There is nothing quite like the feeling of standing at the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. You feel the dry desert wind on your face, look up at those massive limestone blocks, and suddenly realize you are touching thousands of years of human history. It’s a literal goosebump moment.

But let’s be totally honest: planning a trip to Egypt can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially if it's your first time.

How do you fit Cairo, a Nile cruise, and Luxor into one trip without burning out? How do you handle the logistics? After plenty of trial and error, I’ve put together this battle-tested 10-day Egypt itinerary. It perfectly balances iconic, bucket-list sightseeing with some much-needed relaxation on the water.

Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s map out your perfect Egyptian adventure.

Essential Pre-Trip Planning (Getting Your Paperwork Sorted)

Before we talk about packing light linen clothes or picking out the perfect camera lens, we need to talk about your paperwork.

Nobody wants to step off a long flight into Cairo only to stand in a massive, chaotic queue at the airport border control. Fortunately, those days are mostly behind us because getting your Egypt visa online is now the quickest and easiest method.

Here is the deal with the Egypt eVisa requirements: you’ll need a passport that is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a digital copy of your passport’s information page, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee.

A standard electronic visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days, which is absolutely perfect for this 10-day itinerary. When you are ready, make sure you use the official government portal to avoid any weird third-party upcharges.

Pro Tip: Once approved, print out a physical, paper copy of your travel documents. The border agents still prefer to see a hard copy alongside your passport!

Day 1 & 2: Chaotic, Beautiful Cairo & The Pyramids

Day 1: Arrival & The Grand Egyptian Museum

Welcome to Cairo! After you breeze through customs (thanks to having your printed Egypt tourist eVisa ready), grab a verified taxi or an Uber and head straight to your hotel. I highly recommend booking a hotel in Giza rather than downtown Cairo so you can wake up to views of the Pyramids.

Spend your afternoon visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum (or the classic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square). Seeing King Tutankhamun’s golden mask in person is the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Great Pyramids & The Sphinx

Set your alarm. You want to be at the gates of the Giza Plateau at 8:00 AM sharp. Beating the massive tour buses and the midday desert sun makes a world of difference.

Take your time exploring the Great Pyramid, grab that iconic kissing-the-Sphinx photo, and if you're up for it, book a short camel ride for a panoramic view of the nine pyramids. In the evening, head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar for a chaotic, wonderful night of souvenir hunting, shisha, and fresh mint tea.

Day 3 & 4: Aswan and the Majestic Abu Simbel

Day 3: Flight to Aswan & Nubian Villages

Take a quick morning domestic flight from Cairo down to Aswan in southern Egypt. The vibe here is entirely different—slower, quieter, and incredibly scenic.

In the afternoon, hire a traditional felucca (a wooden sailboat) to take you across the Nile to visit a local Nubian Village. The brightly painted houses, aromatic spice markets, and welcoming locals make this a massive highlight for most travelers.

Day 4: The Colossal Abu Simbel

Prepare for a 3:00 AM wake-up call. You’ll be taking a convoy (or a short flight) down to Abu Simbel near the Sudanese border. Is waking up in the middle of the night worth it? Absolutely.

Seeing the four colossal statues of Ramses II carved directly into the side of a mountain is mind-blowing. By the afternoon, you’ll head back to Aswan and check into your Nile Cruise ship—your floating hotel for the next few days.

Day 5 & 6: Cruising the Nile River

Day 5: Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples

There is a specific kind of magic to waking up, pulling back the curtains of your cabin, and watching the green banks of the Nile glide by.

Your cruise will make two stops today. First is Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek (you can even see mummified crocodiles here!). Next is Edfu Temple, which is dedicated to Horus. Because it was buried under desert sand for centuries, it is one of the best-preserved temples in the entire country.

Day 6: Arrival in Luxor

Spend the morning relaxing on the top deck by the pool as your ship passes through the Esna locks. By the afternoon, you’ll dock in Luxor—often called the world's greatest open-air museum.

Skip the daytime heat and visit Luxor Temple in the evening. The ancient pillars are beautifully illuminated against the night sky, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Day 7 & 8: Unearthing the Secrets of Luxor

Day 7: The West Bank (Valley of the Kings)

Today, you are heading to the West Bank to go underground. The Valley of the Kings is where pharaohs were buried in secret tombs to hide their treasures from robbers.

Your standard ticket gets you into three tombs, but I highly recommend paying the extra fee to see the tomb of Seti I or King Tutankhamun—the colors on the walls look like they were painted yesterday. Afterward, stop by the stunning Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and snap a quick photo with the towering Colossi of Memnon.

Day 8: The East Bank (Karnak Temple)

You can’t leave Luxor without exploring Karnak Temple. It is the largest religious building ever constructed.

Human touch: Don't just follow the crowds here. Find a quiet corner in the Great Hypostyle Hall, stand between the massive, 70-foot-tall carved columns, and just look up. It really puts into perspective how incredible ancient Egyptian engineering was.

Day 9 & 10: Red Sea Relaxation or Historic Cairo

For your final two days, you have a choice to make based on your travel style:

Option A: Unwind in Hurghada (For Beach Lovers)

Take a private transfer from Luxor to the Red Sea coast. Spend your last two days at a resort in Hurghada doing absolutely nothing but reading by the pool, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and eating great food before flying home.

Option B: Islamic & Coptic Cairo (For History Buffs)

Fly back to Cairo from Luxor and dive into the city's rich medieval history. Explore the stunning Citadel of Saladin, walk through the ancient Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo, and enjoy a final rooftop dinner overlooking the sparkling city skyline.

FAQs for Planning Your 10-Day Egypt Trip

Is 10 days enough for Egypt?

Yes! Ten days is the absolute sweet spot. It gives you enough time to see Cairo, take a 3-night or 4-night Nile cruise, and explore Luxor without feeling totally exhausted.

How long does it take to get an Egypt eVisa?

It usually takes between 3 to 7 business days for approval. However, to be safe, I recommend applying at least two weeks before your flight.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?

Yes, Egypt is heavily reliant on tourism, and security in tourist zones (like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts) is very tight. Just use the same common sense you would in any major city: watch your pockets in crowded markets and stick to verified taxis or Uber.

Ready to Walk Like an Egyptian?

Egypt is loud, sandy, incredibly historic, and totally unforgettable. From dodging traffic in Cairo to sailing quietly down the Nile River, it is a trip that will ruin you for ordinary travel.

Just remember to check your passport validity and apply Egypt eVisa early to avoid any last-minute stress!

Have any questions about this itinerary or planning your trip? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll help you out!