Egypt. The very name sparks thoughts of pharaohs, pyramids, and ancient mysteries. It’s a destination that captures the imagination like no other, but with so much to see and do, figuring out how to make the most of your time can feel overwhelming. From standing in the Great Pyramid’s shadows to sailing down the Nile, this two-week plan blends ancient wonders with authentic cultural experiences to create the ideal, unforgettable journey through Egypt.
Days 1-2: And so it Begins
After a long day of travel, your Egyptian adventure begins the moment you touch down in the culture-rich capital, Cairo. Following a seamless transfer, you’ll check into one of the city’s top hotels. Your base could be the Marriott Mena House, where your room offers an unparalleled, direct view of the pyramids—a sight that has captivated travelers for centuries—or a more centrally located, elevated stay at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza or the St. Regis Cairo. This first day is designed for you to acclimate and prepare for the adventure ahead, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere from a luxurious and relaxing base. As you gaze out at the ancient sights, you’ll begin to grasp the timeless scale of Egyptian civilization, knowing that just beyond your window, the stories of pharaohs and gods await.
Day 3: The Last Ancient Wonder of the World Standing
Your first full day is dedicated to exploring the most recognizable sights in Egypt—the monumental Giza Plateau. Your personal private guide, who is both knowledgeable and fun, will be with you throughout your time in Cairo to help you find hidden gems, share tips and tricks, and navigate safely while avoiding scams. You’ll stand up close to the Great Pyramids of Giza, built over 4,500 years ago as extensive tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. If claustrophobia isn’t a fear of yours, you can even discover the inside of a pyramid, walking the same narrow passageways as the ancient Egyptians. And of course, no visit is complete without an up-close look at the Sphinx. The precise purpose of the mysterious Sphinx remains a subject of debate among Egyptologists, but its powerful presence as a guardian of the necropolis is undeniable.
Day 4: Cairo’s Cultural Heart
Your morning is spent in a deep dive into history at the newly opened and acclaimed National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Unlike older museums, the NMEC is dedicated to telling the full story of Egyptian civilization, and its most famous exhibit—the “Royal Mummies Hall”—presents the remarkable, preserved remains of powerful pharaohs and queens. After soaking up the ancient past, experience the living culture of old Cairo as your guide leads you through winding streets and hidden gems. With your private guide by your side, you can confidently immerse yourself in the city, knowing they will provide local insights, help you navigate cultural norms, and handle any language barriers. You’ll get lost in the labyrinthine alleyways of the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and smells that has been a center of trade since the 14th century. This bustling souk is the perfect place to witness local artisans at work and find unique goods.
Days 5-6: Luxor’s Mighty Temples
Your journey to Luxor begins with a short flight, trading the bustling city for the serene heart of ancient Egypt. Settle into an enchanting hotel like the Sofitel Winter Palace on the East Bank, or the stunning Al Moudira on the West Bank. Your immersion into history continues with a visit to remarkable Dendera Temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. This is one of the best-preserved and most colorful temples in all of Egypt. The next day is dedicated to exploring the impressive temples in Luxor. Your day begins at the massive Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed. From there, you’ll walk down the Avenue of Sphinxes to visit the elegant Luxor Temple, which is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and is a stunning example of New Kingdom architecture. For your last stop of this busy day, you’ll head across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground for pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Don’t let the word “new” fool you, these temples are still over 3,000 years old. The scale and artistry of these sites will leave you in awe, reinforcing why Luxor is an essential part of any trip to Egypt.
Days 7-11: Sailing the Nile
Your adventure takes a more tranquil and intimate turn as you board a traditional dahabiya, like the Adelaide with Nour El Nile. This elegant, two-sailed vessel was the preferred way for aristocrats and early travelers to explore the Nile in the 19th century. With no loud engines, it glides silently, offering an authentic and peaceful experience that feels a world away from the crowds. This 5-night journey departs from the lively merchant town, Esna. Your first excursion is through Esna’s bustling streets to the small but magnificent Temple of Khnum, which sits several meters below street level.The next few days are spent at a luxuriously slow pace, sailing with the wind and visiting sites that are often inaccessible to larger cruise ships. You’ll explore El Kab, the ancient capital of Upper Egypt, and take a horse-and-carriage ride through the streets of Edfu to the perfectly preserved Temple of Horus, one of the best examples of Greco-Roman architecture in Egypt. One day is purely dedicated to the river, offering a chance to swim in the Nile or take an unforgettable walk into the desert at dusk. Your dahabiya will tie up for the night at the foot of the magnificent floodlit temple of Gebel el-Silsila, a massive ancient quarry where Egyptians cut stone for their most famous temples. The journey continues with a visit to the unique dual-temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both the crocodile god, Sobek, and the falcon god, Horus. This immersive journey concludes as you arrive in Aswan.
Day 12: Nubian Traditions and Lush Views
The dahabiya cruise concludes as you arrive in the captivating city of Aswan, where the desert meets the river in a stunning display of color. After checking into a historic hotel like the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, you’ll get a glimpse into Aswan’s unique culture with a private boat tour. Your journey will take you to a local Nubian village, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk through colorful streets, learn about local traditions, and experience their renowned hospitality. The day concludes with a serene and relaxing felucca ride on the Nile, allowing you to peacefully soak in the beauty of the area’s granite islands and picturesque landscapes.
Day 13: A Relocated Masterpiece
Starting bright and early, your final full day in Egypt is dedicated to an incredible day trip to the temples of Abu Simbel, a masterpiece of ancient engineering and devotion. Located far south near the Sudanese border, this striking site was commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II as a show of power. The temples, which were carved directly into a sandstone cliff, were designed with such precision that on two days of the year, the rising sun’s rays would illuminate the innermost sanctuary. The journey to reach them is part of the adventure, often beginning with a flight or private car through the vast, empty expanse of the Sahara. The most remarkable part of Abu Simbel’s modern history is its relocation in the 1960s. Threatened by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temples were meticulously cut into more than 1,000 massive blocks, moved to higher ground, and reassembled exactly as they were, in one of the greatest archaeological salvage projects in history.
Day 14: Homeward Bound
After one final morning in Aswan, it’s time to begin your journey home. A flight from Aswan will connect you back to Cairo for your final departure. You’ll leave Egypt with a lifetime of memories of an incredible journey through one of the world’s most captivating countries, taking with you the sights, sounds, and stories of this ancient land.
This two-week itinerary offers a glimpse into a timeless land and a journey that will stay with you forever. While every trip I design is personalized to my clients, this plan represents my ideal way to experience all of the essentials and iconic highlights. Ready to stop dreaming and start exploring? Click the “Get Started” button on the home page!