top of page

The Ultimate 10-Day Egypt Itinerary🇪🇬

  • Kaitlyn Reid-Saunders
  • Jan 6
  • 3 min read

Phase 1: The Land of the Pharaohs (Cairo & Giza)


  • Day 1: Arrival & Cairo Nights. Arrive in Cairo. Check into a hotel in Giza with a Pyramid view. Dinner overlooking the illuminated Sphinx.

  • Day 2: The Classics. Spend the morning at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to see Tutankhamun’s treasures.

  • Day 3: Old Cairo & Bazaars. Explore the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque. End the day getting lost (and shopping) in the vibrant Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.



Phase 2: The Heart of the Nile (Luxor & Nile Cruise)


  • Day 4: Fly to Luxor. Morning flight to Luxor. Check into your Nile Cruise ship. Visit the massive Karnak Temple complex at sunset.

  • Day 5: Valley of the Kings. Cross to the West Bank. Explore the tombs of the Pharaohs, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail toward Edfu.

  • Day 6: Temples by the River. Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu (the best-preserved temple in Egypt) and the "Double Temple" of Kom Ombo as you sail south.

  • Day 7: Aswan & Feluccas. Arrive in Aswan. Visit the beautiful Philae Temple (located on an island). Take a sunset sail on a traditional wooden felucca around Elephantine Island.



Phase 3: Desert Magic & Red Sea Blues


  • Day 8: Abu Simbel. A sunrise trip (by plane or car) to the jaw-dropping Temples of Abu Simbel near the Sudanese border. Fly from Aswan to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh in the afternoon.

  • Day 9: Red Sea Relaxation. A day for the "Blue" part of your Pinterest board. Go snorkeling or diving in the world-famous coral reefs, or simply relax at a luxury beach resort.

  • Day 10: Departure. A final Egyptian breakfast (Foul and Ta’ameya) before flying back to Cairo for your international connection home.


5 Essential Egypt Travel Tips


  1. The "Early Bird" Rule: To get those iconic "empty" photos of the Pyramids or Luxor Temple, be at the gate by 7:45 AM. The tour buses usually arrive around 10:00 AM, and the heat follows shortly after.


  2. Download "Uber" and "Careem": In Cairo, avoid haggling with street taxis. Uber is incredibly cheap, safe, and avoids the "tourist price" negotiation.


  3. The "Tipping" (Baksheesh) Culture: Carry a stack of small 5, 10, and 20 EGP notes. Tipping is expected for everything from public restrooms to luggage handling. It’s not just a tip; it’s part of the local social contract.


  4. Dress Code: While Egypt is used to tourists, it is a conservative country. Wear breathable linens. Keep shoulders and knees covered when visiting mosques or local markets to show respect and avoid unwanted attention.


  5. Stay Hydrated (The Right Way): Never drink tap water. Even for brushing your teeth, use bottled water. Pro tip: Try the fresh lemon-mint juice found at almost every café—it’s the ultimate desert hydrator.

Iconic Places to Eat


Include these in your "Where to Eat in Egypt" slide or listicle:

1. Abou Tarek (Cairo)

  • The Dish: Koshary (The national dish of Egypt).

  • The Vibe: High-energy, multi-story "fast food" temple dedicated to one thing.

  • Information: Koshary is a delicious, carb-heavy mix of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions, topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar. It’s incredibly cheap (around $2–$3) and a total local experience.


2. Naguib Mahfouz Cafe (Khan el-Khalili, Cairo)

  • The Dish: Mint Tea and Egyptian Mezzes.

  • The Vibe: Old-world glamour, named after the Nobel Prize-winning author.

  • Information: Located deep inside the 600-year-old bazaar, this is a hidden, air-conditioned oasis. It’s perfect for people-watching while enjoying traditional pigeons stuffed with rice (Hamam Mahshi).


3. 1886 Restaurant (Old Cataract Hotel, Aswan)

  • The Dish: Fine Dining / French-Egyptian Fusion.

  • The Vibe: Ultra-luxury, "Agatha Christie" vibes.

  • Information: This is where Death on the Nile was written. There is a strict dress code (jackets for men), but dining on the terrace overlooking the Nile as the sun sets is the most iconic luxury experience in the country.


4. Fares Seafood (Sharm El Sheikh / Hurghada)

  • The Dish: Seafood Soup and Grilled Sea Bass.

  • The Vibe: Casual, bustling, and famous.

  • Information: The Red Sea offers some of the freshest seafood in the world. Fares is legendary for its "Seafood Soup"—a creamy, savory bowl packed with calamari, shrimp, and fish.


5. Zooba (Cairo/Zamalek)

  • The Dish: Gourmet Ta’ameya (Egyptian Falafel).

  • The Vibe: Modern, colorful, and "Instagrammable" street food.

  • Information: They take traditional street food and give it a clean, modern twist. Their Ta’ameya is made with fava beans (rather than chickpeas) and served in fresh baladi bread.

bottom of page