Perfect Egypt Itinerary 14 Days

Traveling through Egypt is like stepping into a living museum, offering one of the closest encounters with the ancient world that you can physically experience. This country holds within its borders some of the most iconic, well-preserved temples and tombs in existence. The landscapes are stunning, and the culture has evolved over millennia, tightly intertwined with the mighty River Nile, creating a civilization as enduring as the desert sands.

If you’ve got two weeks, this Egypt itinerary will guide you to the greatest highlights—the must-see wonders that define Egypt.

In this two weeks in Egypt adventure, you’ll stand before Egypt’s most legendary monuments, from the towering Great Pyramid of Giza to the ancient Step Pyramid of Djoser in the north. In the south, you’ll marvel at the vast Karnak temple complex and the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel. You’ll explore the vivid tombs in the Valley of the Kings, sail along the serene Nile at sunset in Aswan, and soak in Egypt’s timeless beauty aboard a classic Nile River cruise.

Once you’ve experienced Egypt in this way, there’s no doubt that it will leave its mark on you too, calling you back for more.

What’s the Route?

Aswan Egypt

If You Have Less Time


If You Have More Than Two Weeks

 Immersive Nile Cruise Egypt

Safety in Egypt

Jordi Orts Segales Gxwqmuuknyg Unsplash

Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo

Cairo Egypt

Key highlight: Pyramids Sound & Light Show
Stay overnight: Cairo

Where to stay in Cairo

Your stay depends on what you want to see and your budget. Here are the main areas:

We recommend you to stay Downtown. It’s a good base, though basic. Here are some options with rave reviews:


Day 2 – Giza Pyramids & Egyptian Museum


Key Highlights: Pyramids of Giza | Great Sphinx | Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square
Stay overnight: Cairo

Pyramids & Great Sphinx

Giza Pyramids

Travel Tip: Giza is prime territory for hassle. You’ll face touts pushing everything from camel rides to photo ops. Plan ahead. If you’re not buying or riding, say “no” firmly at the start to avoid a relentless entourage. Nothing is free—remember that!

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum

Day 3 – Cairo’s Treasures

Key Highlights: Royal Mummies at NMEC | Cairo Citadel | Coptic Cairo | Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Stay overnight: Cairo

Many see Cairo as just a layover on the way to Egypt’s ancient wonders. But this city’s packed with gems. Day 3 is all about uncovering more Cairo highlights—and yes, royal mummies!

Today you’ve got four must-visit places. You can visit them all in a day with a guided tour, or pick two or three if you’re doing it solo.

Morning

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC)

National Museum Of Egyptian Civilisation

Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo

Cairo Citadel

Cairo Citadel

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Day 4 – Day Trip to Alexandria

 Alexandria

Key Highlights: Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa | Kom el-Dikka | Pompey’s Pillar | Bibliotheca Alexandrina | Fort Quaitby | Corniche Walk
Stay overnight: Cairo (or Alexandria)


Day 5 – Memphis, Dahshur & Saqqara

Dahshur Pyramids
Dahshur Pyramid

Highlights: Colossal Statue of Ramses II | Red & Bent Pyramids of Dahshur | Step Pyramid of Djoser
Overnight: Sleeper train to Aswan

Morning and Afternoon

Evening


Day 6 – Aswan Sightseeing

Aswan

Highlights: Nubian Museum | Elephantine Island | Sunset Felucca Sail
Overnight: Aswan

Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, is a treasure trove of history. It was once a major trading hub on the caravan route into Africa and a key military post for ancient Egypt. Aswan stretches along the Nile, making it a fantastic spot to unwind by or on the river.

Morning

Nubian Museum

Nubian Museum

Afternoon

Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island

Sunset

Felucca Sail

Felucca Sailing

Where to Stay in Aswan

Most accommodations are located along the Nile Corniche on the east bank, while Elephantine Island offers a quieter, budget-friendly option.


Day 7 – Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel

Highlights: Great Temple of Ramses II | Temple of Hathor
Overnight: Aswan

Although it requires a full day, the journey to Abu Simbel is worth every minute. This World Heritage site is on par with the Pyramids of Giza and the Karnak Temple as one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring landmarks. The modern story of Abu Simbel is just as fascinating.

Temples of Abu Simbel

Temples Of Abu Simbel

Days 8 to 11 – Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor

Just about every traveler to Egypt will consider a Nile cruise, and for good reason. Along the stretch between Aswan and Luxor, you’ll see boats of all sizes—everything from feluccas and traditional dahabiya vessels to larger river cruise ships.

Nile cruises can last anywhere from three to seven nights, depending on your preference. The length of your cruise, the type of boat you choose, and the itinerary will determine which ancient sites you visit. Larger cruise ships usually stop at famous temples like Kom Ombo and Edfu, though they often spend their first and last nights docked near Luxor and Aswan, surrounded by other tourist boats.


Day 8 – Nile Cruise with Aswan Sightseeing

 Nile Cruise

Highlights: Aswan High Dam | Unfinished Obelisk | Temple of Philae
Overnight: On board Nile cruise (or Aswan if you’re overlanding)

You’ll board your Nile cruise in Aswan today. A typical 4-day, 3-night cruise includes guided tours of several important sites in and around Aswan, such as the Aswan High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the Unfinished Obelisk.

If your cruise doesn’t include a visit to these sites, consider adjusting Day 6 to include the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Nubian Museum.

Unfinished Obelisk

Unfinished Obelisk Aswan

Temple of Philae

Temple Of Philae Aswan

Day 9 – Nile Cruise & Kom Ombo

Highlights: Nile Cruising | Temple of Kom Ombo | Crocodile Museum
Overnight: On board Nile cruise (or Luxor if overlanding)

Temple of Kom Ombo

Temple Of Kom Ombo Aswan

Day 10 – Nile Cruise, Edfu & Luxor East Bank

Highlights: Nile Cruising | Temple of Edfu | Temples of Karnak | Luxor Temple by Night
Overnight: On board Nile cruise (or Luxor if overlanding)

Temple of Edfu

Temple Of Edfu Luxor

Temples of Karnak

Temples Of Karnak Luxor

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple

Day 11 – Nile Cruise & Luxor West Bank

Luxor Egypt

Highlights: Valley of the Kings | Temple of Hatshepsut
Overnight: Luxor

Valley of the Kings

Valley Of The Kings Luxor

Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Mortuary Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut

Where to Stay in Luxor

Most visitors choose to stay on the East Bank, near the temples of Karnak and Luxor.

However, the West Bank is quieter, greener, and more atmospheric. It’s closer to ancient sites like the Valley of the Kings, and staying here offers a unique sense of immersion in Egypt’s past.

Here are some well-reviewed options in Luxor:


Days 12 & 13 – Luxor

Highlights: Colossi of Memnon | Valley of the Queens | Deir el-Medina | Tombs of the Nobles | Ramesseum | Temple of Medinet Habu
Overnight (both nights): Luxor

Two days in Luxor are simply not enough. This was once the heart of the New Kingdom, and the amount of history here is overwhelming.

To make the most of your time, we recommend dedicating these two final days to exploring the remaining treasures of Luxor’s West Bank.

Colossi of Memnon

Colossi Of Memnon

Valley of the Queens

Valley Of The Queens

Tombs of the Nobles

Tombs Of The Nobles Luxor

Ramesseum

Ramesseum Luxor

Temple of Medinet Habu

Temple Of Medinet Habu Luxor

Day 14 – Depart Luxor

Luxor Egypt

Your two-week adventure through Egypt comes to a close today in Luxor.

If you’re up for one final experience, consider starting the day with a dawn hot air balloon ride over the ancient city.