Top 6 Egypt Itineraries for 8 Days (2024/2025)

Are 8 days enough to truly experience the wonders of Egypt? Yes. Although 8 days may limit depth and scope, you could discover many of Egypt's iconic landmarks comfortably with the right planning and well-designed itineraries.

The capital, Cairo, is the essential base for all Egypt trips. For an 8-day trip, Cairo and a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is the most popular combo.

If you're seeking a leisurely vacation, Hurghada, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh are great add-ons. If you prefer somewhere adventurous, consider Mount Sinai and the White Desert as excellent extensions. Adding a neighboring country would provide you with a quick glimpse of the Asian Middle East as well.

Read on to explore our six carefully-crafted itineraries and get tips on costs.

1. A Classic 8-Day Egypt Itinerary with a Nile Cruise

If you are a first-timer to Egypt, this 8-day itinerary has been customized for many like you who want to take in the must-sees in style.

Following this classic route, you could marvel at the pyramids' enigmatic allure, sail along the storied Nile, and discover Luxor's temples as well as the tranquil beauty of Aswan.

Check out the following brief itinerary, for inspiration:

Days 1–3 in Cairo

(the Giza pyramid complex, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Citadel, a food tour, and the Khan el-Khalili market)

Cairo embraces both ancient and modern Egypt. In addition to the unrivaled pyramids, history buffs could immerse themselves in the treasures of the Egyptian Museum.

Foodies, you would have the chance to speak with the locals and eat as locals at the traditional markets. If you have specific dietary preferences, such as being vegan, we could customize the food tour to cater to your needs!

9-Day Essential Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise

Days 4–8: Your Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

Days 4–5: Your Nile cruise departs Luxor (cruise check-in, Luxor Temple, the Karnak temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon)
Day 6: Your Nile cruise continues with excursions (the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus in Edfu)
Days 7–8: Your Nile cruise disembarks in Aswan (an Aswan city tour visiting the Aswan High Dam, the Philae temple complex, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel; cruise check-out)

Taking a 5-day cruise from Luxor to Aswan, you could have easy access to Abu Simbel in Aswan. If Abu Simbel isn't your top priority, you could go for the 4-day alternative from Aswan to Luxor. It could help to save you about US$200 per person.

Unlike typical group tours on cruise ships, we would provide you with a dedicated private guide throughout your shore excursions, ensuring the best possible experience for you.

If you are looking for unique experiences, you could take a traditional dahabiya. With just 5–6 cabins, you could relish enhanced privacy and an exclusive experience.

12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour with Abu Simbel

2. A Relaxing 8-Day Egypt Itinerary with Hurghada

If you're looking to infuse your first trip to Egypt with some beach fun, you will probably like this itinerary. It combines the historic wonders of Cairo and Luxor with the idyllic beaches of Hurghada over 8 days.

Here is a brief itinerary summary for your information:

Days 1–3 in Cairo (a camel ride around the Giza pyramid complex, city tours with Old and New Cairo, and a day trip to Alexandria)
Days 4–5 in Luxor (the Valley of the Kings, iconic temples, a sunrise balloon ride, and/or a nighttime city tour by horse and carriage)
Days 6–8 in Hurghada (beach activities, such as snorkeling and diving, and a desert safari with a visit to a Bedouin village)

The mosque near the bank of the Red Sea, HurghadaHurghada is a popular beach retreat by the Red Sea. Filled with a laid-back vibe, you could lazily bask on the sunny beaches, go snorkeling and diving, or venture into the nearby desert.

For any beach vacation, a boutique beachfront hotel offering unique experiences would undoubtedly be a bonus, particularly for your family trip or romantic celebrations. Are you looking to eliminate the hassle of choosing hotels? Reach out to us for a private Egypt trip featuring carefully-selected hotels that have been chosen for your preferences!

10-Day Egypt Active Family Expedition Tour

3. An 8-Day Egypt Adventure to the White Desert

If you'd like to unveil more hidden gems of Egypt, look no further than this itinerary. You would go deeper into the history and culture of Cairo, experience the White Desert, and relax in the coastal charm of the Mediterranean in Alexandria.

Have a look to see if this is your travel style from the following outline and highlights:

Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, the Great Sphinx, city tours including a food tour, and the Khan el-Khalili market)
Days 4–6 in Bahariya (Bahariya Oasis, Crystal Mountain, the Black Desert, the White Desert, and desert camping)
Days 7–8 Alexandria (the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Library of Alexandria)

Camping in the White Desert is one of the highlights of this 8-day trip. The best time to camp is from October to April, allowing you to escape the extreme heat. For a hassle-free experience, we highly recommend a private tour to manage navigation and government travel permits. When you choose to travel with us, we would take care of everything for you!

In Alexandria, you could explore the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and visit the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, a symbol of maritime history. If you're traveling with teens, you probably won't want to miss the Library of Alexandria, one of the largest libraries of the ancient world.

16-Day Grand Egypt Tour with White Desert

4. An 8-Day Egypt Exploration of the Sinai Peninsula

Embarking on this 8-day Egyptian journey, you would follow a path that leads you from the vibrant streets of Cairo to the serene landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula.

Here is a typical Cairo–Sinai–Coast itinerary with a winding-down tour pace for your reference:

Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, the Great Sphinx, city tours, and the El Tannoura Dance Show)
Days 4–5 in Saint Catherine (Saint Catherine's Monastery and a hike up Mount Sinai)
Days 6–8 in Sharm El Sheikh (snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beach)

View from the Mount Sinai, Egypt

A Sinai Peninsula trip would not be complete without holy Mount Sinai and picturesque Sharm El Sheikh.

Hiking before dawn is quite popular for group tours. But we strongly recommend going in the afternoon for a serene trek as well as a more peaceful sunset spectacle. As travel permits are required for a visit to Mount Sinai, we recommend that you go on a private tour with an experienced guide to take you through check points.

What could be better than refreshing yourself on a tranquil beach after a meaningful hike? The soft-sand shores of Sharm El Sheikh's beaches provide the perfect setting to unwind.

9-Day Egypt Tour with Mount Sinai

5. An 8-Day Cultural Discovery Trip to Egypt and Jordan

If you're looking to experience more of the ancient civilizations of the Middle East, adding Jordan, a neighbor of Egypt, would be an ideal choice.

In this 8-day tour, you would explore Cairo, Amman, and Petra, allowing you to see the best of Egypt and Jordan in a limited time.

Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with a camel ride, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, a sunset cruise on the Nile, the Khan el-Khalili market, and the El Tannoura Dance Show)
Days 4–5: in Amman (the Citadel, the Roman Theater, the ancient city of Jerash, and a day trip to the Dead Sea)
Days 6–8 in Petra (the Treasury, the Monastery, the Great Temple, the Royal Tombs, Petra by Night, and a day trip to Wadi Rum)

The Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan

3 days in Cairo promises awesome pyramids, unrivaled treasures, local life, and the Nile. A sunset Nile cruise would provide a great backdrop for memorable moments, particularly during milestone trips.

In Jordan, you would experience the amazing serenity of the desert in Mars-like Wadi Rum and the magical Dead Sea. As well as that, Amman and Petra stand out for their historical marvels.

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

6. An 8-Day Pilgrimage Itinerary to Egypt and Israel

If you're seeking to immerse yourself in the sacred essence of the Middle East, this itinerary may be ideal for you. You would go through the spiritual heart of Egypt and Israel, including Cairo, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.

A classic route is suggested below, for inspiration. It includes 3 days in Egypt and 5 days in Israel.

Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with a camel ride, the Great Sphinx, the Hanging Church, Wadi El Natrun, the Khan el-Khalili market, and the Egyptian Museum)
Days 4–6 in Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, and a day trip to Bethlehem)
Days 7–8 in Tel Aviv (the ancient city of Jaffa, Carmel Market, and Tel Aviv Museum of Art)

Western Wall in Jerusalem

In Cairo, beyond the iconic pyramids, you would delve into the city's spiritual fabric by visiting the Hanging Church and the serene Wadi El Natrun.

After Cairo, you would fly to neighboring Israel to discover its top two popular cities: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Jerusalem always tops the bucket lists of pilgrims. You would wander through its Old City to visit the millennia-old religious sites. You would also pay a visit to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Concluding your trip in Tel Aviv would give you a sense of Israel's modern life and sea views.

If this 8-day pilgrimage trip doesn't fulfill your all your ambitions, you could extend your journey to Jordan and Turkey. Check out more details in our 24-Day Grand Middle East Bible Tour.

15-Day Best of Israel Jordan and Egypt Family Tour

How Much Is an 8-Day Egypt Trip?

You could expect the price of an 8-day private Egypt tour to be about US$1,200–2,000 per person. Children under 10 could receive discounts of between 30% and 50%.

The bigger your family or the more friends you invite, the more money you could save. Going right before or after the peak time (November to March) would be beneficial to save some costs and still have the chance of catching some warmer weather. If you're celebrating Christmas and New Year in Egypt, consider departing before December 20th for more affordable international flight tickets.

Contact us, ideally 3-6 months in advance, for the best of the early-bird benefits. Specializing in customized private tours, traveling with us would also be helpful to optimize your costs and benefit from hassle-free experiences.

12-Day Best Egypt Tour with Sharm El Sheikh

Booking Your Egypt Trip with Us

Want more itinerary options? You can get our handpicked itineraries for various durations: 5 days, 7 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: