How to Spend 7 Days in Egypt: A Complete Travel Guide

If you’ve been dreaming of camels crossing the golden Giza Plateau at sunrise, lantern-lit bazaars, and drifting past ancient temples on the Nile, this 7-day Egypt itinerary is your sign to go. In one week you can stand beneath the legendary Pyramids of Giza, wander the colossal halls of Karnak Temple, and trace pharaohs’ footsteps inside the Valley of the Kings. This complete guide shows you how to structure your trip, choose the best route, and make smart on-the-ground choices—from flights and trains to tipping, SIM cards, dress codes, and safety—so your Egypt 7-day itinerary flows as smoothly as the Nile.

Snapshot: What You Can See in 7 Days

Seven days is just enough to experience Egypt’s “greatest hits” without sprinting. Prioritize Cairo and the Nile heartland (Aswan and Luxor). A well-paced week typically includes:

• Cairo for antiquities and city life: the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Hanging Church, and of course the Pyramids of Giza and Great Pyramid of Cheops with the Pyramid of Chephren and Pyramid of Menkaure.
• Aswan for Nubian flavor and island temples: Temple of Philae and the Aswan High Dam.
• Luxor for the ancient capital of Thebes: Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and the incomparable Valley of the Kings.
• Optional detours: Saqqara’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara Necropolis and nearby Memphis; Nile temples between Aswan and Luxor like the Temple of Kom Ombo and Temple of Edfu.

3 Smart Route Options (Pick Your Style)

Route A: Cairo + Nile Cruise (Aswan → Luxor) — “Classic & Relaxed”

Best for travelers who want the iconic sites with minimal packing/unpacking.
Flow: Cairo (2 nights) → Aswan (1 night) → 3–4 nights Nile cruise to Luxor (but you’ll sample highlights in 7 days by timing flights well).

• Pros: Effortless logistics, temples “come to you,” great for first-timers.
• Cons: Cruise schedules can be fixed; you’ll move at the ship’s pace.

Route B: Cairo + Aswan + Luxor (By Air) — “Max Highlights in 1 Week”

Best for energetic travelers who want flexibility and longer time at each site.
Flow: Cairo (3 nights) → Fly to Aswan (1 night) → Private transfer or train via Kom Ombo/Edfu → Luxor (2–3 nights).

• Pros: Customizable timing at major temples; ideal photography light.
• Cons: More early flights and transfers.

Route C: Cairo + Luxor (Train or Flight) + Day Trip to Alexandria or Saqqara — “Culture-Packed City Break”

Best for travelers who prefer fewer hotel changes.
Flow: Cairo (4–5 nights with day trips to Saqqara Necropolis and Memphis) → Luxor (2–3 nights).

• Pros: Deep dive into Cairo’s layers and Theban monuments.
• Cons: You’ll skip Aswan and the cruise experience.

Perfect 7-Day Egypt Itinerary (Sample)

This sample follows Route B for flexibility and wow-factor. Adjust nights per your flight times.

Day 1: Land in Cairo, Old Cairo Warm-Up

• Airport transfer and easy check-in.
• Stroll through Old Cairo: the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
• Evening tea and a leisurely browse in Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Pro tip: Jet-lag strategy—early dinner, rooftop view, and lights out by 9–10 pm.

Day 2: Giza Plateau—The Big One

• Morning at the Pyramids of Giza. Circle the Great Pyramid of Cheops; frame the perfect shot with the Pyramid of Chephren and Pyramid of Menkaure.
• Optional camel photo stop; then visit the mighty Sphinx (viewed alongside the plateau).
• Afternoon at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to see royal treasures and mummy rooms.

Pro tip: Go early for soft light and fewer crowds. Bring a wide-angle lens.

Day 3: Saqqara & Memphis, Fly to Aswan

• Morning outing to the Saqqara Necropolis and ancient Memphis.
• Afternoon flight Cairo → Aswan. Nile-side sunset walk and dinner on the Corniche.

Local moment: Nubian dinner with spicy tagines and live music—ask about home-style eateries on Elephantine Island.

Day 4: Aswan Icons & Philae Magic

• Boat ride to the ethereal Temple of Philae.
• Quick look at the Aswan High Dam.
• Optional afternoon felucca sail at golden hour.

Add-on (early start): Abu Simbel (long but unforgettable); if you skip, linger longer at Philae.

Day 5: Kom Ombo & Edfu on the Way to Luxor

• Transfer north, stopping at the croc-god temple of Kom Ombo and the towering Temple of Edfu.
• Arrive Luxor at sunset; evening promenade by the Avenue of Sphinxes linking Luxor Temple with Karnak.

Day 6: West Bank Wonders

• Sunrise balloon (weather-dependent) or early tour of the West Bank.
• Explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, gaze up at the Colossi of Memnon, then dive into royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Pro tip: If you’re a history buff, budget time for multiple tombs—lighting and reliefs vary dramatically.

Day 7: Karnak Finale & Fly Out

• Morning at Karnak Temple: Hypostyle Hall, sacred lake, obelisks—an atmospheric farewell.
• Fly Luxor → Cairo for your international departure (or add a final Cairo night for cushion).

Nile Cruise vs. Overland: What’s Better in One Week?

• Nile Cruise Pros: Unpack once; serene river scenery; easy access to riverside temples; ideal if you love slow travel.
• Nile Cruise Cons: Fixed schedule; sometimes brief temple stops.
• Overland/By Air Pros: More time at each site; flexible sunrise/sunset photography; you can include Saqqara/Memphis.
• Overland/By Air Cons: More logistics; earlier wake-ups; potential for travel fatigue.

Verdict for a 7-Day Trip: If you prefer simplicity and romance, choose a short cruise between Aswan and Luxor and book Cairo as a separate segment. If you love customizing your days and chasing the best light, go overland/by air.

Where to Stay (Quick Picks)

• Cairo: Downtown for museum and bazaar access; Giza for pyramid views and quieter nights.
• Aswan: Riverside stays with gardens and easy boat access to Philae.
• Luxor: East Bank for walkability; West Bank for sunrise balloon launches and rural calm.

Essential Logistics for First-Timers

Visas & Entry

Most nationalities can obtain an e-Visa or visa on arrival; check your passport rules before you book flights. Print hard copies of flight and hotel confirmations.

Money & Tipping

The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Carry small bills for tips—drivers, boatmen, and local guides often rely on gratuities. Larger tips in restaurants or for excellent guiding are appreciated.

Connectivity

Pick up an airport SIM/eSIM or local SIM from a reputable carrier in Cairo. Signal is strong in major cities; it may be spotty on desert edges and during long transfers.

Getting Around

• Flights: Cairo–Aswan/Luxor are short and frequent; they save you a full day over trains.
• Trains: Comfortable sleeper options exist between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan; book ahead.
• Private transfers: Efficient for temple-hopping between Aswan and Luxor (Kom Ombo/Edfu en route).
• Cabs/Rideshares: Use metered taxis where available or agree on the price first.

Safety, Scams & Respectful Travel

Egypt’s main tourist areas are well-patrolled. Use hotel safes, watch your phone in crowds, and be polite but firm with persistent hawkers. Dress modestly at religious sites; shoulders and knees covered are appreciated. Always ask before photographing people.

Best Time to Visit

October–April brings pleasant days and cool nights. Summer is very hot, but early starts and air-conditioned transfers make it doable. For comfortable temple visits and Nile sunsets, shoulder seasons (Oct–Nov, Feb–April) are ideal.

Local Experiences That Elevate Your Week

• Sunset felucca in Aswan: Trade engines for sails and glide through palm-fringed islands.
• Old Cairo food crawl: Fresh falafel, koshari bowls, and honey-drenched basbousa near Khan El Khalili.
• Temple night lighting: Luxor Temple after dark feels cinematic.
• Nubian village visit: Color-splashed homes, music, and spice markets add cultural depth to your Aswan time.
• Ballooning over Luxor: Dawn patterns of fields, desert, and the Nile—pure magic.

What to Pack (and What to Leave)

• Musts: Breathable layers, scarf/shawl, sunhat, high-SPF sunscreen, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, electrolytes, and a light daypack.
• Nice-to-have: Binoculars for hieroglyph detail, wide-angle and mid-zoom lenses, power bank, and quick-dry wipes.
• Skip: Heavy jeans (hot), fragile sandals (uneven stones), and overpacking (you’ll be changing hotels or cabins at least once).

Responsible Site Etiquette

• Do not touch reliefs or climb on ancient stones.
• Follow guide and staff instructions for photography.
• Carry out all trash; reusable bottles are best—many hotels can refill.
• Dress respectfully in mosques and Coptic churches (Hanging Church).

Top Experiences & Tours in Egypt

Below are reputable, ready-to-book tours that align beautifully with a one-week plan. Use them to anchor your Egypt 7-day itinerary or expand to 8–14 days.

Adventurer’s FAQ

Is 7 days enough for Egypt?
Yes—if you focus on Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. You’ll see pyramids, the Sphinx, Philae, Kom Ombo/Edfu (if overland), Karnak, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.

Which should I visit first: Cairo or the Nile cities?
Start in Cairo to tackle jet lag and the bucket-list pyramids, then head south to Aswan/Luxor when you’ve found your rhythm.

Cruise or no cruise for a 7-day trip?
Both work. Cruises simplify logistics; overland gives flexible timing. If you’re torn, do a short 3-night cruise and fly in/out to fit the week.

Do I need a guide at the sites?
Guides add huge value—context, navigation, and crowd-savvy timing—especially at sprawling sites like Karnak Temple.

What’s the dress code?
Modest attire is appreciated. Shoulders and knees covered at religious sites; breathable fabrics for heat.

How early should I start each day?
Very early—especially in warmer months. Sunrise or early morning is best for the Pyramids of Giza, Temple of Philae, and West Bank tombs.

Can I fit in Alexandria?
You can add a day trip from Cairo if you skip Aswan or tighten Luxor, but it’s best saved for longer trips.

Are there must-eat foods?
Yes! Koshari, ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), ful medames, grilled pigeon (hamam), molokhia, and syrupy desserts like kunafa and basbousa.

How accessible are the sites?
Many ancient areas have uneven stone floors and steps. A licensed guide can help you navigate accessible entries where available.

Can I visit Saqqara and Memphis with Giza in one day?
Yes, but it’s a long day. Consider Saqqara/Memphis on Day 3 before flying south.

Budgeting Your Week (Ballpark)

• Mid-range (per person): $1,200–$1,900 including domestic flights, guiding, admissions, and a short cruise (double occupancy).
• Comfort & boutique: $2,000–$3,200 with upgraded hotels and private touring.
• Luxury: $3,500+ including 5★ cruise cabins and private Egyptologist guides.

Tip: Book major experiences (ballooning, Abu Simbel flights, cruises) well in advance during peak months (Oct–April).

One-Week Egypt Itinerary: Daily Timing Cheat Sheet

• Sunrise: West Bank balloon (Luxor), Giza Plateau first light.
• Late morning: Museums and shaded courts (Egyptian Museum, Luxor Temple).
• Golden hour/sunset: Felucca sails in Aswan, Luxor Temple after dark, Karnak’s Hypostyle Hall with angled light.
• Evening: Old Cairo cafés, bazaar browsing, Nile-view dinners.

Expand to 10–12 Days (If You Can)

If you fall in love (you probably will), extend to add:

• A full 3–4 night Nile cruise.
• A dedicated Abu Simbel morning flight with unhurried temple time.
• Alexandria day trip from Cairo (Qaitbay, Bibliotheca Alexandrina).
• A Red Sea wind-down (Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh) for snorkeling and beach time.

Final Word

Egypt rewards the curious traveler. In a single week, you can journey from the geometric perfection of the pyramids to the reed-lined bends of the Nile and into tombs painted with stars and gods. Build your Egypt 7-day itinerary around Cairo’s ancient-modern mashup and the timeless river cities of Aswan and Luxor—and let the temples, flavors, and sunsets do the rest.