Planning a trip to Egypt opens the door to 5,000 years of history, pristine Red Sea beaches, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From standing before the pyramids to sailing the Nile and exploring vibrant bazaars, Egypt offers adventures that combine ancient wonders with modern hospitality.
This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to plan Egypt trip efficiently—covering the best time to visit, budget considerations, must-see destinations, and insider tips for a seamless journey.
Why Visit Egypt?
Egypt combines diverse attractions in one destination:
- Ancient Monuments: Pyramids, temples, and tombs spanning millennia
- Red Sea Beaches: Crystal-clear waters and world-class diving
- Nile River Cruises: Scenic journeys through pharaonic landscapes
- Vibrant Culture: Traditional markets, authentic cuisine, warm hospitality
- Year-Round Sunshine: Ideal climate for most of the year
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Optimal Travel Season: October to April
Why This Period Works Best:
- Moderate Temperatures: 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day
- Comfortable Sightseeing: Ideal for outdoor exploration
- Less Humidity: Especially pleasant in coastal areas
- Special Events: Festival season in full swing
Summer Considerations (May-September)
Summer brings intense heat (35-45°C/95-113°F), particularly in Upper Egypt. If traveling during summer:
- Visit outdoor sites early morning or late afternoon
- Focus more time on indoor museums
- Take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds
- Stay hydrated and use sun protection
Festival Highlights
Abu Simbel Sun Festival (February 22 & October 22) Twice yearly, sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary of Abu Simbel Temple, lighting the statues of Ramses II—a phenomenon engineered 3,200 years ago.
Coptic Christmas (January 7) Experience Egypt’s Christian heritage with special celebrations in Cairo and Alexandria.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan Egypt Trip
Step 1: Define Your Travel Style
Budget Travelers:
- Hostels and budget hotels
- Public transportation
- Street food and local restaurants
- Self-guided tours with audio guides
Mid-Range Travelers:
- 3-4 star hotels
- Mix of private and group tours
- Comfortable transportation
- Nile cruise experiences
Luxury Travelers:
- 5-star hotels and luxury Nile cruisers
- Private guides and drivers
- Exclusive experiences and fine dining
- Helicopter tours and special access
Step 2: Choose Your Destinations
Egypt’s vast geography requires focused planning. Most visitors concentrate on these regions:
Cairo & Giza (2-3 days)
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
- Egyptian Museum
- Islamic Cairo: Al-Muizz Street, Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
- Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue
Luxor (2-3 days)
- Valley of the Kings and Queens
- Karnak Temple Complex
- Luxor Temple
- Hatshepsut Temple
Aswan (1-2 days)
- Philae Temple
- High Dam
- Nubian villages
- Abu Simbel (day trip or overnight)
Red Sea (2-4 days)
- Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh
- Snorkeling and diving
- Desert safaris
- Beach relaxation
Step 3: Determine Trip Duration
One Week Itinerary:
- Days 1-2: Cairo and Giza pyramids
- Days 3-4: Luxor temples and tombs
- Days 5-6: Nile cruise to Aswan
- Day 7: Return to Cairo for departure
Two Week Itinerary: Add Alexandria (2 days), Red Sea resort (3-4 days), and more time exploring Cairo’s neighborhoods.
Step 4: Set Your Budget
Budget Breakdown for 7 Days:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $140-210 | $350-490 | $1,050+ |
| Food | $70-140 | $210-280 | $490+ |
| Transportation | $50-100 | $150-250 | $500+ |
| Tours & Entry | $100-150 | $250-400 | $700+ |
| Total | $360-600 | $960-1,420 | $2,740+ |
Prices in USD, excluding international flights
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book 2-3 months in advance for best deals
- Travel during shoulder season (April-May, September-October)
- Use Egyptian pounds for better exchange rates
- Eat at local restaurants instead of hotel dining
- Book package tours for better value
Step 5: Check Visa Requirements
Visa on Arrival:
- Available for most nationalities at Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh airports
- Cost: $25 USD (single entry, 30 days)
- Payment: USD, EUR, or GBP cash
E-Visa Option:
- Apply online 7 days before travel at [visa2egypt.gov.eg]
- Cost: $25 + processing fee
- Receive approval via email
- Valid for 90 days, allows 30-day stay
Required Documents:
- Passport valid 6 months beyond travel dates
- Return flight ticket
- Hotel reservation confirmation
Step 6: Book Strategic Accommodation
Location Matters:
Cairo: Stay near Tahrir Square or Zamalek for easy access to museums and restaurants
Luxor: East Bank for town access, West Bank for tranquil valley views near monuments
Aswan: Corniche area for Nile views and walking distance to attractions
Booking Strategies:
- Book Cairo and resort hotels independently
- Include Nile cruise in package tours for better rates
- Read recent reviews for accurate expectations
- Confirm pyramid/temple view rooms if desired
Step 7: Plan Transportation
Between Cities:
- Flights: Egypt Air connects major cities (Cairo-Luxor: 1 hour, $80-150)
- Trains: Comfortable overnight sleeper trains (Cairo-Aswan: 13 hours, $100-150)
- Private Transfers: Door-to-door convenience ($150-300 depending on distance)
Within Cities:
- Uber/Careem: Available in major cities, affordable and convenient
- Private Drivers: Negotiate day rates ($40-80)
- Taxis: Agree on price before departure
- Metro: Cairo only—cheap and efficient for specific routes
Discover The 5 Most Famous Natural Landmarks in Egypt
Top Attractions by Destination
Cairo & Giza: Ancient Capital
Must-Visit Sites:
- Pyramids of Giza (Half day)
- Great Pyramid of Khufu
- Sphinx
- Solar Boat Museum
- Tip: Arrive at 8 AM to beat crowds
- Egyptian Museum (3-4 hours)
- Tutankhamun’s treasures
- Royal mummy room
- 120,000+ artifacts
- New: Grand Egyptian Museum opening 2024
- Islamic Cairo (Half day)
- Al-Muizz Street: medieval architecture
- Khan El-Khalili Bazaar: traditional shopping
- Sultan Hassan Mosque
- Al-Azhar Mosque
- Coptic Cairo (2-3 hours)
- Hanging Church (4th century)
- Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Coptic Museum
Unique Experiences:
- Sound & Light Show at Pyramids: Evening spectacle narrating pyramid history
- Pharaonic Village: Interactive living museum recreating ancient Egyptian life
- Felucca Ride on the Nile: Traditional sailboat sunset cruise
Luxor: World’s Largest Open-Air Museum
East Bank:
- Karnak Temple Complex (2-3 hours)
- 134 massive columns in Hypostyle Hall
- Sacred Lake
- Sound & Light Show available
- Luxor Temple (1-2 hours)
- Illuminated beautifully at night
- Avenue of Sphinxes
- Roman and Islamic additions
West Bank:
- Valley of the Kings (3-4 hours)
- Tombs of pharaohs including Tutankhamun
- Entry includes 3 tombs (extra fee for special tombs)
- Best visited early morning
- Hatshepsut Temple (1 hour)
- Dramatic cliffside architecture
- Egypt’s female pharaoh
- Valley of the Queens (1-2 hours)
- Nefertari’s tomb (extra fee, limited access)
- Colossi of Memnon (15 minutes)
- Two massive statues
Pro Tips:
- Hire a knowledgeable guide for historical context
- West Bank sites require 6-8 hours minimum
- Photography prohibited in most tombs (except with special ticket)
All Inclusive Egypt Vacation Packages 2025
Aswan: Nubian Beauty
Essential Sites:
- Philae Temple (2 hours)
- Dedicated to goddess Isis
- Relocated to Agilkia Island
- Accessible by motorboat
- Evening sound & light show
- Abu Simbel Temples (Day trip)
- Four colossal statues of Ramses II
- 280 km from Aswan (3.5-hour drive or 40-minute flight)
- Best visited at sunrise
- Worth the early wake-up call
- Aswan High Dam (1 hour)
- Engineering marvel completed 1970
- Created Lake Nasser
- Panoramic views
- Nubian Village (Half day)
- Colorful houses and warm hospitality
- Traditional crafts and henna
- Camel rides available
- Support local communities
- Unfinished Obelisk (30 minutes)
- Would have been largest obelisk ever
- Shows ancient quarrying techniques
Unique Aswan Experiences:
- Felucca sailing around Elephantine Island
- Nubian Museum: Comprehensive Nubian culture and history
- Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island
Red Sea Coast: Beach Paradise
Hurghada:
- More affordable and family-friendly
- Wide range of all-inclusive resorts
- Good for beginner divers
Sharm El-Sheikh:
- Premium resorts and nightlife
- Ras Mohammed National Park
- Better diving sites
Activities:
- Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: World-renowned coral reefs
- Desert Safari: Quad biking and Bedouin dinner
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: For non-swimmers
- Water Sports: Parasailing, jet skiing, kitesurfing
Sample 7-Day Egypt Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cairo
- Transfer to hotel
- Evening: Khan El-Khalili Bazaar stroll
- Dinner at traditional restaurant
Day 2: Cairo Exploration
- Morning: Egyptian Museum (3-4 hours)
- Afternoon: Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx (4-5 hours)
- Evening: Sound & Light Show at Pyramids
Day 3: Luxor – East Bank
- Morning flight to Luxor (1 hour)
- Check into hotel or board Nile cruise
- Afternoon: Karnak Temple
- Evening: Luxor Temple (beautifully lit at night)
Day 4: Luxor – West Bank
- Early start: Valley of the Kings (arrive 6 AM)
- Hatshepsut Temple
- Valley of the Queens (optional)
- Colossi of Memnon
- Sail toward Aswan (if on cruise)
Day 5: Sailing & Edfu/Kom Ombo
- Morning: Edfu Temple (Horus Temple)
- Afternoon: Sailing on the Nile
- Evening: Kom Ombo Temple
- Arrive Aswan
Day 6: Aswan Highlights
- Early morning: Abu Simbel day trip (3:30 AM departure)
- Afternoon: Philae Temple
- Evening: Nubian Village visit
- Overnight in Aswan
Day 7: Return to Cairo
- Morning: Aswan High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk
- Afternoon: Fly back to Cairo
- Last-minute shopping or museum visits
- Departure
Essential Travel Tips for Egypt
What to Pack
Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Cotton is best
- Modest clothing: Cover shoulders and knees for religious sites
- Scarf for women: Useful for temple visits and sun protection
- Light jacket: Evenings can be cool, especially in winter
- Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for temple exploring
- Sandals: For casual wear and beach
Essentials:
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated (don’t drink tap water)
- Power adapter: Egypt uses Type C/F plugs (220V)
- Medications: Bring personal prescriptions and anti-diarrheal
- Small bills: For tips and small purchases
Cultural Etiquette
Dress Code:
- Egypt is predominantly Muslim—dress modestly
- Women: Shoulders and knees covered in public areas
- Men: Avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts in religious sites
- Beach resorts are more relaxed
Social Customs:
- Remove shoes when entering mosques
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Use right hand for eating and giving/receiving items
- Bargaining expected in bazaars (start at 50% of asking price)
- Tipping (baksheesh) is customary for small services
Photography Rules:
- Prohibited inside most tombs and museum galleries
- Special photography tickets available at some sites ($10-30)
- Never photograph military installations or airports
- Always ask permission for portraits
Health & Safety
Staying Healthy:
- Drink only bottled water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels
- Eat at busy restaurants (fast turnover = fresh food)
- Wash hands frequently or use sanitizer
- Be cautious with street food initially
Common Issues:
- Upset stomach: Bring Imodium and electrolyte packets
- Dehydration: Drink 3-4 liters water daily in summer
- Sunburn: Apply sunscreen every 2 hours
Safety Considerations:
- Egypt is generally safe for tourists
- Tourist Police present at all major sites
- Stick to tourist areas after dark
- Use reputable tour companies
- Keep valuables secure
- Avoid political demonstrations
Communication
Language:
- Official language: Arabic
- English widely spoken in tourist areas
- Learn basic Arabic phrases (appreciated by locals)
- Download Google Translate offline
Internet & Phone:
- Buy local SIM card at airport ($10-15 for tourist package)
- Major providers: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat
- Free WiFi available in most hotels and cafes
Money Matters
Currency:
- Egyptian Pound (EGP/LE)
- Exchange rate: ~$1 USD = 30-31 EGP (rates fluctuate)
Payment Methods:
- Cash is king—ATMs widely available
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants
- Carry small bills for tipping and vendors
Bargaining Culture:
- Expected in markets and with taxi drivers
- Start at 40-50% of asking price
- Walk away tactic often works
- Stay friendly throughout
Tipping Guidelines:
- Restaurant server: 10-15%
- Tour guide: 200-300 EGP/day
- Driver: 100-150 EGP/day
- Hotel porter: 20-30 EGP/bag
- Bathroom attendant: 5 EGP
- Small service: 10-20 EGP
Choosing the Right Tour Company
Why Book a Tour?
Advantages:
- Expert local guides with historical knowledge
- Skip-the-line access at major sites
- Hassle-free transportation and logistics
- Better value through bulk booking
- 24/7 support during travel
- Customizable itineraries
What to Look For
Reputable Tour Companies Offer:
- Licensed, multilingual guides
- Comprehensive packages (hotels, transport, entry fees)
- Flexible cancellation policies
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Positive recent reviews
- Customization options
- Travel insurance options
Package Inclusions to Verify:
- Domestic flights between cities
- Nile cruise cabin category
- Meal plans (breakfast only vs. full board)
- Entry fees to attractions
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities included or extra
Questions to Ask:
- Group size limits
- Accommodation star ratings and locations
- Exact sites included in tours
- Free time vs. guided time
- Tipping expectations
- Payment schedule and accepted methods
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does an Egypt trip cost?
A 7-day Egypt trip costs $360-600 for budget travelers, $960-1,420 for mid-range, and $2,740+ for luxury travel. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, but excludes international flights and shopping.
How to plan a budget trip to Egypt?
Travel during off-season (May-September), book flights and hotels 2-3 months ahead, use public transportation, eat at local restaurants, stay in budget hotels or hostels, and focus on free/low-cost activities like markets and corniche walks.
What is the best 7-day Egypt itinerary?
Spend 2 days in Cairo (pyramids and museums), fly to Luxor for 2 days (temples and tombs), take a 2-3 day Nile cruise to Aswan (stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo), then fly back to Cairo for departure.
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists. Tourist Police are present at all major sites, and millions visit annually without incident. Stay in tourist areas, use reputable tour companies, and follow standard travel safety precautions.
What should I wear in Egypt?
Wear modest, lightweight clothing. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public; men should avoid shorts at religious sites. Beach resorts are more relaxed. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, and light layers for evening.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival ($25 USD) or apply for an e-visa online before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Can I drink tap water in Egypt?
No, always drink bottled water in Egypt. Avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels. Brush teeth with bottled water to be extra safe.
What’s the best way to see the pyramids?
Book a half-day tour with guide for historical context, arrive at 8 AM to avoid crowds and heat, allow 4-5 hours for the complex, and consider adding the Sound & Light Show in the evening.
Should I take a Nile cruise?
Yes, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is highly recommended. It combines comfortable accommodation, dining, entertainment, and stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples. Book 3-4 night cruises for the best experience.
How do I avoid tourist scams?
Use official guides and tour companies, agree on prices before services, ignore unsolicited offers, don’t buy from persistent vendors, use meters in taxis or Uber, and politely but firmly say “no thank you.”
What language is spoken in Egypt?
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic Arabic phrases like “shukran” (thank you) and “min fadlak” (please) is appreciated.
When is the best time to visit Abu Simbel?
Visit during the Sun Festival (February 22 or October 22) when sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary. Otherwise, arrive at sunrise year-round for stunning lighting and fewer crowds. Day trips from Aswan depart around 3:30 AM.
Is tipping expected in Egypt?
Yes, tipping (baksheesh) is customary and often expected. Tip guides 200-300 EGP/day, drivers 100-150 EGP/day, restaurant servers 10-15%, and small amounts (5-20 EGP) for minor services. Keep small bills handy.
Can I take photos inside the pyramids and tombs?
Photography is prohibited inside most tombs and museum galleries. Special photography tickets are available at some sites ($10-30). Flash photography damages ancient pigments. Always check current rules at each site.
What vaccinations do I need for Egypt?
No vaccinations are mandatory for most travelers. Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus) should be current. Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended for some travelers. Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
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