Itinerary Summary
The trip lands at Cairo (CAI) for the Giza pyramids, the Great Egyptian Museum and the Egyptian Museum's Tutankhamun mask, then flies to Luxor for Karnak, the light-and-sound show and the West Bank's…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Landing in Cairo and an Evening on Tahrir Square
13:30
2.5h
Arrival and hotel check-in near Tahrir
Clear immigration at Cairo International, collect your bags and ride to a downtown hotel near Tahrir Square. Pre-book the transfer or use a ride-hailing app, since fixed-fare touts at the exit charge far more.
📍 Cairo International Airport
18:30
1h
First-evening walk around Tahrir Square
Stretch your legs around Tahrir Square and the Nile bridge at dusk, a ten-minute walk from most downtown hotels. Keep valuables zipped and expect persistent guide offers; a polite no works better than arguing.
📍 Tahrir Square
💡 Pro Tip: Cairo International (CAI) is the main gateway, and passport control can take an hour at peak times, so allow for it on arrival day. Entry rules depend on your passport; read the Egypt visa section before booking, since some nationalities can buy a visa on arrival while others need an e-visa in advance. Cairo runs on UTC+2, moving to UTC+3 while daylight saving is in force, so reset your watch on the plane. Dress modestly in public, carry small notes for tips, and use a ride-hailing app rather than street taxis after dark.
Days 2-10 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$52035%
Mid-range hotels, 9 nights
Food & DiningUS$30020%
Egyptian street food and restaurants
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Egypt, or can I get one on arrival?+
Visa rules depend on your passport. Many US, Canadian, EU, UK, Australian and Japanese visitors can use an e-visa or visa on arrival for short tourism; other nationalities may need to apply in advance. Confirm eligibility, stay length and fees with the Egyptian embassy or official e-visa portal before booking flights.
When is the best time to visit Cairo, Luxor and Aswan?+
October to April is the comfortable window, with milder days and lower humidity for pyramid and temple walking. Avoid June to August, when daytime heat can exceed 40°C, and treat March to May as sandstorm season, when outdoor plans may need shifting. Christmas and New Year bring peak crowds and prices.
How much should I budget for 10 days in Egypt, excluding flights?+
The Comfort tier for this loop runs about $1,200–1,790 (roughly €1,040–1,560) per person, excluding international flights. That covers mid-range hotels, domestic Cairo–Luxor–Aswan flights, and guided site entry. Add extra for Abu Simbel transfers, tipping and peak-season price rises around Christmas.
How do I travel between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan on this trip?+
Short internal flights link Cairo, Luxor and Aswan and save long road or rail days. Around Cairo, use Uber or the metro rather than unmarked taxis. In Aswan, the Abu Simbel day trip is a pre-dawn road convoy, and a felucca covers the sunset Nile leg. Book domestic flights once your international dates are fixed.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 10 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: City Explorers
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