Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Egypt. It is long enough to see the great icons without rushing, yet short enough to fit a normal holiday. This 10 day Egypt itinerary combines Cairo and the Pyramids, a relaxing Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and time to unwind, so you come home having seen the best of the country at a comfortable pace.
Your 10 day Egypt itinerary at a glance
- Days 1 to 2: Cairo and Giza
- Day 3: Fly south to Aswan
- Days 3 to 6: Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- Days 6 to 7: Luxor
- Days 8 to 10: Red Sea or Cairo and Alexandria
Days 1 to 2: Cairo and Giza
Begin in Cairo, home to the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Spend your first days at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, then explore the Grand Egyptian Museum with its vast collection, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. If time allows, wander the lanes of Islamic and Coptic Cairo and the colourful Khan el Khalili bazaar.
Day 3: Fly to Aswan
A short domestic flight takes you south to Aswan, the gateway to the Nile. Aswan is calmer and warmer than Cairo, with the beautiful Philae Temple set on an island and the option of a sunset felucca sail. Many travellers add an early morning trip to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel from here.
Days 3 to 6: Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
The heart of the trip is a Nile cruise. Sailing downstream from Aswan to Luxor, you wake up beside temples and watch timeless village life drift past. Highlights include the double temple of Kom Ombo and the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu. It is the most relaxing way to see several major sites without changing hotels.
Days 6 to 7: Luxor
Often called the world’s greatest open air museum, Luxor rewards a day or two of its own. Cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Hatshepsut, then visit the vast temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank. A sunrise hot air balloon over the Nile is an unforgettable optional extra.
Days 8 to 10: Red Sea or Cairo and Alexandria
For the final stretch, choose your pace. Beach lovers can fly to the Red Sea at Hurghada or Marsa Alam for snorkelling, diving and sunshine. History lovers can return to Cairo and take a day trip to Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast. Either way, it is a gentle end to a full itinerary.
Ready made tours that follow this route
If you would rather have everything arranged, several of our journeys follow a similar path. Take a look at Seven Days of Wonder, Egypt Elite and Cairo, Nile and Red Sea, all of which can be extended to ten days.
Best time to do this itinerary
October to April offers warm, dry days that are ideal for both sightseeing and the Red Sea. For a detailed month by month view, see our guide to the best time to visit Egypt.
How much does a 10 day trip cost
The price depends on your choice of hotels, the cruise ship, domestic flights and whether you travel privately or in a small group. A tailor made ten day trip can be built to suit a wide range of budgets, with private guides and transport throughout.
Make this itinerary your own
This is a starting point, not a fixed package. We shape every detail around your dates, interests and pace, whether you want more time in the desert, a focus on diving, or a slower family friendly plan. Customise your Egypt trip or talk to our team to start planning.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Egypt?
Yes. Ten days comfortably covers Cairo, a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise and time to relax, which is why it is one of the most popular trip lengths for first time visitors.
Should I start in Cairo or Luxor?
Most travellers start in Cairo for the Pyramids, then fly south to the Nile. You can read more in our guide on whether to visit Cairo or Luxor first.
Do I need domestic flights?
Short internal flights between Cairo and the south save a lot of time on a ten day trip, and we arrange all of them as part of your itinerary.