12 Days in Egypt Itinerary: Ancient Wonders, Nile Cruise & Red Sea Relaxation

Ashraf Fares • February 12, 2026

Why Choose a 12-Day Egypt Itinerary?

A 12-day journey allows you to explore Egypt in depth, without rushing between destinations. This itinerary combines iconic ancient sites, a classic Nile cruise, and extended leisure time on the Red Sea, making it ideal for travelers who want both discovery and comfort.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Welcome to Egypt

Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where you will be met and assisted before transferring to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed evening to recover from your flight.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 2: Giza Pyramids & the Sphinx

The Last Wonder of the Ancient World

Explore the Giza Plateau, including:

  • The Great Pyramid of Khufu
  • The Pyramid of Khafre
  • The Pyramid of Menkaure
  • The Great Sphinx
  • The Valley Temple

Optional experiences include entering the Great Pyramid or attending the Sound & Light Show.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 3: Grand Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo

Pharaohs, Faith & History

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun.

Continue to Old Cairo to explore:

  • The Hanging Church
  • Ben Ezra Synagogue
  • Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque

Overnight: Cairo

Day 4: Saqqara & Memphis

The Origins of Pyramid Building

Travel south of Cairo to visit:

  • Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser
  • Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt

This day provides deeper insight into the evolution of pyramid construction.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 5: Fly to Luxor & East Bank Temples

The Glory of Ancient Thebes

Fly to Luxor and visit:

  • Karnak Temple Complex
  • Luxor Temple

These monumental temples reflect the power of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs.

Overnight: Nile Cruise

Day 6: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings

Royal Tombs and Sacred Landscapes

Explore Luxor’s West Bank, including:

  • Valley of the Kings
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Colossi of Memnon

Sail south along the Nile in the afternoon.

Overnight: Nile Cruise

Day 7: Edfu & Kom Ombo

Temples Along the Nile

Visit:

  • Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus
  • Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods

Continue sailing toward Aswan.

Overnight: Nile Cruise

Day 8: Aswan & Optional Abu Simbel

Nubian Culture & Monumental Temples

Visit Aswan’s highlights:

  • Philae Temple
  • High Dam
  • Unfinished Obelisk

Optional excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites.

Overnight: Aswan

Day 9: Aswan to Hurghada (Red Sea)

From Ancient History to Beach Relaxation

Transfer from Aswan to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. Check into your resort and enjoy a free evening.

Overnight: Hurghada

Day 10: Red Sea Leisure Day

Relaxation & Snorkeling

Enjoy a full day at leisure, with optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, or a boat trip to coral reefs.

Overnight: Hurghada

Day 11: Red Sea Leisure Day

Resort Time & Optional Excursions

Another free day to relax or explore more of the Red Sea’s marine life.

Overnight: Hurghada

Day 12: Departure

Farewell to Egypt

Transfer to the airport for your international departure or optional extension.

What’s Included in This 12-Day Egypt Itinerary

  • Domestic flights
  • 4 nights in Cairo
  • 3 nights Nile cruise
  • 4 nights Red Sea resort
  • Guided sightseeing with an Egyptologist
  • All transfers and assistance

Best Time to Visit Egypt

  • October to April for ideal weather
  • Winter months for sightseeing comfort
  • Summer for fewer crowds and better prices

Can This Itinerary Be Customized?

Yes. This itinerary can be adapted for:

  • Luxury travel
  • Families
  • Honeymooners
  • Private tours

Other options:


7 Days in Egypt


14 Days in Egypt

Plan Your 12 Days in Egypt

This 12-day itinerary offers a deep, well-paced journey through Egypt’s most iconic destinations.

👉 Explore our Egypt tour packages and let our experts tailor your perfect trip.

Sinai Travel Guide 2026

By Ashraf Fares • February 15, 2026
This guide helps you plan Sinai trips efficiently. You get clear steps, timing, and costs. You focus on actions and practical decisions to make travel smooth.
Collage of vibrant coral reefs, a tranquil beach at sunset, and a couple enjoying a seaside dinner.

Red Sea Resorts Travel Guide 2026

By Ashraf Fares • February 15, 2026
You plan Red Sea trips efficiently using clear steps, costs, and timing. This guide focuses on actions and practical decisions.
Collage of the Giza Pyramids at sunset, a vibrant lantern bazaar, a couple dining with Cairo city

Egypt Travel Guide

By Ashraf Fares • February 14, 2026
How to Plan Your Journey Through History, Culture, and Monuments Egypt is more than the pyramids—it is a living tapestry of history . From the Giza Plateau to Luxor’s temples, from Cairo’s museums to the Nile Valley, every step immerses you in civilization that is over 5,000 years old. This guide bridges cultural understanding with practical travel advice , ensuring your journey is safe, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Collage of detailed hieroglyphs, a grand pharaoh statue, and an ancient Egyptian religious papyrus

Ancient Egyptian Religion

By Ashraf Fares • February 14, 2026
Ancient Egyptian Religion Beliefs, Gods, Afterlife, and Daily Practice Ancient Egyptian religion was inseparable from life itself . It influenced governance, architecture, daily behavior, and, most famously, monumental constructions like the pyramids. The Egyptians did not see life and death as separate. Death was simply the next stage of existence, and religion provided a structured path to eternal continuity .
Collage of ancient hieroglyphs, the Great Sphinx with a pyramid, and a smiling couple taking a selfi

Giza Pyramids Guide

By Ashraf Fares • February 14, 2026
Visiting the Giza Pyramids: Complete Guide for Travelers The Giza Plateau is the crown jewel of Egypt. Here stand three massive pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—alongside the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Visiting them is more than sightseeing; it is stepping into a world where religion, politics, and human ambition converge. This guide combines historical depth, logistical advice, and experiential insight to make your visit meaningful and stress-free.
Collage of a felucca by the Pyramids, a vibrant Cairo street market, and a couple visiting a lit mus

Cairo Travel Guide 2026

By Ashraf Fares • February 13, 2026
You navigate Cairo efficiently with clear information. This guide focuses on actions, routes, and costs.
A collage of a man weaving at a loom, vibrant scarves and lamps, and a woman shopping for textiles

Textiles and Handicrafts Buying Rules in Egypt

By Ashraf Fares • February 13, 2026
You protect money and quality when buying textiles and handicrafts. Prices vary by material, size, and technique.
A collage of colorful essential oils, a merchant with mounds of spices, and a woman smelling herbs

Spices and oils buying rules in Egypt.

By Ashraf Fares • February 13, 2026
You protect money and quality when buying spices and oils. Prices vary by source, type, and freshness.
A collage of a jeweler engraving silver, gold necklaces in a shop window, and a woman shopping in an

Silver and Gold Jewelry Buying Rules in Egypt

By Ashraf Fares • February 13, 2026
You protect money when rules guide each purchase. Jewelry prices follow metal markets and labor costs.

Alabaster Workshops Near Luxor

By Ashraf Fares • February 12, 2026
You buy alabaster with fewer losses when you follow clear checks. Luxor villages produce the most genuine pieces. Where workshops operate West Bank villages Al Qurna area hosts many family workshops. Production happens near homes. Selection stays wide. Roadside workshops Located on routes between temples. Access stays easy during tours. Prices start high. Workshop pricing structure Material Egyptian alabaster costs more than resin. Weight drives price. Size Small bowls sell at low prices. Lamps and statues rise fast with size. Finish Hand-polished pieces cost more. Machine-polished pieces cost less. Price examples from recent checks Small bowls under 10 cm in diameter sell in the low double-digit dollar range. Medium vase, around 20 cm, sells at mid double-digit range. Lamps over 30 cm reach a higher double-digit range or more. Authenticity checks you use Touch Surface feels cool. Light Thin edges allow light through. Sound Tapped gently, the stone gives a soft tone. Visual Natural veins appear uneven. What to avoid Bright white pieces with painted veins. Claims of marble origin. Lightweight items are sold as stone. Workshop visit tactics Ask to see raw stone blocks. Watch carving or polishing. Ask total price before packing. Decline shipping offers inside workshops. Bargaining rules in Luxor workshops Start at one-third of the first price. Increase in small steps only. Stop before emotional attachment forms. Walk out without comment when the price stalls. Transport and packing Wrap items with clothing in luggage. Keep fragile pieces in carry-on when size allows. Avoid checked baggage for lamps. Who benefits from guided visits You save time with a guide. You avoid resin stops. You reach workshops with stable quality.