Three weeks in Egypt would allow you to unveil more hidden gems in the popular cities, go off the beaten path, and have a longer beach vacation at the Red Sea.
In this article, we offer suggestions on allocating your time, provide three well-organized itineraries, and advise you on cost ranges to help you plan your dream trip.
How to Spend Your 3 Weeks in Egypt
If you have 3 weeks for an Egypt trip, broadly speaking, you have two choices: an in-depth exploration of Egypt or going beyond Egypt.
To fully indulge in Egypt's attractions, you could spend 9 days on the "Golden Triangle route" (Cairo–Luxor–Aswan) including a Nile cruise (4–5 days). Relaxing on beaches (4–5 days) near the Red Sea is not to be missed, especially for couples.
Travel on a traditional Egyptian sailing boat in Nile — a feluccaBesides these most popular places, you could venture into the White Desert for 3 days, trek up Mount Sinai with a 2-day excursion, and have an exploration of coastal Alexandria for 2 days.
If somewhere besides Egypt would best fulfill your 3-week travel ambitions, adding one or two nearby countries is a great option with a comfortable tour pace. You could spend 9–12 days exploring Egypt's iconic destinations before moving on to your next destination. Most of our clients prefer to combine Egypt with Morocco or Jordan and/or Israel. If you have your own bucket list destinations, we're happy to tailor-make a dream trip for you!
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Itinerary 1: 3-Week Egypt In-Depth Exploration
If you want to explore Egypt to the fullest, take this 3-week itinerary. It perfectly balances the iconic highlights as well as taking you off the beaten path.
You're welcome to get inspiration from the following itinerary, which has a thoughtful winding-down destination sequence.
Week 1: Cairo, Alexandria, and the White Desert
- Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with camel riding, Saqqara, the Cairo Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, the Khan el-Khalili market, and the El Tannoura Dance Show)
- Days 4–5 in Alexandria (the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Library of Alexandria)
- Days 6–8 in Bahariya (Bahariya Oasis, Crystal Mountain, the Black Desert, the White Desert, and desert camping)
Camping in the White DesertIn the first week, you'd immerse yourself in historical Cairo, relax in coastal Alexandria, and venture into the White Desert.
Your Cairo trip is not complete without seeing the pyramids. You can snap breathtaking photos of the iconic pyramids of Giza, as well as discover the lesser-explored Step Pyramid. To create memorable moments, don't miss the sunset panoramic view from the Cairo Citadel and the interesting El Tannoura Dance Show.
After visiting the Mediterranean coast and Alexandria, you'd take a desert camping trip in the Black and White deserts. You and your partner can escape from the chaotic cities, get close up to the surreal desert formations, and enjoy stargazing together. A private tour is highly recommended due to the hassles of navigation and getting documents from the government. Travel with us and we'd take care of everything for you!
Week 2: A Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan
- Day 9 in Cairo (Coptic Cairo and free time)
- Days 10–11: Nile cruise from Luxor (cruise check-in, the Luxor Temple, the Karnak temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon)
- Day 12: Nile cruise (the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus in Edfu)
- Days 13–14: Nile cruise, arriving in Aswan (Aswan city tour visiting the Aswan High Dam, the Philae temple complex, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel, then the cruise check-out)
Compared to flights or road trips from Luxor to Aswan, you can have an all-in-one travel experience with a Nile cruise. It helps to avoid frequent hotel changes and offers breathtaking Nile scenery as well as exciting shore excursions to majestic temples.
To keep you away from the chaotic groups, we specifically provide private guides for all of your offshore excursions. If you would like a more-exclusive cruise for a milestone celebration, take a dahabiya (a traditional wooden houseboat) with just 5–6 cabins!
Too overwhelmed to select your cruise among the abundant choices? Simply leave us your interests and schedule, and you'll get a personalized Egypt itinerary including the best Nile cruise for you within 24 hours!
Week 3: Mount Sinai and the Red Sea
- Days 15–16 in Saint Catherine (Saint Catherine's Monastery and trek up Mount Sinai)
- Days 17–21 in Sharm el-Sheikh (snorkeling and diving, relaxing on the beach)
Have fun in the Red SeaHiking up Mount Sinai adds an adventurous touch to your trip. We strongly suggest that you go to see the sunset to avoid the huge groups that flock to the summit at midnight. Similar to the White Desert, you have to apply for authorization to visit Mount Sinai.
A beach getaway is the perfect way to top off your Egypt trip. Sharm el-Sheikh embraces world-class luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and exciting water activities. For your trip, we would carefully select from the diversity of hotels to cater to your preferences, such as adult-only hotels.
Itinerary 2: 3-Week Morocco and Egypt Highlights Tour
This 3-week itinerary is particularly designed to showcase the best of North Africa. Morocco and Egypt are unparalleled destinations that unveil the rich cultural heritage and captivating experiences of North Africa, including the Nile, the pyramids, and the Sahara Desert.
Check out our carefully-crafted itinerary below for 9 days in Morocco and 12 days in Egypt.
Days 1–9 in Morocco
- Days 1–3 in Casablanca and Rabat (Hassan II Mosque, Kasbah des Oudaias, Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail)
- Day 4 in Fes (the Mosque and University of Al-Karaouine, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, Chouara Tannery, and Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts)
- Days 5–6 in Erfoud and Merzouga (a Sahara Desert safari and desert camping)
- Day 7 in Ouarzazate (the Todra Gorge and Ait Benhaddou)
- Days 8–9 in Marrakech (the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, Djemaa el-Fna Square, a hammam experience, and a caleche ride around the city walls)
Explore the Erg Chebbi DesertFor your first visit to Morocco, you're advised to go on a trip out to the Sahara Desert on the way from Casablanca to Marrakech.
During your trip, you would have the opportunity to explore Morocco's imperial cities, including Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat. Wandering through their atmospheric medinas (Arab old town quarters), you'll gain an insight into the local life, traditional handicrafts, and historical sites.
If you're seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, what could be more awe-inspiring than camping in the Sahara Desert? For the most favorable weather, you're advised to go camping between March and May, or September and November.
We also offer customized exclusive activities, such as walking tours in Fes, hiking tours in the Todra Gorge, cooking classes, and a medina hammam experience in Marrakech.
Days 10–21 in Egypt
- Days 10–13 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, a food tour, Khan el-Khalili market, a day trip to Alexandria, and some free time)
- Days 14–17 on a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Philae temple complex, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Horus, the Luxor Temple, and the Karnak temple complex)
- Days 18–21 in Hurghada (beach activities, such as snorkeling and diving)
After a more-energetic experience in Morocco, get ready for a more relaxing tour in Egypt. Marvel at the ancient history in Cairo, take an enchanting Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and unwind on a beach in Hurghada.
For a romantic trip, you would probably enjoy an impressive sunset felucca sailing trip on the Nile and a sunrise balloon ride over Luxor. If you desire a more-intimate atmosphere, we can customize your beach vacation from the bustling Hurghada to the tranquil El Gouna.
Contact us to create more romantic moments and surprises for you and your beloved.
Itinerary 3: Egypt, Jordan, and Israel in 3 Weeks
If you are more interested in seeing more of the Middle East, look no further than this 3-week itinerary. You'll taste the best of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. As neighbors, you can easily travel from one country to another.
As the epitome of the Middle East, you can trace the footsteps of ancient civilizations in Egypt, uncover the secrets of the magical landscapes in Jordan, and immerse yourself in the holy land of Israel.
See the following handcrafted itinerary with 9 days in Egypt, 8 days in Jordan, and 4 days in Israel. You could also let us know your interests and we would happily tailor-make your dream trip.
Days 1–9 in Egypt
- Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Cairo, Coptic Cairo, food tours, and the Khan el-Khalili market)
- Day 4 in Alexandria and to Cairo (the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Library of Alexandria)
- Days 5–6: Nile cruise from Luxor (cruise check-in, the Luxor Temple, the Karnak temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon)
- Day 7: Nile cruise (the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus in Edfu)
- Day 8–9: Nile cruise, arriving in Aswan (a city tour to visit the Aswan High Dam, the Philae temple complex, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel, then the cruise check-out)
Similar to other Egypt itineraries above, you'd explore Egypt via a classic route: Cairo – Alexandria – a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan.
If you have any other interests, click Create My Trip, and you'll get a tailor-made itinerary within 24 hours!
Days 10–16 in Jordan
- Days 10–11 in Amman (the Citadel, the Roman Theater, and the ancient city of Jerash)
- Days 12–13 in Petra (Mount Nebo, Saint George's Church in Madaba, the Siq, the Treasury, the Monastery, and Petra by Night)
- Days 14–15 in Wadi Rum (martian landscapes in Wadi Rum, a desert safari, and desert camping with stargazing)
- Day 16 at the Dead Sea (Bethany Beyond the Jordan and floating on the Dead Sea)
For a comfortable week-long Jordan tour, it is wise to visit Jordan's iconic destinations: Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Amman and Petra would offer Jordan's glorious history and architectural wonders. The Dead Sea and Wadi Rum would present Jordan's unique landscapes.
Floating on the Dead Sea, you would have fun floating effortlessly together, while camping in Mars-like Wadi Rum would provide an opportunity to build and strengthen intimate relationships with your partner. Seeing the Petra By Night show is an incredible and romantic way to experience Arab culture as you enjoy the tranquility and appreciate the candle-lit Treasury.
Days 17–21 in Israel
- Days 17–19 in Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, and a day trip to Bethlehem)
- Days 20–21: Tel Aviv (the ancient city of Jaffa, Carmel Market, and Tel Aviv Museum of Art)
Israel is a small country and if a pilgrimage is not your thing, 5 days are adequate to have a quick taste of Israel in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Jerusalem is the big draw in Israel for its profound religious significance and historical treasures, such as the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall.
Unlike mundane history lessons, our private local guides bring these historical sites to life with their expert knowledge and personal experiences, making your travel experience vivid and engaging.
Tel Aviv will show you more modern life in Israel. You and your partner could have a sunset dinner in the ancient city of Jaffa. Cycling along the breathtaking coastline together is also fantastic.
How Much Is a 3-Week Trip to Egypt?
You can expect the price of a 3-week private Egypt tour to be about US$3,000–5,000 per person.
Inviting more friends or family to join you is beneficial to save costs per person. Going right before or after the peak time (November to March) is beneficial to save on some costs and still catch the good weather transition period. If you're celebrating Christmas and New Year in Egypt, consider departing before December 20th for more affordable international flight tickets.
Contact us 3-6 months in advance for some early-bird benefits. We are experts at optimizing your costs as well. Travel with us for a unique and personalized travel experience that goes beyond traditional group tours, including worry-free private transfers, character-filled boutique hotels, and authentic local food experiences.
Discovering Egypt With Us
Want more itinerary options? You can get our handpicked itineraries for various durations: 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 12 days, and 14 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:
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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