7 Days in Egypt: The Ultimate Egypt Itinerary (Cairo, Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel)

Ashraf Fares • February 12, 2026

7 Days in Egypt: The Ultimate Egypt Itinerary

Egypt is one of those rare destinations where history, culture, and adventure come together in a way that feels almost unreal. In just seven days, you can stand before the Great Pyramids, cruise the Nile like ancient pharaohs, and explore world-class museums and temples that have survived for thousands of years.

This 7-day Egypt itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without rushing, combining Cairo’s iconic landmarks with a classic Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan.

Why 7 Days Is Perfect for Egypt

  • Enough time to see Egypt’s must-see sites
  • Ideal balance between sightseeing and relaxation
  • Works well with a Nile cruise
  • Easy to customize (luxury, family, or private travel)

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Welcome to Egypt

Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where you’ll be met and assisted before transferring to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening or a short walk around your hotel area.

Overnight: Cairo

Travel tip: Choose a hotel near the Nile or the Giza area to reduce driving time later in the trip.

Day 2: Giza Pyramids & the Sphinx

The Icons of Ancient Egypt

Today is dedicated to Egypt’s most famous landmarks:

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

You’ll learn how the pyramids were built, why the Giza Plateau was chosen, and how these monuments aligned with ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

Optional experiences:

  • Camel ride around the pyramids
  • Entering the Great Pyramid
  • Sound & Light Show in the evening

Overnight: Cairo

Day 3: Grand Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo

TAncient Treasures, Faith & History

Start your day at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. Located near the Giza Plateau, the museum showcases Egypt’s history in a modern, immersive setting.

Highlights include:

  • The complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures, displayed together for the first time
  • Colossal statues of ancient pharaohs
  • Masterpieces from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms
  • Interactive galleries explaining daily life, religion, and royal power

The Grand Egyptian Museum offers a deeper context and a more fluid visitor experience than the old museum, making it an essential stop for modern travelers.

Continue to Old Cairo, where Egypt’s religious heritage comes to life. Visit:

  • The Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest Christian churches
  • Ben Ezra Synagogue, tied to Cairo’s Jewish history
  • Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, the first mosque built in Africa

This day highlights Egypt’s unique role as a crossroads of civilizations and faiths.


Overnight: Cairo

Day 4: Fly to Luxor & East Bank Temples

The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum

Fly from Cairo to Luxor and begin exploring ancient Thebes.

Visit:

  • Karnak Temple Complex – the largest religious structure ever built
  • Luxor Temple – beautifully illuminated in the late afternoon

These temples reveal the power and ambition of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs.

Overnight: Nile Cruise

Day 5: West Bank – Valley of the Kings

Tombs of the Pharaohs

Cross the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank and explore:

  • Valley of the Kings (royal tombs, including optional entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb)
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Colossi of Memnon

After the tour, sail south along the Nile, enjoying views of rural Egypt and riverside villages.

Overnight: Nile Cruise

Day 6: Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan

Temples Along the Nile

Visit two of Egypt’s best-preserved temples:

  • Edfu Temple – dedicated to Horus
  • Kom Ombo Temple – uniquely dedicated to Sobek and Horus

Continue sailing to Aswan, known for its relaxed atmosphere and Nubian culture.

Overnight: Nile Cruise

Day 7: Aswan & Optional Abu Simbel

The Grand Finale

Explore Aswan’s highlights:

  • Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)
  • High Dam
  • Unfinished Obelisk

Optional early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most impressive temples, carved into a mountainside by Ramses II.

Later, transfer to Aswan Airport for departure or extension.

What’s Included in This 7-Day Egypt Itinerary

  • Domestic flights (Cairo–Luxor / Aswan–Cairo)
  • 3 nights in Cairo
  • 3 or 4 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise
  • All guided sightseeing with an Egyptologist
  • Transfers and assistance

Best Time to Visit Egypt

  • October to April: Ideal weather
  • December & January: Peak season
  • Summer (June–August): Fewer crowds, higher temperatures

Can This Itinerary Be Customized?

Absolutely. This itinerary can be adapted for:

  • Luxury travelers
  • Families with kids
  • Honeymooners
  • Private tours only

You can also extend it to include:

  • Alexandria
  • Red Sea (Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh)
  • More days in Cairo or Aswan

More relaxed option

10-Day Egypt Tour Package

7-Day Egypt Private Tour

Nile Cruise Collection




Plan Your 7 Days in Egypt

This itinerary is the perfect introduction to Egypt, combining iconic landmarks with immersive experiences along the Nile.

👉 Explore customized Egypt tour packages and let our experts tailor this journey exactly to your travel style.

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.