A week in Egypt - Cairo & Luxor 🇪🇬

Morning:
Start early at the Giza Plateau to see the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, plus the Great Sphinx. Arriving before 9 AM helps you beat both crowds and heat. You can walk, ride a camel or horse, or take a short car ride to the panoramic viewpoint for stunning photos of all three pyramids.

Afternoon:
Head next door to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), modern, air-conditioned, and filled with treasures from across Egypt, including the complete Tutankhamun collection and giant statues of Ramses II.

Evening:
Have dinner with pyramid views (for example, at 9 Pyramids Lounge or Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Café if you return downtown). You can also catch the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids for a fun, dramatic end to your first day.

Tip: Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes, the plateau is large and sunny.

Morning:
Travel south (about 40 minutes) to Saqqara, the ancient necropolis of Memphis. Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest large stone building, and the surrounding tombs and reliefs. You’ll get a fascinating glimpse of pre-pyramid architecture.

Afternoon:
Return to Cairo and visit the Citadel of Saladin, perched high above the city. Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, famous for its gleaming domes and sweeping views of Cairo’s skyline.

Evening:
Head to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s bustling market district. Wander through its narrow lanes filled with brass lamps, spices, jewelry, and traditional crafts. Pause for tea or mint lemonade at El Fishawy Café, open for over 200 years, a perfect way to end the day immersed in Cairo’s local life.

Tip: Wear light, modest clothing for the mosque, and bring small cash for souvenirs.

Morning:
Start your day at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to thousands of artifacts spanning Egypt’s ancient history. Though many treasures are moving to the Grand Egyptian Museum, this historic building still offers a wonderful glimpse into the early days of Egyptology, with royal statues, jewelry, and beautifully preserved mummies. Spend about 1.5–2 hours exploring its highlights.

Afternoon:
Next, head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat, Old Cairo. This modern, spacious museum tells the story of Egypt from prehistoric times through the modern era. Don’t miss the Royal Mummies Hall, an atmospheric exhibit where pharaohs like Ramses II and Hatshepsut rest in stunning preservation.
Enjoy lunch nearby or at the museum café overlooking the lake.

Evening:
From NMEC, travel to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your flight to Luxor (about 1 hour). Evening flights are convenient, letting you arrive in Luxor in time to check in, have dinner, and rest before the next day’s adventures.

Tip:

Allow at least 1.5 hours to reach the airport from NMEC (traffic in Cairo can be unpredictable).

Book a flight departing after 6 PM to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy both museums without rushing.

Morning:
Begin your day before sunrise with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Nile and the West Bank. Watching the sun rise above the desert temples and fields is one of Egypt’s most magical experiences. After landing, head straight to the Valley of the Kings to explore the richly decorated tombs of the pharaohs, go early to avoid crowds and heat.

Afternoon:
Stop by the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that once guarded the grand temple of Amenhotep III. Then return to your hotel on the East Bank for a relaxed lunch or some well-earned rest.

Evening:
Enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel or take a short stroll along the Nile promenade to soak in the golden sunset.

Tip: Bring water, a hat, and small bills for optional tomb entries.

Morning:
Start early with a visit to the Valley of the Queens, where you can see Queen Nefertari’s tomb, one of the most stunning in Egypt (extra ticket required). Continue to the magnificent Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari and dedicated to Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh.

Afternoon:
If time allows, explore Deir el-Medina, the village where ancient artisans lived and decorated their own beautifully preserved tombs.

Evening:
Return to the East Bank by late afternoon to relax or enjoy sunset views from your hotel terrace.

Tip: Hire a local guide to explain the stories and hieroglyphs, it adds depth to the visit.

Morning:
Spend the morning exploring the vast Karnak Temple, one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes in the world. Don’t miss the Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of giant stone columns that once supported massive painted roofs.

Afternoon:
Return to your hotel for lunch and rest during the hottest part of the day, or enjoy a leisurely meal at a Nile-view café.

Evening:
As the sun sets, visit Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night, and stroll along the Avenue of Sphinxes, the ancient processional road linking it to Karnak. End your trip with a peaceful felucca sail on the Nile, a calm and timeless way to see the city glow in the evening light.

Tip: Sunset felucca rides are best booked locally and usually last 45–60 minutes.