10 Days in Egypt Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Egypt’s thousands of years of history are spread across several key regions, which can make a first visit feel difficult to organise. With 10 days and a clear route, you can discover the best places to see in Cairo, visit the pyramids in Egypt and the Grand Egyptian Museum, explore the tombs and temples of Luxor, and still enjoy time beside the Red Sea.

This 10-day Egypt itinerary begins in Cairo before flying south to Aswan and taking a northbound Nile cruise to Luxor. From there, you’ll continue to Hurghada or El Gouna, then fly back to Cairo for your international departure. Along the way, you’ll find practical advice on what to prioritise, how to travel between regions, and where to stay.

• Route: Cairo, Aswan, three-night Nile cruise, Luxor, Hurghada or El Gouna, Cairo
• Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families, and history lovers
• Best time to visit: October to April, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for extended outdoor sightseeing
• Getting around: Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and Hurghada to Cairo, a three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and a road transfer from Luxor to the Red Sea
• Cruise timing: The three-night Mövenpick MS Royal Lily itinerary departs from Aswan to Luxor on Fridays. To follow this day order exactly, begin the itinerary in Cairo on a Tuesday. Check the dated sailing calendar before booking domestic flights, accommodation, or international connections.

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Egypt’s best-known attractions are concentrated around Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. A practical first-time route is Cairo, Aswan, a northbound Nile cruise to Luxor, one Red Sea base, then Cairo for departure.

What this day is about: Arriving and settling in

Check in and take your first evening slowly. If you’re staying at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah on Gezira Island, you’ll be beside the Nile, with access to Downtown Cairo and Zamalek for dinner or a short evening walk.

Planning tips

• Arrange your Egypt e-visa at least seven days before departure if your nationality is eligible.
• Book a hotel transfer or use an authorised airport transport service.
• Keep your first evening flexible, particularly after a long international flight.
• Avoid scheduling major sightseeing on your arrival day. Airport formalities, luggage collection, and Cairo traffic can affect how much time you have after landing.

What this day is about: The pyramids and Egypt's headline collection

Start day two early at the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, allowing time to explore the plateau, viewpoints, and any pyramid interiors included in your ticket. Then continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza plateau, home to the Tutankhamun collection. Aim to arrive at the pyramids at opening time to beat the heat.

Planning tips

• Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, as shade is limited on the plateau.
• Book museum tickets ahead where timed admission applies.
• Consider hiring a licensed Egyptologist for historical context.
• Check whether entry to a pyramid interior requires a separate ticket.

What this day is about: Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo, and Khan el-Khalili

Begin exploring around the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i mosques before continuing to Coptic Cairo and the Hanging Church. These areas reveal different periods of Cairo’s religious and architectural history. Finish at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar for tea, shopping, and a wander through the surrounding lanes. For dinner, explore some of the best restaurants in Cairo, including restaurants serving Egyptian dishes and options overlooking the Nile.

Planning tips

• Dress modestly, with your shoulders and knees covered, when entering religious sites.
• Carry small Egyptian-pound notes for purchases and tips.
• Agree on prices before buying items in the bazaar.
• Pack for your domestic flight before going to bed.

What this day is about: Travelling to Upper Egypt and beginning your Nile journey

Take an early flight from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Aswan International Airport (ASW), then transfer directly to Mövenpick MS Royal Lily Nile Cruise. The three-night itinerary departs from Aswan on Fridays and travels north to Luxor.

Boarding begins at noon, followed by lunch at 12:30pm. Choose a flight that leaves enough time for baggage collection and the transfer from Aswan International Airport. If the available schedule is too tight, arrive in Aswan the previous evening.

In the afternoon, the cruise includes visits to the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple. You’ll then return to the ship for a welcome cocktail, dinner, and an overnight stay aboard the vessel in Aswan.

Planning tips

• Choose an early flight that allows time to collect your luggage and reach the vessel before noon.
• Confirm the embarkation location and boarding time before booking your flight.
• Arrange your airport-to-cruise transfer in advance.
• Keep your passport and cruise confirmation in your hand luggage.
• Consider arriving in Aswan the previous evening if you want additional protection against flight delays.

What this day is about: Temples along the Nile

After an early breakfast, sail to Kom Ombo and visit its riverside temple. The complex is unusual because it's dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, a form of Horus. Return to the ship as it continues towards Edfu. The cruise programme includes a behind-the-scenes ship tour and cooking class before lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the cruise’s principal archaeological stops. Return to the vessel for tea on the sun deck, dinner, and an evening Galabeya celebration while sailing towards Luxor.

Planning tips

• Follow the ship’s return instructions after each excursion.
• Take water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes ashore.
• Avoid arranging independent activities during cruise days.
• Check the evening briefing for the following morning’s departure time.

What this day is about: Royal tombs and monumental temples

Begin on Luxor’s West Bank with the Valley of the Kings, where ancient rulers were buried in decorated tombs cut into the surrounding hills.

Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, built against the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. The tombs covered by standard admission can vary, while some require separate tickets.

After returning to the vessel for lunch, cross to the East Bank. Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, both included in the three-night cruise programme.

Planning tips

• Confirm which tombs are covered by your cruise excursion, and check whether any additional tombs require separate tickets.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the Karnak complex covers a large area.
• Carry water, sun protection, and mosquito repellent.
• Confirm the next morning’s disembarkation and luggage arrangements.

What this day is about: Travelling from the Nile Valley to the coast

Have breakfast aboard the ship before disembarking in Luxor according to the final cruise programme. Meet your pre-arranged driver and travel by road to either Hurghada or El Gouna. Choosing one base will give you more time to settle in and enjoy your Red Sea stay.

Planning tips

• Arrange your Luxor-to-Red-Sea transfer before travelling to Egypt.
• Confirm that your driver can collect you directly from the cruise disembarkation point.
• Don’t book a fixed-time boat excursion for your arrival afternoon.
• Keep water and travel essentials accessible during the journey.

What this day is about: Snorkelling, marine life, water sports, or resort time

After several days of archaeological sightseeing, choose one main experience for your only full day beside the Red Sea.

In El Gouna, join a snorkelling or diving trip, explore the lagoons by boat, or see the reefs from a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine. Alternatively, spend the day at the beach or pool before taking a sunset catamaran cruise. If you’re staying at Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna, ask the hotel team about available activities and booking options.

In Hurghada, Mercure Hurghada Hotel offers curated excursions to places including Giftun Island and Sharm El Naga, along with a diving centre, water sports, a private beach, and an outdoor pool.

Planning tips

• Choose El Gouna for a resort-focused stay.
• Choose Hurghada if boat trips and a wider activity selection are your priority.
• Book popular snorkelling or diving excursions ahead.
• Follow local guidance on weather and sea conditions.
• Use reef-safe sun protection where possible.

What this day is about: A final coastal morning and the journey back to Cairo

Later, travel to Hurghada International Airport and fly to Cairo. Stay overnight in the city so you don’t need to connect from a domestic flight directly to your international departure.

Planning tips

• Book your Hurghada-to-Cairo flight before reserving a timed Day 9 activity.
• Allow for the road transfer from El Gouna to Hurghada International Airport.
• Check baggage allowances before booking.
• Keep essential medication, documents, and valuables in your hand luggage.
• Confirm your Cairo airport transfer before departure.

What this day is about: Preparing for your international flight

Have breakfast at your hotel, then travel to Cairo International Airport for your international departure.

If your flight leaves later in the day, use the morning for a relaxed breakfast or a short walk near your hotel. Avoid planning a major attraction that could be affected by traffic or entry queues.

Planning tips

• Allow enough time for the journey to Cairo International Airport.
• Check your airline’s terminal and check-in instructions.
• Keep Egyptian pounds available for small purchases and tips.
• Pack liquids and souvenirs according to airline and security requirements.
• Keep your passport and boarding documents accessible.

If you’re spending 10 days in Egypt, choosing the right base helps make a multi-stop itinerary feel more comfortable.

The best time of year to visit Egypt is between October and April, as this offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, with warm days and cooler evenings. Summer months bring very high temperatures, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so early starts and midday breaks become essential if you travel then.

Cash is recommended when visiting Egypt. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll want cash for markets, tips, carriage rides, and small cafés. Egyptian pounds are best for daily spending, and ATMs are widely available in cities and at airports.

A three-night cruise along Egypt's Nile River connects Aswan and Luxor while covering temples like Kom Ombo and Edfu along the way. You unpack once, travel by day, and reach several sites that are harder to visit by road.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and sun protection for long days outdoors. Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for mosques and churches, plus a scarf. A refillable water bottle and a small day bag make daily sightseeing easier.

Start with three nights in Cairo for Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and historic neighbourhoods, then fly to Aswan and board a three-night Nile cruise that stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu before reaching Luxor for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and Luxor Temple. Continue by road from Luxor to one Red Sea base — Hurghada or El Gouna — for two nights of beach time and snorkelling. Fly back to Cairo for a final overnight before departure.