How to Spend The Perfect 10 Days in Egypt Itinerary
Last Updated on 11th May 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Who hasn’t dreamed about a trip to fascinating Egypt? I bet you have… This incredible country in the northern part of Africa is a perfect place to visit for a long trip. Here’s the perfect 10 days in Egypt itinerary to inspire your next adventure.
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Is 10 days enough time in Egypt?
Egypt is a fairly big country with plenty to see and do, especially for first timers. With that being said, 10 days is more than enough time to get a brief overview of the country and see some of its main attractions.
As Egypt is easy to reach traveling from any country in Europe, it can also be an ideal short escape destination as well. In this 10-day Egypt itinerary, we offer a well-planned outline around the country that includes key landmarks that everyone wants to see and some super fun activities to do.
You can easily copy our proposal or adapt this itinerary to your taste and travel style. Are you ready? Let’s see the best of Egypt in 10 days!
Getting around Egypt
This 10-day in Egypt itinerary starts and ends in El Cairo, Egypt. Moving around the country is easy with low-cost flights, buses, or even affordable group tours.
It is also very convenient to hire a driver and a guide to take you around. You can discuss your route with them during the planning phase to make the best of the time there and to make sure you visit the exact place you intend to discover.
Best Things to Do in Egypt in 10 Days
Days 1-3: Cairo and more
Devote the first two (or even three) days in Egypt to explore the capital. El Cairo has a lot to see and discover, especially if you are interested in the mysterious history of the civilization that thrived on both banks of the Nile centuries ago.
Once in Cairo, it will be impossible to decide which of the many local museums to explore. For that reason, and given that every traveler is different, we leave you down the two best museums to discover in Cairo, feel free to decide if you want to explore both of them or just one.
Egyptian Museum of El Cairo
It would be a pity to get to Cairo and not make some time to explore the Egyptian Museum. Spare at least 2-3 hours on your first day in town to visit the most remarkable museum in the country, where the most important pieces of Ancient Egypt are exhibited.
This incredible museum stands in Milan Tahrir, in the center of Cairo. The first thing that will catch your eye will be the unmistakable pink facade giving life to the amazing neoclassical-style building designed by a French architect.
The museum, which opened its doors back in 1902, maintains a traditional decorative style that will certainly transport you back in time.
Home to the world’s largest archaeological collection of evidence dating back to the various pharaonic eras, you will be amazed at the more than 120,000 findings and monuments including the contents of the tomb of Tutankhamen, and most of the mummies discovered during different excavations.
Spanning two massive floors, the museum explores aspects of Egypt from the Ancient Kingdom to the Greco-Roman period.
However, it is a very ancient exhibition that has not been reordered or reorganized for more than a century. Unfortunately, this results in some sections lacking enough content or information, so it is always advisable to book a tour led by a professional guide.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is one of the most important landmarks in the country and one of the largest international museums for the exhibition, conservation, research, and dissemination of Egyptian history.
Besides, this is the first museum dedicated to the most ancient and prehistoric civilizations featuring exhibits that have been transferred from other museums in Egypt such as the Cairo Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Coptic Museum, and the Museum of the Royal Jewels in Alexandria.
- This fantastic tour includes a visit to both the Egyptian Museum of El Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization with an Egyptologist as your guide. Check prices and availability here.
Coptic Quarter
During the afternoon, head to the impressive Christian quarter of Cairo where other than exploring the streets and old houses, you can spend some time visiting the stunning Church of Santa Barbara , which is also known as the Hanging Church.
Located in the heart of Old Cairo, the church stands on top of one of the entrances of the Babylon Fortress and its main nave stands suspended above a corridor giving the impression of an imposing building suspended in midair.
The building was constructed sometime during the third century and it was originally used by soldiers who lived inside the so-called Babylon (or also Roman) Fortress.
If you are interested in the history of the Coptic Christians of El Cairo, you can combine the visit to the church with a stop at the Coptic Museum, just two minutes from the church.
The Pyramids
The whole second day in Cairo will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip, you will discover the impressive Pyramids, the main reason to visit Egypt in the first place, right?
The best way to do the Giza Pyramids Tour is to book an online experience before arriving in Cairo, that way you’ll be certain that you get what you paid for, there is enough availability, and – in case of a last-minute cancellation – you will be either given your money back or an alternative tour will be offered.
You cannot count on that if you book last-minute on-site. Unfortunately, tourist scams are super common in the pyramid area and this is one of the best tricks to avoid them. So book everything beforehand and avoid unpleasant surprises and disappointment!
No matter what tour you choose, you will start by visiting the Saqqara area and the Djoser Pyramid as it is believed to have been the first model for all the pyramids that were built after this one.
Tours usually continue with a stop at Memphis to check out the statue of Ramses II and then visit the bizarre Dashur Pyramids with their curious oval cuspids. The best part of the experience comes next when you head to Gaza to check out the three most famous pyramids, Keops, Kefren, and Mankaure.
This is a private yet super affordable tour that covers all these stops and includes transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a private tour guide. Check prices and availability here.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Have some fun on your last morning in town exploring one of the most amazing markets in the continent, located at the entrance of an important mosque, this street market has several alleys of traditional stands where bartering for a better price is the way to go, no matter what you wish to buy!
The bazaar is also the oldest and largest bazaar in Africa and it probably dates back to the early Middle Ages spreading over an area bigger than 5000 square meters.
Other than being the right place for souvenir hunting, over the centuries, the bazaar has been the place where locals meet and socialize, discuss politics and the latest news… and eventually shop too!
The lively place is safe and friendly, and getting lost is nothing but part of the adventure. This popular spot in town is also among the locals who still do some of their shopping in most of these colorful stands.
Al Muizz Street
Al Muizz Street is another famous corner in Cairo quite close to the bazaar. You can go for a walk along this picturesque street and visit one of the most beautiful mosques and monuments in Islamic Cairo.
The street is among the oldest in the country and one of the best open-air museums and Islamic medieval buildings that you can find in Egypt.
One of them is the impressive Al-Azhar Mosque and the center of Sunni Islamic education. The incredible mosque dated back to the year 972 B.C. and it shelters one of the oldest universities in the world.
Citadel of Saladin
Finally, check out the curious Citadel of Saladin, originally built in 1176. The place is one of the world’s greatest medieval attractions which houses a mosque, as well as numerous museums and sites.
The famous citadel was once the city’s seat of power, where sultans, ministers, and pashas lived and ruled later in history, during the nineteenth century.
The citadel features incredible protective features, including a fortress and defensive walls, towers, and three impressive gates.
Days 4-5: Luxor
Today you will take a flight from Cairo to Luxor to check out places that you would otherwise miss on a Nile cruise. Luxor is famed for being the world’s biggest open-air museum and boasts treasures such as the Karnak complex of temple ruins and the Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Nobles
In Luxor, you will spend the first day admiring the Temple of Ramses II, the Temple of Seti I, and the Valley of the Nobles. These funerary complexes were excavated inside a rocky slope and used to honor governors, other figures of the noble class, and senior officials of ancient Egypt.
Temple of Karnak
On the East Bank of Luxor, you can check out priceless archaeological sites of the ancient city of Thebes, such as the Temple of Karnak, one of the most precious gems in the country.
The Karnak temple is a complex that features a former fortified village with a great number of temples, chapels, columns, and other buildings made between 1971 BC and around 30 BC.
The complex is a vast open site where you can check out the Karnak Open Air Museum, the second-most visited archaeological site in the country after the pyramids in Giza.
Important tip: If you have extra time to discover the country, it is a good idea to embark on a 4 or 5 Nilo cruise that from Luxor takes you to Aswan.
Or, if you prefer to avoid visiting the seaside towns facing the Read Sea we propose below, these Nile cruises can be a good option for a relaxing adventure filled with sightseeing and onboard activities.
Days 6-10: The Red Sea and back to Cairo
It is a good idea to spend the last days discovering the Red Sea coast. And Hurghada is an excellent destination.
You can get to Hurghada by plane from Luxor (the trip is a bit more than an hour) or by bus (about 4 hours). Once at the destination, you will be able to spend time by the sea and enjoy scuba diving, one of the most popular activities in the area.
Where to stay in Hurghada
These are some of the best seaside hotels and resorts in this important Egyptian town.
– Arabella Azur Resort: This beautiful complex features a lagoon-style pool, a private beach area, and a spa. The rooms are bright and open onto a balcony overlooking Hurghada or the Red Sea. Check prices and availability here.
– Bel Air Azur Resort (Adults Only): Check out this gorgeous, all-inclusive beach hotel with incredible freshwater pools, and rooms with a balcony and free minibar. Check prices and availability here.
During these three full days in Hurghada, activities are fewer. The idea is to relax from the several museums and archaeological sites visits that filled your first days in Egypt.
However, we have listed below some of the best things to do in Hurghada to discover the fantastic coast of the Red Sea and relax while enjoying fantastic adventures and experiences.
Best things to do in Hurghada
- Giftun Islands: One of the most popular boat trips in Hurghada takes you to explore the impressive white sand beaches in Giftun Islands, a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts and fans of scuba diving. In the area, you will find easy access to cal reefs colorful fish, and crystal-clear waters.
- Jeep Safari to the Desert: Another popular thing to do in Hurghada is to spend a day of adventurous drives through the desert, traveling off-road to discover the curious acacia tree valleys in the area surrounding Hurghada.
- Visit the Marina: Hurghada Marina is located in the central district of Sigala and it is the perfect place to go for a walk after sunset or to enjoy a cup of tea or even dinner in one of the many local and international restaurants.
- Hurghada Aquarium: Located in the Ad-Dahar district of Hurghada, this impressive aquarium offers you the best way to learn about and identify the same variety of fish that you have already admired while snorkeling in the Red Sea.
- Sindbad Submarine: Probably among the most popular attractions in Hurghada, offering the chance to check out the worldwide famous underwater environment of the Red Sea. This tourist submarine experience takes you more than 20 meters under the Red Sea’s surface to see the abundant reef fish and colorful corals for about an hour. This is the best activity for people who don’t swim or for small kids, still too little to go on a scuba adventure.
On the tenth and last day of your Egypt adventure, you can take an early flight from Hurghada back to Cairo to board your connecting flight back home.
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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.
