The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023

Discover the land of the Pharaohs in this epic 10 day Egypt Itinerary, covering all the main highlights to get the absolute most out of your trip!

From the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza to mindblowing archeological sites like the Valley of the Kings, the secrets of the Ancient Egyptians have long been a symbol of mystery and wonder.

After spending several weeks traveling in Egypt, I’ve narrowed down what I believe to be the best 10 day Egypt Itinerary to immerse yourself in the culture, landscapes, and history of one of the world’s most incredible travel destinations!

So what are you waiting for, here is my ultimate guide to spending 10 days in Egypt!

Itinerary Highlights

This itinerary follows the main travel route in Egypt, visiting all of the major landmarks along the River Nile in the cities of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor.

Below is a quick summary of what you might expect in this awesome Egypt travel route.

Cairo

Aswan

LUXOR

Things to Know Before Travelling to Egypt

Before you jet off to Cairo for the adventure of a lifetime, here are some quick tips you'll want to know about traveling in Egypt.

Visas For Egypt

Tourists flying into Egypt need a visa.

Luckily, travelers from many parts of the world including the US, UK, Australia, Europe, and many parts of Asia can purchase a visa on arrival.

This costs $25 USD, purchased from the bank stall once you land at Cairo International Airport. Strangely, you'll need to pay for this in cash in either Egyptian Pounds (EGP) or US Dollars.

Tip: travelers from certain countries including Indonesia, and the Philippines, will require an authorized visa from your local embassy or consulate. Make sure you check the latest rules before you leave.

Insurance For this Egypt Itinerary

Following the events of the past few years, it's safe to say that travel insurance is pretty much essential these days.

There are only two insurance companies that I recommend; World Nomads and SafetyWing.

World Nomads is a great option for short trips, especially for adventure travelers. If you're planning on a much longer stint, or if you're a digital nomad, then you cannot beat SafetyWing's offering (this is what I use).

Click the link to learn more about the difference between the two.

Transport Within Egypt

In this Egypt itinerary, I've recommended traveling the long stretches using overnight trains (sleeper trains).

These are surprisingly comfortable, and in my opinion, the best way to travel within Egypt since you won't waste any precious days in transit.v

Alternatively, it is possible to fly between cities like Cairo and Aswan. However, this is usually more expensive. If you insist, Egypt Air is by far the best airline and they even include meals and baggage of up to 23 KG per flight (for domestic and international flights). I recommend Skyscanner for comparing fares.

For transport within cities I recommend using Uber where you can (currently only in Cairo), and taxis in other areas.

Buses are also a good budget option, with various routes running between major cities. GoBus is a reliable website.

The Nile Cruise is a popular way for tourists to travel between Aswan and Luxor. These trips will usually also include stops at most of the attractions in this itinerary. I've given some suggestions for the Nile Cruise option at the bottom of this post.

About the Egyptian Tipping Culture

A thing you might notice even before you get out of the airport is that Egyptians will try to squeeze a tip out of you for almost anything.

The word is baksheesh, and you'll hear it almost every day.

While tipping is expected for services like taxis, restaurants, tour guides, or even a selfie (which you'll be asked for), don't be fooled into paying a tip for downright outrageous things.

For instance, I was asked for a tip after a man pushed in front of me, grabbed my backpack, and threw it through security screening, just as I was about to do it myself.

Egypt in 10 Days - The Ultimate Itinerary

Day 2: Cairo - Saqqara & Giza

For most, day two on this epic Egypt travel route is the day you've been waiting for!

You'll get to explore the colossal Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the mystifying Saqqara Necropolis. I highly recommend getting an Egyptologist guide for these attractions as there is so much to learn!

Saqqara Necropolis

The first stop is the Saqqara Necropolis, the site where you will find the oldest Egyptian Pyramid– the Pyramid of Djoser, or the Step Pyramid.

This was constructed as early as 2667 to 2648 BCE, more than 100 years before the Great Pyramid. This is a great place to learn a lot about Egyptian history from the Old Kingdom and explore the ancient tombs, mastabas, pyramids, and temples in the old necropolis of ancient Memphis.

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza are by far the most impressive monuments ever constructed. You can spend hours here exploring these ancient marvels.

The main pyramids on the Giza Plateau are the Great Pyramid (Khufu Pyramid), Pyramid of Khaphre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure (along with the three adjacent Queen Pyramids).

While there are plenty more monuments that will blow you away, for most, the Great Pyramids of Giza will be the highlight of this 10 day Egypt travel itinerary. Enjoy the moment!

The Great Sphinx of Giza

The final attraction at Giza is the iconic Great Sphinx.

The Sphinx is located just a short drive from the Great Pyramids, and I think it goes without saying that it is an absolute must-see for all traveling in Egypt!

What you might not know is that the Sphinx has its own temple complex situated just outside this amazing monolith. In fact, the ancient Egyptians built this temple using giant limestone stones cut from the bedrock in which the Sphinx is carved.

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 journey from Cairo to Aswan takes anywhere from 9 to 12 hours, depending on the schedule.

However, it's a good idea to get to the train station early because trains in Egypt are not exactly punctual.

Option: Another option is to fly directly to Aswan. I recommend EgyptAir as they include baggage in their standard fares.

Day 3: Aswan - Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk

Drop your bags at your accommodation in the morning, because day three is another full day of exploring ancient monuments! There are plenty of things to do in Aswan, and this itinerary covers the majority of the best highlights and attractions!

Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is an immense 1,000-tonne piece of granite in an ancient quarry site close to the city of Aswan.

While never completed, this massive obelisk would have been the tallest and heaviest in the world. Today, it offers visitors an insight into how the ancient Egyptians carved out these enormous limestone pillars.

Philae Temple

Next up is Philae Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to the gods Isis, Osiris, and Horus. The majority of this temple was constructed around 280 BCE during the Ptolemaic era and under the reign of Ptolemy II.

While still very much an ancient site, it's mindblowing to consider that this temple was built 2000 years after the Great Pyramids!

Philae Temple sits on an island called Agilika Island, and you will require a short boat trip to get here. There's plenty here to explore, from its huge columned halls to its various smaller temples dedicated to various deities.

Did you know: A team of archeologists and engineers took apart Philae Temple, along with other amazing monuments including Abu Simbel, piece by piece, and moved them to new positions. This was due to the gigantic Aswan High Dam project, which would have placed them at risk of damage from the rising Nile.

Day 4: Aswan - Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel Temples are an amazing set of two temples located 280 kilometers (173 miles) south of Aswan.

This is quite a long distance to travel to see one historic site. However, let me tell you that a trip to Abu Simbel is one hundred percent worth it! Some people say that if you didn't see Abu Simbel, you didn't really see Ancient Egypt. I tend to agree with them!

Abu Simbel Day Trip

For travelers on the TravelTalk tour, the Abu Simbel Temples will be an optional side trip. This is the case with almost every tour company as the distance is quite vast.

Again, if you're going to do one optional activity, make it this one!

The Abu Simbel Temples are two massive rock-cut temples carved into the mountainside. The Great Temple is dedicated in honor of Ramesses II, or Ramesses The Great. He was arguably the most celebrated Egyptian Pharaoh, ruling the New Kingdom for over 66 years, during what many consider to be the height of Ancient Egyptian Civilization.

Everything inside and outside the temple is carved out of a single piece of rock. Highlights include the massive colossi of Ramesses II and the Hypostyle Hall with six huge statues of Osiris and several side chambers to explore.

Day 5: Felucca Sailing (Nile River)

The fifth day of this Egypt itinerary involves one of my favorite activities during my time in the country.

A felucca is one of the oldest surviving sailing boat designs on the planet and was invented by the Ancient Egyptians. In fact, the Egyptians were the first civilizations to really make major advances in shipbuilding. Many believe this is the first place man ever navigated waters by use of wind!

Taking two days to sail and sleep on the River Nile is a well-earned break from exploring ancient sites, and one of the funnest and most enjoyable experiences in Upper Egypt.

The great benefit of traveling with TravelTalk was that you could choose to do this Felucca sailing adventure at no extra cost! They've also partnered with local Nubian villages to make the experience authentic and original. This is another reason why I highly recommend traveling with them.

Optional: As a modification to this itinerary, you could also choose to stay in Aswan again. There's plenty to see on land, including:

• Nubian Museum
• Qubbet El-Hawa
• Monastery of St. Simien
• The Old Cataract Hotel - Where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile

Day 6: Felucca Sailing (Nile River)

In my opinion, a two-day felucca sailing experience is the perfect amount of time. Many trips stop by Elephantine Island and if you're lucky, a Nubian Village. This is a great experience that beats any Nile Cruise!

Day 7: En-Route to Luxor - Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo Temple

After an amazing two days on the Nile, it's time to start heading back north. Don't worry, there's still plenty to see, with many of the best ancient highlights still yet to be visited!

Day seven on this 10 day Egypt itinerary involves an overland journey from Aswan to Luxor. Along the way, there are two unmissable monuments, the Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus) and the Kom Ombo Temple.

Unfortunately, there isn't much in terms of public transport to these landmarks, so being on a tour is beneficial for these particular sites.

After exploring the sites, it's best to stay in Luxor, which will be the base for the last few days in Upper Egypt.

Kom Ombo Temple & the Crocodile Mummy Museum

Kom Ombo Temple is one of the most unique temples in Egypt and should definitely be included in your itinerary between Luxor and Aswan.

This site is regarded as a "double" temple, split to honor two different gods, the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). While the sanctuaries, courts, and halls are all magnificent, the most significant attraction here is the ancient Egyptian calendar engraved on one of the walls.

At the base of the temple, tourists will also find a newly opened crocodile mummy museum!

Edfu temple (Temple of Horus)

The Edfu Temple is another amazing Ptolemaic temple dedicated to one of the most important gods of Ancient Egypt, Horus, the falcon.

This temple complex is very beautiful and extremely well-preserved. There's a large courtyard and a beautiful columned chamber with amazing hieroglyphs and carvings to marvel at.

Day 8: Luxor - East Bank Itinerary

On day 8 of this travel route through Egypt, you'll arrive in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes.

Due to the positioning of the modern city on the Nile, an itinerary for Luxor is better broken up into two days of exploring the east and the west bank.

Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple is the largest and one of the most religiously significant temple complexes in the world. It is set on a total land size of over 250,000 square meters (2.69 million square feet) and has a history of continuous construction dating back as far as 2,000 BCE.

You can get lost at this amazing historic site, so I highly recommend spending at least a few hours here. The giant columns are out of this world, with amazing carvings and adorned with vibrant colors.

Visitors can also admire the tallest obelisk still in Egypt, the Karnak obelisks of Hatshepsut, carved out of a single 343-tonne piece of pink granite, standing 28 meters tall.

Quick fact: As of November 2021, the ancient 3,400-year-old road linking Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple is now open. The Road of the Rams, or Avenue of the Sphinxes, is a 2.7-kilometer (1.7-mile) pathway along the Nile, lined with hundreds of ram and human-headed sphinxes.

Luxor Temple

Next up is the Luxor Temple. This is another amazing temple constructed around 1400 BCE. Egyptologists believe that the ancients used this place to crown their new Pharaohs. As a result, it was one of the most significant religious centers in ancient Thebes.

The Luxor Temple is smaller than Karnak Temple, but a definite highlight on this east bank itinerary. I highly recommend visiting at night or in the late afternoon, since this temple is one of the best-lit in the country.

Day 9: Luxor - West Bank Itinerary

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the land far to the west is known as the Duat. This is where the sun god Ra travels each night to battle Apep in order for the sun to rise again each morning, with it bringing life back to earth.

The Duat is also the place where souls would go after death for judgment. As a result, the ancient Egyptians built their burial grounds in the lands west of the River Nile.

After nine days in Egypt, it's time to introduce Luxor's west bank itinerary, where you'll discover the one and only Valley of the Kings.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is the royal necropolis of ancient Thebes. Archeologists have unearthed a total of 63 royal tombs here. Each rock-carved tomb tunnels deep into the ground and many feature spectacularly decorated tunnels, halls, and burial chambers.

Exploring the Valley of the Kings is a must on anybody's list of things to do in Egypt. Currently, around eleven tombs are open to the public. The most famous is the boy king Tutankhamun, whose mummy still rests in his burial chamber.

However, this is by far the least spectacular. The truth is that most of the other tombs are far more impressive!

To help you out, I've written a detailed guide to the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings, which should prove useful.

Don't miss the Colossi of Memnon on the way to the Valley of the Kings. These are two massive statues depicting the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Each is carved out of a single block of stone and weighs up to 650 tonnes each!

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Closeby to the Valley of the Kings is the impressive Mortuary Temple dedicated to the life of Queen Hatshepsut.

This beautiful temple contains incredible examples of colored hieroglyphs, with vibrant scenes of Queen Hatshepsut's trade achievements. I particularly enjoyed the scenes depicting boats bringing scores of goods from foreign lands, including African animals and exotic plants.

Tip: another west bank attraction is the Medinet Habu or the Mortuary Temple of Rameses III. This is another great addition if you have time.

Sleeper Train or Fly to Cairo

After an awesome and action-packed nine days traveling in Egypt, it's time to take the sleeper train back to Cairo. The train station in Luxor is less chaotic than the one in Cairo, which is refreshing since by now, you'll probably be pretty exhausted!

Also, just like before it's possible to fly back to Cairo if you prefer. There's an international airport in Luxor, approximately 15 minutes from the city.

Day 10: Cairo - Egyptian Museum & Cairo City Itinerary

The final day of travel in Egypt sees us head back to Cairo for one final day of exploring!

However, this time the focus will be on the city highlights, exploring the vibrant mixing pot of cultures that have shaped this wonderous city for millennia.

Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities)

Leaving the Egyptian Museum to last is a great way to appreciate the history and amazing monuments and treasures within. By now, you'll have a deep understanding of ancient Egyptian History, having walked among some of the greatest landmarks yourself.

This is the oldest archeological museum in the Middle East and houses some of Egypt's best ancient treasures. The highlight for me was the King Tutankhamun exhibit, which features the boy king's famous golden headdress and sarcophagus.

Tip: There is currently a new museum under construction in Egypt– the Grand Egyptian Museum, or the Giza Museum which will open this year in 2023! Once inaugurated, it will be the largest archeological museum in the world and a must-add to this itinerary!

Coptic Cairo & the Hanging Church

Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo, with several churches and historic sites including the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George, and the Coptic Museum.

On our tour with TravelTalk, we visited the amazing Hanging Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. Its builders constructed it suspended on a 4th century Babylon Fortress wall, which gave it its name.

Mohammad Ali Mosque

If you've scanned Cairo's skyline, I'm sure you've already spotted the impressive mosque of Mohammad Ali. This mosque is the largest Ottoman-style mosque in Egypt, with very impressive minarets and impeccably decorated walls and domes.

From the outside of the mosque, you'll get amazing views of Cairo's landscape. And, on a clear day, you can even spot the Great Pyramids in the distance.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

The final stop on this Egypt itinerary is a visit to the oldest bazaar (souq) in the Middle East, the famous Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

Wander the labyrinth streets and practice your haggling skills. At this famous bazaar, tourists can purchase almost any souvenir you can think of!

We also took the time to enjoy the last meal of delicious Egyptian falafel and koshari as we sat at one of the historic cafes and watched the hoards of people trickle through the timeless streets.

Egypt Itinerary Additions & Modifications

I hope that this awesome Egypt itinerary has inspired you to visit the land of the Pharaohs and explore all of its ageless landmarks!

While 10 days in Egypt is a good amount of time to see many of its attractions, the truth is that this travel route only scratches the surface of what this country has to offer.

Below I've included a few more areas you may wish to explore. Due to the distances, many of these can be added to this popular Egypt tourist route, either before or after.

The Sinai Peninsula

The Sinai Peninsula is the upside-down diamond-shaped peninsula wedged between Africa and the Middle East, just east of Cairo.

Many people visit the Sinai Peninsula for a chance to experience the world-class diving in the Red Sea. Popular tourist destinations in Sinai include Sharm el-Sheikh, a resort area with great diving, and Dahab, the lazier backpacker town known for its famous Blue Hole and nearby Blue Lagoon.

Many people also make the trip to the Sinai Peninsula in hopes of summiting Mount Sinai, which is said to be the biblical mountain where Moses received the ten commandments.

To get to Sinai, most tourists fly to Sharm el-Sheikh. But, there are also buses making regular trips from Cairo.

Don't Miss:

15 Amazing Red Sea Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh

Hurghada and the South Red Sea

Hurghada is a popular beach city on the south coast of the Red Sea. Many people make a trip to Hurghada after they travel in Egypt since it offers a laid-back, resort-style atmosphere to unwind before flying back to their home countries.

Similarly to the Sharm el-sheikh, Hurghada has its own airport, which makes it an easy destination to get to from Cairo.

Hurghada is also world-renowned for scuba diving and a great place to get your open water certificate. Many people come here for a chance to swim with wild dolphins, who frequent this part of the Red Sea.

Alexandria

Alexandria is the Mediterranean port city of Egypt and once served as the capital of Egypt after its founding by Alexander the Great.

There are lots of sights to explore in Alexandria, including the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the underground Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa, and the famous Ras el-Tin Palace.

However, most people visit Alexandria on a Cairo day trip, preferring to spend some time by the Red Sea instead.

White Desert

The White Desert is located in Western Egypt and is named after its white chalk formations that dominate the landscape.

Today, this is a very barren wasteland but it was once completely underwater, evident by the fossils, shells, and salt deposits.

Many people tend to dedicate a day to the White Desert on their Egypt Itinerary, but there are also many tour companies organizing camping and glamping in this region.

A Nile Cruise

If you've been researching travel options in Egypt, then I'm sure you've stumbled upon several Nile Cruises.

This replaces much of the overland travel sections between Aswan and Luxor. These cruises will still stop at many of the highlights included in this travel guide. However, just make sure to check the inclusions because many do not cover all.

If the Nile cruise sounds like a better option, then there are dozens of 2, 3, 4, or 5-day cruises you can add in between days 3 to 8 on this itinerary. While I haven't done it myself, TravelTalk has a Nile Cruise option which looks like it's great value.

No, you cannot take an Egypt Cruise from Cairo.

More Egypt Travel Inspiration & Useful Guides

And, that's a wrap for this comprehensive 10 day Egypt itinerary! I hope that it's served as a useful guide for you on what to expect when traveling in Egypt!

Remember that this itinerary mostly follows the route offered by the 9-day Essential Egypt tour by TravelTalk Tours. If you like the sound of this travel route, then I highly recommend checking out their offering.

For now, here are some more Egypt travel guides which I'm sure you'll find useful.

• 10 Things to Know Before Going Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
• 15 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - Where to Stay in 2023
• 20 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt - Best Attractions & Places to Visit in 2023
• 31 Top Landmarks in Egypt - Famous Monuments & Attractions
• 5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit in 2023 (With Map)