If you've only got a week to explore Egypt, you'll want to make every moment count—and this week-long itinerary does just that. You'll spend your days visiting iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, cruising down the Nile, and exploring the temples of Luxor, but you'll also have time to unwind by the Red Sea and dive into the local culture. Here's our guide to the best 7 days in Egypt itinerary.
This itinerary is designed to showcase the best places to visit in Egypt without feeling rushed. While one week is enough to see the major sights, it does require careful planning. If your trip planning to Egypt allows for a slightly more relaxed pace, check out our guide to planning a 10-day trip to Egypt or explore our other Egypt itineraries.
7 day Egypt itinerary overview:
Planning a trip to Egypt in one week is definitely possible, and this itinerary starts first in the nation's capital.
Coptic Cairo in the old city of Cairo, Egypt © Shutterstock
Welcome to Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital with a population of around 20 million. It's been the heart of the country for over a thousand years. Once you check in, take a food tour through Islamic Cairo to try koshari, Egypt's national dish, and sip on some fresh sugarcane juice. For a real local experience, head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, the oldest shopping mall in the world, where gold merchants and spice sellers have been trading since the 14th century. If you have more time, there are a lot of great day trips from Cairo that you could add in here.
For your first day of this 7 day Egypt itinerary, you'll want to stick to these Cairo neighborhoods. If you'd like a more thorough look, see our guide to where to stay in Cairo.
Khan el Khalili market in Cairo © Shutterstock
Travel time: 45 minutes by car or taxi
The Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, have mystified visitors for over 4,000 years. These massive structures were ancient even when Cleopatra visited them.
Arrive right when the complex opens, usually around 7 AM, to beat the crowds and the heat. Hire a local guide at the entrance—they can help you dodge persistent vendors and point out the best photo spots. Don't miss the panorama point, where you can see all nine pyramids at once. You might want to enter the Great Pyramid, but be ready for a crouched walk up a narrow passage. The Solar Boat Museum is home to a full-sized ship that was meant to carry the pharaoh into the afterlife—it's one of the oldest and best-preserved ships in the world.
In the late afternoon, catch a one-hour flight to Hurghada. Try to sit on the right side of the plane for amazing views of the desert meeting the Red Sea. The contrast between the golden sands and turquoise waters is especially stunning at sunset.
What to see in Egypt in 7 days? Why not the Pyramids of Giza © Shutterstock
After the hustle and bustle of Cairo, Hurghada offers a much-needed change of pace. Once a small fishing village in the 1980s, it has since become one of Egypt's top beach destinations. Unlike the more polished El Gouna, Hurghada still holds onto some of its authentic Egyptian charm, while offering world-class beaches and incredible marine life.
Spend your day relaxing on the pristine beaches where the Eastern Desert meets the Red Sea. The coral reefs here, some of the most untouched in the world, start just a few feet from the shore. The northern beaches are calmer and more family-friendly, while the southern area is known for its fantastic snorkeling spots.
You have a lot of choices when it comes to staying in Hurghada, where you will spend your third night of this week-long Egypt itinerary.
Hurghada El Mina Mosque, Egypt © Pixabay
You can take the day to relax and do whatever you feel like. You can spend more time on the beach, explore local markets, or unwind by the pool at your hotel.
If you're in the mood for something a bit different, treat yourself to a spa day with a traditional Egyptian massage or a mud bath to relax and recharge. For some it could be worth extending a your trip to spend time here, see our guide to how many days to spend in Egypt.
On your second day in Hurghada, you've got plenty of options for both adventure and relaxation. For something more exciting, join a jeep safari into the Eastern Desert. The landscape here is otherworldly, and you can even try quad biking through ancient valleys that were once home to early Christian hermits. Their caves are still visible in the cliffs. If you're interested in learning more about local culture, head to a Bedouin village where you'll be welcomed with traditional tea and bread, giving you a chance to experience a way of life that's been around for centuries.
If you prefer the water, you can go snorkeling at places like Giftun Island, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The Red Sea offers some of the clearest water in the world, often with visibility over 100 feet (30 meters), so it's a top spot for seeing marine life. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, clownfish, and even dolphins that often visit the area.
In the late afternoon, catch a short flight to Luxor. It's just a 45-minute trip, but as you approach, you'll notice how the desert gives way to the lush Nile Valley, showing why Egypt is called "the gift of the Nile."
Hurghada kitesurfing, a great way to spent a 7 day Egypt trip © Pixabay
Day 5 of this 7 day Egypt itinerary welcomes to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, which was once the most powerful city in Egypt and the greatest religious capital of the ancient world. Today, Luxor is built on layers of history that stretch back over 4,000 years, and it's divided by the Nile River into two parts: the East Bank, known as the "city of the living," and the West Bank, the "city of the dead." This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Luxor is quite large and so you have some options of where to stay:
Start your day at the Karnak Temple Complex, a massive open-air museum that developed over 2,000 years, with each pharaoh adding something new. You'll want to arrive early to catch the morning light filtering through the 134 massive columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall—a truly impressive sight.
Don't miss the Sacred Lake, where priests carried out purification rituals, and be sure to check out Hatshepsut's towering obelisk, one of the tallest standing ancient monuments in Egypt.
In the late afternoon, you can head to Luxor Temple, either by walking or taking a horse carriage. Unlike most temples, Luxor Temple is aligned with the Nile and connected to Karnak by an ancient avenue lined with sphinxes. If you visit at sunset, the temple looks even more magical as the lights illuminate the columns and statues of Ramesses II. Look out for the still-active 14th-century mosque built on top of the temple ruins.
Karnak Temple: an important place to add as you plan your trip to Egypt © Shutterstock
Today, you'll cross the Nile to the West Bank, where the ancient Egyptians believed the setting sun symbolized the journey to the afterlife. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most important tombs and temples. @egypt
Start your day at the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs built their secret tombs for over 500 years. Your ticket gives you access to three tombs (the ones open that day), but don't miss King Tutankhamun's tomb if you can, though there's an extra fee.
Next, head to the Temple of Hatshepsut, the most successful female pharaoh of Egypt. The temple, set against towering limestone cliffs, is a stunning architectural feat with three dramatic terraces. Her successor tried to erase her from history by defacing her images—yet her legacy endures. This temple was revolutionary in design.
End your West Bank tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two giant 200 foot high (30 meter) statues made of quartzite that once stood at the entrance of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. In ancient Roman times, these statues were famous for producing a mysterious "singing" sound at dawn, caused by wind passing through cracks from an earthquake. See our guide to the best tours of Egypt.
Mural paintings of Khonsu in Ramses V and Ramses VI tomb (KV9) © Shutterstock
Travel time: 3h by train
On your final travel day, you'll head to Aswan, where the Nile narrows and granite cliffs rise dramatically from the riverbanks. Known as "Swenet" in ancient times, meaning "trade," Aswan was historically Egypt's southern gateway and a center of commerce. The city has a distinct vibe, blending Nubian culture with Egyptian traditions, offering a completely different experience compared to northern Egypt.
Start your day at the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This stunning temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser in one of history's most impressive archaeological feats.
Next, visit the High Dam, an engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser and revolutionized Egyptian agriculture. Though not ancient, it's an incredible testament to human ingenuity. Your morning wraps up with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, where you can see ancient stone-cutting techniques still visible in the massive granite blocks. This site gives you a fascinating look at how the ancient Egyptians carved their monumental statues.
For those looking for a bit more flexibility, consider spending an extra day in Aswan. You could dive deeper into Nubian culture or take a relaxing sunset ride on a felucca boat along the Nile. Alternatively, you can use this day to return to Cairo, especially if you have an early international flight the next day or want to visit the Egyptian Museum.
Medinat Habu, Luxor, Egypt © Shutterstock
If you want to skip the hassle of planning and booking, you can have one of our local travel experts plan your trip for you. Our tailor made trips service takes care of every detail for you and is completely customizable.
Or if you're just looking for inspiration, don't miss our trip ideas gallery.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Egypt
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 25.11.2024
