Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Egypt: enough time for Cairo, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan and either Abu Simbel, Alexandria or a few days on the Red Sea, without rushing. Two weeks lets you add the desert, more of Luxor’s West Bank or simply a slower pace. Below are tried-and-tested 10-day and 14-day itineraries, with options for different interests, and practical advice on the order of the trip, transport and timing.
Before You Plan: How the Route Works
Most Egypt itineraries follow the same backbone:
- Cairo and Giza for the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara and historic Cairo.
- Luxor for Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank tombs and temples.
- The Nile between Luxor and Aswan, usually on a three- or four-night cruise stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- Aswan for Philae, the High Dam, Nubian villages and the day trip to Abu Simbel.
You then add one or more extras: the Red Sea (Hurghada or Marsa Alam), Alexandria, or the Western Desert (Bahariya and the White Desert, or Siwa). Domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan take about an hour and save a lot of time; the overnight sleeper train is a slower alternative.
10-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Nile Cruise and the Red Sea
This is the most popular 10-day plan, combining history with time to relax on the beach at the end.
- Day 1 – Arrive in Cairo. Airport meet-and-assist and transfer to your hotel.
- Day 2 – Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The Pyramids and Sphinx at opening time, then the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Day 3 – Saqqara, Memphis and historic Cairo. The Step Pyramid of Djoser, then Coptic Cairo or Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili.
- Day 4 – Fly to Luxor, board your cruise. Karnak and Luxor Temple.
- Day 5 – Luxor West Bank. Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon; sail to Edfu.
- Day 6 – Edfu and Kom Ombo. Sail on to Aswan.
- Day 7 – Aswan. Philae Temple, the High Dam and a felucca ride; optional Abu Simbel very early.
- Day 8 – Transfer to the Red Sea. By road via Luxor or by flight to Hurghada.
- Day 9 – Red Sea. Snorkelling trip or a free day at the beach.
- Day 10 – Departure. Fly home from Hurghada or via Cairo.
See it as a ready-made trip: our 10-day Cairo, Nile cruise and Hurghada tour.
10-Day Egypt Itinerary: Culture Focus with Abu Simbel and Alexandria
If you prefer history over beaches, swap the Red Sea for Alexandria and give Abu Simbel its own day.
- Day 1 – Arrive in Cairo.
- Day 2 – Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Day 3 – Alexandria day trip. Qaitbay Citadel, the Library of Alexandria, the catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa.
- Day 4 – Saqqara and historic Cairo.
- Day 5 – Fly to Aswan, board your cruise. Philae Temple and the High Dam.
- Day 6 – Abu Simbel. Early-morning trip to the temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari.
- Day 7 – Kom Ombo and Edfu.
- Day 8 – Luxor West Bank. Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, optional Valley of the Queens.
- Day 9 – Luxor East Bank. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Luxor Museum; fly to Cairo.
- Day 10 – Departure.
Compare with our 10-day Cairo, Nile cruise, Alexandria and Abu Simbel tour.
14-Day Egypt Itinerary: The Complete Trip
Two weeks lets you see the classic highlights at a comfortable pace and add the desert and the coast.
- Day 1 – Arrive in Cairo.
- Day 2 – Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Day 3 – Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis. Including the Red and Bent Pyramids.
- Day 4 – Historic Cairo. The Citadel, Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili.
- Day 5 – Drive to Bahariya Oasis and the White Desert. Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and a night camping in the White Desert.
- Day 6 – Return to Cairo. Bahariya sights on the way back.
- Day 7 – Fly to Luxor. Karnak and Luxor Temple; board your cruise.
- Day 8 – Luxor West Bank. Optional sunrise balloon, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Valley of the Queens.
- Day 9 – Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- Day 10 – Aswan. Philae Temple, a Nubian village and a felucca ride.
- Day 11 – Abu Simbel. Early start, back to Aswan by early afternoon.
- Day 12 – Transfer to the Red Sea.
- Day 13 – Red Sea. Snorkelling or a free day.
- Day 14 – Departure.
14-day alternatives
- Swap the White Desert for Siwa Oasis (needs about four days on its own), or for two more days in Luxor.
- Swap the Red Sea for Alexandria if you are travelling in winter and prefer culture to beaches.
- Swap the cruise for a dahabiya for a slower, more intimate four- or five-night sail.
- Add Dendera and Abydos on a long day trip from Luxor.
How Much Does a 10- or 14-Day Trip Cost?
For a comfortable mid-range trip with private guiding, four-star hotels, a five-star Nile cruise and domestic flights, expect roughly US$1,800–3,000 per person for 10 days and US$2,600–4,200 for 14 days, excluding international flights. See our detailed Egypt trip cost guide for budget and luxury options.
When to Go
October to April is the main season, with warm days and cool nights. December and January are the busiest. March and April are excellent but warm in the south, and the summer months are cheaper but very hot in Luxor and Aswan. Read our guides to Egypt in March and the best time to visit Egypt for month-by-month details.
Planning Tips
- Book the cruise first. Cruise departure days from Luxor and Aswan shape the rest of the itinerary.
- Fly between Cairo and the south. It saves a full day compared with driving.
- Keep the beach for the end. It gives you time to rest before the flight home.
- Do not overload Cairo. Two to three full days is ideal for a first visit.
- Use a private guide at the big sites. It saves time and avoids most hassle.
For shorter trips, see our 7-day Egypt itinerary and 9-day itinerary.
10 Days vs 14 Days: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose 10 days if this is your first visit and you want the classic highlights: Cairo, a Nile cruise, Abu Simbel and either a beach break or Alexandria.
- Choose 14 days if you want to add the Western Desert, more time in Luxor, a dahabiya instead of a cruise ship, or a longer stay on the Red Sea, or if you prefer a slower pace with free afternoons.
Families with young children and travellers who dislike early starts often enjoy the 14-day version more, because there is time to rest between long sightseeing days.
Getting Around: Flights, Trains and Roads
- Domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Hurghada are short and save time.
- The sleeper train between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan runs overnight and is an experience in itself, but it is slower and less comfortable than flying.
- Road transfers link Luxor with Hurghada (about 4 hours) and Aswan with Abu Simbel (about 3.5 hours each way).
- Cruise departures from Luxor and Aswan run on fixed days of the week, so build the rest of the itinerary around them.
Adding a Dahabiya Instead of a Cruise Ship
On a 14-day trip, consider replacing the standard cruise with a four- or five-night dahabiya between Esna and Aswan. Dahabiyas are traditional sailing boats with only a few cabins, stop at small sites and islands the big ships miss, and give a much more personal experience. They cost more but are one of the most memorable ways to see the Nile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 days enough for Egypt?
Yes. Ten days covers Cairo, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, Abu Simbel and either the Red Sea or Alexandria at a comfortable pace.
Is 2 weeks in Egypt too long?
No. Two weeks lets you add the White Desert or Siwa, extra time in Luxor and a few days on the Red Sea, or simply travel more slowly.
Should I do a Nile cruise or stay in hotels?
For most first-time visitors, a three- or four-night cruise is easier and better value, as meals, transport and guided sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan are included.
What is the best order for an Egypt itinerary?
Start in Cairo, fly south to Luxor or Aswan for the cruise and Abu Simbel, and finish on the Red Sea or back in Cairo.
How many days do you need in Luxor?
At least two full days: one for the East Bank (Karnak and Luxor Temple) and one for the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Queens).