5 Days in Egypt Itinerary: Cairo & Luxor Highlights

Ashraf Fares • February 12, 2026

This 5-day Egypt itinerary is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the country’s most iconic ancient sites without feeling overwhelmed.

In just five days, you’ll explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the magnificent temples and tombs of Luxor — often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.

This itinerary is ideal for:

  • Short vacations
  • Stopovers in the Middle East
  • First-time visitors
  • Business travelers adding a cultural extension

Why Choose a 5-Day Egypt Itinerary?


  • Covers Egypt’s most famous landmarks
  • Efficient domestic flight connections
  • Minimal hotel changes
  • Perfect introduction to ancient Egyptian history

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo


Welcome to Egypt

Arrive at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening or a short walk near your hotel.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 2: Giza Pyramids & the Sphinx


The Last Wonder of the Ancient World

Visit the legendary Giza Plateau, home to:

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

You’ll learn about pyramid construction, ancient burial practices, and the symbolism behind these monumental structures.

Optional experiences:

  • Camel ride across the desert plateau
  • Entering the Great Pyramid
  • Evening Sound & Light Show

Overnight: Cairo

Day 3: Grand Egyptian Museum & Fly to Luxor


Treasures of the Pharaohs

Start your day at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Giza Pyramids. Highlights include:

  • The complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures
  • Colossal royal statues
  • Masterpieces from over 5,000 years of history

In the afternoon, fly to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes.

Overnight: Luxor

Day 4: Luxor East & West Bank


Temples and Royal Tombs

Explore Luxor’s extraordinary archaeological sites:

West Bank:

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

East Bank:

  • Karnak Temple Complex
  • Luxor Temple

This day provides a comprehensive look at Egypt’s powerful New Kingdom period.

Overnight: Luxor

Day 5: Departure


Farewell to Egypt

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Luxor Airport for departure or fly back to Cairo for your international flight.

What’s Included in This 5-Day Egypt Itinerary


  • Domestic flight (Cairo–Luxor)
  • 3 nights in Cairo
  • 1 night in Luxor
  • Guided sightseeing with an Egyptologist
  • All transfers and assistance

Best Time for a Short Egypt Trip


  • October to April for comfortable sightseeing
  • Early mornings recommended year-round for pyramid visits

Can This 5-Day Trip Be Extended?


Yes. Popular extensions include:

  • Adding a Nile cruise
  • Extending to Aswan and Abu Simbel
  • Adding a Red Sea stay

Plan Your 5 Days in Egypt


Even with limited time, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through ancient history.

👉 Contact our Egypt travel specialists to customize your 5-day adventure.

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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.