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.
Content Preview
1. A Classic 7-Day Egypt Itinerary with a Nile Cruise
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)
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)
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)
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.
|
Excellent Encapsulation/Set of Experiences across China
It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.) More
Ryan Farnan, Mar 2024
|
Only way to see Beijing
From the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic. More
John S, Mar 2024
|
The tour was of The Greta Wall of China
The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history More
Alice W, Mar 2024
|
Chengdu at it`s best
We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen. More
peter, Feb 2024
|
Best Tour Ever
Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing, More
Liz Hickson, Feb 2024
|
Chengdu and Volunteer program Panda base
Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China. More
Eliaquim, Feb 2024
|
Chengdu at it`s best
We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen. More
Peter, Feb 2024
|
Shanghai tour with Kris
We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great. More
Maria C, Feb 2024
|
Guilin 2024
We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise. More
Explore, Feb 2024
|
Excellent service
Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping! More
JJC, Feb 2024
|
We had an amazing to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. More
Ray Luan, Feb 2024
|
Amazing trip to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. More
Ray L., Feb 2024
|
Beautiful Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful guide, whose praises we can not sing loudly enough, was compassionate, caring, and overall endearing! His sense of ease and familiarity with each sight, which were unfamiliar wonders to us, provided a sense of peacefulness that facilitated full enjoyment - helped too by his punctuality and attention to detail. More
apisn2023, Feb 2024
|
The Highlights and High Life of Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful tour guide, made our entire trip an absolute joy for us as he was extraordinarily caring, considerate, and generous. Having had the pleasure of taking in the sights of Beijing previously with another lovely guide, Angela, it was spectacular not only to show the family how fantastic the city is but also how high the quality of services provided by China Highlights are. Each day unveiled a new treasure, helpfully detailed by Ethan, and punctuated by delicious and varied local food. Our driver, Mr. Chen, was also a delight, and was equally as key to the overall experience as he was both attentive and almost mystically punctual! More
Apis, Feb 2024
|
Shanghai 2024
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. More
Venture33530492375, Feb 2024
|
Beautiful Yangshuo
Guilin, but mostly Yangshuo was at the tail end of our China adventure so there was a lot to live up to. Having a guide like Gary Wei meant that our trip ended on a high! We arrived in Guilin very late from an 11 hour train journey. Gary met us with gifts of fruit, sweet bread and cakes which was so unexpected and thoughtful.Gary's knowledge of the area was exceptional and his attention to us the same. He really took our children under his wing - even tuning in to annoying sibling rivalry and managing to keep the peace very well! Gary was our personal photographer at times and even our Taiji instructor, making a beautiful video of us all doing Taiji in a scenic setting :)The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is definitely worth taking and we enjoyed our few nights in the area, riding bikes along the river, doing a cooking class and enjoying the scenery More
JenB, Feb 2024
|
Vincent was a fantastic guide !
Vincent was a fantastic guide !Vincent is a wonderful & warm guide. He is extremely knowledgeable and his explanations are excellent. He showed us around Guilin & Yangshuo. He attended to all of our needs and really made the tour very special More
David, Feb 2024
|
Great Time in Beijing
Our 4-day experience in Beijing was unforgettable. Our guide, Selinda, opened the doors to the city's millennia-old history and culture with her knowledge, kindness, and courtesy. We discovered magnificent places, tasted delicious food, and stayed in clean hotels, all accompanied by safe and reliable transportation service. We recommend traveling with China Highlights. More
Nicola B, Feb 2024
|
Alice was a fantastic tour guide
Alice was a fantastic tour guide. She took us to many places in and around Lijiang including Jade Dragon Snow mountain and the old town. She is knowledgeable and very warm & friendly and very helpful with everything More
文文, Feb 2024
|
Thank you, Shannon. Thank you, Xi,an.
We met our tour guide Shannon in Xi,an and we enjoyed very much our stay. Her good English level and her knowledge of the history of the city made our jorney very memorable. Kind, flexible and patient, she attended all our wishes. We will always be grateful for her work. More
Man B, Feb 2024
|
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
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?
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:
Why Global Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
- 9-Day Essential Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise
- 9-Day Egypt Tour with Mount Sinai
- 10-Day Private Egypt Active Family Expedition Tour
- 12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour with Abu Simbel
- 12-Day Best Egypt Tour with Sharm El Sheikh
- 12-Day Journey Through Egypt and Jordan's Ancient Lands
- 2-Week Egypt and Jordan Family Adventure Tour
- 15-Day Egypt and Kenya Highlights Tour
- 15-Day Morocco and Egypt Highlights Tour
- 16-Day Grand Egypt Tour with White Desert
- How to Plan a 7-Day Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Top 6 Options
- Top 6 Egypt Itineraries for 8 Days (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a 10-Day Egypt Itinerary (Best 4 in 2024/2025)
- Top 4 Egypt Itineraries for 12-Day Trips (2023/2024)
- Planning a 2-Week Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Best 5 Options
- 2-Week Jordan and Israel Itineraries for First-Timers
- How to Plan a 3-Week Egypt Itinerary (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a Trip to Egypt 2024/2025 & Itinerary Ideas
- How to Plan a Trip to Egypt and Jordan in 2024/2025
- How to Plan a Family Trip to Egypt in 2024/2025
- How to Plan a Luxury Trip to Egypt in 2024/2025
- Best and Worst Times to Visit Egypt 2024/2025
- Weather in Egypt in January 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in February 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in May 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in June 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in July 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in August 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in September: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in November 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Weather in Egypt in December 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers