Egypt Itinerary: 7-Day DIY Itinerary for One Incredible Week in Egypt!

Egypt is an unbelievable nation and there’s SO a lot to see and do this it’s fairly overwhelming making an attempt to plan the proper itinerary.

When I booked my journey to Egypt I ideally needed to go to for 10 days however I discovered ridiculously inexpensive flights ($490 round-trip from New York) and the dates dictated I might solely have 7 days within the nation. 

With just one week in Egypt, it was tough to know what to incorporate. Should I skip Abu Simbel? Do I have to do a Nile cruise? Should I keep close to the pyramids? These have been a few of the questions I requested myself. 

I’ve accomplished this precise Egypt itinerary, so I do know it really works. It contains Abu Simbel however doesn’t embody a Nile cruise as a result of lots of the cruises are multi-day cruises and seven days in Egypt isn’t plenty of time to suit one in. 

However, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to cowl vital locations akin to Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor. You’ll get to see the Pyramids, Philae Temple, Karnak Temple, The Valley of the Kings and a bunch of different cool locations. It’s a terrific Egypt itinerary for first-timers and fairly a typical route. 

While you are able to do a bundle tour with a set itinerary, the tour firms cost a markup so that you’re paying extra for the comfort of getting another person organizing every little thing for you. 

Egypt actually wasn’t as tough as individuals made it out to be and the effort wasn’t actually that unhealthy. It’s completely attainable to do a DIY itinerary to Egypt and e-book every little thing your self. 

Just e-book your home flights (or trains) on-line after which e-book day excursions and particular person actions by GetYourInformation or Viator. This is a less expensive manner of doing issues than reserving a 7-day tour that’s deliberate from begin to end.

So with out additional ado, right here’s spend one week in Egypt: 

Egypt Itinerary: 7 Days within the Land of the Pharaohs

When you fly into Egypt you’ll land at Cairo International Airport. If you don’t thoughts transferring round, you might keep one evening at a lodge close to the Pyramids after which one evening close to Tahrir Square or in Zamalek. This permits you to have the expertise of having fun with breakfast with a view of the pyramids however then additionally expertise the hustle and bustle of downtown Cairo.

Days 1 & 2: Cairo

Where to Stay in Cairo

Marriott Mena House – This is the very best lodge in Cairo, so in the event you can afford to remain an evening right here, positively do! The lodge has welcomed many celebrities and dignitaries through the years and has lovely, lush gardens with a view of the Pyramids of Giza. The resort boasts an outside pool, a 24-hour fitness center, an on-site spa and a number of other eating places providing completely different cuisines. The luxurious rooms all have non-public balconies with views of the pool, gardens or the Pyramids.

Pyramids Eyes Hotel– If you’ll be able to’t afford to remain at Marriott Mena House, there are a selection of funds choices that each one have rooftops with views of the Pyramids of Giza. One of them is the Pyramids Eyes Hotel, which is a boutique lodge with simply 17 rooms. The lodge is only a 10-minute stroll from the doorway to the Pyramids and has a rooftop cafe the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in complimentary breakfast and hookah out there for buy. 

Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo – If you need to keep within the downtown space close to Tahrir Square, this lodge is a cushty and inexpensive possibility. Located inside strolling distance of the Egyptian Museum, the lodge presents 295 trendy rooms,  free WiFi, 24 hour in-room eating/room service, an all-day eating restaurant and a foyer bar the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in cocktails after a protracted day of sightseeing.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton – The most luxurious possibility in downtown Cairo, The Nile Ritz-Carlton is situated within the coronary heart of the Nile, near the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square. This beautiful lodge has 9 eating choices, a rooftop lounge, an olympic-sized pool, health heart and tastefully appointed rooms overlooking the river Nile. 

President Hotel Zamalek – If you’d favor to remain in Zamalek (probably the most prosperous areas of Cairo), the President Hotel is a superb possibility. Rooms are trendy and there are a selection of eating choices inside the lodge, together with a rooftop breakfast restaurant with views of the capital and a cellar restaurant serving each oriental and worldwide dishes. 

Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx

Start your journey with essentially the most iconic landmark in Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza! The finest solution to go to the Pyramids is by taking a guided tour so as to keep away from any scams and trouble. Sometimes individuals will stand close to the entrances telling individuals they’re going the flawed manner or they’ll try to trouble you into taking a camel journey. If you’ve a information, you gained’t run into this downside. 

The Pyramids of Giza are a set of three pyramids that have been constructed between 2550 to 2490 B.C. Egyptian Pharaohs believed in an afterlife and to organize for entry into the following world they constructed tombs for themselves that contained every little thing they would wish within the subsequent life. The Pyramids of Giza have been subsequently constructed to accommodate the stays of the deceased pharaohs after they died.

The Great Pyramid is the most important one and was constructed with an estimated 2.3 million giant blocks weighing 6 million tonnes in complete. Built for the pharaoh Khufu, the pyramid was the tallest man-made construction on this planet for round 3,000 years, standing round 481 ft (147 meters) above the plateau.

The Pyramid of Khafre is the second largest of the pyramids and was constructed for the 4th dynasty Pharaoh Khafre. The southernmost and smallest pyramid was the tomb of Menkaure, the fifth pharaoh of the 4th dynasty. 

All three of the pyramids have been looted throughout historical and medieval occasions and so the tombs have been left just about empty. None of the our bodies or treasures that have been buried with the kings have been discovered contained in the pyramids.

There are conspiracy theories that the pyramids have been constructed by aliens however actually the pyramids have been constructed over a number of many years by hundreds of staff. They all lived in a employee’s village near the plateau, which featured sleeping quarters, bakeries, breweries, kitchens, a hospital and even a cemetery.

Your information will take you on a tour of the three pyramids and also you’ll have the choice so as to add a camel journey to your expertise. You’ll have the ability to seize pictures of the Pyramids of Giza from numerous completely different angles and you may even pay to go inside them. I wouldn’t hassle with going inside although – it’s cramped and also you gained’t see any contents inside them since every little thing has been robbed/eliminated. 

After visiting the Pyramids of Giza it’s time to move to the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is a statue of a legendary creature that’s half human, half lion. It measures 73 m (240 ft) lengthy from paw to tail and is likely one of the most iconic sculptures on this planet. The statue was lower out of the bedrock and archeologists consider it dates again to the reign of Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BC).

Egyptian Museum

In the afternoon, head to the Egyptian Museum, which homes the most important assortment of Pharaonic antiquities on this planet. The constructing was designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon as a part of a world design competitors and it has turn into an iconic fixture of downtown Cairo. Spread over two flooring, it accommodates over 170,000 objects from the start of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt throughout to the Greco-Roman interval.

On show you’ll see in depth collections of papyri, sarcophagi, jewellery, canopic jars, cash, and different Egyptian artifacts. You may see the mummies of a few of Egypt’s biggest Pharaohs and the contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb, together with his strong gold funerary masks.

Other highlights of the museum embody:

• Treasures found within the Royal Tombs of Tanis
• The full burials of Yuya and Thuya
• The Narmer Palette, which depicts the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt beneath King Narmer.
• Statues of kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, who have been the builders of the Pyramids of Giza. 

Note: The Egyptian Museum is because of be outmoded by the Grand Egyptian Museum, which remains to be beneath development and is slated to open in 2023. The museum will home the entire Tutankhamun assortment and is about to be the most important archeological museum on this planet.

Food Tour

In the afternoon/night I’d recommend doing a meals tour so you’ll be able to pattern a few of Egypt’s hottest dishes. Or, in the event you’re snug wandering round by your self, there are many locations to eat in downtown Cairo not removed from Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum.

Some fashionable dishes to strive in Cairo embody:

Koshary – A preferred avenue meals/nationwide dish that consists of macaroni, rice and brown lentils, topped with a tomato-based sauce and vinegar. It’s then garnished with crispy onions and chickpeas. You can discover koshary retailers everywhere in the metropolis – in the event you’re in downtown Cairo take a look at Abou Tarek or Al Tahreer Koshary.

Shawarma – Shawarma is a big cone of pressed rooster or lamb that’s rotated on a vertical rotisserie in entrance of a flame grill. When you order this fashionable takeaway dish the meat is sliced off and positioned on a griddle with a mix of tomato, onion and parsley. It’s then positioned on a round flatbread and rolled up into foil to eat like a sandwich.

Pigeon – A delicacy in Egypt, pigeon is full of seasoned rice or bulgar wheat after which baked or grilled to make it good and crispy. I attempted it and it was OK, although it’s not one thing I’d eat once more. 

Orzo Soup – Wherever you eat all through Egypt they’ll normally carry out this tasty orzo soup. I consider it’s referred to as lesan asfour and it’s mainly a tasty clear broth with orzo in it. It’s normally served with a small bitter citrus fruit you can squeeze into your soup. 

Day 2: Coptic Cairo, Citadel, Kaaan el ali

Coptic Cairo

Start day 2 of your Egypt itinerary with a go to to see Coptic Cairo. Coptic Cairo is situated south of downtown Cairo and is a part of ‘Old Cairo’, which was the unique metropolis heart for hundreds of years.

Coptic Cairo was the stronghold of Christianity in Egypt and is dwelling to sights such because the Hanging Church, the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum and the Greek Church of St. George. Here you’ll be able to see Egypt’s oldest church buildings, a few of which date again to again to the 4th century AD, earlier than Islam had arrived within the nation.

You’ll additionally discover vital Jewish and Islamic locations of worship right here, together with the Mosque of Amr Ibn al-Aas – the oldest mosque in Cairo – and Ben Ezra Synagogue.

To get to Coptic Cairo you’ll be able to take an Uber, or you’ll be able to e-book a tour utilizing Viator or GetYourInformation. Churches are normally open from 8am to 4pm and entrance is free. 

Citadel

Next up you’re going to move north east to the Citadel, which is likely one of the most lovely buildings in Cairo. Its development was ordered by Salah El Din, who overthrew the Fatimid dynasty and determined to enhance the fortifications of the town to guard it from European crusader armies. This spectacular fortification was accomplished in 1183 AD and served because the seat of the Egyptian authorities for over 700 years. 

Over the years the Citadel was transformed and expanded by many various rulers, who left behind a set of three mosques and numerous palaces, which now home museums. One of the highlights is the Alabaster Mosque, which was constructed for Muhammed Ali, in reminiscence of his deceased son. 

The views from the Citadel’s terraces are unbelievable and on a transparent day you’ll be able to even see all the way in which to the Pyramids of Giza. Visiting the Citadel was the spotlight of my time in Cairo and I really most well-liked it to the pyramids. 

Khan el-Khalili Souk

Khan el-Khalili souk is Egypt’s most well-known market and is stuffed with all types of stalls promoting spices, lanterns, perfumes, scarves and different Egyptian souvenirs. The market has existed for the reason that 14th century and was constructed on the positioning of an previous mausoleum within the Islamic a part of Cairo. 

Even in the event you don’t need to purchase something, it’s enjoyable to stroll by the market and cease at one of many Arabic espresso homes. Sit down, order some mint tea (or espresso in the event you want some vitality), smoke some shisha and simply watch the world go by. 

Transfer to Aswan

On day 2 you might take a night flight from Cairo to Aswan or the deluxe sleeper practice to Aswan. Alternatively you might keep over in Cairo and catch an early morning flight to Aswan. 

Days 3 & 4: Aswan & Abu Simbel

Where to Stay in Aswan

Obelisk Nile Hotel – This is the place I stayed throughout my time in Aswan. Rooms are inexpensive but snug and both have backyard views or views of the Nile River. There’s a beautiful pool, a restaurant with buffet breakfast and a terrace café the place you’ll be able to watch the solar set over the River Nile. 

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract – Aswan’s most iconic lodge, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract is a nineteenth century Victorian Palace that sits on the banks of the Nile reverse Elephantine Island. The lodge has welcomed many well-known company and dignitaries through the years, together with King Fouad and Agatha Christie. 

Kendaka Nubian House – If you’d favor to remain within the Nubian Village for the evening, check-out Kendaka Nubian House. This small guesthouse options 9 rooms adorned in vibrant colours, a few of which have river views. Amenities embody 24 hour entrance reception,free native breakfast, free WiFi and a terrace restaurant with river views. 

Day 3: Abu Simbel

I’ve written a prolonged submit about all of the completely different methods to get to Abu Simbel right here. For simplicity, right here’s how I did it. I flew from Cairo to Aswan within the early morning on day 3. This was the primary flight out of Cairo. I then dropped my luggage off at my lodge and did a non-public tour to Abu Simbel by land departing round 9am. 

It was a little bit of a good turnaround, so ideally it will be higher to fly right down to Aswan at evening on day 2 in the event you can. You can get a very good evening’s sleep after which be all recent on your tour to Abu Simbel. 

There are shared excursions to Abu Simbel, that are cheaper, however I’d advise towards doing these. You must depart very early within the morning round 5am and also you’ll be visiting together with bus a great deal of vacationers. All the shared excursions depart on the identical time in order you’ll be able to think about, Abu Simbel is swarming with individuals by about 8am. It’s extremely tough to take epic pictures once you’re lining up with a whole lot of different vacationers!

By taking a non-public tour, like this one from Viator, you’ll be able to depart a lot later and also you’ll have Abu Simbel all to your self, like I did. You have the choice to only rent a driver, or you’ll be able to have a non-public information as effectively to accompany you. 

Now I did skip one different solution to get to Abu Simbel, however it’s a viable possibility. Egyptair operates a flight that goes from Cairo-Aswan-Abu Simbel-Aswan. It lands in Aswan for a brief technical cease (some individuals get off right here) after which continues onwards to Abu simbel. A coach will probably be ready to take you and the opposite passengers to the temple. You’ll have a number of hours at Abu Simbel after which the coach will take you again once more to the airport. From Abu Simbel you’ll then fly again to Aswan. 

This route will be booked as a multi-trip journey however if in case you have carry-on luggage you’ll be able to’t go away them on the aircraft and I wouldn’t threat leaving them on the coach. Your checked luggage will probably be checked throughout to Aswan however you’d must take your carry-on bag to Abu Simbel. It’s additionally costlier to fly to Abu Simbel than to go by land, in order that’s one other issue to contemplate. 

Whichever manner you get there, Abu Simbel is unbelievable. It’s an actual bucket record expertise. 

Once you’re again in Aswan I’d recommend venturing exterior of your lodge so you’ll be able to have dinner at El Masry, which is likely one of the finest Egyptian eating places in Aswan. 

Day 4: Philae Temple and the Nubian Village

Today it’s time to discover the sights of Aswan! There are fairly a number of issues to do in Aswan however the primary highlights are the Philae Temple and the Nubian Village. 

Start your day with breakfast on the lodge then take a ship journey to Philae Temple. This temple is situated on Agilkia Island within the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam and is likely one of the most well-known locations to go to in Aswan. 

It was initially situated on Philae Island, however was relocated to its present location as a part of a UNESCO marketing campaign venture to avoid wasting vital Nubian monuments from flooding created by the development of the dam.

Philae Temple is dwelling to the Temple of Isis, which was constructed throughout Egypt’s Greco-Roman Period and is devoted to the gods Isis, Osiris, and Horus. The temple partitions depict scenes of Isis bringing Osiris again to life, giving start to Horus, and mummifying Osiris after his demise.

I’m no knowledgeable in Egyptian historical past however I’ll say the temple is extremely picturesque and in the event you’re in search of the very best place to seize pictures at Philae, there’s a cool stone window that frames a wonderful view of the water. 

Next up it’s time to hop on a ship to the Nubian Village, which is situated on the west financial institution of the Nile. I’ve written a full submit about visiting the Nubian village right here. The Nubian individuals paint their properties in a kaleidoscope of colours and maintain child crocodiles of their properties for luck. 

On your go to to the Nubian Village you’ll be able to see inside a Nubian dwelling, buy spices, have henna tattoos or simply wander round and take pictures of all of the colourful murals. There are quite a few excursions that may take you to each Philae Temple and the Nubian Village, or you’ll be able to negotiate your individual boat journey in Aswan. 

Train to Luxor 

In the late afternoon/night, head to the station to catch the practice from Aswan to Luxor. Tickets will be bought on the ticket places of work within the station or on the self-service machines. You may purchase on-line by the Egypt National Railways web site, though it’s not very person pleasant. 

The practice I took didn’t depart on time. It departed about 40 minutes late and the air-conditioning made the temperature so chilly that I felt like I used to be sitting in an ice field. However, the practice was snug and the practice automobile was stuffed with different vacationers, so I may inform it was a well-liked solution to get from Aswan to Luxor.  

You can’t fly between the 2 cities, so your solely different possibility could be to e-book a non-public automobile to take you there. Expect to pay approx $100 for a non-public automobile switch one-way. 

Days 5 & 6: Luxor

Yay, you made it to Luxor! The subsequent two days will probably be spent exploring all the most important sights in Luxor, together with the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. While I beloved the relaxed vibe in Aswan, I discovered Luxor to be essentially the most thrilling place I visited in Egypt when it comes to temples and historical websites. 

Nothing compares to Karnak Temple, which was my favourite temple in Egypt! 

Where to Stay in Luxor

Sofitel Winter Palace – The Sofitel Winter Palace is an iconic lodge and the best possible place to remain in your first time in Luxor. Dating again to 1886, this historic lodge boasts lush tropical gardens, palatial rooms, a wonderful pool and a number of other on-site eating places. Best of all it’s situated only a stone’s throw from Luxor Temple, proper on the banks of the Nile. 

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – If you’d favor a extra trendy lodge, e-book a room on the Hilton Luxor, which is situated nearer to Karnak Temple. Its location is a bit out of the way in which however the lodge is likely one of the finest and most luxurious in Luxor. Facilities embody a Nile-view infinity pool, an outside thermal backyard, an genuine shisha café, three eating places and a spa with 12 therapy rooms. 

Steigenberger Nile Palace – One of the very best inexpensive choices in Luxor, the Steigenberger Nile Palace boasts a central location in downtown Luxor. Its 303 rooms and suites have balconies or terraces with views of the town, the courtyard, or the Nile and its surrounding mountains.

Day 5: Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens

On day 5 of your journey you’ll be exploring Luxor’s west financial institution, which is the place you’ll discover the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a valley on the west financial institution of the Nile that served because the burial website for quite a few vital pharaohs and nobles of the 18th, nineteenth and twentieth dynasties. 

The tombs are carved deep into the mountains, which encompass limestone and sedimentary rock. While every tomb is completely different, the format usually consists of a protracted hall with a burial chamber on the finish. Inside the tomb is a stone sarcophagus that might’ve contained the mummified physique of the deceased pharaoh. Treasures akin to furnishings, garments and jewellery have been positioned across the chamber, meant for the pharaoh’s use within the subsequent world. 

A complete of 63 tombs and chambers have been found within the valley, together with the tomb of Tutankhamun, which was found virtually totally intact. Many of the tombs are adorned with unbelievable work and carvings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology. 

Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens is the place the wives of the pharaohs (and a few of their kids) have been buried within the interval 1292–1075 BC . There are over 90 tombs within the Valley of the Queens, with essentially the most notable one being the tomb of Nefertari, who was Ramses II’s favourite spouse. Archeologists consider the primary tomb to be constructed was the tomb of princess Ahmose, who was daughter of King Seqenenre and Queen Sitdjehuti.

The tombs on the Valley of the Queens have been found by Italian Egyptologist Ernest Schiaparelli in 1904, however sadly the tombs had already been emptied of their treasures. 

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

One of essentially the most spectacular temples in Luxor is the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, which was constructed throughout the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was one of many few feminine pharaohs to rule over Egypt (solely the second after Sobekneferu) and got here to energy in 1478 BC. 

The temple is devoted to the photo voltaic deity Amon-Ra and consists of three terraces which can be constructed into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Colossi of Memnon

Tours of Luxor additionally normally take vacationers to go to the Colossi of Memnon, that are two statues constructed within the picture of pharaoh Amenhotep III. By his ft are two smaller statues depicting his spouse and his mom. 

The Colossi of Memnon have been constructed on the entrance to what was as soon as Amenhotep III’ mortuary temple, however sadly this was destroyed by an earthquake not lengthy after it was constructed. 

Day 6: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple

Spend your second day in Luxor exploring the east financial institution together with Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. You may additionally throw in visits to the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum if in case you have time. Or in the event you’d favor to have a extra leisurely day, skip the museums and absorb the solar by your lodge pool, then take pleasure in a sundown felucca journey on the Nile.

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple was my favourite temple in the entire of Egypt. This sprawling temple complicated is the most important constructing ever to be constructed for non secular functions and was developed over a interval of 1500 years. 

The temple consists of assorted temples, chapels and pylons, and was devoted to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It held nice non secular significance throughout the New Kingdom and new generations of Pharaohs made additions to its construction through the years. 

Construction even continued effectively into the Greco-Roman Period, with the Ptolemies, Romans, and early Christians all making contributions to it. The columns are completely monumental and look lovely when the solar shines between them within the late afternoon.

Luxor Temple

Located proper within the coronary heart of Luxor is Luxor Temple, which was constructed from sandstone blocks from Nubia in round 1400 BCE. While many of the temples in Luxor have been devoted to gods or deified variations of the kings and pharaohs, this one shouldn’t be. Luxor temple is devoted to the rejuvenation of kingship and it’s thought that many pharaohs might have been topped right here. 

Some elements of the temple have been constructed by Tutankhamun and Ramesses II, whereas the chapels to the rear of the temple have been constructed by Amenhotep III and Alexander. 

A spotlight of the temple is The Great Colonnade Hall, which measures virtually 61 meters lengthy and consists of 28 twenty-one-foot-high columns.

Day 7: Hot Air Balloon Ride, Relax, Home

On day 7 it’s time to make your manner again to Cairo and say goodbye to Egypt! 

Since the new air balloon excursions begin very early within the morning (you’ll have a pleasant 4am begin!) you might save this on your final day in Egypt. A sizzling air balloon journey is a memorable expertise and can mean you can see some magnificent views over Luxor. You’ll be again within the morning, which provides you adequate time to get to the airport. 

You catch a home flight from Luxor to Cairo, then board your worldwide flight. Try to permit your self at the least 3-4 hours between flights in case one thing occurs and your flight from Luxor to Cairo is delayed. You don’t need to miss your flight dwelling!

If you’ve some spare time within the morning I’d recommend stress-free on the pool in your lodge in Luxor. Have a pleasant breakfast and relaxation. It solely takes about quarter-hour to get from downtown Luxor to the airport by taxi, so that you don’t want a lot time in any respect to get there. 

Once at Cairo Airport, keep in mind to vary any leftover Egyptian kilos earlier than you undergo safety. I didn’t notice this however there isn’t a cash changer after airport safety. You’ll get a a lot better change charge altering your Egyptian kilos in Egypt than you’ll at a cash changer again dwelling. 

A Final Word…

Egypt is an unbelievable place. Until you go there it’s tough to think about how spectacular the Egyptian temples actually are. This 7 day Egypt itinerary will mean you can scratch the floor, however there’s additionally a lot extra to discover. If you’ve extra time in Egypt you might go to Siwa Oasis, Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and a bunch of different locations. But in the event you solely have one week, this itinerary remains to be a terrific introduction to the nation!