Ancient Egypt: Cairo, Aswan & Luxor in 7 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum, Abu Simbel, a felucca on the Nile, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak — the pharaohs’ world in a week.
EgyptCulture & historyPhotogenicFirst-timers
Length7 days / 6 nights
CitiesCairo, Giza, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor
CurrencyEGP Egyptian pound
Best time to goOct–Apr is ideal; summer in Upper Egypt tops 40°C and spring brings sandstorms.
Day-by-day overview
Day 1 Arrive in CairoDay 2 Pyramids × Grand Egyptian MuseumDay 3 Saqqara × fly to AswanDay 4 Abu Simbel × PhilaeDay 5 Down the Nile to LuxorDay 6 Valley of the Kings × KarnakDay 7 Fly home
Day 1Arrive in Cairo
10:00🚗 Transport
Arrive at Cairo International Airport
Type / No.Flight
LocationCairo International Airport 🧭
Depending on nationality you may need an e-visa or visa on arrival — check Egypt’s official e-Visa portal.
14:00🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out14:00 / 12:00
LocationGiza or central Cairo 🧭
Stay in Giza for pyramid views.
17:00📍 Sight
Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Suggested time3 hrs
LocationKhan el-Khalili 🧭
Haggling is normal; politely refuse unsolicited “guides”.
🛍 Shopping list⚠️ Heads-up
20:00🍽 Food
Day 2Pyramids × Grand Egyptian Museum
08:00📍 Sight
Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
Suggested time3.5 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationGiza Pyramids 🧭
Go at opening for cooler air; agree a total price before camel rides.
📸 Photo spot🧴 Sunscreen⚠️ Heads-up
12:00🍽 Food
13:30📍 Sight
Grand Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun’s treasures)
Suggested time4 hrs
TicketsBook ahead
LocationGrand Egyptian Museum 🧭
Buy online; open late on Wednesdays and Saturdays (check the site).
🎟 Book ahead
19:30🍽 Food
Day 3Saqqara × fly to Aswan
08:30📍 Sight
12:30🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
15:00🚗 Transport
Domestic flight to Aswan
Type / No.Flight
LocationCairo International Airport 🧭
About 1.5 hours; sleeper trains also run.
18:00🏨 Stay
19:30🍽 Food
Day 4Abu Simbel × Philae
04:00🚗 Transport
To Abu Simbel (road convoy or flight)
Type / No.Bus / coach
LocationAbu Simbel 🧭
About 3.5 hours by road, leaving before dawn.
08:00📍 Sight
15:00📍 Sight
17:30📍 Sight
Felucca sunset on the Nile
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationAswan felucca 🧭
🌙 Night view📸 Photo spot
Day 5Down the Nile to Luxor
07:30🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
08:00🚗 Transport
Drive to Luxor with temple stops
Type / No.Rental car
LocationLuxor 🧭
4–5 hours; or take a 3–4-night Nile cruise instead.
09:30📍 Sight
11:30📍 Sight
15:00🏨 Stay
17:30📍 Sight
Luxor Temple at night
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationLuxor Temple 🧭
🌙 Night view📸 Photo spot
Day 6Valley of the Kings × Karnak
05:30📍 Sight
Sunrise hot-air balloon (optional)
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsBook ahead
LocationLuxor hot air balloon 🧭
Choose a well-reviewed licensed operator.
📸 Photo spot
08:00📍 Sight
Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut’s Temple
Suggested time3.5 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationValley of the Kings 🧭
Tutankhamun’s tomb and some others cost extra; no flash.
🧴 Sunscreen
12:30🍽 Food
15:30📍 Sight
Day 7Fly home
08:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Double-check passports, power banks and valuables.
10:00🚗 Transport
Fly home via Cairo
Type / No.Flight
LocationLuxor International Airport 🧭
Aim to reach the airport 2.5–3 hours before an international flight.
🎟 Book these before you go
- Day 2｜Grand Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun’s treasures): Buy online; open late on Wednesdays and Saturdays (check the site).
- Day 4｜To Abu Simbel (road convoy or flight): About 3.5 hours by road, leaving before dawn.
- Day 6｜Sunrise hot-air balloon (optional): Choose a well-reviewed licensed operator.
🌦 Monthly temperatures: Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza High / low | 19° 10° | 21° 11° | 24° 13° | 28° 16° | 32° 19° | 34° 22° | 35° 23° | 34° 24° | 33° 22° | 30° 19° | 25° 15° | 20° 11° |
| Luxor & Aswan High / low | 23° 6° | 25° 8° | 29° 11° | 35° 16° | 39° 21° | 41° 23° | 41° 24° | 40° 24° | 38° 22° | 35° 18° | 29° 12° | 24° 7° |
(typical averages — check the forecast before you go)
FAQ
How many days does Ancient Egypt: Cairo, Aswan & Luxor in 7 Days take?
It’s planned as 7 days / 6 nights with 29 stops (13 sights and 5 meals). Copy it and add or remove stops to suit your pace.
What should I book in advance?
We recommend booking or buying ahead: Grand Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun’s treasures), To Abu Simbel (road convoy or flight), Sunrise hot-air balloon (optional).
How do I make this template my own?
Tap “Use this template”, enter a name and start date, and an editable copy is created. Add your flights and hotels, adjust times and stops, then export a PDF or image to share.
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Note: opening hours, prices, timetables and entry rules change often — check official sources. This page offers general suggestions, not bookings or professional travel advice.