How to Plan a 7-Day Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Top 6 Options

How to Plan a 7-Day Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Top 6 Options

By Rita | Updated Mar. 19, 2024

Is 7 days enough for visiting Egypt? Although 7 days seems a short amount of time to spend in Egypt, it is still long enough to delve deeply into two cities or have a quick taste of three cities. The "Golden Triangle route" (Cairo–Luxor–Aswan) is the most popular itinerary — the classic choice.

You could also check out another four itineraries that cater specifically to first-time visitors for a variety of ideas. Additionally, we are more than happy to further customize any of the itineraries to align with your specific preferences and travel time.

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1. A Classic 7-Day Egypt Itinerary with a Nile Cruise

Ships cruising on the Nile, EgyptShips cruising on the Nile, Egypt

This itinerary showcases the best of Egypt: the pyramids in Cairo, the Nile scenery, and the majestic temples in Luxor and Aswan. A Nile cruise would save you from having to make hotel changes and enrich your travel experience with everchanging Nile views as well.

You could get inspiration from the following itinerary, which forms the base of many Egypt trips for our clients.

  • Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with a camel ride, the Great Sphinx, the Cairo Citadel, food tours, the Khan el-Khalili market, and the Egyptian Museum)
  • Day 4: Nile cruise from Aswan (cruise boarding, the Aswan High Dam, the Philae temple complex, and the Unfinished Obelisk)
  • Day 5: Nile cruise (the Edfu Temple and the Kom Ombo Temple)
  • Days 6–7: Nile cruise to Luxor (the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Luxor Temple, and the Karnak temple complex)
Egypt tour map

First-timers shouldn't miss the pyramids and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. You could take a camel ride through the pyramid complex and, if you like, delve deeply into these ancient marvels with a close up tour (even going inside one). Beyond the historical wonders, a food-hunting tour would add fun to your trip!

To maximize your time, we have specially arranged a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, which saves you 1 day compared with a cruise from Luxor to Aswan. You can leisurely indulge in the splendid temples, such as the Philae temple complex, the Kom Ombo Temple, and the Luxor Temple.

Too busy to select your preferred cruise from the abundant choices? Travel with our private Egypt tours, and we would carefully find the best cruises at the best rates for you!

2. A 7-Day Egypt Itinerary with the Red Sea: Couple/Family-Friendly

This 7-day itinerary perfectly combines the ancient civilization in Cairo with beach relaxation in Hurghada. Whether you're traveling with your teenage kids or going on a romantic vacation, the Red Sea is wonderful for relaxing and having watery fun.

Check out the following outlined itinerary or tell us your interests and we'd love to help to create your dream trip to Egypt.

  • Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with a camel ride, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, food tours, the Khan el-Khalili market, and the El Tannoura Dance Show)
  • Days 4–7 in Hurghada (beach activities, such as snorkeling and diving, and a day trip for a desert safari, journeying to a Bedouin village)
diving in HurghadaDiving in Hurghada

In this itinerary, you'll fully discover Cairo's history: from the awesome Giza pyramid complex to the lesser-known, but older, Step Pyramid in Saqqara and the Egyptian Museum. Food tours and the El Tannoura Dance Show offer great opportunities to immerse yourself in the exotic local lifestyle.

Hurghada offers the perfect beach getaway if you're looking for relaxation, water adventures, and a tropical atmosphere. Known for snorkeling and diving paradises, you'll be amazed by the crystal waters and incredible marine life.

You could also take a jeep safari, venture into the desert, and explore the Bedouin village nearby.

3. A 7-Day Egypt Itinerary with Alexandria and Aswan/Luxor

If you would like a delightful escape from the chaotic city life and a unique glimpse into Egypt's rich past, this 7-day itinerary is specially designed for you.

We've also specially arranged boutique hotels with a view of the pyramids that are near the Nile. You can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and have unique experiences.

Here is a brief itinerary summary for your information:

  • Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza Pyramid complex, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Citadel, 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 5–7 in Aswan (the Philae temple complex, the Aswan High Dam, a sunset felucca trip along the Nile, and Abu Simbel)
Visit Pompey's Pillar in AlexandriaVisit Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria

Besides Cairo, you're recommended to visit Alexandria and Aswan. Alexandria is blended with coastal charm and historical allure. You could explore the multi-cultural catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and enjoy the sea view from the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

As one of the top three destinations in Egypt, Aswan is a serene Nile Valley destination and has a much calmer atmosphere than Luxor and Cairo. You can travel on the tranquil water of the Nile in a felucca (a traditional wooden boat) at sunset and see the timeless Abu Simbel temples up close.

Option 2: Ends in Luxor

If you're more interested in the grand temples in Luxor, contact us to personalize and tailor-make your dream trip. A suggested itinerary with Luxor ends as follows:

  • Days 5–7 in Luxor (the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Karnak temple complex, sunrise balloon rides, and a night city tour by horse-drawn carriage)

To create unforgettable memories in Luxor, don't miss a photogenic sunrise balloon ride and a city night tour in an interesting horse-drawn carriage.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

4. A 7-Day Egypt Itinerary with the White Desert Adventure

If you'd like to experience something adventurous in Egypt, this itinerary is tailor-made for you. After full explorations of Cairo, you'll venture into the Black and White Deserts with their surreal landscapes.

If you enjoy off-road adventures, you can take a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the rocky landscapes and desert trails.

If you seek a tranquil atmosphere, camping is also one of the best experiences. You and your family/partner can spend quality time together: create a picturesque campsite, enjoy a memorable local dinner under the starry sky, and capture the awe-inspiring sunsets/sunrises.

Here is the brief itinerary for your information.

  • Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza Pyramid complex, food hunting tour, the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Citadel, and the Khan el–Khalili market)
  • Days 4–6 in Bahariya (Bahariya Oasis, Crystal Mountain, the Black Desert, the White Desert, jeep safari and desert camping)
  • Day 7 Departure from Cairo

Insider tips: Travel permits are required for the White Desert. When you travel with us, we'll handle it for you.

5. A 7-Day Egypt Itinerary with Mount Sinai

View from the Mount Sinai, EgyptView from the Mount Sinai, Egypt

If you are taking a pilgrimage trip to the Middle East, this itinerary could be best for your time in Egypt before heading to Jordan and Israel.

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

With permission requirements for Mount Sinai, a private tour would help to make your trip go more smoothly.

Here is a typical pilgrimage tour itinerary for your reference:

  • 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 4–5 in Saint Catherine (Saint Catherine's Monastery and a trek up Mount Sinai)
  • Days 6–7 in Ain Sokhna (snorkeling and diving, relaxing on the beach)

You can learn more about pilgrimage sites in the Middle East from our 24-Day Grand Middle East Bible Journey. If you would like to get rid of the hassles of planning your pilgrimage trip, just leave your interests and schedule with us and we'll take care of everything for you!

6. A 7-Day Egypt Itinerary with Jordan

If you want to see the multiple facets of the Middle East within 7 days, look no further than this 2-countries-in-1-week itinerary. Bordering with Egypt, you could easily reach the capital of Jordan in 1 hour by air.

With this itinerary, your trip could be enhanced by floating on the Dead Sea and exploring the mystical Rose City of Petra. For romantic celebrations, take in the spectacle of Petra by Night and wander around a candlelit Petra. If would you like something adventurous, we can also exclusively create a customized hiking tour just for you.

A classic route is suggested below for your inspiration: 3 days in Egypt and 4 days in Jordan.

  • Days 1–3 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with a camel ride, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, the Khan el-Khalili market, and the El Tannoura Dance Show)
  • Day 4: in Amman (the Citadel, the Roman Theater, and the ancient city of Jerash)
  • Days 5–7 in Petra (the Dead Sea, the Treasury, the Monastery, the Great Temple, and Tomb, Petra by Night)

If you have more days, you could extend your trip to go camping in the Mars-like Wadi Rum and have fun on a beach vacation at the Red Sea. You could check out our handpicked 2-week Egypt and Jordan tour for inspiration.

How Much Does a 7-Day Egypt Tour Cost?

Enjoy a Felucca on the Nile RiverEnjoy a Felucca on the Nile River in Aswan

You can expect the price of a 7-day private Egypt tour to be about US$1,000–1,800 per person. Children under 10 can receive discounts of between 30% and 50%.

The bigger your family or the more friends you invite, the more money you can save. Going right before or after the peak time (November to March) is 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 is also helpful to optimize your costs. You'd have a unique and personalized travel experience that goes beyond traditional group tours, with worry-free private transfers, character-filled boutique hotels, and authentic local food experiences.

You could find more details in How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost? >>>

Traveling to Egypt With Us

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

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

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