Egypt, the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and the mighty Nile, is a destination that captivates with its ancient wonders and vibrant culture. A 7-day itinerary in 2025 offers the perfect balance of iconic sights, from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor, alongside a serene Nile cruise. This carefully crafted itinerary covers Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, blending history, adventure, and relaxation. Designed for first-time visitors, families, and history buffs, it maximizes your time while ensuring an immersive experience. Here’s your ultimate guide to 7 days in Egypt, complete with must-see attractions, dining recommendations, and practical tips.
Why Visit Egypt in 7 Days?
Egypt’s compact geography and efficient domestic flights make it ideal for a week-long trip. Cairo, the bustling capital, is home to the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum, while Luxor and Aswan boast the world’s greatest open-air museums. A Nile cruise connects these southern cities, offering a relaxing way to explore ancient temples. Egypt’s affordability, with meals costing $5–15 and guided tours starting at $50, adds to its appeal. The country’s tourism infrastructure, bolstered by new museums like the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), ensures a seamless experience. This itinerary balances iconic sites with lesser-known gems, providing a comprehensive taste of Egypt’s 5,000-year history.
Day 1: Cairo – Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
Why Start Here? Cairo is Egypt’s gateway, home to the Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Highlights: Great Pyramid, Sphinx, Saqqara’s Step Pyramid
Activities: Guided tour, camel ride, evening sound and light show
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House (luxury, ~$150/night) or Pyramids View Inn (budget, ~$50/night)
Begin your Egyptian adventure in Cairo, landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI). After settling into your hotel, head to the Giza Plateau (30 minutes from downtown). Hire a private guide through a reputable operator like Memphis Tours ($50 for a half-day) to explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, built around 2630 BC. Marvel at its 2.3 million limestone blocks and opt for the interior tour ($20, book early). Nearby, the Great Sphinx, with its lion’s body and pharaoh’s face, is a must-see. For a memorable experience, take a 30-minute camel ride around the plateau (~$15, negotiate politely).
Next, drive to Saqqara (45 minutes), home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest stone monument (circa 2700 BC). Explore the surrounding necropolis, including the Serapeum, with its massive sarcophagi. Lunch at Saqqara Palm Club, offering Egyptian staples like koshari (lentil and pasta dish, $5). Return to Giza for the Pyramids Sound and Light Show ($15, 7:00 PM), a narrated spectacle illuminating the Sphinx and pyramids.
Dine at 9 Pyramids Lounge, a hilltop restaurant with pyramid views, serving taameya (Egyptian falafel) and grilled meats (~$10–20). Spend the night in Giza for proximity to the pyramids. Tripadvisor reviewers praise the Marriott Mena House for its “unforgettable pyramid views,” while budget travelers love Pyramids View Inn’s rooftop terrace.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain at Giza and Saqqara, and bring sunscreen and water for daytime tours.
Day 2: Cairo – Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo
Why Stay? Cairo’s museums and historic quarters offer a deep dive into Egypt’s pharaonic and Coptic heritage.
Highlights: Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili
Activities: Museum tour, church visits, bazaar shopping
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Start Day 2 with breakfast at your hotel, then head to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (20 minutes from Giza). This iconic museum houses over 120,000 artifacts, including Tutankhamun’s gold mask and mummies. A guided tour ($30) enhances the experience, with highlights like the Narmer Palette and Amarna statues. Note: Some artifacts have moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM, opened 2024), but the Egyptian Museum remains a treasure trove. Spend 2–3 hours here, grabbing coffee at the museum café ($3).
Next, explore Coptic Cairo (15 minutes away), a historic enclave with ancient churches. Visit the Hanging Church, built atop a Roman fortress, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, linked to Jewish heritage. The Coptic Museum nearby showcases Christian artifacts ($5). Lunch at Taboula in Garden City, serving molokhia (leafy stew) and stuffed pigeon ($10).
In the afternoon, wander Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s 14th-century bazaar. Shop for souvenirs like papyrus art or alabaster vases, and practice bargaining (aim for 50% of the initial price). Sip mint tea at Fishawi’s Café, a 200-year-old institution ($2). If time permits, visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in the Citadel for panoramic city views ($5).
Dine at Felfela in downtown Cairo, known for shakshuka and mezze platters (~$8–15). Return to your hotel to rest before an early flight to Luxor. Reddit travelers describe Khan el-Khalili as “a vibrant maze” and recommend Coptic Cairo for its serene contrast.
Pro Tip: Hire a guide for the Egyptian Museum to navigate its vast collection, and carry small bills (EGP) for bazaar purchases.
Day 3: Luxor – East Bank Temples
Why Visit? Luxor, the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” is home to Egypt’s most spectacular temples.
Highlights: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple
Activities: Guided temple tours, evening felucca ride
Accommodation: Steigenberger Nile Palace (luxury, ~$100/night) or Nefertiti Hotel (budget, ~$40/night)
Take a morning flight from Cairo to Luxor (1 hour, $50 via EgyptAir). Check into your hotel and meet your guide for a tour of Luxor’s East Bank. Start at the Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling site dedicated to Amun-Ra, built over 2,000 years. Marvel at the Hypostyle Hall’s 134 massive columns and the sacred lake. A guided tour ($40) brings the site’s history to life. Spend 2 hours here, then grab lunch at Sofra Restaurant, serving tagine and baba ghanoush (~$8–12).
In the afternoon, visit Luxor Temple, a stunningly preserved site illuminated beautifully at dusk. Its Avenue of Sphinxes, recently restored, connects to Karnak. Explore the temple’s colossal statues and papyrus columns, learning about its pharaonic and Roman history. Afterward, take a felucca ride on the Nile (~$10/hour), a traditional sailboat offering serene sunset views.
Dine at Al-Sahaby Lane, a rooftop restaurant near Luxor Temple, offering koshari and grilled fish (~$10–15). Spend the night in Luxor, with Tripadvisor reviewers praising Steigenberger Nile Palace for its “Nile-front luxury” and Nefertiti Hotel for its “cozy charm.”
Pro Tip: Wear a hat and sunglasses for Karnak’s open-air areas, and book felucca rides through your hotel for reliable captains.
Day 4: Luxor – West Bank and Nile Cruise Embarkation
Why Explore? Luxor’s West Bank is home to the Valley of the Kings and other ancient tombs.
Highlights: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
Activities: Guided tomb tours, cruise check-in
Accommodation: 4-night Nile cruise (e.g., Movenpick MS Sunray, ~$150/night)
Start early with a guided tour of Luxor’s West Bank ($50). Visit the Valley of the Kings, where 63 pharaohs’ tombs, including Tutankhamun’s, are carved into cliffs. Entry ($10) includes three tombs; opt for Tutankhamun’s tomb separately (~$12). Next, explore the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a terraced masterpiece honoring Egypt’s female pharaoh. End with the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues of Amenhotep III, free to visit.
Lunch at Marsam Restaurant near the Valley, serving foul (fava bean stew) and fresh juices (~$6–10). Return to Luxor to board your Nile cruise (check-in ~1:00 PM). Recommended options include Movenpick MS Sunray or Sanctuary Sun Boat IV (all-inclusive, ~$150–250/night), offering meals, guided tours, and entertainment. After settling in, enjoy a poolside cocktail or onboard tea.
As the cruise sails to Edfu, attend an evening Galabeya Party, where guests wear traditional Egyptian robes and dance to Nubian music. Dinner on board features maashi (stuffed vegetables) and baklava. Travel blogs like Against the Compass highlight the West Bank’s “jaw-dropping tombs” and cruises for their “hassle-free exploration.”
Pro Tip: Photography in the Valley of the Kings requires a separate ticket (~$15). Pack light for the cruise, as cabins are compact.
Day 5: Nile Cruise – Edfu and Kom Ombo
Why Cruise? The Nile cruise offers a relaxing way to visit riverside temples with guided excursions.
Highlights: Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple
Activities: Guided temple visits, onboard relaxation
Accommodation: Nile cruise
Wake up as the cruise docks at Edfu. After breakfast, take a horse-drawn carriage (~10 minutes, included) to the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon god. Its massive pylons and detailed reliefs date to 237 BC. Spend 1.5 hours with your cruise guide, then return to the ship for lunch, featuring shawarma and salads.
Sail to Kom Ombo, arriving in the afternoon. Visit the Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple honoring Sobek (crocodile god) and Horus. Its mummified crocodile display and Nile views are highlights. Back on board, relax by the pool or attend a lecture on Egyptian mythology. Evening entertainment includes a Nubian dance show, with dinner offering kofta and kunafa.
Reviewers on Viator praise the cruise’s “seamless organization” and Edfu’s “stunning preservation.” The day balances exploration with downtime, perfect for families or couples.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for Nile wildlife spotting (herons, ibises). Dress warmly for evening temple visits, as temperatures drop.
Day 6: Nile Cruise – Aswan’s Philae and High Dam
Why Visit? Aswan, Egypt’s southern gem, offers serene beauty and historic sites.
Highlights: Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, Nubian village
Activities: Guided tours, optional felucca to Nubian village
Accommodation: Nile cruise
Arrive in Aswan, a picturesque city framed by the Nile and desert hills. After breakfast, visit the Philae Temple, relocated to Agilika Island after the Aswan Dam’s construction. Dedicated to Isis, its romantic setting and sound-and-light show (~$15, optional evening) are mesmerizing. Next, tour the Aswan High Dam, a 1960s engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser. Both are included in cruise excursions.
Lunch on board, then opt for a felucca ride to a Nubian village (~$20, 2 hours), where you can meet locals, sip hibiscus tea, and shop for handmade crafts. Alternatively, relax on the cruise deck with Nile views. Dinner features Nubian dishes like bamia (okra stew), followed by a belly dance performance.
Travelsetu calls Aswan “Egypt’s most beautiful stop,” with Philae’s island setting a highlight. The day offers a mix of history and cultural immersion.
Pro Tip: Book the Nubian village tour through your cruise to avoid overpriced vendors. Bring cash (EGP) for village souvenirs.
Day 7: Aswan to Cairo – Abu Simbel and Departure
Why End Here? Abu Simbel’s colossal temples are a bucket-list finale before returning to Cairo.
Highlights: Abu Simbel Temples, optional Old Cataract Hotel tea
Activities: Guided tour, flight to Cairo, departure
Accommodation: None (departure day)
Disembark in Aswan and join an early Abu Simbel tour (~$100, including flights or 3-hour bus). The Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, carved into a cliff around 1264 BC, are UNESCO-listed and awe-inspiring, with 20-meter statues and intricate reliefs. Spend 2 hours with a guide, then return to Aswan by noon.
If time allows, enjoy tea at the Old Cataract Hotel, a historic gem where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile ($15). Lunch at El Masry Restaurant, serving grilled Nile perch ($10). Fly back to Cairo (1.5 hours, ~$50) for your evening departure or an overnight stay if needed.
Reddit users describe Abu Simbel as “worth the early wake-up” for its grandeur. This day caps your trip with a monumental finale.
Pro Tip: Book Abu Simbel flights early for better schedules. Arrive at Cairo airport 3 hours before international flights.
Practical Tips for Your 7-Day Egypt Itinerary
- Getting There: Fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI) via EgyptAir, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines (from US, ~12 hours via Europe; from UK, ~5 hours). Visas ($25) are available on arrival for US, UK, and EU citizens.
- Getting Around: Domestic flights (Cairo–Luxor, Aswan–Cairo) cost $40–60 via EgyptAir or Nile Air. Nile cruises include transport for excursions. Taxis or Uber in Cairo cost $2–5 per ride.
- Accommodation: Budget: $40–60/night (e.g., Nefertiti Hotel); Mid-range: $80–150/night (e.g., Steigenberger Nile Palace); Luxury: $150–250/night (e.g., Marriott Mena House). Book via Booking.com for deals.
- Tours: Private guides (
$40–100/day) or group tours ($50–150/day) via Memphis Tours or Viator ensure skip-the-line access and expert insights. - Budget: Expect $800–1,500 per person (excluding international flights) for accommodation, domestic flights, cruise, tours, and meals. Egypt is budget-friendly compared to Europe.
- Best Time: March–April or October–November for mild weather (20–30°C). Avoid summer (June–August) due to heat (40°C+).
- Safety: Egypt is safe for tourists, with heavy security at sites. Stick to reputable operators, avoid solo desertавис
Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing (long sleeves/pants for modesty), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes. Women need a scarf for temples/mosques.
- Cultural Tips: Tipping (baksheesh) is customary (~$1–2 for small services). Learn basic Arabic phrases like “Shukran” (thank you). Respect photography rules at sites.
- Health: Drink bottled water, avoid raw vegetables, and carry hand sanitizer. Consult a doctor for vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended).
Why This 7-Day Egypt Itinerary Works
This itinerary maximizes Egypt’s highlights in a week, balancing must-see sites like the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings with immersive experiences like a Nile cruise and Nubian village visit. Cairo’s ancient and Islamic heritage sets the stage, Luxor’s temples amaze, and Aswan’s serene beauty captivates. The cruise simplifies logistics, covering Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae with guided tours, while Abu Simbel provides a grand finale. Affordable dining, efficient flights, and English-speaking guides make it accessible for all.
Egypt’s wonders, as posts on X highlight, continue to draw millions, with the GEM’s 2024 opening adding modern allure. This itinerary ensures you experience the pharaohs’ legacy, sail the Nile’s timeless waters, and connect with Egypt’s vibrant culture. Book through operators like On The Go Tours or Intrepid Travel for seamless planning, and prepare for a journey through history you’ll never forget.
