Holidays overload. All about Red Sea scuba diving, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and more. Explore ➝

Egypt Travel Wiki

Everything you need to know to plan your dream trip . Our Egypt travel wiki comes to the rescue. Explore ➝

Explore the Best of Egypt Your Way!

Explore the best Egypt your way with our amazing private guided Egypt tours . Your own private expert guide and vehicle. Your schedule, your budget, your Egypt tour.

The Egypt Travel Blog by EgyptToursPlus

When you mention the words “Ancient Egypt” to someone, many people immediately think about three things in particular: the Great Pyramids of Giza; the Sphinx, and of course, King Tutankhamen. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find any Egypt travel blog that doesn’t make any mention of these. Of course, there’ a good reason why these have become so famous and so alluring, but there’s also a small amount of irony about it all.

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The majestic Giza Pyramids, aerial view

There is no denying the fact that these are absolutely incredible monuments that bear testimony to an ancient civilization, and their sheer size and their level of preservation is likely to ensure that they retain their position as being the most visited tourist attraction in all of Egypt.

The irony here is that they are not the only pyramids in Egypt, and nor are they the oldest. Also, there are a number of other ancient monuments in Egypt which are in fact more interesting; more intriguing, and which have an even more fascinating story to tell, and this is the sort of thing a good Egypt travel blog should highlight.

→ Explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza

→ Explore our guide to the Egyptian Pyramids

The Iconic Sphinx

Let’s face it; just about every Egypt travel blog also mentions the Sphinx. Everyone has at some point seen images of the Sphinx, and the more fortunate ones amongst us, have had the opportunity to stand right there alongside this giant carving, and even touch it in person. It is a sight which has literally been embedded in our minds, but when you think about it, it is not really a very intriguing monument. After all, it is only a huge stone carving, and while it is certainly a “must-see” attraction, there are many other ancient monuments which are far more interesting; monuments that draw you towards them; monuments that make you want to learn more.

One example would be the giant Abu Simbel Temples that were built by Pharaoh Ramses II.

The Boy King, Pharaoh Tutankhamen

Everyone has heard of King Tutankhamen, and you will see his name in just about every Egypt travel blog, but in reality, he was by no means one of Ancient Egypt’s most powerful or most influential pharaohs. Not only was he very young and inexperienced, but he also didn’t rule for very long before he passed away when he was still young.

Still, when Howard Carter located and entered his still sealed and intact tomb in the early 20 th century, the face of tourism in Egypt changed forever. The discovery of his tomb, along with his mummy and all the treasures that were buried with him, instantly captured the world’s imagination. Even today, people from all over the world flock to Egypt to see his tomb, and his mummy which remains in his tomb to this day.

→ Explore the Tomb of King Tut

Looking Beyond the Big 3

Entrance of the Karnak Temple in Luxor

The aim of this Egypt travel blog is not to try and diminish the importance or the appeal of the three attractions previously mentioned, but instead, it is simply trying to highlight the fact that there are so many other wonderful ancient attractions apart from those which you always hear and read about.

Yes, places like Karnak Temple , Valley of the Kings , Valley of the Queens , Luxor Temple , Philae Temple , and Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple are beyond words, and everyone who visits Egypt should definitely make a point of visiting these top Egypt tourist attractions .

However, once you have seen them, then it is great to know that there are literally hundreds more that are waiting to be visited and explored. And, if you are willing to move a bit out of your comfort zone, and head off the main tourist trail, then there is even more to see.

It is worth remembering that even today, there are new ancient sites being discovered and excavated all the time. Let’s take a look at three recent discoveries:

Newly Discovered Treasures in the Land of the Pharaohs

November, 2018 – Egyptian archeologists unveiled a very well-preserved mummy of a woman that was found inside a previously unopened sarcophagus. The tomb in which this coffin was discovered is not far from Luxor , and it is one of many which have recently been discovered in El-Asasef, an ancient necropolis on the West Bank.

This discovery dates back to the 13 th century BC, a period most often associated with the likes of Pharaoh Ramses II and King Tutankhamen.

December, 2018 – Egyptian authorities unveil a newly discovered tomb in the Saqqara necropolis which is also home to the oldest pyramids ever discovered. This particular tomb remained untouched for approximately 4,400 years, and it is being described as exceptionally well-preserved. It was the final resting place of a high priest known as Wahtye. The tomb is awash with hieroglyphs and statues, and archeologists are almost certain that they will be able to find the priest’s sarcophagus. Excavation work has now commenced, so soon visitors will have even more reason to visit Saqqara which is already a top tourist attraction.

February, 2019 – Authorities unveiled a newly discovered family burial chamber that was carved out of the rock face at Tuna-el-Gebel, not far from the city Minya in central Egypt. The interior consists of numerous chambers which could be reached through a passageway and sloping stairs. The tomb dates back to 323 BC and is believed to have belonged to an elite middle class family. Upon entering the tomb, archeologists discovered the mummies and remains of more than 40 men, women, and children.

Plans are currently underway to complete excavation and then open the site to tourism.

The Best Way to Explore Ancient Egypt

The best way to explore Ancient Egypt – cruise down the Nile in a traditional Dahabiya boat

No matter which Egypt travel blog you read, you are likely to see Nile River cruises featured, and this Egypt travel blog is no exception. The truth is, Nile River cruises are one of the best ways for people to see most of the very best tourist attraction in the Nile River Valley between Aswan and Luxor.

The cruise ships that we book our clients onto are all 5-Star cruise ships, meaning that they are literally floating hotels with world-class facilities and amenities.

Also, when you book Nile cruise holidays through us, one of our Expert tour guides actually sail on the vessel as well, and he or she then accompanies you and a small group of our other clients to all the various sites along the way.

Usually, these will include places like the Temple of Philae in Aswan; the Temple of Horus at Edfu; Kom Ombo Temple; Luxor Temple; Karnak Temple Complex; Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and Valley of the Kings.

If you want to see more that just these top attractions, then Dahabiya Nile cruises are the way to go. These are traditional river yachts which can only can a very limited number of passengers, typically no more than 8 to 12 at a time. Not only do they offer a more personalized experience, but they are also able to access certain areas that the larger cruise ships cannot.

Escaping the Crowds and the Cities

No good Egypt travel blog would be complete without mentioning Egypt desert adventures. When you have had your fill of popular tourist attraction, or when you just want a break away from the crowds and the cities, there is nothing better than a professionally planned and structured desert adventure.

Whether you want to go camel trekking or quad biking in the dunes, and spend your nights sleeping under the stars, or whether you prefer the comfort of modern air-conditioned vehicles and plush resorts, Egypt desert tours can be a great way to enjoy a few days of pure tranquility.

A Carefree Escape on the Red Sea Coast

Red Sea beach with palm and umbrellas. Sinai Peninsula.

To round off our Egypt travel blog, we also have to mention Egypt’s beloved Red Sea coast. Contrary to what many people believe, not everyone visits Egypt purely for the sake of visiting its countless ancient sites and monuments, or even its fascinating deserts like the White Desert and the Black Desert. Hundreds of thousands of tourists arrive in Egypt every year with one thing in mind: to enjoy a relaxing break in the sun on the Red Sea coast at places like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

World-class resorts; spotlessly clean long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make this part of Egypt irresistible for many, and particularly for families, couples, and groups of friends longing to escape the cold weather back in the own countries. Egypt’s Red Sea coast is also home to some of the world’s most prized dive sites which are perfect for both snorkelers and SCUBA diving enthusiasts alike.

You can find a wealth of information about so many things in Egypt just by clicking on some of the links which appear on this Egypt travel blog, but if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Also, our Egypt travel blog gets updated regularly, so please be sure to check in again soon.

Design Your Custom Egypt Tour

Explore Egypt your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

Last Updated on March 27, 2024

We Don't Just Sell Amazing Tours, We Make Dreams Come True!

Private tours since 1955.

Award-Winning Service

Create your dream trip.

Egypt Vacations
Cairo Tours
Nile Cruises
Dahabiya Boats
Safari Tours
Travel Blog
Customer Reviews

Call us anytime at +20 100 213 5997 or Request a Quote

Home > Travel Blog

Our Travel Inspiration Blog

Exploring the top attractions, travel tips, culture of egypt.

Welcome to the Egypt Travel Blog, your ultimate guide to exploring the land of the Pharaohs. Whether you are planning your first trip to Egypt or are a seasoned traveler, our blog is the perfect resource to help you make the most of your journey. Read More

With thousands of years of history and culture to explore, Egypt is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the bustling streets of Cairo, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Egypt . Our blog offers a wealth of information on the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-see landmarks that make Egypt a unique and fascinating destination.

But Egypt is more than just a land of ancient wonders; it is a country rich in culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Our blog covers everything from traditional Egyptian recipes to the best places to go hiking and explore the country’s stunning landscapes.

And if you’re looking for practical travel advice, we’ve got you covered there too. Our experienced travel writers share their tips and tricks for navigating Egypt’s cities, getting around, and staying safe while you explore.

So whether you’re planning a trip to Egypt or simply dreaming of one, the Egypt Travel Blog is the perfect place to start. Join us on a journey of discovery as we explore one of the world’s most fascinating and inspiring destinations.

Spend Unique Summer in Egypt With Egypt Planners

Create Lasting Memories: Egypt Family Holidays Await

Observing Ramadan in Egypt: Traditions and Customs

Setting Sail: Nile River Cruise Reviews and Recommendations

Egypt in February: Is February a Good Time to Visit Egypt?

January Escapes: Exploring Egypt’s Beauty in Winter

Discover Khan El Khalili At Night in 2024

Top 6 Luxury Egypt Tours With Nile Cruise in 2024 – Get 15% OFF

6 Restaurants Near Pyramids of Giza: Eat Next to The Pyramids

Sandy Shores and Turquoise Waters: Egypt’s Best Beaches

What to Pack for a Nile Cruise: Nile River Cruise Packing List by Month

Indulge in Romance: Luxury Honeymoon in Egypt

The Best Streets in Cairo for Tourists to Explore

Captivating Aswan At Night: A Nighttime Odyssey

Gem Museum Egypt: Egypt’s Gift to the World in 2024/2025

We offer private and group tours in egypt..

We help you get the best out of museums, temples, tombs, activities, and destinations by offering you a great selection of local tours and attractions.

Private Tour Packages

Best attractions, nile cruise trips, discover special all inclusive egypt packages.

Make sure to check out our all-inclusive Egypt vacation packages that include Nile Cruise Holidays & Stay in Cairo.

Don’t miss any thing with our tailor made trips.

Create your vacation to Egypt with the help of our tour specialists & get a special discount.

Things to know about Egypt & Nile Cruises

Is nile cruise a magical trip that you must experience.

A Nile cruise is a magical and unforgettable experience that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. It’s a journey that takes you back to the ancient world of Egypt, where you’ll see some of the world’s most iconic historical sites up close. From the Valley of the Kings to the Temple of Karnak, you’ll be transported to a world of mystery, intrigue, and wonder. And all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a five-star hotel on water. Don’t miss out on this incredible adventure. Book your Nile cruise today and experience the magic for yourself.

Where do Nile cruises depart from?

Nile cruises typically depart from two main cities in Egypt: Luxor and Aswan. Luxor is located in southern Egypt and is home to some of the most impressive ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. Aswan, also located in southern Egypt, is known for its scenic beauty and is the gateway to the temples of Abu Simbel. Some Nile cruises also offer round-trip itineraries that depart from and return to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. However, most Nile cruises follow the traditional route between Luxor and Aswan.

What are the stops on the Nile cruise?

The stops on a Nile cruise may vary depending on the length of the cruise and the specific itinerary. However, most Nile cruises follow a similar route, including stops at some of Egypt’s most iconic historical sites. Here are some of the typical stops on a Nile cruise:

Luxor: The ancient city of Luxor is often the starting point for a Nile cruise. Here, you can explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Luxor.
Esna: This small town is known for its well-preserved Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed god of the Nile.
Edfu: Here, you can visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
Kom Ombo: This temple is unique in that it is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god.
Aswan: The final stop on most Nile cruises, Aswan is home to the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam. It is also the gateway to the temples of Abu Simbel.

These are just some of the typical stops on a Nile cruise. Depending on the itinerary, you may visit other sites, such as the Nubian village or the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Is Egypt a safe destination to Visit?

Egypt is generally considered a safe destination for tourists to visit. The country relies heavily on tourism, and the government has taken extensive measures to ensure the safety of tourists. There are police checkpoints throughout the country, particularly in tourist areas, and security measures are in place at airports, hotels, and major tourist sites.

As with any travel destination, it’s always wise to exercise caution and take commonsense safety precautions. It is advised to avoid large crowds, especially during demonstrations or protests, and always to remain alert and aware of your surroundings. It is also recommended that you follow the advice of your tour guide or travel operator and check with your embassy or consulate for any travel tips before your trip.

Overall, as long as you take the necessary precautions, Egypt is a safe and welcoming destination that offers a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty for visitors to explore and enjoy.

What is the best time to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, during the country’s mild winter. The temperatures are pleasant during the day, ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 18-30 degrees Celsius), and more relaxed at night. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Visiting Egypt from May to September can be a good option if you prefer to avoid crowds and endure hotter temperatures. Temperatures during this time can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, but this is also the low season so you may find better deals on tours and accommodations.

It’s also important to note that Ramadan, the month-long Islamic holiday of fasting and prayer, can affect travel to Egypt. During Ramadan, many businesses and tourist sites have reduced hours or may be closed altogether. The dates of Ramadan change each year based on the Islamic calendar, so it’s essential to check the dates before planning your trip.

In summary, the best time to visit Egypt is during the winter season, between October and April, but if you don’t mind the heat and want to avoid the crowds, visiting during the summer months can also be a good option.

Tipping or Baksheesh in Egypt

Tipping, or baksheesh, is a common practice in Egypt and is considered a way to show appreciation for good service. It’s important to note that while tipping is not mandatory, it is expected in many situations, and it’s a good idea to carry small bills and change for this purpose.

Here are some standard tipping practices in Egypt:

Tour guides: Tipping your tour guide at the end of your tour is customary. The amount will depend on the length of the tour and the level of service provided, but a good rule of thumb is around 10-20% of the total cost of the tour.
Hotel staff: Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeeping, is familiar. A small tip of 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day is appropriate.
Drivers: If you hire a driver, it’s customary to tip them at the end of your trip. The amount will depend on the length of the journey and the level of service provided, but a good rule of thumb is around 50-100 Egyptian pounds per day.
Restaurants: It’s common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants. Some restaurants may include a service charge on the bill, so check before tipping.

In summary, tipping or baksheesh is a common practice in Egypt, and it’s important to have small bills and changes on hand. The amount to tip will depend on the service provided. Still, as a general rule, a tip of 10-20% of the total cost is appropriate for tours and restaurants, while smaller tips of 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day are appropriate for hotel staff and drivers.

What are the best places to visit in Egypt?

Egypt is rich in history and culture, with many fascinating places to visit. Here are some of the top destinations that should be on your list when visiting Egypt:

The Pyramids of Giza: The iconic pyramids are one of the most famous landmarks in Egypt and are a must-visit destination. They are located just outside of Cairo and are the last surviving wonders of the ancient world.

Luxor: Known as the world’s most excellent open-air museum, Luxor is home to some of the most impressive ancient Egyptian monuments, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.

Cairo: Egypt’s bustling capital city is a vibrant and chaotic metropolis full of life and energy. Highlights include the Egyptian Museum, the Al-Azhar Mosque, and the Khan El Khalili bazaar.

Abu Simbel: This ancient temple complex, located near the Sudanese border, is one of the most impressive sites in Egypt. The temples were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II and are known for their enormous statues and intricate carvings.

Aswan: This laid-back city in southern Egypt is known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include the Philae Temple, the Aswan Dam, and the Nubian Museum.

Alexandria: Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is a historic city once home to one of the ancient world’s most famous libraries. Highlights include the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Citadel of Qaitbay, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Sinai Peninsula: This rugged and mountainous region is home to some of Egypt’s most beautiful natural scenery, including Mount Sinai and the Red Sea coast.

In summary, Egypt has many incredible destinations to explore, from the ancient monuments of Luxor and the Pyramids of Giza to the bustling streets of Cairo and the natural beauty of the Sinai Peninsula.

What to bring with you on a trip to Egypt?

When planning a trip to Egypt, it’s important to pack the right items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some things to consider bringing with you:

Sunscreen: Egypt is a desert country, and the sun can be intense, so it’s important to pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.

Comfortable walking shoes: Many of Egypt’s top attractions involve a lot of walking, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Lightweight clothing: Egypt can be hot, so pack light clothing from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Packing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees is also a good idea, particularly if you plan to visit religious sites.

Scarf or shawl: Women visiting Egypt may want to bring a scarf or shawl to cover their heads when entering mosques or other religious sites.

Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important in Egypt’s hot climate, so bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.

Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in some regions of Egypt, particularly during the summer, so pack insect repellent to keep them at bay.

Camera: Egypt is a country full of fantastic photo opportunities, so bring a camera to capture all the incredible sights.

Power adapter: Egypt uses European-style power sockets, so if you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need to bring a power adapter to charge your electronic devices.

Packaging these essential items will prepare you for a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Egypt.

Advices for women while traveling to Egypt

Traveling as a woman in Egypt can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and comfort. Here are some tips for women traveling to Egypt:

Dress conservatively: Egypt is a Muslim country, and it’s important to respect local customs and dress conservatively. It’s a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees when in public places, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites.

Avoid walking alone at night: It’s best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in quiet or poorly-lit areas. Instead, take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app to get around.

Use a guide or tour group: Using a guide or tour group can be a good idea, especially if you’re traveling alone. This can help you navigate local customs and culture, and can provide an extra layer of safety.

Be cautious with alcohol: Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited in Egypt, and it’s important to be cautious with alcohol consumption. Stick to drinking in licensed bars and restaurants, and avoid getting drunk in public.

Be aware of your surroundings: It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling in a new place. Be cautious of pickpockets, scams, and other potential dangers, and trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Research local customs and culture: Researching local customs and culture can help you better understand the country and avoid inadvertently offending locals. For example, it’s important to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, and to avoid physical contact with people of the opposite sex in public.

By following these tips and being aware of local customs and culture, women can have a safe and enjoyable experience traveling in Egypt.

Learn Arabic words to enjoy your visit to Egypt

Learning a few Arabic words and phrases can enhance your experience when visiting Egypt, as it shows respect for the local culture and can help you communicate with locals. Here are some Arabic words and phrases to know:

Salaam Alaikum: This is a common Arabic greeting that means “peace be upon you.” Locals will appreciate it if you greet them with this phrase.
Shukran: This means “thank you.” It’s always polite to show gratitude when someone helps you or does something for you.
Sabah Al-Khair: This means “good morning.” It’s a polite way to greet someone in the morning.
Masaa Al-Khair: This means “good evening.” It’s a polite way to greet someone in the evening.
Laa Shukran: This means “no, thank you.” You can use this phrase when declining an offer or a service.
Min Fadlak: This means “please.” You can use this word when making a request.
Afwan: This means “you’re welcome.” You can use this word to respond to someone who has thanked you.
Aiwa: This means “yes.” It’s a simple way to answer a question in the affirmative.
Laa: This means “no.” It’s a simple way to answer a question in the negative.
Ma’a Salama: This means “goodbye” or “go with peace.” It’s a polite way to bid farewell.

By learning these basic Arabic words and phrases, you can show respect for the local culture and communicate more effectively with locals during your visit to Egypt.

Join our subscriber list and save 10% on your next trip.

Hi chat with one of our agent..

Use this feature to chat with our agent.

Tour Packages
Nile Cruises
Shore Excursions

Home > Travel Blog

Welcome to Our Captivating Travel Blog - Explore Enchanting Destinations

Discover the wonders of Egypt with our comprehensive Egyptian travel blog. Immerse yourself in the rich history, captivating culture, and stunning landscapes of this ancient land. Our Egypt travel blog is your ultimate guide to exploring the mysterious pyramids of Giza , cruising the tranquil Nile River, and discovering hidden gems in bustling Cairo. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, our blog offers a wealth of ideas, tips, and itineraries to make your Egyptian trip unforgettable. Join us on this virtual expedition as we delve into the heart of Egypt, sharing expert travel tips, stunning photos, and first-hand experiences. From the famous Sphinx to the vibrant markets, we’ve got it all covered. Plan your dream vacation in Egypt with the help of our Egypt travel blog and discover the secrets of this exceptional destination. Start your adventure now!

10 Things That Will Surprise You About Traveling To Egypt

Best Places to Visit in Luxor and Aswan

Exploring the Magic of Christmas in Egypt: A Guide for Travelers

Guide for the Best Sightseeing Spots in Old Cairo

Honeymoon Travels: A Complete Guide to Your Honeymoon in Egypt!

How to Make the Most Out of Your Tours to Egypt

The Best Places to Visit in Egypt

Tips for the Best Nile Cruises in Egypt Christmas

Ultimate Guide To Visiting Egypt

Your Ultimate Guide to How to Spend the Perfect Summer in Egypt

Customize your trip to egypt.

Why Choose Us

At Luxor Egypt Tours.com, we strive to provide our clients with tours in Egypt that meet their expectations and exceed them. Nothing is more important than the safety, well-being, and satisfaction of those booking their holiday through us. When people book tours through us, they can book with complete confidence and peace of mind that they are booking with a fully certified Category A tour operator who has been in business since 2012.

Discover the best of Egypt with experience by your side. We don’t just sell fantastic holidays in Egypt; We make your dreams come true with high-quality personalized services. We are the travel experts in Egypt – since 2012, and we have specialized local staff with great experience so you can enjoy hassle-free travel that saves you time, money, and energy.

Recommended By Tripadvisor

Expert team, fast & easy booking, money value, responsible tourism policy, reliability, what our customers are saying about us.

This trip was fantastic and so much more than I expected. That’s mainly thanks to Rady, our group’s tour guide for the trip portion from Aswan to Luxor. He was informative, hilarious, and a joy to be around.

Rady is an excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable and we were able to ask many questions. All of the sites are beautiful and it is a good balance of activity and down time to enjoy the views of the cruise.

Luxor is such an amazing and diverse city. It’s astounding the difference between the East and the West Bank. Our tour guide Rady made the tour special and amazing. The tour started on time with airport pickup.

Rady took us on a fantastic tour! He shared an incredible amount of information with us and answered all of our questions. His knowledge of hieroglyphics is very impressive and helped to explain all the meanings clearly.

I had an amazing experience in Cairo and Giza and Alexandria. The trip was spread over full days and was a completely personalized trip, all arranged and tailor made by the Egyptian Travel Guru as I can call him now, Mohamed.

I was suggested a 4 days private tour of Cairo, Luxor and Alexandria by Mohamed. His suggestions and scheduling right from hotel stay, itinerary etc made all the difference in covering a lot within two days.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

How do i get an egyptian tourist visa.

Obtaining an Egyptian tourist visa involves a few steps:

Application: Apply for a tourist visa at your home country’s nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy. Some nationalities may also be eligible for an e-visa online.
Required Documents: Typically, you’ll need a valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial proof (such as bank statements) to show you can support yourself during your stay.
Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee, which varies based on your nationality and the type of visa.
Processing: The processing time varies, but applying well before your travel dates is recommended.
Collect Visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your visa stamped in your passport or an e-Visa document, which you should carry with you during your trip.

What is the best month of the year to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, from October to April. This period avoids the scorching heat of the summer months and offers pleasant temperatures for exploring archaeological sites and enjoying outdoor activities.

What are the best Things and Activities to do in Egypt?

Egypt offers a rich array of activities and attractions, including:

Exploring the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Cruising the Nile River, visiting temples and ancient sites.
Discovering Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
Snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea’s pristine waters.
Exploring the bustling markets and bazaars of Cairo.
Unwinding in the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.

What is the local food in Egypt? Which are the best places to taste this food?

Egyptian cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Some local dishes to try are:

Koshari: A dish made from rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions.
Ful Medames: A breakfast dish of cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and various spices.
Mahshi: Stuffed vegetables like grape leaves, zucchini, and peppers filled with rice, herbs, and spices.
Taameya: Egyptian falafel made from crushed fava beans or chickpeas.
Molokhia: A green soup made from the jute leaf, often served with rice or bread. For an authentic experience, try local eateries, street food vendors, and traditional restaurants in cities like Cairo and Alexandria.

What are some famous archaeological sites in Egypt?

Egypt is renowned for its archaeological wonders, including:

The Great Pyramids and Sphinx: Located in Giza, these ancient structures symbolize Egypt.
Luxor: Home to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.
Abu Simbel: Impressive temples near Lake Nasser.
Aswan: Visit the Temple of Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.

Can I customize my Egypt tour package?

Yes, many travel agencies offer customizable tour packages to cater to your preferences, budget, and interests. With Luxor Egypt Tour You can tailor your itinerary to specific destinations, activities, and experiences.

Are Egypt vacation packages suitable for families with children?

Absolutely, Egypt has family-friendly attractions like the Pyramids, museums, and boat rides. However, choosing an itinerary that suits your family’s needs and planning for comfortable accommodations and age-appropriate activities is essential.

Is Egypt safe for women to travel alone?

Egypt can be safe for women travelers, but taking precautions such as dressing modestly, avoiding isolated areas at night, and researching local customs is advisable. Solo female travelers might consider joining organized tours for added security.

What to take when traveling to Egypt?

When traveling to Egypt, consider packing:

Appropriate Clothing: Modest attire, especially for visits to religious sites.
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking, especially at archaeological sites.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the strong sun.
Power Adapter: Egypt uses the Europlug Type C and Type F sockets.
Prescription Medications: If needed, along with a basic medical kit.

Are all Nile cruises available at any time?

Nile cruises are typically available year-round, but their schedules can vary based on the Nile River’s tourism season and water levels. It’s recommended to book your cruise in advance and inquire about the best time for cruising when planning your trip.

WhatsApp us

How to Spend Three Days in Cairo, Egypt

I’d been dreaming about visiting Cairo for years .

What can I say? I love spending times in bustling cities that are packed to the brim with ancient architecture, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant, unfamiliar cultures. I had a feeling that Cairo would check every single one of those boxes.

And did it? Yep!

Cairo is known as the City of a Thousand Minarets and because of this, the streets are always loud and busy, full of movement and colors; just how I like them. Every corner has a mosque around it, and the call to prayer rings out loud and proud, five times a day, continually inviting you to stop and reflect.

And the sights? I’m sure you can imagine how impressive they are. Getting to see the Pyramids of Giza for the first time was the most breathtaking experience, and who wouldn’t be blown away by the majesty of sailing down the Nile at sunset?

I fell in love with Egypt from the moment I stepped foot on its dusty shores, and subsequently decided to dedicate a significant portion of my travels to exploring it more. As I write this now, I’ve been fortunate to have now spent an incredible six months travelling across the country, with two of those spent basing myself in Cairo.

And so, today, I’m excited to start kicking off my Egypt coverage by sharing how to spend three days in chaotic, charming Cairo.

Why You Should Absolutely Visit Cairo

Before we jump into my itinerary, I want to first share a little more about what makes Cairo so special.

In my opinion, this city is works well for so many types of trips and travelers. For all of my backpackers out there, you can easily experience the city on a shoestring, paying as little as $4 a night for a hotel room, plus mere cents for your meal. But there’s also a wide selection of luxury options dotted across the city — some five-star hotels are as little as $120 a night! — if you want to experience Cairo’s grander side. If you have the budget, it’s well-worth splurging a little in this city.

In terms of neighborhoods, you’ve got a true spectrum of experiences to dive into. From the center of Cairo, which brings the local vibes and is always loud and crowded, to the more affluent neighborhoods, like Zamalek, which offers up hipster cafes, delicious brunches, and a much more tranquil atmosphere. It’s worth hitting up as many of Cairo’s neighborhoods as you can, as they all have something different to offer. Zamalek, though, was an easy favorite for me.

You guys know that I love to explore a city’s streets on my feet, and I found wandering the alleyways of Cairo to be fascinating . It’s true: I’ve done some of my best people-watching while in Cairo. As you meander through the city, you’ll run into a vast array of street vendors around every corner, and you’ll find you can’t venture more than a few feet without coming across the next cafe. I quickly learned that Egyptians absolutely love their tea, or shai , and they’ll sit and sip it from tiny Arabic tea cups, with mounds of sugar, for hours while playing backgammon.

And speaking of street vendors: to my great delight, I discovered that Cairo is home to some incredible dishes, like the iconic koshari , which attempts to marry as many carbs as possible (rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and fried onions) into one hearty dish. You’re going to love it.

Unsurprisingly, food is super cheap in Egypt, so if you’re eating from small, local restaurants you can easily get a meal for less than a dollar or two. Look for where the locals are eating to ensure you avoid food poisoning.

With all that being said, Cairo is intense. I can’t deny that. I think if I’d rocked up in this city as my very first solo travel destination, I’d have likely panicked, turned around, and hopped on the next flight out of there! The streets are always loud and overcrowded, it’s dirty and dusty, the roads are manic, and you have to haggle for everything . Ten million people call Cairo home, and sometimes it can feel as though they’re all squeezed down the same street that you’re on. And yes, you will experience harassment as a woman.

I don’t recommend that you head to Cairo as your first ever city break, but if you’re brave enough to take it on, I guarantee you’ll leave culturally enriched and in awe of this incredible city.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Cairo?

I mentioned above that I spent two months living in Cairo, so my love for this city is clear. However, visiting a city as a tourist is different to living there; that’s why I believe three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in town.

With three days, you’ll be able to see the vast majority of the attractions. Day one will be allocated to the city center, day two will be all about the Pyramids and the Nile, and day three will focus on the Islamic side of Cairo.

And beyond that? Even I can hold up my hands and admit that Cairo becomes a bit stressful and overbearing if you stay for much longer, so get your three days under your belt, and then venture off to explore more of wonderful Egypt.

That’s enough of my waffling! Let’s jump into how to spend three days in Cairo.

Day One: Visit Zamalek and the City Center

I mentioned above that Zamalek was my favorite neighborhood in Cairo, and I recommend basing yourself in this area while you’re in town. I stayed at the gorgeous Houseboat65 Hotel and loved it. It’s a houseboat! On the Nile! How cool is that? There’s nothing quite like sitting beside this mighty river, sipping your morning tea and watching the boats pass by.

If you do decide to stay in Zamalek, your first activity is going to be particularly accessible: exploring, um, Zamalek! Simply step outside your front door with a camera in hand, and get ready to discover one of the city’s coolest areas.

Zamalek is also referred to as Gezira Island, and is one of the most modern, hipster neighborhoods of Cairo. As the name implies, it’s located on an island in the middle of the Nile, just a bridge-crossing away from the rest of the city. As you wander the area, you’ll come across cute cafes selling cappuccinos and iced lattes, and boutique shops with organic skin products and local produce wrapped in fancy boxes. The streets are leafy and peaceful; quiet and orderly — at least by Cairo’s standards!

The main reason why I recommend traveling to Zamalek first is precisely because of all these reasons: Cairo can be a shock to the system, so kicking off your explorations in a laidback area of the city makes a hell of a lot of sense. Think of it as dipping a toe into the waters of Egypt: start peacefully and then work your way up.

So what should you look out for while you’re in Zamalek?

The island isn’t very big, and you could explore most of it by foot on your first morning in town. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the 614-foot tall Cairo TV Tower on the southern part of the island. You can go to the top for a fee too! Aside from that, there are a few museums and culture spots worth visiting, like the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art and Cairo Opera House.

If there was one neighborhood that I would safely say you can explore alone in Cairo, it’s Zamalek. It’s here where you can confidently get lost in its winding streets, where you’ll discover hidden art galleries, quirky shops, and stunning views of the Nile along the way.

Numerous foreign embassies and consulates are in Zamalek, so don’t be surprised if you walk past grand buildings with guards outside them every once in a while. I always love the architecture of embassies when I travel.

Next, hop in an Uber and get yourself to Downtown Cairo. Be prepared for a total change in atmosphere. Whilst Zamalek is quiet and fairly empty, Downtown Cairo is absolutely wild! It reminded me of the chaos of Old Delhi, India . The streets are always full of crowds and there are cars tooting their horns everywhere — it’s far from tranquil!

But the liveliness of this neighborhood of Cairo is energizing and contagious.

Start in iconic Tahrir Square, which has been the epicenter of many of the protests and uprisings, like the Egyptian revolution in 2011, when thousands of Egyptians took to the streets to stand against President Hosni Mubarak and his government.

It was also the site of the 1919 Egyptian Revolution, after which it was given its current name, which translates to Liberation Square, although it wasn’t officially changed till 1952.

The square isn’t the prettiest, and there’s a huge roundabout in the center that is jam-packed with cars at all hours of the day, but you can’t visit Cairo and miss such a historically important spot!

There’s also a statue of Omar Makram in the square and most importantly the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities that has artifacts spanning over 200,000 years of Egyptian history.

Walk to the end of Talaat Harb Street from Tahrir Square and you’ll find yourself at Talaat Harb Square. The square has a statue of Talaat Harb, an Egyptian entrepreneur, and was once a prominent spot for shopping and entertainment.

Most of the famous buildings are now in disuse, like the Groppi tearoom and Cafe Riche, but they stand as a testament to Cairo’s colonial past and are prime examples of French neoclassical architecture.

From here, there are many streets leading off the square that are lined with busy cafes and some of the city’s best restaurants. Stop for a tea before you continue exploring!

After that, I’d recommend allowing a bit of time to stroll around the center and get a bit lost. The city center is safe and always busy, so you don’t need to worry about getting stranded anywhere.

The truth is that most of Cairo’s best attractions aren’t on the map. They’re hidden down unexpected streets and in unexplored corners of the city. They aren’t the Pyramids (although the Pyramids are amazing, don’t get me wrong), they’re the ancient arches that appear as you turn a corner and seem to be of no relevance, the breathtaking carvings on stone walls, and stunning doorways weathered by time.

Cairo was founded in 2,000 BC and since then it has been reigned by countless monarchs and an array of empires, from the Romans to Sultans. Its long and varied history has left imprints on every corner of this mesmerizing city. To find Cairo’s essence, you’ll need to put your must-see list aside for an hour or two and allow yourself to just explore, with no agenda!

Another of the most fascinating things about Cairo is the culture. It’s so different from Western culture that everything will seem unfamiliar. At the start, it’s hard to see any order in the chaos that characterizes most of Cairo’s neighborhoods.

But, if you stop and observe you’ll start to notice that Egyptians are respectful, dignified people who follow strict cultural norms.

Something else you’ll start to realize is that, as a tourist, you’re never getting the local price. Egyptians will start at the highest (almost quite ridiculous) price they think they can get away with, and then it’s totally down to you to haggle your way out of it.

To tell the truth, even after haggling, you’ll probably still be paying at least twice what the locals are, but now you can say you shopped like a local!

If you were raised in the West, you’ve probably never haggled before and it can feel a bit uncomfortable and unfamiliar at the start, but it’s the Egyptian way: challenge yourself and give it a go!

It’s handy to learn some of the arabic numbers and sentences like “ma3andeesh floos” (well-pronounced in this video ), which translates to “I don’t have any money”, before you go. Don’t take yourself too seriously when you haggle and it’ll often turn into a humorous negotiation between you and the vendor.

Before leaving Downtown Cairo, make sure you visit the Abdeen Palace. It’s just a five minute drive away from Tahrir Square! The palace is grand, enormous, and has spectacular ornaments in every corner – history fans will especially love it.

Construction of the Abdeen Palace began in 1863 and continued until 1874. It was built where the ruins of Abdeen Bay’s old house stood. It is now the main office and official residence of the president. There are numerous museums on the bottom floor of the palace that you can venture into, like the Arms Museum.

Day Two: The Main Attractions

Let’s be honest, no one comes to Cairo without going to the Pyramids. They are the most famous and world-known attraction the city has to offer. You might be surprised to hear that the Pyramids aren’t actually in Cairo, they’re just outside in the nearby city of Giza. Of course, that does explain why they’re called the Pyramids of Giza .

Still, they’re close-by: it’ll take you about half an hour to an hour to get from central Cairo to the entrance of the pyramids.

I suggest setting off early (around 7 a.m.) for a number of reasons.

Firstly, you’ll miss the crowds that arrive later on in the day in their hundreds, forming long queues at the ticket office and crowding around the Pyramids and Sphinx. The pyramids aren’t quite as majestic when there are groups of shouting friends and herds of tourists with selfie sticks. May I present Exhibit A?

But more than anything, I suggest getting there early because of the sun. There is absolutely no shade at the Pyramids of Giza. You are surrounded by desert sand and not a tree in sight. It gets very hot and after an hour walking around in the afternoon sun you’ll start to feel tired, sunburnt, and frustrated. Do yourself a favor and come early!

Once you’ve got your tickets, step onto the barren trail that winds its way between the three Pyramids (that are surprisingly far apart from one another) and the Sphinx. The sheer size of these incredible structures, built in 2550 BC, will leave your mouth hanging open. It’s amazing to think you could once scramble up the giant rocks and enjoy the views from the top!

Each stone that makes up the pyramids is about the same height as you, and you’ll find yourself scratching your head and doing a lot of unresolved mental mathematics as you try to figure out how they got there.

The Sphinx is equally as impressive and huge. There’s something captivating about this mythical creature’s poised position and on-guard appearance. You’ll have a great time taking silly pictures of yourself with the sphinx too!

Needless to say, remember your camara. The pyramids are a haven of picture-perfect views and magnificent travel photo opportunities.

There are a few things you need to be wary of when you visit the Pyramids, and a few things you should know that you likely haven’t been told about.

My first piece of advice is that you bring water; lots of it. There are no cafes or restaurants super close to the pyramids, and there’s nothing but stone and sand inside, so bring everything you need with you.

If you’re going later in the day, wear a hat and sensible clothing to protect you from the sun, especially if you’re going in spring or summer.

You can go to the Pyramids independently, but there aren’t any information plaques around the site, so you won’t learn much about the history or importance of the site. I’d suggest going on this guided tour at a price of $35, so you can get all the inside information about this World Wonder from a local and knowledgeable tour guide.

Now, here are the strange and unexpected things you should be aware of. One, you’re going to be approached by men offering you camel rides all the time. Seriously, all the time. They can be quite insistent, but don’t let it ruin your experience, just walk away.

Secondly, don’t just hire anyone who calls themself an official guide to show you around. There are lots of cunning fake guides at the Pyramids; make sure you’re actually getting an official guide or go with the tour guide company I recommended .

All that said, enjoy! This is one of the coolest places on earth, so relish every second of it.

After an exciting day at the Pyramids, go on a cruise down the Nile in the evening! You might not know this, but Egypt is the birthplace of belly dancing.

Egyptian celebrations are often accompanied by belly dance music and big events, like weddings, often hire a belly dancer to get the crowd dancing! Belly dancers are treated with respect and revered by locals.

River cruises down the Nile come with dinner and a belly dance show, and they’re one of the most iconic experiences the city has to offer. Dine on traditional Egyptian dishes whilst a belly dancer in beautiful attire twirls and shimmies in between the tables. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and you’ll pay $30 for the best cruise in town .

Day three: Experience Cairo Like a Local

Kick of your third morning in town by hitting up the Cairo Citadel, which is also known as the Citadel of Saladin. The citadel is located in the area of Cairo known as “Islamic Cairo”, which is yet another one of my favorite parts of this wonderful city. You’ll find it atop of Mokattam Hill, where it has towered over the area since the Middle Ages.

The citadel was named after An-Nasir Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, or Saladin for short. He was a famous warlord and strategist who later became the Sultan of Egypt and overthrew the Fatimid Dynasty, establishing the first Ayyubid Dynasty in the country in one fell swoop.

It was back in 1176 that he ordered the construction of the citadel to protect what is now modern-day Cairo from the Crusaders, and to serve as the heart of the Egyptian government.

A hell of a lot has happened since then, but the citadel is still one of Cairo’s most important monuments. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The citadel is a complex that comprises four museums and three mosques, so you could easily lose an entire day to wanderings around here. If you only have time for one — or aren’t much of an architecture enthusiast — go for the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (no, it’s not named after the boxer!)

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the largest in the space, and the most impressive, so it’s definitely the one to prioritise.

Personally, I loved all three mosques and recommend making time to explore all of them. You’ve got the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque and the Mosque of Sulayman Pasha al-Khadim remaining. The former was the royal mosque for the city, where the sultans of Cairo undertook their Friday prayers, while the latter is It is the first mosque in Egypt that displays an Ottoman architectural style.

There’s three museums within the citadel, too — the National Military Museum, the Al-Gawhara Palace Museum, the National Police Museum, and Royal Carriages Museum. Trust me when I say that none of them are particularly great, so you could easily skip over them all without needing to feel guilty about doing so.

From the top of the hill there are spectacular views of Cairo below, so before you leave the grounds, make sure you take all the beautiful photos.

After visiting the notorious Cairo Citadel, head deep into the heart of Old Cairo to El Moez Street. The street starts at Bab el Fotouh where it has its north entrance, and ends at the south entrance at the Tentmakers’ Market.

You’ll see this street referred to as many names: Moez Street, El Moez Street, Al Moez Street, Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi Street, Al-Muizz Street… know that they’re all referring to the same place in Cairo.

Prepare to be swept away by crowds of people walking in between stalls and let your senses be overcome by the noises and smells that fill the air.

Moez Street is definitely not one for people who hate crowds and shy away from busy streets, but it is one of the most beautiful and intriguing places in the city. Aside from that, it has an authentic, local feel to it. There are few tourists around, and that’s how you know you’ve come to one of Cairo’s true gems.

The street was named after Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatimi, the fourth Caliph of the Fatimid Dynasty who reigned from 953 to 975. There are numerous historical buildings along the street, and arches and mosque minarets around every bend.

Stalls line both sides of Moez Street, and little crafts stores are built into the old buildings. Watch craftsmen at work embroidering intricate tapestries, making candles using traditional methods that have been employed for centuries, and shaping leather into stylish bags. It’s the best place to buy souvenirs!

Food stalls waft the smell of falafel into the air, and there is an invigorating buzz about the place. Get lost in this dizzying maze of colorful stalls, stunning archways, and breathtaking historical buildings.

The UN reported that this street has the greatest concentrations of medieval architectural treasures in the world, and when you get there you’ll quickly understand why. Stunning mosques line Moez Street and silence the rush of people every time a call to prayer begins.

Buildings worth keeping a lookout for, and going into, include the Al Hakim Mosque that was built in 992 AD, the Ottoman-era Sulayman Agha Al-silahdar mosque, and the Beit El Seheimy museum, which perfectly replicates residential Ottoman architecture.

You could spend days at Moez Street, so you’ll have to be selective about what buildings and mosques you go into. Follow your intuition and decide for yourself which you think are the most impressive! Most are free. Remember to cover up and bring a head scarf if you’re a woman.

What to Know About Cairo Before You Go: How to Stay Safe

Cairo is pretty safe. In fact, Egypt has a lower crime rate than the United States on a number of crime indexes. They have lower rape statistics, gun crimes, and murder rates than New York for example.

I never worried about being mugged whilst I was there, unlike my experience in cities like Chicago. Cairo is objectively quite safe. Of course, there is a difference in the experience men and women will have in Cairo, and it’s considerably more polarized than in other cities.

If you’re traveling alone as a woman you won’t necessarily be unsafe, but you will receive a lot of unwanted attention. Out of respect to the country’s culture and religion, I also recommend wearing long trousers and tops.

Like all cities, Cairo is less safe at night. Stick to busy roads with lots of lighting and try to avoid going out alone at night, especially if you aren’t sure where you are.

My top three safety tips are:

Put your passport and money into an anti-theft bag and hide it around your waist, below your clothes.
Sew a pocket into your waistband that can fit your credit card and a bit of spare cash for emergencies.
If you’re worried someone is following you, lean against a wall and pretend to be tying your shoes, that way they will walk past you and you can change your route.

Overall, Cairo is safe and you shouldn’t have any problems. Use your logic and follow these tips and you’ll have a safe and fun time on your trip.

How to Get Around Cairo

Most big cities have great public transport, with easy to navigate timetables and clearly mapped metro lines that get you from A to B quickly and efficiently. Well… Cairo is an exception.

Whilst public transport in Cairo is very cheap, it’s far from easy to navigate. As a general rule, Google maps doesn’t work across Egypt. There were various times where I followed my map to a Movistar or H&M that didn’t exist, and, according to the locals, had never existed, despite the fact that it was very much real on the map. So imagine how unreliable the bus schedules are!

Cairo also has a metro line, but it gets very cramped and unpleasant, especially on a hot day! I lived in Cairo for three months, but I only took the metro once – telling my local friends (who never use the metro, by the way) that I wanted to experience Cairo like a “local.” They laughed, but finally agreed to come along.

We jumped on, sweated and struggled for air before hopping off just 15 minutes later, a fair walk from where we wanted to be. I never got the metro again.

If you’re only in Cairo for three days, don’t bother trying to figure out the public transport unless you’re determined to do so – you will waste hours of your time.

You’ll be surprised to know that the best way to get around Cairo, and the way that all my Egyptian friends who had lived there their whole lives get around, is by Uber. Yes, Uber! I was shocked too. But the app is fast, super cheap, and reliable.

In Egypt Uber also has a scooter option, so you can hop on the back of the driver’s motorcycle (they bring a spare helmet, don’t worry) and get to where you want to be in no time.

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car in Cairo either. The roads are absolutely crazy. There are always long lines of traffic and unexpected road users, like donkeys pulling carts with young children on them.

Apart from anything else, Egyptians don’t often use the pavement, so there’s always people appearing out of nowhere, crossing the road in a hurry, or just walking along the motorway as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

Unless you’re a confident driver, or you think that using the local public transport is a must when you travel, then get an Uber. It won’t cost much more, especially if you’re a group, and you’ll save yourself a considerable amount of time and energy.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Cairo

The best time of year to visit Cairo is from October to April. During these months the city experiences its most mild and pleasant temperatures. Cairo has warm and sunny winters with cool, but far from freezing cold, nights.

One thing to bear in mind if you come during the winter months is that December and February are very touristy. If you can, come in October or November, or early spring.

Summer is the worst time to visit the city because it’s scorching hot. That isn’t an exaggeration, temperatures can soar above 102°F, though they tend to stay around 94°F. Once May arrives, all you’ll want to do is stay indoors with the AC on full blast – it’s far too hot to do anything else.

Where to Stay in Cairo

There’s plenty of accommodation options in Cairo, from a $15-a-night guesthouse that overlooks the Pyramids, to internationally renowned hotels. So however you want to travel, whether it be luxury or budget, you’ll find it in Cairo.

But where do I recommend that you stay?

I stayed at Houseboat65 Hotel and loved that it offers something a little different. Imagine waking up along the Nile in a little home that is just for you, yet still a part of a friendly and welcoming hotel! You get the best of both worlds: the privacy and intimacy of an apartment and the perks and great service of a luxury hotel.

I particularly love the views of the Nile from the rooms. You’ll feel like you’re in a dream as you sit on the water’s edge, sipping your morning coffee and watching little boats float by. It’s also the perfect place to escape the noise of the city without compromising on location!

This stunning property gave me the perfect balance between modern and traditional. I relished all the well-thoughtout details around the property and was delighted by the undeniably Egyptian feel of the place.

The colorful carpets, low-down coffee tables, and stunning decorations made it feel warm, welcoming, and homely. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring Egypt’s most fascinating city.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

The Cost of Travel in Mauritius: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

How to Spend One Week in Mauritius: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Why You Need to Take a Game Drive in Swaziland/eSwatini

Exploring Kolmanskop: Namibia’s Ghost Town in the Desert

In-Depth Namibia Travel Guide: What’s it Like to Travel in Namibia?

Introducing Tofo: My African Beach Paradise

I am off to Cairo in December and have found your blog invaluable.

One question though – can you speifically recommend the tour guide/company for the pyramids tour – the link goes to a generic Get Your Guide webpage which has many options. Was wondering which guide you went with.

Many thanks and keep up the good work – your website is now firmly on my list of resoures for all our travels! Thanks Fergus

Hi Fergus! Ah, yes, Get Your Guide is so annoying with how it redirects links to a full search page! This should work for you: https://www.getyourguide.com/pyramids-of-giza-l4184/giza-pyramids-and-spinx-half-day-private-tour-t17540/?partner_id=5OA45ES&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=cairo-itinerary&mkt_cmp=true — if not, it should be the first result on the GYG link and highlighted in blue, it’s titled Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Half-Day Private Tour

Hi Lauren, Thank you so much for such a well written blog. I do plan to go end if this month. I guess booking in advance would be wise. You haven’t mentioned much about the museums. I thought that would be a highlight as one would want see the mummies.

Would you recommend exchanging money in Cairo- airport?

Thanks again.

Hello! interesting blog! as an Egyptian – with Turkish roots – living in Cairo for almost my entire life, I think you got a grasp on it.

Meet Lauren Juliff

Egypt Travel Blog

This post may contain affiliate links.

Welcome to our Egypt Travel Blog page. It’s hard to find up-to-date information or travel guides for Egypt because the travellers and holiday-makers all but stopped coming quite a few years ago. I haven’t been able to find any other travel blogs that cover Egypt in any depth, so I decided to make ours as comprehensive and information-packed as possible.

There aren’t many tourists visiting Egypt, fewer still backpacking, but those that do need good information and I know we’ve found that hard to find.

This is just the beginning of our Egypt travel content, I’ll be adding a lot more over the coming weeks as we finish exploring the Nile and move across to the Red Sea and Alexandria.

We’re covering as much of Egypt as we can (with kids- but that’s irrelevant really) in just under a month. We have a particular focus on historic sites, learning, culture, history, and food.

Looking for tours in Egypt – have a look here .

Egypt travel Blog Egypt Travel Guide information

The most important part of travel in Egypt is how to get around. This is the hardest part of Egypt travel and we’ve found little accurate information on trains, buses and planes online. We’ll tell you everything we know here and in linked posts.

Egypt Itinerary

During this trip, we spent almost a month in Egypt visiting Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, the Red Sea, and Alexandria. We did not take a Nile cruise of any sort, however the boats are running.

This is independent travel, arranging transport and accommodation as we go. You could, of course, book a lot of this in advance and we have taken a 10 and 15 day Egypt tour previously ( more on that further down the page), but on this trip we preferred to stay flexible and it’s worked in our favour when we’ve needed to take a break.

Egypt is hard work, it’s no vacation, but it’s absolutely fantastic. So far it’s been one of our best trips but we have most certainly had our share of problems and disasters.

The bent or broken pyramid near Cairo Egypt

We have now completed almost a dozen blogs about Egypt and travel in Egypt, I’ll put the links at the end of this post for you.

Costs of Travelling in Egypt

Egypt is currently incredibly cheap, we feel it’s working out cheaper than most of Asia.

Trains, buses, taxis, hotels, admissions to top attractions, everything is extremely affordable in comparison to the other 50+ countries we’ve visited. I’ll give admission prices, train costs, hotel prices etc. in the relevant sections or blog posts below.

That affordability is right across the board, from budget to luxury. A luxury resort hotel on the Red Sea cost us under $40/ night for 4 people. Tours and cruises in Egypt are similarly affordable.

Food in Egypt (With Kids Too)

We like Egyptian food a lot but it’s not always easy to find.

Your best bet is usually to ask your driver or hotel owner where the best Egyptian food is to be found. If the locals eat there, you can bet it’s good.

If you look at sites like Trip Advisor you’ll often see big hotels coming up as the best dining options, sure they’ll be nice, but try the local food too.

Egyptian food isn’t very spicy, it’s typical Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern food with influences from Rome, India, and Africa. There are abundant vegetarian options and prices are low.

We have a full post on food in Egypt .

If you get stuck, all of the usual fast-food restaurants are represented and can be a good choice for a quick air-con, wi-fi and coffee fix.

We’ve also sampled hotel buffet breakfasts in Egypt, expect all of your usual favourites plus lots of sweet things, falafels, brown beans, tahini and olives.

Negatives, Cruelty, Dirt, Filth, Dust and Litter

We’re in agreement that we’ve never been to a place with more litter. You’ll find trash everywhere and sadly it’s mostly plastics.

There’s dust too, but there’s not much to be done about that, you’re sandwiched between deserts.

Some of the trains, even in 1st class, are so filthy you feel dirty just looking at them, others are immaculate. We’ll help you figure that out. Some hotels are filthy too.

The roads and the driving are hair-raising, the exhaust fumes thick.

While we’re talking negatives I’ll mention that the ubiquitous donkeys and horses are often terribly treated, the camels fare little better.

None of us had any food-related sickness in Egypt, but we did have respiratory viruses, probably picked up on the plane. Egypt is, we think, the hardest country we’ve ever been to in terms of organising transportation.

Hassle and Avoiding Touts in Egypt

I’ve seen so many people, regular holiday-makers, long-term travellers and travel bloggers, complain about being harassed in Egypt. We’ve been fine, but I think I need to qualify that.

Luxor is billed as ” Hassle Capital of the World” and that’s pretty fair. Everyone wants you to take their felucca, hire their horse and cart, buy their scarf or figure of Ramesses. It’s interminable and some will find it deeply irritating.

We have a saying in our family, stolen from a well-known kids’ movie, smile and wave boys, just smile and wave . Keep your sense of humour, chat, laugh, and interact, and it will be fine.

If you’ve never travelled in Asia this level of touting will be a shock but it’s no worse than India. We were here almost 20 years ago, some say the hassle has got worse, we think it’s about the same. Of course, there are far fewer tourists to go around now and everyone needs to make a buck. Treat them kindly.

I lost it with one guy, he kept following us, and kept asking us to take his horse and cart over two days of our Luxor stay. I gave him a mouthful and he slunk off. I felt bad, he caught me at the wrong time, hungry, tired, hot and humourless.

At the Saqqara pyramid of Djoser a young vendor followed me, trying to sell me a souvenir that I didn’t want. I’d lost Chef and Boo, D and I were wandering around looking for them. This young man was so helpful, he took us to high points to search so I bought his hieroglyph ruler for a whole $1. Thank you, Abdulla.

At the historic sites, men will try to be your guide. Sometimes it’s worth giving them 20LE, they can show you really interesting things that you’d otherwise miss. Sometimes it’s best to ignore them, smile and keep walking, it’s up to you.

Tipping is another irritation. Almost everyone will try their luck and ask for a tip, even after you’ve paid them the agreed price. We don’t tip unless we want to. Certainly not if we’ve agreed a good price in advance or paid up-front for a day’s service. It’s not a problem, nobody will get angry or try to beat you up. They’re just trying to see how gullible you are.

Some tourists are extremely lacking in savvy, we met a guy who paid $100 for a few photos on a camel. That was entirely his own fault ( he was a lovely guy, but didn’t have the right tools for Egyptian travel), don’t get on a camel without agreeing on a price first. If you read our post about feluccas (link at end of post) you’ll see more of what I mean about not getting ripped off.

Egypt Tours, Cruises, and More

As I mentioned up top, my husband ( we call him Chef) and I, have taken group tours in Egypt. Actually, that’s how we met, it was on the Nile 20 years ago. We’re big fans of tours. You will be fully looked after, there will be less hassle and you will see a lot more, faster, than you ever will through independent travel.

You could book a group tour including flights from your home country, a land-only tour that you pick up after arrival, single-day or multi-day private tours, cruises, felucca treks and more. Holiday-makers to Sharm-el-Sheikh and Hurghada also regularly book tours to Cairo, the pyramids, and more. Your options are endless and I just want you to be aware of possibilities. Booking tours like this in advance will undoubtedly make your life easier in Egypt.

Consider some of the following choices, all of the tours below are from large, reliable companies that we trust and use ourselves:

Top Red Sea Activities and Tours

The Red Sea resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are incredibly popular with tourists and there are a whole host of activities for you to book from your beach hotel. Dolphin-watching and snorkelling tours from Hurghada are a stand-out attraction, as is quad biking in desert dunes.

Pick Up From Aswan, Luxor, or Cairo, 4 Night Nile Cruise

A perfect no-hassle trip, taking you from your hotel to the sights of Aswan and Luxor. You will see the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and more, plus, enjoy the mystery and beauty of the Nile, prices are incredibly low. Be sure to specify Cairo as your departure city. Find information here

A One Day Tour of Ancient Egypt, From Cairo

The Sphinx, Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and ” Old Bazaar in Cairo” Khan El Khalili, Highlights of Egypt in a well organised, guided tour. We would highly recommend you have a guide at the Egyptian museum to find you the highlights, it’s a huge place. See such a tour to book here.

A One Day Tour of Ancient Egypt From Hurghada by Bus or by Plane.

Visit the world-famous antiquities of Cairo from your beach resort in Hurghada, there is a huge price difference between the bus and plane options, but honestly, it’s not expensive by plane and we’ve done this bus journey, it’s a long way. See here for the bus, See here for the plane . This company has a best price or refund the difference guarantee.

A One Day Tour of Ancient Egypt From Sharm El Sheikh

Get yourself from the beaches and diving of Sharm to the antiquities of Cairo at an incredibly low price, by bus. (This company offers a best price or refund the difference guarantee) here.

Getting to Abu Simbel From Aswan or Cairo

You don’t need a huge amount of time at Abu Simbel as it’s a stand-alone attraction but we can’t stress too strongly that you MUST go, it’s mind-blowing. We have a full post on how to get there and what it’s like towards the end of this post.

You can go by plane or bus from Aswan and we’ve done it both ways, and both were fine. The bus ride is long and they drive fast, but there is hardly any traffic on this road so we didn’t feel too unsafe. See the bus trip here , the plane trip with Egypt Air here .

Both involve a very early start as you need to, ideally, be there around dawn. There is also the option of going to Aswan by private car with driver here. I f you’re only getting as far as Cairo, you can take a trip to Abu Simbel by plane, here. Be aware that some prices are each and some per vehicle, please check your details carefully and be sure of what private means.

Egypt Travel and Transportation – Getting Around Egypt Independently

We did the following.

A taxi pick up from the airport in Cairo to our Luxor hotel by people carrier ( much less hair raising than taxis)
Day trips in and around Cairo by taxi. (easy but the traffic and fumes are bad)
1st class VIP train to Luxor. (excellent)
1st class non-VIP train to Aswan. (terrible)
Minibus to Abu Simbel (OK)
1st class VIP train back to Luxor. (Excellent)
Bus/ coach to Hurghada (good)
Bus/ coach to Cairo. (Excellent)
Train to Alexandria (terrible)
Bus to Cairo. (excellent)

Getting around Egypt has been incredibly cheap and mostly a good experience. The 1st class VIP trains are fantastic, the non-VIP train was gross. The coaches and minibusses were of a good standard. Traffic congestion in Cairo is horrendous and driving can be crazy, we were lucky to find an older, steady driver and stuck with him. On the long, straight desert roads buses zip along at breakneck speed. It can be hair-raising.

Heat, Dust, Sand, and Weather in Egypt

Heat and weather in Egypt in April, melted chocolate

We were in Egypt at the start of summer, April into May. Cairo and the Red Sea Coast were bearable, and Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel were inferno hot. Some days would reach 42ºC, that’s 107ºF.

It’s best to get to the big attractions early and enjoy them in the cool of the morning. We weren’t hot at all at the Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple and the 6 am starts meant we had them to ourselves. Arrange a taxi pick up the night before. In the desert, the temperatures dip pleasantly at night, but on a previous visit in February, I remember being really cold from around sunset.

What to Wear in Egypt

Stay covered, to show respect and to keep the sun off your skin. You’ll need a hat or large scarf to protect your head, maybe face, from sun, dust and sometimes flies. On the Red Sea in big hotels, normal holiday wear is fine.

Can You Get Alcohol, Wine & Beer in Egypt?

Getting a beer near the pyramids alcoholic drinks in egypt

Egypt produces its own beers and wines and is by no means dry. Restaurants that will give you a beer or glass of wine with dinner are hard to find but do exist, they are normally Christian-run. The higher the ratio of Christians: Muslims in an area, the better your chances. There are off-licenses to buy your own. Look for the Drinkies chain of bottle shops. Big hotels serve alcohol.

Finding Hotels, Hostels, Apartments or Guest Houses in Egypt

All the usual methods of finding accommodation work in Egypt.Use Agoda and Booking.com , whichever you prefer. You would be wise to always pre-book for Egypt or else fall victim to the touts.

We’d particularly recommend AirBnb, we rarely use them, but for Egypt, it works. We rented a spacious, cool, well-equipped apartment in Luxor to take a break, relax and catch up with laundry and work.

We had great deals with Marriott, you can get 30% off Red Sea and Egypt hotels with Marriott rewards currently. We used Marriott Hurghada Beach (click through to see more) and can give it a big thumbs up.

The Red Sea, a True Holiday in Egypt

The Red Sea is a paradise for divers and snorkellers. This is our first time on Egypt’s coast and we’re impressed by the cool clear waters, marine life, and excellent hotels. We’re delighted by the low prices (see above 30% off deal). More on holidaying in Egypt coming soon and we now have a post on Egyptian beaches, see below.

We have absolutely loved our time in Egypt, give or take a few difficult days. Chef and I visited many years ago on a small group adventure tour and that was a great experience too, but this time, as independent travellers, backpacking, if you prefer, it’s been better. We’ve seen more, we’ve been able to adjust our trip to suit us and our needs and we’ve got in touch with the real Egypt instead of just seeing the tourist sites.

We’ve felt safe (other than the time we were almost hit by a run-away tanker…long story) and it’s been an incredible educational opportunity for the kids. We hope you can encourage you to visit Egypt, these guys are great and they need their western tourists back.

To bookmark to Pinterest

Learn About Egypt Before You Travel

We highly recommend the Lonely Planet guide books for learning about the history and culture of a country before you leave home. You can use it to figure out where in Egypt you want to go and learn the basics of the language, a few pleases and thank yous are always welcome. It’s also a good idea to learn numbers 1-10 in Arabic, we’ve found this very useful. Also, read the educational post my kids wrote about Egypt here , their own Egypt travel blog. Have a great trip!

Facebook 102
Pinterest 975

If you'd like to hire a car during your stay, use this car rental comparison tool to find the best deal! We also suggest you take a look at this company to get a quote for all kinds of the more tricky adventure or extended travel insurance. Try Stayz / VRBO for an alternative way to find rentals on homes/apartments/condos in any country!

Alyson Long

Felucca sailing on the nile. disasters 1 and 2., homeschooling or worldschooling in romania, 97 thoughts on “egypt travel blog”.

Experience fantastic Easter tours in Egypt by enjoying the breath of spring on a luxury Nile Cruise across the Land of Pharaohs.

First and foremost, I admire your blog; I carefully read your article and find your content to be really informative. I hope you enjoy this site as much as I do. I hope you obtain more experience with your knowledge; this is how people learn more.

Egypt was #1 on my list of wow! factors. Nile River Cruise is one of the most beautiful places. Its beauty naturally attracts the tourist from the worldwide. Egyptian peoples are known as innovators, they invented many new things which many of us are unaware of.

Hi! I loved your post. I t is really inspiring for me as well as other people. The way you post helps us a lot and it is nice work by you. Keep posting such posts. I also have a website that is about travel. We have a nice amount of tours in the dazzling lands of Egypt. Also, we give Jordan tours at affordable prices.

Thank you for all the fabulous information. I would like to go next week but am a bit concerned that they are not reporting the true number of Covid cases. I also believe they are not wearing masks. Do you have any input on that. Also, money isn’t the main concern however I would like to stay in hotels that are not only safe but clean yet feel like Egypt not just some big hotel. Can I find this type of hotel and have it be excellent?

I know Egypt opened to tourists quite a while ago (although they may have closed again). I doubt any country is reporting a true number of cases as nowhere is testing 100% of its population daily and the tests aren’t fully accurate, so an accurate number is a gold-plated unicorn. (With my former medical scientist hat on there). We stayed in a variety of hotels, like you, we try to avoid the big chains and resort hotels, but to find Egyptian and clean, modern etc. is a big ask. Maybe if you found one of the old historic hotels like the one where Agatha Christie stayed (which we visited, it’s lovely). There must be some grand old hotels in Cairo. On the coast, it’s wall-to-wall resort hotels. We stayed in a Marriott. Everything is very modern in Hurghada although I know less developed places exist. Your problem will be finding flights and I have no idea what entry requirements Egypt has now with regards to negative tests, quarantine etc. As we’re stuck in Australia and not allowed out, at all, I’m very envious of anyone allowed to go anywhere.

Hi, guys Amazing article about this country Egypt is an amazing country with diverse cultures. People in Egypt speak the Modern Standard Arabic language. The linguistic diversity of Egypt is almost homogeneous according to a fractionalization scale.

Hurghada is a beautiful island and quite underrated, too. I hope more people visit the place as it has so much to offer.

I have learned from my Egypt trip is that Local laws state that it can be illegal to make public comments that criticize the Egyptian government, security forces or religion. Police have arrested foreign visitors who published critical social media posts.

Why do you think your comment should be here Dominic? I’m wondering what your thinking is.

“According to data on inbound tourists in Egypt, 9,174,000 tourists arrive in the country each year”. It seems to be that Egypt is quite popular country. Is that realy worth it to visit?

I admit that Egypt is an amazing country with diverse cultures, rich ancient civilizations, archaeological treasures, and amazing landscapes. I hope you will visit Morocco and write a global blog about the richness of our country. greeting from the Sahara desert of Merzouga

We have been to Morocco and loved it Mohammed, years ago unfortunately, long before we started this travel blog. We should probably go back!

Hello Alyson,

I really love this post and tons of thanks for sharing such a great and fully informative info here.

Thanks Andrew | Hotel Manager

Hi! How did you buy tickets for the bus from Luxor back to Cairo?

We bought them at the bus station I think. No, we went to Aswan and then Hurghada from Luxor, then to Alexandria, then back to Cairo. They have good buses, it’s all very easy.

Hi Alyson, fantastic and well written blog, I’m just curious, I’m going to Egypt this year and to really see the Country and being retired I have the time would a month or two be too long? Thank you! Mark

I would stay there as long as possible Mark. There’s loads to see. Lots we didn’t do during our month but we also had lots of rest days where we did nothing. We didn’t like Alexandria much, so I never posted about it. Also I never posted about even half the things we did in Cairo. We went to Hughada but I’d like to see more of the beach places and do some snorkelling / diving and Siwa Oasis is somewhere I’d like to go. But..”only” a month.

Hi , Is there anyone can advise me if i need visa to egypt, our cruise will be there for 15 hours stop and i will avail there shore excursion does anyone have experience if they are exempted for entry visa or tourist visa since that is only 15 hours. Am Filipino/Philippines but i live in Norway with resident permit, can anyone share their egypt experience with cruiseship.

Normally your cruise ship will tell you which visas are required and won’t let you on the ship without seeing them. Chek with them.

I simply can’t decide whether we should take a fully guided tour or try to do it on our own with day tours thrown in along the way. We will be there two weeks in late March.. I see many pros and cons to both. Do you have any tips or suggestions that might help us decide? About us, we’re fairly adventurous, but this is essentially our first non-Western world trip. (We went to India a few years ago, but were with family who lived there.) Thanks for a fascinating blog.

Sorry, I can’t really advise. But how much time do you have? If you only have a week – 10 days you’ll struggle to arranfge everything unless you pre-book it or are very spur of the moment around your bookings. We’re able to dedicate a day or two to organising train tickets and finding the perfect solution because we always have bags of time. I think it’s far more rewarding to do it independently in terms of personal satisfaction and local interraction, but a tour can wizz you through with no hassle or thought. Both have advantages depending on personality and comfort levels. I enjoy both, but I’d use them in different ways depending on destination. We recently did an 8 day tour in Tibet and loved it. In that instance there really was no other way. But the time wasted annoyed me. It was always…be back here in an hour. With nothing to do in that hour other than wait for other people who were — I dunno, blowdrying their hair or reading or something — I’d rather be seeing more of Tibet.

Hi, I am glad that you are sharing such an informative blog. This will be much help for those who are needing information about Egypt trip. I recently went to Egypt with my family and explored the beauties of it. Nile River Cruise is one of the most beautiful places. Its beauty, nature attracts the tourist from the worldwide. Egyptian peoples are known as innovators, they invented many new things which many of us are unaware of. The ancient Egyptian were the 1st peoples who invented clock and divided 365days with 12months. I appreciate you and your blog. Will be waiting for more blogs and information.

As a traveller, Egypt was #1 on my list of wow! factors. Everyone should visit and they love Americans and Brits. Souvenirs are cheap, don’t feel too annoyed at the vendors.As a mother of 2 grown children, I would not have brought them when they were young. there are too many ways to pick up a bug. My first aid kit for Egypt was mostly anti-dhiarreal and Pepto Bismal. I either had to use it or share it during the trip, even though I was very careful, using hand sanitizer, staying in nice hotels, getting restaurant recommendations from the tour guide… It is still a 3rd world country.

None of us were sick in Egypt BJ, other than a cold virus that we picked up on the plane. We very rarely get any bugs while travelling. You should maybe look into those diarrhoea stoppers, they’re not good for you in such situations. ( Doctor’s advice given to me many years ago, haven’t touched them since). But likewise, I wouldn’t take small children because the heat, early starts and long travel days will be tough on them. Also they get far more out of it once they have their own genuine interest in Egyptology. My son still says that this is his favourite of all of our travels, it was his choice, a treat for his birthday that year, he has good taste!

Great blog. My family and I are planning for March. We would like to do a cooking class. Did you come across this on your trip?

Also – where would you spend more time if you could choose, Cairo or Luxor?

I didn’t look for cooking classes but I bet there are some on Get Your Guide. Cairo needs 3-4 days. Luxor the same really. How long have you got?

Hi Alysson,

I read your blog and it is very useful, I just came from Cairo for an 8 days visit. I visited all the historial sites in Cairo and part of Alexandria. Now, Me and my daughter would like to visit Luxor and Aswan. My concern is the the cost of Sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. For foreigners, is about $80 -$100 but for local is less. Would it be possible to ask a local to purchase the ticket on my behalf to get a cheaper cost.?

Another question is: traveling from Luxor to Aswan is through a train too. Thanks,

You can buy tickets on the day train, it’s a lot cheaper. See our post on getting from Cairo to Luxor. And yes, train again, it’s all on our site.

The 4-Day Nile Cruise (Valley of Kings) link you provided above looks good, Are there any specific days for ship? I ask this question because most of the other ship are either Monday or Fridays

You’d have to check departure availability with them sorry.

We are planning a week long trip to Egypt in December, staring 24th. Want to visit, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. Is that doable? How will the weather and crowd in December? Any nation events?

Yes, it’s doable. However, you’ll need your trip scheduled and planned meticulously, tours booked and so on. The first time we went to Egypt we did all of the above in just a week, flying to and from Abu Simbel.Be ready for plenty of very early starts. Getting sick can really mess up a short trip like this, so be super careful. Just Google for the other information.

Hello! Thank you for this post! It is very helpful. We are thinking of traveling to Egypt February 2019 (so it should be cooler, and to get us out Chicago winter!) BUT with a 5 year old and a 5 MONTH old. Are we crazy? Tickets are super cheap with a long layover in Istanbul (my favorite city) but I am worried about the dust, litter, craziness with a little tiny baby. I found a tour operator with great reviews who can plan everything so we don’t have to navigate Cairo ourselves and the cruise seems like it might be fun for our 5 year old – tour by morning, relax, swim, unwind on a boat in the afternoon?

What do you think?

I think maybe yes, you are a bit crazy. Those cruise ships tend to be for adults, normally older or retired. I don’t think they’re much of a place for kids but maybe that’s changed now. It’s the sort of trip my mum and dad and their friends do with formal dining, set times, evening entertainment and fixed time tours and having to walk with a group. I’ve done a cruise ship like this with my two and the one shore excursion we did was just awful, being herded around like cattle and taking so long to get anywhere because a few of the old folks weren’t walkers. Also can they tolerate heat, long days touring ruins with a lot of walking, standing and listening? It may be very, very boring for your 5 year old. Also getting up before dawn to visit places before the sun gets too hot, will that fit in with your children’s plans for sleep? This is a style of trip that I think I’d be reluctant to do with babies and small children, based on my experiences of being mum to two. But of course you know your kids, I don’t. Egypt itself I’d have no problems with, it’s just the way tourists really have to see the antiquities, their size, the nature of visiting them. A private tour would maybe be great, but a group tour, no, not with a baby and a preschooler.

Thank you so much for your opinion! You make some valid points. In February, it will be high of 70 so not too hot, and I agree with cruises -I’m just not sure about it. BUT- according to the itinerary – all tours are after breakfast in the morning, then relaxing time on the boat- with a pool, not before sunrise. It’s pretty much all private with a private driver so it looks like we’ll have a lot say in schedule. Thanks! I’ll let you know if we go and how it turns out.

hi nice artical ,my girl friend and i are going to visit Egypt for a month tour ,I’m a diver as weel so I’m interested ,going to the red sea areas ,do you know of any new restricted areas ? going the end of October .I’ve heard it changes daily ? i plane on booking tours ,and travel while I’m there for that reason .

I don’t sorry Terry, we’re divers too, but with the kids it never happens these days so we just spent a very short time on the Red Sea.

When I read your posts about the litter and traffic in Cairo, I shudder cos I know Lagos (where I am based in) is worse. I am currently in Cairo now and trying to see as much as I can during my time here. Your posts have been very helpful.

Hello ma’am : I’m an interviewer in Radio Cairo the Egyptian radio, Would be honored to interview you about your stay in Egypt, your memories, feelings, the challenges you faced. Thank you so much Sincerely Mayar Adel

Hi Mayar, my email address is [email protected] shoot me an email, I’d love to talk to you.

Hi, after read through your blog, it’s make me very excited to visit Egypt! You have a great blog! So we decided to travel to Egypt at early December 2018 (about 12 days), I m looking for a transport with driver cum tour guide to cover this entire trip as per our plan. Could you please recommended a good and responsible driver with transport? Thank you.

Sorry, I can’t, no. We found our guy through our hotel owner, or you can book a tour through GetYourGuide as mentioned above.

Love your post and pictures. Last time I visited Saqqara I remember there was a broken statue of Ramsses II and I was told that Shelley’s Ozymandias was based on it. Wonder if it is still there. You make me want to go to all those places again and have a sip of the delicious Stella. Thank you

Is that the one over in Ancient Memphis, the huge one that’s lying down?

I would just add for everyone to be responsible travelers— to not ride on horses & camels as they are often treated badly (I’ve not seen any horse of camel with feeding or water throughout the day at the Giza pyramids). Also, tipping recommendations is all I’ve place on the web, when tipping is a small, generous offer by locals— I’ve seen mentioning as much as $5 USD per meal and that is ridiculous.

Totally agree tipping is ridiculous. There is no expectation as there is in America. America is unique in that.

So glad to have stumbled across this blog post! My husband and I are going to Egypt in May and we are very much so looking forward to it! My question to you about the guided tours since we are trying to stay within a certain budget is: seems like you booked your tours prior to getting to Egypt, but would you say its okay to book tours once you get to Egypt as well? It seems like most travel guides charge in USD so im trying to figure out if they will still charge me in USD if I book in Egypt or will they charge me in EGP instead? Any advice regarding this situation will help, thank you!

Hi ZK. No, we didn’t really pre book anything and took no guided tours really. I don’t think anyone charged in USD, no. We quote prices in USD here because most people will understand that currency and be able to convert it to their own easily. We’ve been travelling over 5 years, full time, so we’re pretty cool with figuring things out as you go along and we have endless time to do so. But if you have a set amount of time and aren’t comfortable with haggling over price, probably best you book in advance. You don’t want to waste half a day to a day organising each trip. Egypt is one of the harder countries to travel independently, really, top grade global hard. You need some savvy.

Soooo excited to find your blog! We are leaving for Egypt at the end of May. I’m a teacher and can’t wait to learn personally and professionally. I will be back to your blog multiple times!

Hello Susan 🙂 Welcome.

Hi there. Thanks for sharing your experience. You’re quite right that there is currently very little written on Egypt from a traveller’s point of view.

I am looking to go on a solo trip in April/May. Would you recommend that it’s a good idea for a solo female?

Hey, you have such a great blog! I am trying to book a trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel on a mini bus. Looks like you paid LE140 each way and that is what a lot of people I see online paid. However when I try to book a trip, I am getting quoted of USD$70-$100 per person. Could you please direct me to the travel agency you booked this trip with? Also recommendations on how to book a decently priced trip from Aswan to Luxor stopping in Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way. Thank you so much. I would really appreciate any help. Booking decently priced tours is turning out to be a nightmare for us 🙁

I’ll ave to get back to you later sorry , we’re on the road, that information is in a post that I haven’t yet published, written down, but not in my head. So sorry!

Ok thank you. Please let me know when you get a chance. I am travelling to Egypt in a few days,

Hi! Thanks so much for the great tips for Egypt travel! I’m heading there in May from San Diego, and I CANT WAIT! I’ll be traveling through Africa for 3 months, and for every country I”m heading to, I get the Visa at the border crossing. Having a tough time finding the true answer to the Visa for Egypt. Ive read that I get it at the airport (this is my first destination), but Ive also read that you need the Visa ahead of time. Any help would be much appreciated!

We got ours at the airport Elise. But we’re on UK / Australian passports. Not sure the situation for US citizens and Egypt visas.

Wow. you have a very nice blog about Egypt. I also wanna go too.your blog will surely help me.but I am a little bit worried about my safety.there a lot of news traveling about terrorist.for that, An online friend suggested me a tour agency called ask-Aladdin. Now I wanna know, Will it be okay to go to a tour agency and will they make sure for my safety??Please suggest.

I think you maybe should look for a bigger, more well known, tour agency for Egypt if you prefer to not travel independently. Try somebody like Explore or Exodus or GetYourGuide. We’ve been to Egypt with Explore and had a superb experience and we use GetYourGuide all over the world.

Can I just say, “Wow! And double wow!”? We are also a homeschooling family. I’m on my last of four high schoolers and it has been quite the journey. My daughter and I plan to visit Egypt this year and your blog is an excellent resource and encouragement for me as I plan. Thank you so much and happy world school travels!!

Of course you can. Thanks 🙂 And to you x

Wonderful post. Appreciate your courage to go with the kids for almost a month to Egypt independently.

My mother is considering to visit Egypt soon. She prefers the guided vacation/tours though, where there is an agenda, a group and a tour guide.

Do you think you can recommend a vacation/travel agency that is good and known for organizing really good vacations?

Thank you, Moly

Sorry Moly, not really. My husband and I had a fantastic tour of Egypt with Explore years ago. We met on that trip. But Explore tours tend to be aimed at the more physically active. I would go, at 52, but if your mother is into her 70s or 80s it could be a bit much. But have a look at the Explore website anyway. ( Explore Worldwide) We did 3 Explore Group holidays back in the day and each one was superb. I fully understand her preference for guided group trips, you see much more, without any organisational headaches and you always have that back up of a guide with local knowledge should you run into difficulties.

That is truly an experience, great knowledge and true facts about visiting Egypt and exploring sites without an organized guided tour, I am a licensed tour guide and operator for 17 years, if you like to have any organized tour packages, hassle free, private tours, informative guides, off the beaten track historical sites, you can contact me.

Really great tips about Egypt. Your long stay in Egypt gave you enough experience about how the life is going there.

Really great tips! I”m planing to go to Egypt this year with my boyfriend, from 18th June for about 10 days or so. Is it crazy of us to go in this period of time of the year? Is 10 full days enough to see all the main places? Thank you!

It will be hot. I think we were there about that time, a week or two before. Not crazy, no, but hot. Most of the big sites you do very early in the morning, so it’s not too bad and it seems to be cooler at night, deserts cool down fast. Absolutely, 100% wear a hat or big scarf to keep the sun off your heads and necks though. Helps with dust and flies too, wrap it round your face sometimes. I went out once without mine in Luxor and boy could I feel it!

Thank you so much for your quick reply. Your comments encouraged me to go! Many thanks!

Thanks for sharing. I really want to visit Egypt, but really am concerned about the safety. Did you get any trouble there?

Cheers, Jim

I think information on that is covered in the posts. Thanks.

Thank you for such an honest post about your travels through Egypt. I plan to go at the end of 2018 for 3 weeks. It seems that if you do Egypt yourself, your trip is what you make it – always bumps in the road but everything works out. I can’t believe you got such cheap accommodation in Luxor! Sadly, I will be going in the high season. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Thank you for sharing such a great experience in Egypt. after reading your whole article it feels quite scary traveling around in case of hassle only. thanks a lot for some key tips. It is a really a great and useful information who want to experience Egypt.

WoW that’ amazing place to visit, i never been there but after reading your article and those beautiful pic convince me to visit this place soon. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.

Thank you for this excellent article. Our family of 4 has been invited to a wedding in Cairo, Egypt. Normally I would jump at a chance to go outside my country and culture for such an experience, but I am wary, especially given the US state dept’s recent warning against going there. We’ve never yet traveled outside the US and Europe. Your articles are the scant few I am finding online that are even current. I am concerned for safety, but I didn’t pick up that that was even an issue for you. Is that true? How safe did you feel navigating this country with your kids? Thank you very much!

We felt absolutely safe Kim. Other than on the roads, but I’m a nervous passenger anyway. But just a few days after we left that guy went nuts on one of the beaches over at Hurghada. But only one incident I know of, we’ve had 4 or 5 here in London during the same period. Cairo is amazing, I would never pass up a chance like that. I haven’t posted about everything we did there yet, but it was fabulous, the old bazaar, the citadel, Coptic Cairo, the Citadel of Saladin and tomb and mosque of Mohammed Ali and of course the Nile and Giza plateau pyramids and sphinx. From Cairo you can make day trips to the step pyramid and Memphis. And of course the museum…it’s just all incredible.

Thanks for sharing the nice article .Egypt is a country known for being an ancient civilization and for famous monuments .To visit all these book hotels in Egypt .

Excellet post, beautiful pictures. I want to go from aswan to abu simbel, did you remember where yo buy the minibus tickets. Did it for your own or with an agency?

After going to the bus station ourselves to try to buy them, we got our hotel owner to arrange tickets. The bus station was very unhelpful and confusing.The hotel owner charged us no extra and the mini bus picked us up outside the hotel.

Which hotel did you stay at? We are trying to find one to stay in that will get the minibus tickets for us. Some tour operators have told us we must take a private car as there are not enough people to fill the minibus tours. Thanks!

There’s a link to it in the relevant post Reuben, if you click through. The “best view in Cairo ” one. They got us a lovely people carrier thing.

Outlining the major political and cultural events, The History of Ancient Egypt is an authoritative and accessible introduction to this fascinating ancient culture.

Your pictures are awesome and it seems to me you’ve got to enjoy the authentic experience. Thanks for sharing..

All the best with your current and upcoming travels.

Great post! Thanks for sharing your trip! I went to Egypt back in 2006 with 4 friends and its still arguably my best trip to date. I did everything that you did plus also visited Mt. Sinai and Alexandria. The city of Alexandria was a real eye opener and very cool city rich in history. Nowadays I am a dad and one day hope to take my son to Egypt once he is a bit older.

We went to Alexandria, didn’t like it much, which is why it’s only mentioned briefly above. The whole Sinai is off limits right now, if you go your insurance is invalid, so we stayed on the main drag. I believe my husband went years ago. We met on the Nile then he went off into the desert, I know he went to the Siwa Oasis, not exactly sure where else he went. Sowa has a travel warning now too.

There is nothing better than traveling and it’s a detailed guide for visiting Egypt. And I promise I will go there for sure. Thanks for sharing this in details.

Ever since I was a teen I’ve been facinated by Egypt. Pharaohs, the Sphinx, the pyramids, the Nile. Archeology, history. I getting I really look forward to all your posts. The markets remind me of the ones in Marrakesh and Casablanca. Awesome.

I agree, I haven’t really seen an indepth guide to Egypt travel for the past couple of years, so this is a great resource. I’m in two minds about whether or not I want to travel to Egypt – I would LOVE to, however I feel the reality may not match the romanticized notion I have built up in my head from documentaries and books. Really good notes on the hassle factor and being wary of not being scammed – I think lack of tourism too probably makes the hassle factor even greater because everyone wants a piece of you.

Thanks for the great information 🙂

Yes, I’ve heard much about Egypt and how they deal with the dirt and dust all year long. But the stories of pyramids and mummies have never stopped fascinating me. The Sphinx, one of the wonders of the world is worth a visit. I am sure we all have our own tac- tics for beating the problems of each country.

The Great Pyramid is the Wonder of the World, not The Sphinx . Just a FYI. I’m responsible for educating my kids on these things, it spills over into the population in general;)

I really want to visit Egypt. This is amazing information. I will have to save this for future use. That poor Twix bar stood no chance of survival.

That is a well detailed guide. This is indeed a wonderful place. I am more of a hostel person. How are the hostel options there.

Yeah loads of hostels, no problem. We never use them they’re always more expensive for the 4 of us.

wow an entire month that’s such a long period of time and with kids too. I would love to visit one day. It looks like such a beautiful place

Yes, it was too long really, you don’t need that long to see the main sites, but we had a lot of rest days when we just hung out, caught up on sleep, worked etc. I enjoyed it more than the first time, when we just went on a one week tour ( and met my husband!), it was nice to connect with the country more.

Great tips. I would visit Egypt but am hesitant about doing anything to support the regime. Otherwise it’s been on my list for decades. Traveling with kids takes it to another whole level but I found, when my son was young that he helped open doors. Looking forward to reading more.

Egypt is such a fascinating country to visit and II’m sure your kids will always remember this trip.. I totally agree about the hassle. In some places you can’t go anywhere without being hassled to buy something. I would still love to go back and do a cruise on the Nile.

Wow, what a comprehensive article with recent travel information. It breaks my heart that Egypt’s tourist industry has suffered so much due to recent events in the region – I didn’t realise luxury accommodation was as little as $40 per night. I completely agree with you about being hassled at the souks, you can understand why people are that was but as a visitor it can get very annoying. I thoroughly enjoyed your article, thank you for sharing and enjoy the rest of your stay in Egypt!

I’ve always been fascinated by Egypt, and would love to do a cruise down the Nile. I love shopping at souks but would not enjoy being hassled so much. I had no idea Luxor was considered the hassle capital of the world!

Egypt Travel Guide – Things to Know Before You Go

Last Updated May 1, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Guides » Egypt Travel Guide – Things to Know Before You Go

I’m calling it. Egypt is going to be one of the most epic trips you’ll ever do. I know you haven’t even gone yet but you’re probably here because you’re in the middle of planning trip and looking for a travel guide that’s going to dish out all the things to know before going to Egypt. You’ve come to the right place!

Let’s dig into the practical things you are already asking yourself in your head or going to be really soon as you delve deeper.

Egypt geography

How do you decide where to go, getting there, getting around, is egypt safe, why you need a good tour operator, what you need to know about cairo, what you need to know about egyptian sites, most annoying thing about egypt, food and drinks, connectivity, vaccinnations, how to prepare for a land tour day, what to wear in egypt, where to stay in egypt, what to pack for egypt, best time to go, about alcohol, how much does a trip to egypt cost, 5 main take aways , things to know before going to egypt.

things to know before going to egypt comfort pyramids inn giza

This is meant to be a comprehensive Egypt travel guide of practical things you need to know before you go. My aim is to arm you with the information you need to know so there are less surprises when you go.

I’ll touch on many topics that you might be thinking about already and others that would have never crossed your mind.

Egypt is an incredible place to go to but it’s one of those places where if you’re not prepared can quickly turn into a nightmare. It’s not because of the people or some sort of next-level sketchiness. On the contrary, I found Egyptians to be incredibly friendly and hospitable. It’s not even a question of safety that I know is on everyone’s mind. In many ways it’s just how business is done there that may throw some off.

1 EGP = $0.06 USD = $0.08 CAD
ATMs are relatively easy in cities but since you’ll be spending a lot of time outside of populated areas, you’ll need to carefully plan and manage your money.
SIM card – The three main companies in Egypt are Vodafone , Orange, and Etisalat . All companies have some sort of pre-paid package available but perhaps the easiest and recommended carrier is Vodafone because of the convenience of picking it up right at the airport in the luggage carousel area. More details on where and the pricing down below.
Alternative data options – PokeFi – If you’re looking for a hotspot device that you can share with your group, an extremely affordable option is PokeFi. It’s perfect for those that are hopping to many countries and like to save the hassle of having to buy SIM cards everywhere (watch the unboxing ).
Measurement system – Metric
Tipping – You’ll quickly learn that the culture of tipping is quite aggressive. In general, 10% is the rule of thumb for restaurants and for the one off thing, 10-20 EGP is sufficient.
Language – The official language is Arabic.

Back to the top

map of egypt geography and dahabiya nile cruise itinerary

Egypt is located on the northeastern part of the continent of Africa. Geographically, it has quite a unique and strategic location both in ancient and modern times. While it is officially in Africa, it has times to the Middle East with it belonging to the Arab League. Bordering on the Mediterranean also means its connection with Europe. Through the Suez Canal, the world connects with Europe from the Indian Ocean.

The defining feature of the country is the river Nile which is often described as the life blood of the nation. The water the flows from the south from Sudan and drains into the Mediterranean Sea is what provides vital natural resources to the Egyptian people in the form of fertile soil, plant life, animals, water, transportation, and electricity. The Nile makes the country a hospitable place that is otherwise surrounded by desert.

With such vast spaces to cover, you’ll no doubt feel overwhelmed about how to plan your trip. With the exception of the more adventurous itineraries that include the Siwa Oasis and the Sinai, it’s safe to say that you’ll be close to some form of water. To me, it really comes down to asking yourself these questions:

Do you want a resort vacation? It doesn’t have to be the only thing you do but if beaches, diving, and other water sports are your thing, you’ll want to be looking at heading to the Red Sea and resort cities such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, and Marsa Alam. This is a great trip extension that you can add on.
Is Alexandria on your radar? Egypt’s second largest city and founded by Alexander the Great, you’ll find ancient library the remains of the lighthouse, and Corniche with its beach, market, and walkway. The overall feedback though is that it isn’t necessary a must-see. That said, if you’re tight on time, you can find a way to fit it in as a day trip from Cairo.
Do you want to do a Nile cruise? If the answer is yes, make sure you read my piece on choosing a Nile cruise.
How much time do I have? Ultimately, time is going to be your big limiting factor to how much you see and do. 2 weeks gives you a lot of breathing room but if you have 10 days or less, you’ll have to pick and choose.
Are you interest in the “classic” route? As you seek out example itineraries, whether from tour companies or like the one that I ended up doing , you’ll realize that there’s a common route that everyone does.

classic egypt gadventures upgraded itinerary map

How do you choose and which is the “best”? Now I knew that “best” was subjective but I wanted to start with a few baseline itineraries. That’s when I went to check out the Egypt itineraries of G Adventures and Intrepid Travel to get a few ideas.

Luckily for you, our sample 10 day Egypt itinerary is a great proof point that you can have a killer trip without a lot of days. While I would’ve loved to have incorporated somewhere like Hurghada, Siwa Oasis, and El Minya, it just wasn’t possible.

So let’s start off with transportation logistics. How do you get into Egypt?

This is probably the least complicated. The only way you want to think about getting into the country is by flying in.

Egypt’s primary international airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI) . As the capital of Egypt, this makes sense. It’s your main way in and out of the country coming from an international destination.

As alternatives, there are limited international flights that fly into Luxor International Airport (LXR) .

For the two of the largest vacation destinations in Egypt, there’s Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Sharm el Sheikh International Airport (SSH) , there are many direct flights in via Europe or the Middle East.

The national carriers in Egypt are EgyptAir, EgyptAir Express and Nile Air. EgyptAir is part of the Star Alliance and Nile Air is the local low cost carrier.

I recommend using the Skyscanner to find the best prices on flight tickets and be able to put alerts and trackers if you’re starting to plan early. The Skyscanner app is also super helpful.

ALL ABOUT VISAS

Do you need a visa to enter Egypt? – Yes, you either need an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival in order to enter the country unless you belong to one of the 9 countries that are exempt.

Visa-on-arrival eligibility – Passport holders from these countries can get a visa-on-arrival: USA, UK, EU Nationals, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, South Korea, and Ukraine

e-Visa eligibility – Passport holders from these countries can apply for an e-Visa online: All European Union citizens (including the UK), Albania, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, The United States and Vatican City.

Which countries are exempt from visas? – Bahrain, Macao, Hong Kong, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon (only at 3 specified airports), United Arab Emirates, Malaysia

buy egypt visa on arrival at bank at cairo airport

How to get a visa-on-arrival? – This is easy to do as long as you know where to go. The odd thing about Cairo Airport is that there aren’t many clear signs that tell you where to get the visa. What you have to do is locate one of the National Bank of Egypt stores that’s located right before the customs officers. There’s one to the right where everyone flocks to and there’s one to the left (if you’re looking at the custom officers). All you have to do is pay $25 USD to the bank and they’ll give you a sticker. You put the sticker on an empty page in your passport and you’re all set.

How to get an e-Visa? – The official government website for VOAs is here which should not be confused with third party websites like iVisa. The process is relatively simple online. The cost is $25 USD for a single-entry visa good for 3 months. You have to create an e-Visa application at least 7 days before your departure.

Should I get an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival? – The truth is, while it may seem seem more convenient to get an e-Visa, on both trips of mine I just did the visa-on-arrival. It didn’t take much time at time at all and

Do you need a Yellow Fever vaccination card? – No but if you are coming from a country that is known for yellow fever (i.e. what I learned going to Seychelles via Ethiopia or my first trip to see Ethiopia’s Omo Valley ) you’ll need to have one as they will check based on my own experiences.

If you’ve seen any of my other trips like the one we did to the Greek Islands , Taiwan , or Newfoundland , you’ll know that I love planning independent adventures where I more or less figure everything out on my own and rely on local transportation or rent a car.

From my two trips to Egypt, my opinion is that it is not the kind of place that most people will want to do independently. That’s why I highly recommend that you find a reputable tour operator.

When it comes to getting around Egypt, there are actually many ways to get around.

The easiest and fastest way to get between the main cities of Egypt are by plane. For instance, there are flights that connect Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh.

For those that are tight on time, you can also find flights that will take you from Aswan to Abu Simbel. These run on very specific schedules but does allow for travellers to drop in for the morning and fly out in the early afternoon.

The good news here is that inter-country flights are very affordable even when booking last minute.

There are usually 2 sets of x-ray scanners, one to enter the airport and another to go to the gate.
Make sure you bring a printout of your flight itinerary as they may ask for it at the x-ray security checkpoint to enter the doors of the airport.
It’s a full pat down at every security checkpoint at the airport. When it’s busy they also separate security checks into male and female for pat down purposes.
There seems to be some arbitrary bias when it comes to photography and videography gadgets. For some reason they weren’t cool with my LED light panel and that’s what prompted us to have to check it in. I also saw them question camera gear from other passengers.
Even domestic flights have food boxes so you don’t need to buy food at the airport cafe.
Make sure to request not to be seated in front of exit rows because leg room even narrower and there is no recline.

A traditional way to get from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, or even up to Alexandria is by train. The only thing is these trains aren’t the smooth operators that you’ll find in Europe or countries like Japan.

These are instead rickety trains that are a throwback to travel in the mid-20th century. You have the option of standard class or first class sleeper cars.

There’s certainly an inescapable romance of travelling by train and the experience of doing an overnight train is quite unique but the honest truth is that it’s way more efficient and sometimes cheaper to take a domestic flight with a low cost carrier like Nile Air.

I’ve written a full feature on Nile cruises so make sure you head there to help you decide what kind of boat to look for and a my full breakdown of the dahabiya experience with Djed Egypt Travel .

One thing I found interesting is that while the Nile is incredibly important to the nation, it is not used for commercial purposes. This means they do not use the Nile to transport goods by barge nor do they run ferries to bring people from village to village.

As a result, you’re really only find the Nile cruises on the river or in the case of big cities like Luxor and Aswan, there are boats that can bring you from the East to West bank or vice versa. These are typically in small motorboats.

Cruises in traditional boats are either in the dahabiya or felluca . I talk about the dahabiya extensively but for those curious about the felucca, it’s a traditional sail boat significantly smaller than a dahabiya. Simply speaking, this is a wooden boat with a canvas sail but their designs come in many shapes with the main difference in that they do not have any cabins. This is why felluca’s are used as leisure day excursions.

Group Tour Van/Bus

Since I recommend seeing Egypt with a local tour operator, you’ll be spending a large chunk of your trip in a van or bus.

With a private tour, you’ll have a 9 passenger van. Accompanied by a driver and a guide, you’ll be comfortably driven from place to place. The vans are also typically stocked with bottled water so you’ll never really need to buy any on-the-go.

For a larger group tour, you’re looking at the big coach buses which are pretty standard.

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The most common question I received from our trip to Egypt was “is Egypt safe?”

Bluntly put, yes, Egypt is safe. During our entire 10 days in Egypt, I never felt that we were put in any situations where I had concerns over my safety.

To understand the question, it’s worth talking about its origins. 9 years ago, Egypt went through a civil uprising and for 18 days, there were protests, demonstrations, marches, and civil resistance. A boiling point was reached there was a revolt over the president, injustice, and lack of freedoms. Things were incredibly unstable at this point and big cities like Cairo were a mess.

It was this Revolution of 2011 that kicked off the massive downturn in tourism in the country. Since then, things have recovered but it still isn’t quite at the levels pre-Revolution. The main issue has always been around safety because of the scenes seen around the world of Tahrir Square and also stories of the Russian plane crash and road-side bomb that have kept this sense of instability and terror. Many countries still have a warning on travel to Egypt as well and that hasn’t helped.

The truth of the matter is that when you’re on the ground, the reality is far different than what is projected.

Here’s why Egypt is safe:

Egyptians are incredibly friendly.
Tourism is a top contributor to the industry and they are doing all they can right now to change the negative perception.
No civil unrest visible in Cairo.
A majority of your time in Egypt will be outside of the metropolis. We were told by locals that the countryside was barely affected by the revolution. Outside of Cairo, there are no safety concerns at all.
Djed Egypt Travel does an amazing job at giving you opportunities to walk the local streets and you see everyone just going about their daily lives.
There’s a steady police presence everywhere with security check points at many of the tourism sites and also on the highways.

Comparing with another recent trip, I honestly I felt like I had to be more cautious in Athens than I did throughout all of Egypt.

Now are there certain things that’ll really nag and bug the heck out of you in Egypt? Yes but every country, especially in this region will have these kind of cultural differences. To enjoy your trip, you learn to accept some of the peculiarities and move on.

Is Egypt Safe?

My full breakdown based on two separate trips since the Revolution.

The most important thing about Egypt is working with a good local operator on the ground. These are the people that are going to be responsible for putting together the itinerary you want, have a solid roster of drivers and Egyptologists, is organized, and put customer experience first.

There are a couple of ways of finding the right tours.

The big guys – You look at the big players like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel that have global reputation and brand behind them. What is happening behind the scenes is that they will often subcontract the work to local operators. These are often the larger group tours vs private ones. That said, these companies are leaps and bounds better when it comes to organization and communication.
Tour platforms – You can look at Viator and GetYourGuide for individual tours or packages. The challenge with these is that the platforms are designed to obfuscate who the actual operator is so you really are relying on the reviews to determine whether it’ll be a good experience or not.
Find a legitimate local operator online – In Egypt this is harder than it sounds because most businesses are behind when it comes to the digital age but for those that are, you’ll appreciate that they can put together a package for you that is operated by their own people from start to end.
Roll the dice once you land – If you don’t have any plans, there will be no shortage of people gunning after your business and that includes the hotels you’re staying at. This is great for people that like to make last-minute plans. The risk you take is not knowing what you’re going to get because everyone is going to advertise their tours as “awesome”.

So having a good tour operator matters in every corner of the world you travel to but what is it about Egypt that makes it that much more important?

While safe, there are a lot of complexities of travel in Egypt where you really need someone local to help navigate. This can include navigating tipping, known scams, what camera gear is allowed, and checkpoints. These are things that you don’t want to have to deal with on your own.
The industry is filled with freelancers and companies-for-hire so you want to avoid as best as possible being shuffled from one company to another while you’re in Egypt. The ideal is a company that uses their own people and boats for the whole tour. Tours can use freelancers but the key is that they are vetted, are a small pool of talent, and have a good reputation.
While it may seem a little excessive at first but that end-to-end service is a necessary part of travel in Egypt to make sure you don’t have a negative experience. A specific example is the airport pick up prior to customs which felt over-the-top and unnecessary but learned later that it eliminated visa-on-arrival confusion and the aggressive tipping which I’ll get to in a bit.
There are many security check points along the road and entrances to sights. If you’re with a tour company we learned that they need to have all the itinerary paper work filed to the police. This paperwork is then required to have available because checkpoint officers might ask to inspect it. All tour operators should know this.

Travelling with Djed Egypt Travel

Egyptian run and locally owned, I’ve travelled in Egypt with them twice and I can safely say that they’re one of the best in the businesses. They have dedicated teams of people at each major city (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan) and they own their own dahabiyas as well which means they have full control of the experience.

CHECK OUT DJED

camel in front of great pyramids of giza

When travelling in Cairo, there are several tips that I recall making a mental note of as things not commonly shared.

While we loved our stay at the Comfort Pyramids Inn , these are technically unlicensed hotels in Giza. Locals have taken neighbourhood apartments and converted them to hotels on their own which is why they’re cheap and also have great views of the pyramids. Djed Egypt Travel warned us about it ahead of time but still went ahead of it. Our stay was perfectly fine but did notice that it was still a bit of a work in progress.
Pyramid Sound and Light Spectacular is from 7PM-8PM but then will also repeat again for 2 more languages so if you have a rooftop in Giza, you come back later in the evening if you missed the first show.
The traffic is no joke in Cairo. The only exception is Friday and Saturday which is their weekend days.
To get to the airport, especially if you’re in Giza, account for 1 hour of transit plus an additional 2.5 hours of early check-in to be safe because at anytime they can shut down the roads because of a prince visit or the President travelling somewhere.

When in Egypt, you’ll be spending a lot of time at ancient archeological sites. These are a collection of tips that I was either surprised about or wish we knew about before going.

Where photography is sensitive is typically in tombs and indoor enclosed spaces where there’s door entrance.
The Ministry of Antiquities has learned that smartphones are impossible to police so these are allowed in every site. As a result, photos are allowed everywhere.
As another source of revenue, photography passes are sold at the entrance if you’re looking to take photos with anything that resembles as DSLR (anything with interchangeable lenses) but point-and-shoots are ok.
What they’re incredibly sensitive about is video. In some enclosed spaces (i.e. inside the temples of Abu Simbel) they’ll stop you from recording video when stills are fine. The other sensitivity about video comes from it being used for professional/journalistic purposes.
They are sensitive around tripods. Tripods are an automatic indication that you’re “professional” and so is either not allowed or requires a special tripod pass to be purchased.
They are even more sensitive about microphones. My recommendation is to not bring it into any archeological sites because this automatically means you’re from a television production and without special permission is banned and will be held at security.
Don’t show tickets to anyone unless right at entrance to tombs or museums. Our guide told us about a common scam in Giza where they’ll try to steal your ticket.

camel riding pyramids giza cairo experience

There are “security guards” stationed at tomb entrances and roaming around ancient sites. They can be in uniform or in traditional garb. Many will try to show you things, ask to take photos of you, or help you take photos of closed-off areas. In return of course, they’ll ask for tips. Just learn to say no and ignore them.
Take a look at the special passes that are available including the Luxor Pass and the Cairo Pass . This makes sense for those that are doing a lot of the sites. Personally, I’m not sure if they’re worth it unless you’re really looking to do all or close to all of the sites that the passes include.

most annoying thing about egypt hassling and aggressing tipping

I love Egypt but man they are extremely aggressive when it comes to seeking out tips to the point that you’ll become either numb to it or find it comedic.

Here’s a common example of what you can expect immediately after walking into a tomb or temple.

Guard: Where are you from?
You: Canada
Guard: Canada Dry!!!
You: … yeah that’s right heh
Guard: Look! Ramses!
You: *look at something else in another direction*
Guard: Picture for you!
You: No thanks!
Guard: *stalks you for awhile*
Guard: Hey! Come over here. Okay to take photo! *waves you over to a restricted area*
You: Haha that’s alright.
You: *continue to walk around*
Guard: Hello! Hello!
You: *you turn to him and he’s doing the tipping finger motion*
You: *Option A: you feel bad and tip 10 EGP or Option B: you pretend to be completely oblivious and walk away*

In this, you’ve played it cool and didn’t accept any of his attempts at providing you some sort of service. If on the other hand you followed him around or got him to take a photo for you, he’d be all over you and relentlessly begging for tips.

Similar but different is the excessive hassling that happens as you pass by the stores that line the entrances leading to temples. All the stores ironically will have signs that say “No hassle” but you’re guaranteed to be followed and harassed if you give any minuscule hint of interest at something.

It’s really unfortunate because you soon become immune to the strategies employed by people working at ancient Egyptian sites that you put your guard up anytime someone tries to help you or wants to talk to you. I personally got to the point where I didn’t even want to do any souvenir shopping because I wanted to avoid the inevitable sales tactics.

At its core, it comes down to being fine tipping people for actual service rendered but if you’re going to harass me, not do anything for me, and still have the guts to ask for money, that’s what I have a problem with.

There’s a lot of amazing food you need to try when you’re in Egypt. Egyptians cuisine is characterized as Eastern Mediterranean with heavy use of vegetables and fruit from the Nile Valley and Delta. Here’s a list of a few dishes that you’ll need to have before you leave.

Koshary – Something that feels born out a college-dorm but surprisingly works well. It’s a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta are cooked individually, then tossed together and topped with cumin-infused tomato sauce and crunchy fried onions.
Mixed grill – A variety of charcoal grilled meat.
Tajin – Cooked in a clay pot and a mix of a vegetable stew with your pick of protein.
Molokhia – Egyptian spinach.
Freshly made falafel – Watch them spoon the fresh mix into balls and dunked into popping oil. Having falafel fresh is something else.
Baba Ghanouj – In other cultures, well-known as baba Ganoush, a puree of aubergines.
Foul/Ful – A paste of fava beans, garlic, and lemon that works well with freshly-made pita.
Camel meat – Not for everyone but if you’re feeling adventurous, they’ll certainly be opportunities to try this.
Fresh fruits – mango and figs are out-of-this-world sweet in the right season. You’ll be visiting many markets on your trip so make sure to ask your guide to help you pick some up from the local stand.
Traditional breakfast – Not a specific dish but a culinary experience that you have to try at least once.

When it comes to drinks, our guides at Djed Egypt Travel also recommended a number of different ones for us to try. In the end, it wasn’t that hard because these are the beverages that are offered at every restaurant.

Fresh guava juice
Fresh mango juice
Lemon with fresh mint drink
Hibiscus tea – hot or cold
Tea with fresh mint

Another piece of advice that you’ll want to know are the do’s and don’ts of eating in Egypt.

It is okay to brush your teeth with tap water but tap water is unsafe to drink.
Make sure food has been thoroughly cooked.
Avoid any uncooked food. The only exception is fruit and vegetables that you can peel or shell.
Only drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact.
Avoid fruit juices where water has been added.
Avoid ice in drinks which are general made from unsafe tap water.
They like a lot of sugar in their coffee/tea so you need to explicitly ask for less if that’s your preference.
Most restaurants say they have diet drinks but when you actually order them, they won’t have Diet Coke or Pepsi.

There are 4 ways you can stay connected on your trip to Egypt.

Local SIM card

Luckily this is a very easy process. Once you land in Cairo, head to the luggage carousel and there you’ll find a Vodafone counter.

vodafone egypt tourist sim package prices

Their rates for tourists is pretty simple. It’s 250 EGP for 10GB of data and and 500 EGP for 30GB of data. Both include voice minutes in case you need it.

Even for someone like myself that is social media heavy, I was totally fine with 10GB of data during my 10 days. One reason for that was because we spent 4 days on the Nile where cellular data was weak and I primarily used the wifi available on the dahabiya.

In general, I found that the speeds were serviceable in cities but would drop off in the countryside. Another thing you need to know is that while there is 4G/LTE, a majority of the country’s coverage is 3G.

TIP: Set your smartphone to stick to 3G. Otherwise, your phone will constantly switch between 3G and hunting for 4G/LTE. You’ll get more reliable service this way.

Wifi hotspot

If you’d rather have everything ready ahead of time or will be hopping to many countries in a short span of time, it may make more sense for you to buy a pocket wifi hotspot such as the PokeFi .

Hotspots are ideal because you won’t have to waste 20-30 minutes at the Vodafone counter to have your passport scanned, and SIM card issued and activated. All you have to do is turn on your device, it’ll connect to the local network and you’ll be ready to surf. It’s also worth noting that you can share this data access with everyone else that you’re travelling with.

It’s independent of what country is in so it’s one unified rate. For instance, PokeFi is 5GB of data for $15 USD. Yes, this means it’s slightly more expensive than the local SIM option but the convenience tradeoff is often worth it.

pokefi pocket wifi discount code and promo code

Use the code GAP24300 to get $200 HKD or $25 USD off the starter package which comes with an extra battery.

TIP: A rookie mistake is to have your smartphone set to auto-update apps, run background tasks, and sync files when on wifi. Make sure to turn these features off when using a pocket wifi device or use “Low Data Mode” if you use an iPhone.

All hotels should have free wifi at this point but what’s not guaranteed is whether you’ll have wifi access from your room. For instance, Basma Hotel only has wifi in the lobby.

Nile cruise wifi

I talk about how the wifi worked aboard the dahabiya we were on in the Nile cruise guide so make sure you read those details.

There’s actually nothing compulsory to look into when planning a trip to Egypt. The main thing you need to know is that there is no Yellow Fever or Malaria risk so you won’t need those shots.

Everything else you should already have:

DTP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio)
Hepatitis A

The one thing you might want to look into is Traveller’s Diarrhea. This is where you can decide to take Dukoral before your trip to help shore up your defences against e-coli and cholera.

This deserves special attention because we felt like we were trying to figure things out as we went along.

Your days in Cairo and Luxor especially will be heavy because of the number of places you will go, the amount of knowledge you’ll take in, the walking, and the intense heat. To make things as easy as possible, here are a few things that will help:

Make sure your day pack is as light as possible. I quickly ditched my Travel Backpack of camera gear in the van and used my Peak Design Sling .
Pack a couple of 2L bottles of water for the van/bus but know that if you’re with a good tour operator, they’ll have a large supply of bottled water for you. From our experience, you’ll easily down at least 3-4L of water per person per day. The miraculous thing is that you’ll never feel the need to pee because you’ll be sweating it all out.
Pack a power bank especially if you take a lot of photos.
I don’t know if we were the exception but we ended up skipping lunch in favour of seeing more so snacks in the van are key.
You will need a bag that’ll help keep everything in the bus organized. This is where you’ll keep your bigger water bottles, power bank, snacks, sunscreen, and things you buy along the way.
Put on sunscreen in the hotel before you leave because it might be a short ride to your first destination.

Managing your cash will be very important in Egypt because of how cash-driven everything is. What makes it complicated is that it almost seems that USD is preferred over their own currency.

What you’ll notice is that tour prices and tipping recommendations are in USD. This isn’t a bad thing because it’s much easier to exchange for USD in your home country compared to EGP.

That said, you’ll still need a healthy amount of EGP for daily discretionary spending and ad-hoc tipping. The question inevitably will be, how much EGP should I exchange?

How much EGP to exchange? This’ll be different person to person but to give you an idea, we exchanged 300 USD to EGP for two people for our 10 day trip.

Where to exchange EGP? It is not recommended to convert in your home country. Instead, do this once you arrive in Egypt for more favourable rates. The good news here is that exchange rates at money changers are regulated and so it’ll be the same across the board which means you won’t need to shop around.

Are credit cards accepted? Everything is cash with the exception of proper sit-down restaurants, hotels, and big stores like the alabaster and papyrus shops.

Can I use ATMs? Yes, you can use your debit card to withdraw money from the ATM. We were also surprised to find that some ATMs even had the capability to exchange currency although the machine was extremely finicky to use. We also learned that the exchange rate was slightly worse.

Stay organized – My recommendation is to try to stay as organized as you can with your money. There’ll be plenty of fixed costs that you can anticipate since you’ll most likely be on a tour. Have USD set aside in envelopes for the tour balance and tips.

Break big bills early – All the tipping you’ll do is in 10-20 EGP denominations so ask break your big bills at stores and restaurants at the beginning of your trip. You can also ask your guide for smaller bills.

At the end of the day, you have to think of it like this. USD is ultimately more versatile so it’s always more beneficial to carry more US bills and under-convert EGP knowing that you’ll be able to get Egyptian currency along the way if you need it.

TIP: When shopping, get for the EGP price. Their USD prices are almost always inflated.

dahabiya wood design nile cruise at sunrise

Tourism in Egypt is built upon tips and it’s a primary source of income for some which is why I can appreciate why people are so aggressive about it. The other thing to understand is that tipping is culturally part of Egyptian daily life as an indispensable complement to the low income of the population.

When to comes to gratuities, it is of course discretionary but it helps to know what the expectations are. Luckily, Djed Egypt Tour provided us with a guide as part of our pre-departure package. We followed this to the letter so for those wondering, this’ll help prepare you.

Egyptologist – $7-$10 USD per traveller per day.
Drivers – $3-$5 USD per traveller per day.
City representatives – $2-$4 USD per traveller per day (these are the folks that aren’t your main guides during the day but those that pick you up from the airport or will meet up with you for a walk around the city).
Nile cruise crew – $10-$15 USD per traveller per cruise day (this is shared between all of the crew except your Egyptologist).
10% tip at restaurants and hotel room service.
20 EGP for porters, luggage carriers, washroom cleaners, and hotel cleaning staff.

The only other thing I can think of is the tipping that was shamelessly asked for by our camel guide in Giza with the classic line “You happy? Okay you make me happy!”

Camel tipping – No, I don’t mean a camel version of cow tipping! Our guide recommended that for our group of 4, a total tip of 150 EGP (~9 USD) is enough.

To get a good sense of the type of clothes to bring to Egypt, make sure to read the Egypt Packing List .

If you’re planning to do a classic trip to Egypt, you’ll only need accommodations in the primary cities of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm el Sheikh.

In terms of things to know before going to Egypt, let me share what I learned from planning my own trip.

Here’s what I learned:

You can certainly book your own hotels but in some cases your tour operator may have access to special rates so it doesn’t hurt to get quotes from them as well.
I spoke about the hotels in Giza earlier – many at not officially licensed so there’s some element of risk in terms of the government doing a wide sweep of closures in one day. That said, we didn’t have any issues.
For Cairo, hotels in Giza are actually preferred by tour operators because most of your activities will be concentrated on this sector, helping cut down on transit time.
We quite liked staying on the West Bank of Luxor. We were initially worried that it was too far from everything but it turned out to be significantly quieter which we appreciated and the ferries were convenient to take.
In some cases, Booking.com helped us save money thanks to level 2 Genius. Getting up to Genius level only requires 2 bookings and once you’re at that level, there are a lot of properties that offer 10% (level 1 Genius) and 15% off (level 2 Genius).
Most hotels in Egypt have breakfast included.
Most hotels are also willing to create breakfast boxes if you have to leave early in the morning including Basma Hotel in Aswan.

villa nile house open concept bathroom in luxor

For accommodation recommendations, make sure to read the 10 day Egypt itinerary .

We have a full fledged article about everything I packed for Egypt. Make sure you head there to find out what you need to be mindful about not just clothes but also gear to pack for a trip to Egypt.

READ EGYPT PACKING LIST

Normally, the standard answer applies but in terms of the best time to go to Egypt, it’s quite different because Egypt only has two seasons.

Winter (Mid-October – April)

Egypt experiences a mild winter which means that it is the most pleasant during these months. As a result, it is also Egypt’s high season of travel.

If you’re looking for a quieter time, try to come at the beginning or end of the season (mid-October, early November, or April) to avoid the crowds. The busiest time of the year is always around Christmas when families have time off.

Another thing to keep in mind that another thing people time their travel to is the Sun Festival which occurs February 22 and October 22.

Temperature wise, the evenings can drop to 0C (32F) but during the day, it rises to 18C or low 20’s (68F).

Summer (May – Mid-October)

Contrary to other destinations, summer is the worst time to go because the temperatures easily go up to 40C (104F) during the day.

The temperatures are a cooler along the coast but it is largely impossible to do a trip to Egypt so I wouldn’t even consider these months.

Just a quick blurb about this because you might not know. As a Muslim country, alcohol is going to be a sensitive topic because it’s not allowed. In fact, Egypt prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol anywhere. The only exception are specific hotels and tourist facilities approved by the Ministry of Tourism.

Don’t expect to find any convenient stores to display beer, wine, or spirits for sale. However, we did learn that some of these shops do hide beer in the back and so if you ask they might discretely disappear somewhere to bring out the local Egyptian Stella or maybe a Heineken.

Otherwise, if you’re looking to drink, you’ll have to do it on your cruise, at your hotel, or at tourist-specific restaurants.

If you’ve come from the 10 Day Egypt Itinerary , you’ll know that I didn’t do a breakdown of total costs but I did show the costs in the Nile cruise guide of our dahabiya experience.

To give you an idea of how much a 10 day trip costs for two people converted to $USD , I’ve broken down the costs by category. Note that this does NOT include international flights (domestics are included) since this will vary drastically for people depending on where you’re located. Another thing to be aware of is that most of the hotels were included in the tour package.

how much does a trip to egypt cost tally

This breaks down to $2,035.05 per person or $203.51 per person per day .

Compared to the cost of the trip to Greece in the Greek Islands Travel Guide , this was actually more affordable which really surprised me. What might put over the top are the flights though so take that into consideration.

How did we do? I’d say that we had a good balance of a trip that was very thorough for 10 days with an excellent local company without having to blow the budget.

felluca sailing in luxor egypt at sunset

In this things to know before you go to Egypt travel guide, I hope you’ve come away with a ton more information than you were looking for or thought you needed to know.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I somehow ended doing twice. The first time was a bit of a teaser since I skipped Cairo. The second time around, I managed to fit Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and the Nile cruise in 10 days and I couldn’t have been happier.

So if I was in an elevator and only had 30 seconds to tell you what you need to know to plan a trip without reading this Egypt travel guide, here’s what I would say.

Egypt is safe.
The dahabiya Nile cruise is a must-do.
The world of Ancient Egypt will blow you away – there is so much to see and learn.
The sheer scale, applied science/technology, and how old it all is mind boggling.
Having a good guide/Egyptologist is so important.

Have specific questions about your upcoming trip to the Egypt? Drop a comment below in this things to know before you go to Egypt travel guide!

What you should read next

10 Day Egypt Itinerary – Best of Egypt with Djed and Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Egypt Packing List – What To Wear, Camera Gear, and more!
3 Days in Cairo Itinerary – Places to Visit Including The Pyramids
The Best Way To See The Nile – Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Is Egypt Safe for Travel? (How is it in 2022 with Safety Guide and Tips)

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Find us on social media

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Felucca boats sailing on the River Nile, at Aswan. Trees are dotted among the buildings in the background.

A practical guide to travel in Egypt, from tipping culture to independent touring

From packing tips to advice on haggling, here’s everything you need to know while planning your trip.

Whether you want to sail down the Nile on a felucca, explore ancient temples, browse the museums of Cairo or go trekking in Sinai, there are a few things to bear in mind when planning your trip to Egypt. Here’s what to be aware of when it comes to visas, tipping, guides and more.

Do I need a visa?

Almost all travellers, including visitors from the UK and the EU, need a visa to travel to Egypt. While it’s possible to get a visa on arrival, it saves time at the airport if you apply online in advance. A single-entry tourist visa costs US$25 (£20). If you plan to stay in the resort towns in Sinai for fewer than 15 days, you do not need a visa. Instead, you receive a ‘permission stamp’ in your passport when you land at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport. While this option is a money saver, the list of places you’re permitted to visit is quite limited — even Ras Mohamed National Park at the southern tip of Sinai is off limits without the full visa.

What should I pack?

Egypt is a majority Muslim country, so it’s respectful for travellers to dress modestly. For all genders, this means covering everything between your shoulders and knees. You will likely be asked to cover up more if you visit a mosque or church.

The tap water is not safe to drink here so bring a water bottle with a filter, such as those from Lifestraw .

Wi-fi ranges from infuriatingly slow to nonexistent across the country, even at five-star hotels. Get mobile data through your service provider at home or buy an Egyptian SIM card when you land at the airport.

Can I pay by card in Egypt?

Cash reigns supreme but you can use a card at some higher-end hotels and restaurants. Take some Egyptian pounds out of a cash machine when you arrive, but be mindful of the fluctuating exchange rate and don’t take more out than you need. For bigger expenses, consider bringing US dollars, the most — and sometimes only — accepted foreign currency.

Tipping, called baksheesh, infiltrates almost every interaction you’ll have. It’s customary to tip nearly everyone you come in contact with, even for services you don’t want or require. Keep small change on hand for toilet attendants, porters, mosque caretakers and guards at temples and tombs.

Should I join a tour or travel independently?

Egypt has been a package-tour destination since the days of Thomas Cook, who first led a group to Egypt in 1869. The country is well set up for tour groups, and many first-time visitors find this option easiest, with guides and transport logistics arranged for you. Egypt’s historic sites have little signage, making a tour guide a necessity for deeper understanding.

Nile cruises generally run between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, but a few make the long journey from Cairo. Trains, planes and buses connect cities along the Nile, and buses or internal flights can take you to the Red Sea coast.

For Hungry Minds

How to plan the ultimate adventure in Egypt, from Cairo to the Red Sea

How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics

Ready, set, skate! What it's like to party in the French capital with the Pari Rollers

A guide to island-hopping in the Seychelles

10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland

Environment
Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

History & Culture
History Magazine
Mind, Body, Wonder
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Nat Geo Home
Attend a Live Event
Book a Trip
Inspire Your Kids
Shop Nat Geo
Visit the D.C. Museum
Learn About Our Impact
Support Our Mission
Advertise With Us
Customer Service
Renew Subscription
Manage Your Subscription
Work at Nat Geo
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Contribute to Protect the Planet

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

Best Places To Visit In Egypt With Family For A Memorable Trip

15 May 2024

Seeking an unusual trip to a sandy fairly land? Step into Egypt, where the golden sands echo the pharaoh’s footsteps and the pyramids stand as classic guardians of history’s mysteries. Discover the best places to visit in Egypt with family for a wholesome experience. Add a unique dimension to your family vacation by adding the top attractions in Egypt. This blog takes you to the quintessential places awaiting your exploration.

Gearing Up For A Fun Vacation: Best Places To Visit In Egypt With Family

From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the colourful streets of Cairo, Egypt is a land brimming with adventure, culture and fun. Let’s explore how Egypt captivates families of all types with its rich sights and experiences.

1. Aswan And Philae Temple

Image Source: Shutterstock

Aswan is a popular city and one of the best places to visit in Egypt with family. It is full of culture-rich vibes, colourful streets, and temples that may awe-struck you. With a population of 275,000, you can easily find relaxing spots. Furthermore, the vibrant atmosphere, similar to Cairo, makes Aswan a good destination to uncover. While visiting Aswan, remember to visit the ultimate attractions, like the Philae Temple for a unique experience. As architectural enthusiasts, you can have the best time to marvel at the captivating design and structure. Additionally, your family can have the best time, while watching the famous light and sound show in the evenings.

Location: Island of Agilika, Aswan, Egypt

Things to do: Sound and light show, Temple tours

Must Read: Facts About The Great Pyramids Of Giza

2. Pyramids of Giza

The panoramic view of the Pyramids of Giza.

No trip is complete without embracing the beauty and wonders of the Pyramids of Giza. One of the best places to visit in Egypt with family, the Pyramids are among the seven wonders of the World. The pyramids are a cultural nidus and are a great spot to travel back to ancient times. These are the tombs of Pharos of Egypt and were ideally built under the Middle Kingdom Reign and Ola’s. For families, there is so much to see here. From intricate inner pathways to the breathtaking sites of the river Nile, you can easily have a great memorable trip here during your Egypt family vacation.

Location: Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Things to do: Guided tours, camel rides, photoshoots

3. Abu Simbel Temples

What can be better than discovering an ancient temple to experience the religious times of our ancestors? Abu Simbel Temples offers that and much more. These are not only the best places to visit in Egypt with family, but also some of the most admirable temples built during the old Egyptian period. These are a cluster of temples built side by side. Out of all, Sun Temple is an amazing place which honours the great Pharaoh King Ramses II. The four giant statues at the door act as a marvellous entry point. It is believed that the temple structure is built in a way that sun rays would perfectly align with the temple, on his birthday and on the day he was crowned king.

Location: Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate 1211501, Egypt Things to do: Guided tours, Temple sightseeing

4. Hurghada

Hurghada is one of the best places to visit in Egypt with family and probably one of the most famous tourist destinations here. During the old times, the city used to be a small fishing village next to the Red Sea. Now, it has become an oasis of wonder and pristine scenery.

Various tourists and families come here to spend their beach vacation on the shores of the Red Sea. One can also indulge in activities like scuba, snorkelling, deep water sea diving and so on. Do make sure to check out the famous resort of Hurghada, home to many movie shoots.

Location: Hurghada, QesmHurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt Things to do: Relax on beaches, swim, scuba diving, sightseeing

5. Alexandria

Alexandria, home to 4.5 million inhabitants overall, is the second-biggest city in Egypt. Known as ‘Egypt’s Window to the Mediterranean’, the city boasts the largest port in the nation. Alexandria is quite worth visiting, especially if you want a peek at the glorious history of the country. Although it was once a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis, it became a peaceful tourist destination, one of the best places to visit in Egypt with family. Furthermore, the city houses the biggest port in the nation. Alexandria offers many tourist destinations along with street markets that will give you the essence of real Egypt. You can also go to beaches and visit various temples located here with your family. A direct train runs from Luxor to Alexandria and it takes 2.5 hours by car from Cairo to get to the city.

Location: Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt Things to do: Explore temples and beaches

Further Read: Best Cities To Visit In Egypt

Hope you did get some sort of chills and thrills reading this blog, a virtual tour of the best places to visit in Egypt with family. Next, turn your vision into reality, for Egypt is all about experiencing up close. Plan your trip to Egypt with the best itinerary for a truly memorable Egypt family vacation. Grab your chance to enjoy the immersive and enriching experiences Egypt offers for every member of your family.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places to Visit in Egypt with Family

Is Egypt an ideal destination for families?

Egypt is mostly a family-friendly destination. The culture here is very family-friendly and you can ensure that most of the travel places are safe for kids, adults and even elders. Furthermore, the locals are welcoming and travel-friendly policies from the Egyptian government make it a good destination for family trips.

Why is Egypt so good for your family holiday?

Thanks to its intriguing history of pharaohs and ancient dynasties, Egypt is a good choice for a family holiday. There are plenty of options for adventure, from hiking through the Sahara to snorkelling in the Red Sea. This is a perfect area to explore with kids and adults of all ages.

Does Egypt offer luxury travel for families?

Yes, there are multitudes of luxury tourist spots that serve as the best places to visit in Egypt with family. There are plenty of opulent family vacations in Egypt too. You may select between lodging in a luxury resort by the well-known Red Sea or a chic high-rise resort in the centre of Cairo's bustling city. You can get options to fit every kind of family.

Is Egypt a budget-friendly option to travel with family?

Egypt is a fairly inexpensive nation. However, you need to ensure that you are getting the best deals and prices for your tour packages. Egypt is not an expensive country and is quite budget-friendly. Also, shopping here won't cost you much, so it's a big yes if you are looking for a good family-friendly destination on a budget.

What is the most beautiful part of Egypt?

Egypt is a beautiful country, boasting world-famous attractions and scenic landscapes. Egypt as a whole is among the best places one should visit in a lifetime.

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

TravelTriangle
International
Africa » Egypt »
Tour Packages
Honeymoon Packages
Family Packages
Budget Tour Packages
Luxury Tour Packages
Adventure Tour Packages
Group Tour Packages
Maldives Tour Packages
Bali Tour Packages
Dubai Tour Packages
Singapore Tour Packages
Thailand Tour Packages
Europe Tour Packages
Sri Lanka Tour Packages
Tour Packages From Delhi
Tour Packages From Mumbai
Tour Packages From Bangalore
Tour Packages From Chennai
Tour Packages From Kolkata
Tour Packages From Hyderabad
Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
Thailand Tourism
Bali Tourism
Singapore Tourism
Maldives Tourism
Mauritius Tourism
Dubai Tourism
Europe Tourism
Hotels in Thailand
Hotels in Maldives
Hotels in Mauritius
Hotels in Bali
Hotels in Dubai
Hotels in Singapore
Hotels in Sri Lanka

The Ultimate Guide to Egypt: Dos and Don’ts Every Traveler Must Know!

W aving hello from the land of the Pharaohs , it's Kevin Erickson , your trusty travel companion. Ever dreamed of marveling at the Sphinx , floating on the Nile , or relishing in the historic hustle and bustle of Cairo's streets? Ah, Egypt, a majestic place! But, wait – do you know the etiquettes and local customs? Dive in as I unravel the treasures of Egypt and help you navigate potential pitfalls. 🌍

Dress modestly and respect religious practices
Greet, haggle, and tip like an Egyptian pro
Stay hydrated, savor local delicacies, but know where to draw the line
Relish history but respect boundaries
Dive deep into the culture but keep American sensibilities in mind

Why Egypt Should Be on Every Traveler's Bucket List

According to the World Tourism Organization, Egypt welcomed a staggering more than 11.3 million tourists in 2018. A beacon of history, culture, and cuisine, Egypt promises a travel experience like no other.

Cultural Nuances: Navigating Egypt's Rich Tapestry

1. dress to respect.

Egypt's culture is an intriguing mix of modern and traditional elements. In religious and rural areas, dressing modestly is the key.

Women, consider long skirts or pants and tops with sleeves, while men might ditch the shorts.

Remember, dressing appropriately is not just about blending in, it's about showing respect!

2. Communicate Like a Local

Starting with a warm " As-salamu alaykum" can break many barriers. It’s an essential phrase that means "Peace be upon you".

Plus, trust me; locals appreciate it when you put in the effort.

3. Fun with Finances: Haggle and Tip!

Haggling isn't just a transaction; it's an art form in Egypt .

Dive into the vibrant bazaars, start with half the price, and let the dance begin! And when it comes to tipping, small gestures can bring big smiles.

4. Food, Drinks, and the Egyptian Way

Egypt offers a culinary journey that your tastebuds will cherish.

From falafels to koshary, there's a world to explore. And here’s a zinger for my American friends: while Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol is indeed legal and available in many restaurants, hotels, and bars.

However, remember: public drunkenness isn't just frowned upon—it can land you in hot water!

5. Dive Deep into the History, but Respect the Boundaries

Egypt is, as Anthony Bourdain rightly said,

" a unique fusion of civilizations, cultures, and religions. Traveling here is like walking through layers of history."

But remember, while the Pyramids might tempt you, climbing them is a big no-no. Let's keep history preserved!

From a Traveler's Eye: Kevin's Secret Tips

The Nile - More Than Just a River - The Nile isn't just about those mesmerizing boat rides. Avoid swimming, especially near urban areas, due to pollution.
Not Everyone's After Your Bucks - Sure, there are hustlers, but many Egyptians are genuinely warm. Embrace the culture, make friends, and you'll discover the true heart of the country.
Step Outside the Tourist Spots - Discover Egypt's hidden gems. Beyond the Pyramids and Sphinx, there’s a whole world awaiting.

Embracing the Egyptian Adventure: A Final Word

The magic of Egypt is something that has enticed travelers for generations. Whether it's the mysterious allure of the Pyramids, the sprawling beauty of the Nile , or the vibrant tapestries of the bazaars, every corner of Egypt is a testament to its rich heritage and captivating culture. But beyond the visual spectacle, the soul of Egypt lies in its people – warm, welcoming, and eager to share their stories.

Traveling here is not just about checking off sites from a bucket list; it's about immersing oneself in a timeless narrative that has shaped much of the world's history. It's about understanding the delicate balance of tradition and modernity that Egyptians navigate daily. By respecting local customs and approaching each experience with an open heart, travelers can forge connections that transcend mere tourism.

Kevin Erickson' s insights and tips are crafted from a place of deep respect and admiration for this land. While the dos and don'ts serve as a practical guide, they also underscore a more profound message: Travel with empathy. Every "do" is an invitation to embrace and every "don't" a nudge to respect boundaries.

In conclusion, as you set out to experience Egypt, remember that it's a journey both external and internal. The monuments will leave you awestruck, the cuisine satisfied, but it's the memories made and the friendships forged that will truly stand the test of time.

So here's to Egypt – an eternal story waiting for your chapter. Safe travels!

What currency should I carry in Egypt?

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While major cities and tourist areas accept credit cards, it's wise to carry some local currency for smaller vendors, tipping, and haggling in bazaars.

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Egypt?

It's recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip. Common vaccines suggested for Egypt include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, especially if you're planning to visit rural areas.

Is English spoken widely in Egypt?

While Arabic is the official language, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas, major cities, and by younger generations. However, it's always appreciated if you learn a few basic Arabic phrases.

Are there specific cultural or religious festivals I should be aware of?

Yes, Egypt has several religious and cultural festivals, the most notable being Ramadan, a month of fasting. During this time, many shops and restaurants may have altered hours. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are also significant festivals with grand celebrations.

Is vegetarian or vegan food easily available?

Yes, Egyptian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian and even vegan-friendly dishes. Staples like falafel, koshary, and molokhia are both delicious and vegetarian-friendly.

How do I get around within the country?

Egypt boasts a range of transportation options from trains, buses, and domestic flights to more local means like tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carriages. For major attractions like the Pyramids, it's often convenient to hire a taxi for the day or join a guided tour.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

It's advisable to stick to bottled water in Egypt, both for drinking and brushing your teeth, to avoid any potential stomach upsets. Always ensure the bottle seal is intact when purchasing.

World Tourism Organization
Egyptian Tourism Board
"Parts Unknown" by Anthony Bourdain

Clever Journey | Travel Gear Reviews, Packing Tips, Travel Advice

Palestinians seeking passage to Canada fight despair as Rafah campaign closes off their exit

Nearly 200 people have escaped gaza and have been approved to come to canada.

Social Sharing

Nearly 200 Palestinians have managed to escape Gaza and obtain approval to travel to Canada — but they had to pay thousands of dollars to smuggle themselves into Egypt.

That avenue is now closed off, due to the Israeli military campaign underway in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

On Monday, Hamas announced that it had agreed to a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. Israel rejected the deal — which it said contained elements it could not accept — and began its incursion into Rafah, where more than a million Gazans have sought shelter from the war.

Among them are the members of Hazim Almasri's family, who have been travelling from Gaza City to Deir el Balah, a town neighbouring Khan Younis, since October.

"We were always stressed and very sad and always worried," said Almasri, a resident of Kitchener, Ont. He is still waiting on word from the Canadian government on whether he'll be allowed to bring his siblings and their families to Canada.

The Al Masris' home in Gaza City was hit by an airstrike strike during the war.

Prior to the war, Almasri had plans to fly to Gaza this month for a family reunion. The eruption of hostilities on Oct. 7 put an end to those plans and started him thinking about getting his loved ones out instead.

In January, the Canadian government announced a new program — the Special Measures for Extended Families of Palestinian Canadians in Gaza — meant to allow relations of Palestinian-Canadians in the war zone to move here temporarily to escape the conflict.

"The day they announced the program, it was a celebration in my house and the kids in Gaza. They were crying from happiness," Almasri said.

But the program depends on the governments of Israel and Egypt approving individuals for travel through the Rafah crossing into the latter country, once they are placed on a list by Canada.

Ceasefire negotiations back to 'square one,' Hamas says

Canada has submitted multiple lists of approved candidates for the program to Israel and Egypt, but — for reasons that have not been disclosed — all of those names have not been accepted to date. Now, the incursion launched by Israel this week into Rafah has made any further movement into Cairo impossible.

Almasri said he has raised enough money to get some of his family members out, but others, like his brother Nael, are still stuck on the Gaza side.

Nael Almasri recently met with a freelancer working for CBC News in Deir El Balah. He said he and his family finally found a small apartment to rent after being constantly on the move since October. Now they're waiting for their applications to come to Canada to be approved.

"They bombed the house beside us and 18 people were martyred," he said. "It was terrifying for the entire family."

Nael Al Masri (right) sits with an unidentified neighbour in his home in Deir el Balah.

In January, Hazim Almasri filed applications for his three siblings and their families to get them out of Gaza through the program. Two of the three have received codes from the Canadian government — the first step in the application process, which allows them to apply for a visa. But Nael and his family have yet to receive anything from Canada.

"The purpose of applying to this program is to save our souls from death," said Nael. "We were hopeful and happy and the kids were happy, but then … the process is slow."

He said he's lost all hope of escaping the war.

"Right now, I feel like it doesn't really matter to me… Open the border, close the border, either way I'm stuck in the Gaza Strip," he said.

Palestinian Canadians say they're running out of ways to get family out of Gaza

Hope isn't the only thing the Almasri family has lost. About a week ago, their uncle, who had made it across the border to Cairo, died after undergoing surgery to amputate an infected leg.

Netanyahu dismisses U.S. threat to withhold weapons if Israel launches full Rafah assault
Biden warns U.S. will stop sending weapons to Israel if Netanyahu orders attack on Rafah

Mike Morrice, Green Party member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, said he knows Immigration Minister Marc Miller is in a "difficult" position — but he needs to maintain diplomatic channels to get as many people out of Gaza as possible.

"Everything about this program, as you know, has been broken from the start," said Morrice. "So, we want to see him continue to prioritize all diplomatic channels to do better by families like Hazim's and so many others across the country."

In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the department is very concerned about the plight of people in Gaza and is aware that some are exiting Gaza "on their own."

The department says it does not recommend the use of such people-smuggling services and continues to call for Egypt and Israel to approve applicants for exit.

IRCC said that as of April 29, 179 people have completed the process and have been approved to come to Canada. None were evacuated from Gaza through official channels.

Clarifications

This story has been updated to more accurately characterize the status of the lists of candidates Canada has submitted to Israel and Egypt for approval to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing. May 13, 2024 9:22 AM ET

Corrections

A previous version of this story misspelled Mike Morrice's last name and said he represents the riding of Kitchener South. In fact, he represents Kitchener Centre. May 12, 2024 9:53 AM ET

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yasmine Hassan is a producer filing stories on the Middle East for CBC's Parliamentary Bureau in Ottawa. She has worked for the national broadcaster in Toronto, London, Montreal and New Brunswick. Her work previously appeared in VICE and Al Jazeera. If you have a story idea, send news tips in English or Arabic to [email protected].

Israel-Gaza latest: Israeli fighter jet hits West Bank in deadly strike; aid pier off Gaza coast 'not enough'

An Israeli fighter jet has struck the West Bank. Palestinian authorities say at least one person has been killed. Meanwhile, the bodies of three hostages have been recovered.

Friday 17 May 2024 22:57, UK

Israel-Hamas war

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Israel says its fighter jet has hit West Bank
IDF has 'seized bodies of three hostages from Gaza'
They were murdered while celebrating life', IDF says | Netanyahu 'heartbroken' over deaths
Alistair Bunkall: Discovery of bodies will reinforce Israeli belief that more hostages are in Rafah
Israeli protesters attack truck in attempt to block aid reaching Gaza
Spain bans ships carrying weapons for Israel from docking at its ports
Scroll down for the latest on the Israel-Gaza war
Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's all for this evening, but if you're just catching up, here is a recap of the key developments.

An Israeli fighter jet struck a refugee camp in the West Bank, killing at least one person and injuring eight;
The bodies of three Israeli hostages were recovered from Gaza;
An investigation was launched after a 450kg bomb fell from an Israeli fighter jet into an Israeli town;
Spain banned ships carrying weapons for Israel from docking at its ports;
Dozens of Israeli protesters in the West Bank attacked a truck in an apparent attempt to prevent aid from reaching Gaza, beating its driver and setting it on fire.

A group of US medical workers trapped at a hospital in Gaza have now left the territory, the White House says.

American doctors providing care in Gaza were unable to leave after Israel closed the Rafah border crossing.

Among them were 10 from the US-based Palestinian American Medical Association, who had intended to leave after a two-week mission at the European Hospital in Khan Younis.

Today, 17 American doctors and healthcare workers, out of a total of 20, left Gaza, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.

"I can assure you that any of them that wanted to leave are out," Mr Kirby said.

Three of the doctors chose not to depart Gaza, a source familiar with the situation said.

The Palestinian American Medical Association reported on Wednesday that its team of 19 healthcare professionals, including 10 Americans, had been denied exit from Gaza

Israel seized and closed the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on 7 May.

The number of people injured by an Israeli airstrike in the West Bank has risen to eight, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

They are in a stable condition and receiving treatment at hospitals, it said.

As we reported in our last post, at least one person has been killed by the attack on Jenin refugee camp.

Residents of the camp said a house was targeted.

Unlike Gaza, such a strike is a rarity in the West Bank, which is run by the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas.

The Israeli military says a fighter jet has carried out a strike in Jenin in the West Bank.

One person was killed and two injured, the Palestinian health ministry said.

While Palestinians live in both Gaza and the West Bank, the territories are controlled by distinct groups.

Hamas has ruled over Gaza since seizing control in 2007 following a brief civil war with the Palestinian Authority.

The West Bank, meanwhile, is still run by the Palestinian Authority, headed by president Mahmoud Abbas.

By Mark Stone , US correspondent

A three-year-old Palestinian girl with an ultra-rare genetic condition has been forced backwards in her quest to leave Gaza for life-saving treatment.

Julia Abu Zeiter, whose story is being followed by Sky News, was moved with her family from a tent in the southern city of Rafah and relocated to a supposedly safer zone to the north and further away from the border they had hoped to cross.

Speaking to Sky News, her mother Maha said: "We were going through the travel procedures to leave Gaza. When the time for us to travel through Rafah crossing got close, the Israelis occupied the crossing, and they told us they want to invade Rafah."

She added: "I was between two fires, not knowing where to go. Do I go try to travel to treat my daughter or do I flee to another place?"

Read on here...

Israel has assured the US they are willing to continue discussions before making any major decisions on plans to assault Rafah, a US official has said.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said national security adviser Jake Sullivan will raise the issue on a visit to Israel to meet Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Sullivan will stress the need to go after Hamas in a targeted way, not with a full-scale assault on the southern city, Mr Kirby said.

He said it was important that the Rafah crossing was opened immediately.

The Israeli military seized control of the crossing between Gaza and Egypt earlier this month.

Hamas says the US-built aid pier off Gaza's coast is no alternative to opening all land crossings under Palestinian supervision.

It added that they reject any military presence on Palestinian land.

Trucks carrying aid rolled across the pier today for the first time in an operation the US says will scale up to 150 truckloads a day.

But Gaza is already on the brink of famine, according to international aid organisations.

Aid groups also say land crossings are much more effective, and at least 500 trucks a day are required to meet the basic needs of the population.

Israeli restrictions on border crossings and heavy fighting have hindered the delivery of food and other supplies.

An investigation has been launched after a 450kg bomb fell from an Israeli fighter jet into an Israeli town this morning, according to reports.

Images showed the munition landed close to homes in Yated.

The Israeli military said it was intended for Rafah and described the incident as "unusual", reported the Times of Israel.

"Air Force technical teams arrived at the scene and began an in-depth investigation of the incident."

The Rafah strike was carried out moments later, the military said.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least five people including Lebanese militants, Hamas fighters and Syrian civilians, security sources told Reuters.

A series of strikes on a coastal town further north than the usual conflict area killed a Hezbollah member as well as two Syrian civilians, the security sources said.

They said a separate Israeli strike on Majdal Anjar, on Lebanon's eastern border with Syria, killed two Hamas fighters.

Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire across Lebanon's southern border for seven months in parallel with the Gaza war, but it has ramped up in recent days.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

The recovery of the bodies of three hostages from Gaza is a "painful reminder" of those who are still in captivity, says a member of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

Professor Hagai Levine said over the last day, rumours circulating about which bodies had been returned to Israel were "very painful for the families" of all the captives.

It was important to bring home the bodies of hostages to give their families closure, he said.

"We do not lose hope. We are preparing for the return of the hostages that are alive," he said.

"As long as we promote a solution to release the hostages, it will also help to prevent further bloodshed in Gaza."

Turning to the approach the Israeli government has taken, Mr Levine said the government "is not representing well the desires of the public".

"There is a majority in Israel that believe that we should now promote regional agreements and together with the moderate countries, not the extremists, we should kick out Hamas... and replace them with another kind of government.

"This could really bring peace and prosperity to the Palestinians and to Israelis and to the entire region and we feel that the government is not doing enough."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

IMAGES

The 9 Best Egypt Tours of 2021
Egypt Tour Packages
Making Your Holidays Even more Exciting With High-class Egypt Tours
Highlights of Egypt in a Week Tour: Giza, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu
13 day Best of Egypt tour with Nile cruise and flights
10 Day Itinerary For Egypt

VIDEO

Egypt tour 2024
Egypt Tour 2023 홍혜선 이집트 여행
Egypt Tour. Full HD video Of Egypt
Egypt Vlog 2- Cairo, Pyramids, Giza!

COMMENTS

The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary (DIY)
Sleeper Train or Fly to Aswan. Leaving Lower Egypt behind (for now), the first transport element of this 10 day itinerary involves a 900-kilometer (560-mile) journey from Cairo to Aswan. As I mentioned earlier, the overnight train is surprisingly comfortable (you get your own cabin) and is the best way to save valuable exploring time.
The Ultimate Two Week Egypt Itinerary You Should Steal!
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP) and 1 British Pound = roughly 22 Egyptian pounds. You will need to dress conservatively in Egypt to respect the local culture. I've written the ultimate women's packing list for outfit inspirations and things you shouldn't travel to Egypt without. The language here is Arabic.
The Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide • The Blonde Abroad
Egypt Travel Guide. Egypt is one of the most mysterious destinations on the planet, and it had been on my bucket list for years! Between the Nile, the Red Sea, Alexandria, Cairo, and pyramids that date back to 2500 BC, there's so much history and culture to experience. Whether you're concerned about the country's safety or you just haven ...
Egypt Travel Guide 2024 · Itineraries, Top Places, Safety
Travel to Egypt A destination full of mysteries, Egypt feels like stepping back in time. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the bustling markets of Cairo, Egypt is a treasure trove of history and adventure.It is a place where landscapes vary, home to bustling cities, colorful villages, crystal clear salt lakes, vast deserts full of artifacts and rock formations, tranquil rivers, and ...
Ultimate Egypt Itinerary for 7 Days, 10 Days or 2 Weeks
You will miss stuff, but we can definitely work with a one week Egypt itinerary. 7 Day Egypt Itinerary Overview: Day 1: Arrive in Cairo. Day 2: Cairo - Tour the Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum. Day 3: Fly to Luxor - Tour temples and join Nile River Cruise. Day 4: Nile Cruise - Luxor West Bank & sailing. Day 5: Nile Cruise - Edfu, Kom ...
The Ultimate One to Two Week Egypt Travel Itinerary
Trips are easily organized from Cairo to spend a few nights camping under the stars in a much more untouched part of the country. Trips leave regularly from Cairo and should not cost more than $150 for an overnight tour ($100 is reasonable). White desert in Egypt. Day 5-6: Overnight Train to the Abu Simbel Temple.
Home
Egypt Travel Blog is the world's #1 most trusted resource for info, insights, tips, reviews, and advice on travel to and around Egypt. ETB is more honest and practical than official or commercial sites, more in-depth and dynamic than books or travel guides, and more entertaining and interactive than any other source of information available ...
Egypt Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit
Day 1 - 2: Cairo. Your journey starts in Egypt's capital: Cairo. It is the gateway to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. Cairo itself is chaotic but in a fascinating way. Visit the mummy room in the museum, the mosque and plan to spend two days with the things to do in Cairo. Cairo to Luxor: 9 hours.
Our Spectacular Trip to Egypt [Where to go and What to do]
Before you go, make sure to purchase your visa online. It will cost you $25 for a single entry up to 30 days or $60 for a multiple entry. Most people fly into Cairo, where you immediately feel you are smack dab in the middle of an exotic, chaotic place. As you file through customs, claim your bags, and fight off everyone trying to have you hire ...
Egypt Travel Guide
Meals in Egypt are about 150 to 300 pounds depending on location. Transportation is generally by car or train, and these are very affordable. You can use taxi apps like Uber and Careem in Egypt. Egypt is full of bucket list experiences like the Great Pyramids and the ancient temples of Luxor. Read through this Egypt travel guide for more info!
2 Weeks Backpacking Egypt Itinerary for Solo Travelers
The second day, you can spend your time seeing the real Cairo. First, you can go to the area called Coptic Cairo, where the Coptic Christian community resides. In this area, you will find the famous Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in Egypt, dating back to the 3rd century AD.
Egypt Travel Tips: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt
Trust me, you can thank me later. The best time to go to Egypt is surely between October and April. The tourist high season is considered from December to February, so if you come slightly out of season you will also enjoy cheaper hotel prices and fewer crowds. Also, make sure to avoid traveling during Ramadan.
Egypt Travel Guides, Itineraries, and More
There are 2 packages available - one with 8 GB of data, 200 minutes, and 20 international minutes for 200 EGP, and another with 30 GB for 500 EGP. The validity of these packages is 30 days and can be extended as you see fit with other packages. I recommend you get the 8 GB one, which should be more than enough for most tourists.
Egypt Travel Blog [The Ultimate Guide to Everything Egypt Travel]
The Egypt Travel Blog. Our Egypt Travel blog is your gateway to everything Egypt vacations, tours, Nile cruises, history, and so much more. Travel to Egypt has never been easier or more affordable, and as millions have already discovered, there is something for everyone in the ancient land of the pharaohs. Our private Egypt tour packages allow ...
Egypt Planners Travel Blog
Welcome to the Egypt Travel Blog, your ultimate guide to exploring the land of the Pharaohs. Whether you are planning your first trip to Egypt or are a seasoned traveler, our blog is the perfect resource to help you make the most of your journey. Read More. March 10, 2024.
Egypt Travel Blog
Our Egypt travel blog is your ultimate guide to exploring the mysterious pyramids of Giza, cruising the tranquil Nile River, and discovering hidden gems in bustling Cairo. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, our blog offers a wealth of ideas, tips, and itineraries to make your Egyptian trip unforgettable. ...
Egypt Adventures Travel Blog
Egypt's monuments like the Pyramids, Karnak Temple, Abu Simbel, and museums like the Grand Egyptian Museum now only accept credit cards for purchasing tickets, and you can now purchase tickets in advance for almost all sites online. In this post, I will talk about: 1. Why you would want to purchase tickets online,
How to Spend Three Days in Cairo, Egypt
Twelve years, 100 countries, and one successful travel blog later, I'm still going. This website is the result of tens of thousands of hours of on-the-ground research. I pay for all my travels myself, don't take press trips, and travel anonymously; all to ensure my recommendations are ones you can trust.
Egypt Travel Blog
Welcome to our Egypt Travel Blog page. It's hard to find up-to-date information or travel guides for Egypt because the travellers and holiday-makers all but stopped coming quite a few years ago. I haven't been able to find any other travel blogs that cover Egypt in any depth, so I decided to make ours as comprehensive and information-packed ...
Egypt Travel Guide
Currency - Egyptian Pounds (EGP, E£) . 1 EGP = $0.06 USD = $0.08 CAD; ATMs are relatively easy in cities but since you'll be spending a lot of time outside of populated areas, you'll need to carefully plan and manage your money.; SIM card - The three main companies in Egypt are Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat.All companies have some sort of pre-paid package available but perhaps the ...
Egypt Tour Makers Travel Blog
Discover the charm of ancient Egypt in comfort and style with an unforgettable 8-day luxury Egypt tour with Nile Cruise that combines great sightseeing with quality leisure time. With 5-star accommodation, a 5-star Nile cruise, and day tours led by Egyptologists, you can be sure that our Nile cruise and homestay vacations are the kind of trips ...
A practical guide to travel in Egypt
How to do it: Responsible Travel's 12-day Nile & Red Sea tours take in historic sites on a river cruise as well as the Giza Pyramids and time on the Red Sea. Prices start at £2,249 per person ...
Best Places To Visit In Egypt With Family For A Memorable Trip
4. Hurghada. Image Source: Shutterstock. Hurghada is one of the best places to visit in Egypt with family and probably one of the most famous tourist destinations here. During the old times, the city used to be a small fishing village next to the Red Sea. Now, it has become an oasis of wonder and pristine scenery.
The Ultimate Guide to Egypt: Dos and Don'ts Every Traveler Must ...
Cultural Nuances: Navigating Egypt's Rich Tapestry. 1. Dress to Respect. Egypt's. Women, consider long skirts or pants and tops with sleeves, while men might ditch the shorts. Remember, dressing ...
Q&A: Meet 3 New Road Scholars Who Chose Egypt As Their First Learning
5/22/2024. Africa. Egypt. Meet New Road Scholars. Find out how three new Road Scholars discovered our learning adventures, why they chose Egypt and what they learned while traveling with us! Meet Chrissy and her partner Christina, who divide their home life between Florida and Maine. And Claude, a solo traveler, who lives in Maryland.
Palestinians seeking passage to Canada fight despair as Rafah campaign
Nearly 200 Palestinians have managed to escape Gaza and obtain approval to travel to Canada — but they had to pay thousands of dollars to smuggle themselves into Egypt. That avenue is now closed ...
Israel-Gaza latest: Israeli fighter jet hits West Bank in deadly strike
Israel seized and closed the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on 7 May. 22:23:23. ... "We were going through the travel procedures to leave Gaza. When the time for us to travel through ...

The Ultimate Two Week Egypt Itinerary You Should Steal!

Things you need to prepare before you visit Egypt

Is Egypt safe to travel to? Is Solo female travel in Egypt safe?

Transport options for Egypt

How to get around cities in Egypt

Booking hotels in Egypt

Tipping in Egypt or ‘Baksheesh’

The ultimate two week Egypt Itinerary

Where to stay in Giza

Day 3 Head to Alexandria and explore

Where to stay in Alexandria?

Day 4 Head back to Cairo and then into the West Desert of Egypt

Day 5 spend the day exploring and back to Cairo for the overnight train/flight to Aswan

Where to stay in Aswan?

Day 6 Spend the day exploring the sights of Aswan

Day 7 Check into your Nile cruise in Aswan and Sail overnight to Kom Ombo

Day 8 Explore Kom Ombo, Edfu and sail overnight to Luxor

Day 9 Arrive in Luxor and Explore the West Bank

Day 10 Explore the East bank of Luxor

Where to stay in Luxor?

Day 11 – 14 Head to Hurghada and relax at the beach!

Where to stay in Hurghada?

Some ways to shorten this Itinerary if you have less time

Tourist scams in Egypt you need to watch out for

Don’t miss out on an incredible adventure through Egypt

Read more of my Egypt articles

Save this Two Week Egypt Itinerary for later!

Ultimate Egypt Itinerary for 7 Days, 10 Days or 2 Weeks

Putting Together the Ultimate Egypt Itinerary

The Best Time to Visit

Getting Around in Egypt

Costs & Budget

Safety in Egypt

7 Days in Egypt Itinerary

Cairo: 1 to 2 Days

Popular Things to See in Cairo

Luxor: 2 to 4 Days

Popular Things to See in Luxor

Nile River Cruise: 5 to 7 Days

Aswan: 2 to 3 Days

Popular Things to See in Aswan

Abu Simbel: 1 Day

Ideal 10 Days in Egypt Itinerary

Saqqara, Dashur & Memphis : 1 Day

Popular Stops on this Day Trip

Ideal 2 Weeks in Egypt Itinerary

Alexandria: 1 Day

Popular Things to See in Alexandria

Hurghada: 3 to 5 Days

Popular Things to See in Hurghada

Putting it All Together

More on Egypt:

Did you like this story? Share it!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The Ultimate One to Two Week Egypt Travel Itinerary

20 Comments

How many days do I need to spend in Egypt?

Philae Temple

To Tour or not to tour?

Map of Itinerary

Egypt Two Week Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1-2: Egyptian Museum of Cairo and Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Day 3: Alexandria

Day 4-5: Overnight Tour to the White Desert

Day 5-6: Overnight Train to the Abu Simbel Temple

Day 7-10: Nile River Cruise

Edfu Temple

Day 10-11: Luxor and surrounding area

Temple of Hatshepsut

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings

Day 11-15: Red Sea and Dahab

Egypt One Week Itinerary

Egypt One Week Itinerary Focusing on Diving

Continue Reading:

The Perfect Fiji Honeymoon Itinerary: One To Two Weeks

The Perfect Fiji Travel Itinerary: Beaches, Diving, and Island Paradise

The Perfect Vietnam Travel Itinerary: One Week, Two Weeks, and Three Weeks

The Perfect Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary: One Week, 10 days, and Two Weeks

The Perfect Two Week Travel Itinerary For Greece