Ultimate Egypt itinerary
Planning a trip to Egypt, don’t only want to stay in an All Inclulsive Resort, but don’t know where to start your planning? I’ve got you. I have travelled all over the country and have put together an adjustable Egypt itinerary, covering all the best spots.
From the unique Siwa Oasis to the many ancient sites in Luxor and wonderful places along the Red Sea, this itinerary has it all.
1. Cairo, 3-5 days
Being the capital of Egypt, you might arrive to Egypt in Cairo. But there’s also many flights going to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik, so you could also start with that destination you fly into, of course. Cairo is a must on your Egypt itinerary for sure, don´t skip it.
I have been to Egypt many times. During my round trip in January 2024, it was my first time visiting Cairo, though. In the past, I wasn’t sure, if I’d feel comfortable traveling there as a female solo traveler but turns out it’s one of my favourite cities in the world and I felt SO SAFE.
It’s a city that never sleeps, even in the middle of the night, there are so many people around, lots of shops and restaurants open. And there is SO MUCH to do and see here!
How to get to Cairo?
You can either take an International or domestic flight to Cairo. If you are starting your trip in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheik instead, you can easily take a “Go Bus”. The best bus company in Egypt, serving many destinations all over the country. I flew into Hurghada and took a direct go bus to Cairo, when I arrived.
Where to stay in Cairo?
I have stayed at a few places and in my opinion, the best place to stay is somewhere In Giza with direct pyramid views. It’s not far to go to Cairo downtown and UBER is insanely cheap in Egypt. I personally stayed at the Great Pyramid Duo, with the WILDEST pyramid views. It´s one of my favourite hidden gems in Egypt.
Other nice places to stay with pyramid views in Giza are:
Pyramid View Homestay (budget)
Guardian Guest Houe (mid range)
What to do and see in Cairo?
- Pyramids (obviously)
- Egyptian Museum (new and old)
- El Khalili market
- Citadel
- Al Rifai Mosque
- Cairo old town
- Different places with pyramid views (airbnbs, restaurants etc.)
- Al Azhar Mosque
- The Cave Church
2. Siwa Oasis, 2-4 days
Next stop on your ultimate Egypt itinerary: Siwa Oasis
Known for its unique salt lakes, hot springs, desert and classical oasis, Siwa is getting more and more popular, BUT it is not visited by so many tourists yet, because it’s a pain to get there. Personally, I LOVED Siwa. Turned out to be one of my favourite places in Egypt and I am so glad, I decided to go there.
There are so many amazing photo spots here and I loved exploring the ancient Shali fortress, float in a bunch of different salt lakes and soaking in one of the many hot springs.
Another highlight was a dinner in the desert, here you can see so many stars, it’s actually crazy.
How to get to Siwa?
That’s the problem….It’s not super easy nor comfortable to get to Siwa.
The most common option is to take a minibus from Cairo. I took the night minibus, which cost about 360 EGP at the time and took about 8 hours. There is also a “Go Bus” option but with a stop and bus change in Marsa Matruh.
Every now and then, also small charter flights take place between Cairo and Siwa. But they are running quite irregularly and are, of course, also way more expensive than the minibus.
Where to stay in Siwa?
I personally stayed at Seliyaa Hotel, which is also one of my favourite “hidden gems in Egypt“. I loved their boho-style outdoor areas and unique a-frame huts.
But there are also many other options in and around Siwa, suiting any budget.
Some other good places to stay:
Taziry Ecovillage Siwa (luxury)
What to do and see in Siwa?
- Salt lakes
- One of the many hot springs
- Shali fortress
- Cleopatra springs
- Mountain of the dead
- Fatnas Island
- Visit the desert
- Oracle temple
3. Luxor, 3-4 days
Luxor is a MUST on your Egypt itinerary. An insane amount of ancient temples and historic places are located in or very close to Luxor, which makes it a great destination to visit a bunch of places without having to move around too much.
Guides and salesmen at popular attractions and touristy markets here can be pretty annoying and hassle you a lot, but a friendly but very firm “No” will usually do the trick.
I really enjoyed visiting Luxor, it’s many ancient sights as well as the local market, which is one of my favourite hidden gems in Egypt.
How to get to Luxor?
I took a “Go Bus” overnight from Cairo, which took about 8 hours and cost 280 EGP. Even though many people advised me to not take the bus, but train instead, I decided to go for the bus. It was a very comfy ride, been sleeping at least 7 of the 8 hours.
Where to stay in Luxor?
I personally stayed at the Bedouin Lodge. The price was affordable, the bedouin style outdoor area and huts as well as the incredible farm-to-table food were amazing.
But there are also many other options in Luxor, from low budget to super luxury & expensive. Here are some of them:
Nile Panorama hotel (mid range)
Sofitel Winter Palace (luxury)
What to do and see in Luxor?
- Karnak temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Take a nile cruise
- Local market
- Take a hot air balloon flight over Valley of the Kings
- Luxor temple
- Medinet Habou
- Colossi of Memnon
- Deir-el Medina
- Tombs of the Nobles
4. Aswan, 2-3 days
It took me very long to decide, whether I would visit Aswan on my trip or not, but so glad I did. The amazing views of the Nile, meeting massive sand dunes, the many islands and the colourful Nubian village, made it all worth it.
Getting to Aswan on a budget is not quite possible and the cheapest and only option (apart from hiring a private driver or flying) is taking the train. But again, it´s very worth the effort. I LOVED Aswan and its authentic vibes and insanely beautiful nature.
My only regret is not visiting the unique Abu Simbel temple further South of Aswan. I simply had very limited time, while working remotely and already had my return flight booked without being able to change the date.
How to get to Aswan?
Getting to Aswan on a budget is not quite possible and the cheapest and only option (apart from hiring a private driver or flying) is taking the train.
The prices for foreigners were insanely increased last year and instead of 50 EGP a ticket costs now 600EGP upwards. That’s A LOT compared to for example “Go Bus” prices on much longer distances.I have done a lot of research, but there does not seem to be another good option. You can also fly from Cairo but prices are quite high.
Where to stay in Aswan?
I personally stayed at a small family-run guest house on Elephantine island, called “Nile View Guest House”. I enjoyed my stay there a lot, especially the Nile views from the porch.
If I would visit again, I would probably stay at the Kato Dool hotel, with its colourful vibes and unique views of the Nile. Went there for dinner and was blown away by its views and design.
Here are some others to consider:
Nubian Kingdom Aragheed House (mid range)
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (luxury)
What to do and see in Aswan?
- Philae temple
- Nubian Village
- Elephantine island
- Sehail island
- Aswan Botanical garden
- View point on the dunes
- Old Cataract hotel
- Mafia Island
- Dome of Abu Al-Hawa
- Heissa Camp
5. Hurghada, Marsa Alam and/or Sharm El Sheikh
At the end of this Egypt itinerary, it’s time for a couple of relaxing days along the Red Sea.
Your best bets for some snorkeling, chilling at beautiful beaches and enjoying a great hotel are Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh.
I personally spent the last days of my 2024 trip in Hurghada, as my return flight left from there. But I have also stayed in Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam before and can recommend both as well.
Marsa Alam especially for the underwater world, but Sharm El Sheikh is great for that as well. Marsa Alam is way smaller and not as busy. Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are both very popular with tourists and most hotels are busy all year round.
Due to the fact that it´s been a while since I have been to Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam, I will focus on Hurghada below.
How to get to Hurghada?
I took another direct “Go Bus” from Luxor to Hurghada for around 300 EGP. Great, as always. They leave from most bigger cities in Egypt. Hurghada also has an airport, so you could also take a domestic flight from another airport in Egypt.
Where to stay in Hurghada?
I personally stayed on the cheapest and most local place I could find, as I was meeting a co-worker at the Caribbean Bar (one of my favourite hidden gems in Egypt), so it was convenient for me to stay very close by. The place was called Zak Inn, nothing fancy but cheap and clean.
There are many mid range to luxury options as well, a lot of them being classic “All Inclusive Resorts”. Some more options to stay at in and around Hurghada:
Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh (mid range)
Sunrise Tucana Resort – Grand select (luxury)
What to do and see in Hurghada?
- Boat trip to Giftun island
- Speedboat trip to go snorkeling with dolphins (I did THIS ONE)
- Visit the Caribbean bar
- Stroll along the marina
- Visit the Al Mina mosque
- Take a day trip to El Gouna
I hope this blog post with the ultimate Egypt itinerary was helpful.
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