How to Plan a 10-Day Egypt Itinerary (Best 4 in 2024/2025)

Planning a 10-day trip to Egypt? 10 days is a good duration choice that provides a wonderful opportunity to explore some of Egypt's most iconic destinations.

Beyond the "Golden Triangle route" (Cairo–Luxor–Aswan), you could also unwind on incredible beaches by the Red Sea, make a pilgrimage trip to Mount Sinai, or, if you like, visit the best of Egypt and Jordan in 10 days.

We have designed four incredible itineraries tailored especially for first-timers with different interests. We're also happy to further personalize an itinerary to suit your preferences and time constraints.

1. Itinerary for First-timers
2. Itinerary for Couples/Families

3. Itinerary with Jordan
4. Itinerary with Mount Sinai

1) The Classic 10-Day Egypt Itinerary for First-timers

Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza

A first Egypt trip would not be complete without the pyramids in Cairo and an enchanting Nile River cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

With this itinerary, you'll have the incredible opportunity to explore the best of Egypt's ancient wonders and cultural treasures. You could also immerse yourself in relaxing hours and rustic natural scenery along the way.

Feel free to get inspiration from the following itinerary, which has formed the basis of many of our clients' Egypt trips.

Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza Pyramid complex, Cairo Citadel, and the Khan el-Khalili market, Saqqara, El Tannoura Dance Show)
Days 4–5: Nile cruise from Luxor (cruise check-in, Luxor Temple, the Karnak temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon)
Day 6: Nile cruise (the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus in Edfu)
Days 7–8: Nile cruise, disembarking in Aswan (Aswan city tour visiting the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel; cruise check-out)
Days 9–10 in Cairo (a day trip to Alexandria)

Cairo is home to the majestic pyramids. To fully appreciate their magnificence, you would explore the renowned Giza complex as well as seeing the more peaceful Saqqara Step Pyramid — the world's oldest-known stone monument.

For immersive experiences, you can get closer to local life in the bustling local markets and watch the traditional El Tannoura Dance Show. You could also have a day trip to Alexandria from Cairo, where you'll soak up the charm of Egypt's main coastal city.

A Nile cruise offers a laid-back way to see the splendid temples and historical landmarks, alongside the amazing Nile River. Are you finding it challenging to choose a cruise that suits your schedule and interests from the abundant choices? Travel with us on a private Egypt tour and we'll carefully find the best cruise at the best rate for you!

2) A 10-Day Egypt Itinerary for Couples/Families

Taking a camel ride to appreciate the pyramids

This 10-day itinerary provides a perfect balance between cultural highlights, beach relaxation, and thrilling adventures. Compared with the classic itinerary, we have added some beach time at the Red Sea to take you beyond the iconic highlights for some relaxation.

To add more fun to your trip, we have also specifically customized some activities for couples and families. Check them out in the following outlined itinerary. Or tell us your interests, and we'd love to add something special and help to create your dream trip to Egypt.

Days 1–3 in Cairo (exploring multi-generational pyramids by camel riding, Cairo Citadel, food tours, the Khan el-Khalili market)
Day 4 in Aswan (the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and sunset felucca ride)
Days 5–6 in Luxor (unveiling the Pharaohs' tombs, sunrise balloon ride and/or a nighttime city tour by horse and carriage)
Days 7–10 in Hurghada (beach activities like snorkeling and diving, a desert safari day trip to a Bedouin village)

To keep your family or your beloved more engaged, we've thoughtfully arranged camel or horse rides for you and your loved one(s), so you can marvel at the majestic pyramids in a fun and relaxing way together.

For a truly immersive experience, you would savor delicious treats just like the locals do on our food tours through the bustling local markets. If you're seeking some thrilling adventures, get ready for an adrenaline-pumping jeep desert safari that would create unforgettable memories.

In Luxor, you'd have chances to embark on a photogenic sunrise balloon ride and/or discover the city at night with an interesting horse-drawn carriage tour.

For a beach getaway, Hurghada is ideal — packed with resorts and water activities. But if you would prefer an untouched beach experience, go to El Quseir or El Gouna.

10-Day Egypt Active Family Expedition Tour

3) A 10-Day Egypt Itinerary with Jordan

The Monastery in Petra, Jordan

If you crave an immersive and more diverse Middle East experience in just 10 days, look no further than this itinerary.

It seamlessly blends Egypt's iconic sights with Jordan's archaeological marvels. Beyond the pyramids and the Nile, you'd see evidence of a different civilization in the desert city of Petra. And you can bask at the lowest point on Earth's surface: the Dead Sea.

As an iconic symbol of Jordan, Petra is a 2,000-year-old city of mysterious passages, tombs, and temples. It is half built and half carved into the red sandstone mountains that rise majestically from the biblical wilderness.

More impressively, admire a candle-lit Petra by going to see the Petra By Night show, performed every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

A classic route is suggested below for your inspiration with 6 days in Egypt and 4 days in Jordan:

Days 1–2 in Cairo (the Giza Pyramid complex, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and Khan el-Khalili market)
Day 3: Nile cruise from Aswan (cruise boarding, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the Unfinished Obelisk)
Day 4 on the Nile cruise (Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple)
Days 5–6: Nile cruise to Luxor (Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Karnak Temple Complex)
Day 7: Amman (the Citadel and the Roman Theater, the ancient city of Jerash)
Days 8–10 around Petra (the Dead Sea, the Treasury, the Monastery, the Temple, and the Palace, Petra by Night show)

If you have more days, you could extend your trip to see the Mars-like Wadi Rum desert and/or have fun with a beach vacation by the Red Sea. You could check out our handpicked 2-week Egypt and Jordan tour for further inspiration.

We also have more couple/family vacations in the Middle East, such as a 15-day Israel, Jordan and Egypt tour, and an 18-day Egypt, Jordan, and Israel trip.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Egypt and Jordan>>>

12-Day Journey Through Egypt and Jordan's Ancient Lands

4) A 10-Day Egypt Itinerary with Mount Sinai

A Church on the Top of the Mount Sinai

This 10-day itinerary aims to offer a balance of pilgrimage activities and classic sightseeing including the Pyramids.

You can follow the tracks of the Holy Family, from the desert monasteries in Wadi Natrun and the coast of the Red Sea to the holy peak of Mount Sinai.

Hiking up Mount Sinai takes about 4 hours and can be easily done on a day trip. If you're there early enough, you could also go up for sunrise at the peak. When visiting Mount Sinai, you're suggested to take a private tour to deal with securing permission from the government and negotiating multiple checkpoints along the way.

Here is a well-organized itinerary to do the above for your consideration:

Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with camel riding, the Great Sphinx, Cairo Citadel, food tours, Wadi Natrun and the Khan el-Khalili market, the Egyptian Museum)
Days 4–5 in Saint Catherine (Saint Catherine's Monastery, trek up Mount Sinai)
Days 6–8 in Ain Soukhna (snorkeling and diving, relaxing on the beach)
Days 9–10 in Cairo (a day trip to Alexandria)

If you let us know your particular interests, we are always ready to customize a trip like one of these for you

9-Day Egypt Tour with Mount Sinai

Booking Your Egypt Trips With Us

Want more options? You can check our handpicked itineraries and the costs for various durations: 5 days, 7 days, 8 days, 10 days, 12 days, 14 days and 21 days...

You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your own trip based on your group size, interests, and other needs. Sit back and use our Create My Trip service.

For inspiration, you could also see the following popular Egypt tours: