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How to Plan the Perfect Egypt Trip: A 10-Step Guide

Planning your dream trip to Egypt can feel overwhelming, but this 10-step guide makes it simple. We cover everything you need to know: the best time to go (October-April), the ideal 10-day itinerary, and the "must-see" sights like the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel. Discover why a Nile cruise is the most efficient way to travel, and get practical, expert tips on budget, what to pack, and how to get your visa on arrival.
  • Updated: November 17, 2025

Planning a trip to Egypt is the dream of a lifetime. It’s a journey to the dawn of civilization, a land of towering pyramids, golden treasures, and the timeless Nile River. But we also know that planning it can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?

This is a large country with thousands of years of history. Trying to figure out what to see, how to get around, and how to sequence it all is a challenge.

We are here to simplify the entire process. We’ve distilled the planning into 10 logical steps. After reading this guide, you will have a clear roadmap to plan the perfect trip to the land of the pharaohs.

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Part 1: Before You Book (The 3 Big Questions)

Before you even look at an itinerary, you need to answer three key questions.

Step 1: When is the Best Time to Go?

This is the most important decision you’ll make. Egypt’s weather is the deciding factor.

  • Peak Season (October – April): This is, without question, the best time to visit. The weather is magnificent—comfortably warm during the day and cool at night. It’s perfect for exploring temples and tombs without the risk of heatstroke. The trade-off is that this is also the most crowded and expensive season.
  • Shoulder Season (May & September): A good compromise. It will be hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan (south), but manageable. You’ll find fewer crowds and slightly better prices.
  • Low Season (June – August): Avoid this if you can. The heat in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan) is extreme, often soaring to 40°C (104°F) and higher. While the Red Sea resorts are still popular, sightseeing in the Nile Valley is incredibly uncomfortable.

Step 2: How Many Days Do You Need?

Egypt is not a long-weekend destination. The travel distances are vast, and the sights are dense.

  • 7 Days (The “Historical Sprint”): This is the absolute minimum. You can just barely cover the “Big 3”: Cairo (Pyramids), a quick flight to Luxor (Temples), and a flight back to Cairo. It will be rushed.
  • 10 Days (The “Classic Itinerary”): This is the ideal duration for a first-timer. It gives you time for Cairo and, crucially, a 3- or 4-night Nile cruise that covers the distance between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at key temples along the way.
  • 14 Days (The “Complete Journey”): This is the gold standard. It allows you to do the 10-day Classic Itinerary and then add a few days to relax at a Red Sea resort (like Hurghada) or explore the coastal city of Alexandria.

Step 3: Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

Yes. Egypt is widely considered safe for tourists, especially in the main tourist areas. The tourism industry is a vital part of the country’s economy, and there is a heavy security and police presence at all major sites, hotels, and on the roads connecting them. You will be well looked after.

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Part 2: Building Your Itinerary (What to See & How)

Now for the fun part: deciding what to see and how to structure your journey.

Step 4: Choose Your Destinations

For a first trip, don’t try to see all 5,000 years of history. Focus on the “Classical Path” along the Nile, which is where 90% of the iconic sights are.

  1. Cairo: The massive, chaotic, and thrilling capital. This is your starting point for the Giza Pyramids and the museum.
  2. Luxor: The ancient capital of Thebes. This is the world’s greatest open-air museum, home to Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
  3. Aswan: The serene southern city on the Nile. This is your base for the Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the must-do day trip to Abu Simbel.
  4. The Red Sea (Hurghada/Sharm El-Sheikh): Your “relaxation” add-on. After a week of history, this is where you go to snorkel, dive, and unwind at a beach resort.

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Step 5: Know the “Must-See” Sights (A Curated List)

The original list is overwhelming. Here are the true must-sees, organized by location.

Location Must-See Attractions
Cairo

• Giza Pyramids & Sphinx: The main event.

 

• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): The new home of King Tut’s treasures.

 

• Khan El-Khalili Bazaar: The historic, sprawling market.

 

• Saqqara: Home to the “Step Pyramid,” the oldest pyramid of them all.
Luxor

• Karnak Temple: An unimaginably vast temple complex.

 

• Valley of the Kings: The spectacular underground tombs of the pharaohs. <a:br> • Hatshepsut’s Temple: The stunning, modern-looking mortuary temple.

 

• Luxor Temple: Best visited at night when it’s beautifully illuminated.
Aswan

• Philae Temple: A beautiful, rescued temple complex on an island.

 

• Abu Simbel Temples: The 3-hour (one-way) day trip is absolutely worth it.

 

• Nubian Village: A colorful and cultural experience reached by a small boat.

 

• The High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk: Interesting engineering and historical sights.

Step 6: Choose Your Travel Style

How do you want to experience these places?

  • A Nile Cruise (Highly Recommended): This is the most popular and efficient way to see Egypt. You’ll fly or take a train from Cairo to either Luxor or Aswan, then board a 3- or 4-night “floating hotel.” It sails between the two cities, stopping at all the key riverside temples (like Kom Ombo and Edfu) along the way. It’s a tour, transport, and hotel all in one.
  • Independent Travel: You can book your own hotels and take the sleeper train or domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. This offers more flexibility but requires much more planning.
  • Guided Tour: Booking a package with a tour company (either in your home country or a local one in Egypt) is the most hassle-free option. They handle all logistics, guides, and transport.

Step 7: Create the Perfect 10-Day Itinerary

Here is the most logical and popular travel order, which combines all the steps above.

Days 1-3: Cairo

  • Day 1: Arrive, get settled.
  • Day 2: Full day for the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and Saqqara.
  • Day 3: Full day for the Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

Days 4-7: Nile Cruise

  • Day 4: Morning flight from Cairo to Aswan. Visit the High Dam & Philae Temple. Board your cruise.
  • Day 5: (Optional) Very early morning trip to Abu Simbel. Return to the cruise, which starts sailing north.
  • Day 6: Sailing. Stop at Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples on the way to Luxor.
  • Day 7: Arrive in Luxor. Disembark.

Days 8-10: Luxor & Departure

  • Day 8: Full day exploring Luxor’s West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple).
  • Day 9: Explore Luxor’s East Bank (Karnak & Luxor Temples).
  • Day 10: Fly from Luxor (LXR) back home, or fly to Cairo (CAI) for your connecting flight.

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Part 3: The Final Details (Budget, Packing, Visas)

Step 8: How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost?

This varies wildly, but here is a realistic daily budget per person, excluding international flights:

  • Budget ($50 – $80/day): Hostels, local eateries, public transport/sleeper train.
  • Mid-Range ($150 – $250/day): 4-star hotels, a 5-star Nile cruise, pre-booked tours, domestic flights. This is the most common and comfortable range.
  • Luxury ($300 – $500+/day): 5-star luxury hotels (like the Four Seasons), a high-end cruise, private guides and drivers, and all-inclusive packages.

Step 9: What to Pack and Wear?

  • Be Respectful: Egypt is a conservative Muslim country. While you are not expected to cover your head (unless entering a mosque), both men and women should dress modestly when outside of a resort.
  • For Women: Pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This is mandatory for mosques and respectful at temples. A scarf is your most useful accessory.
  • For Men: T-shirts are fine, but in many places, shorts are only for tourists. Trousers or long shorts are more common and respectful.
  • Essentials: Sunscreen (high SPF), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes.

Step 10: Get Your Visa

For most travelers (including those from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia), you can get a visa on arrival at Cairo (CAI) airport. It’s a simple sticker you buy from a bank kiosk before you get to immigration.

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Your Egypt trip is now planned. Congratulations!

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