Egypt

Walk below Giza's pyramids, explore Luxor's temples, sail past Aswan's Nile islands, and finish with a few days on the Red Sea coast.

Best timeNov to MarMoneyEgyptian pound (EGP)PlugsEuropean two-pin sockets, 220 VMain airportCairo (CAI)

Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 3, 2026

The Giza pyramids, the first stop on the Cairo and Egypt itineraries. · Adapted from KennyOMG, Pyramids of the Giza Necropolis · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Overview

Start with Cairo and Giza, then head south for Luxor and Aswan. A Nile cruise between the southern cities takes 3 to 7 nights, depending on the sailing; add Red Sea days if you have more time. A Sinai-only entry stamp does not cover Cairo, Luxor or Aswan.

November to March brings milder weather for outdoor sightseeing. May to September is hot, especially in the south: visit temples early and leave room for an indoor break. Bring a light jacket for winter evenings.

When to go

BestGo with a plan

janBestfebBestmarBestaprMildmayHotjunHotjulHotaugHotsepHotoctMildnovBestdecBest

Sunlight reaches the sanctuary statues at Abu Simbel on February 22 and October 22; plan the visit around the morning alignment if those dates fit your trip.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

A white-sailed felucca crosses blue river water beside rounded granite rocks and palms. — A felucca passes granite rocks and palms on the Nile.

Aswan in 2 daysPhilae, Unfinished Obelisk, Nubian Museum, Aswan Souk, Elephantine, Koti, Botanical Garden, Nile islandsBalanced pace

Closed-bud and flared papyrus capitals beneath sandstone beams in the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak in Luxor. — Papyrus-shaped columns support surviving roof beams in Karnak's Great Hypostyle Hall.

Luxor in 2 daysValley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Medinet Habu, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak, Luxor Museum, Luxor TempleBalanced pace

Small reef fish swim above branching and rounded corals in clear blue water. — Corals and reef fish beneath the surface of the Red Sea.

Sharm el-Sheikh in 3 daysNaama Bay, Sharm Museum, SOHO Square, Ras Mohammed, Hadaba, Il Mercato, Al Sahaba Mosque, Old MarketBalanced pace

Clear turquoise water meets a pale sandy beach under a blue sky. — A sandy beach meets the clear water of the Red Sea.

Hurghada in 3 daysEl Dahar, fishing harbor, Al Mina Mosque, Hurghada Marina, Big Giftun, Mahmya Beach, Hurghada MuseumBalanced pace

The pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre and Khufu rise behind smaller pyramids on the Giza plateau. — The Giza pyramids, the first stop on the Cairo and Egypt itineraries. · Adapted from KennyOMG, Pyramids of the Giza Necropolis · CC BY-SA 4.0

Cairo in 3 daysGiza Pyramids, GEM, Cairo Citadel, Al-Muizz Street, Khan el-Khalili, Old Cairo, NMEC, ZamalekBalanced pace

The pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre and Khufu rise behind smaller pyramids on the Giza plateau. — The Giza pyramids, the first stop on the Cairo and Egypt itineraries. · Adapted from KennyOMG, Pyramids of the Giza Necropolis · CC BY-SA 4.0

Egypt in 10 daysGiza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Historic Cairo, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Philae, ElephantineBalanced pace

Where to stay

AswanThe central Corniche simplifies city meals, Elephantine suits village stays, and the West Bank trades convenience for a river crossing.Best areas to stay in Aswan Hotels in Aswan

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CairoDowntown suits city sightseeing, Zamalek offers restaurants and island walks, and the Giza pyramids area puts the monuments first.Best areas to stay in Cairo Hotels in Cairo

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HurghadaChoose Sakkala for marina evenings, El Mamsha for resort stays near the promenade, or El Dahar for the older town and its markets.Best areas to stay in Hurghada Hotels in Hurghada

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LuxorCentral East Bank suits temple walks, Al-Gezira puts you on the tombs side, and northern Karnak suits a less central base.Best areas to stay in Luxor Hotels in Luxor

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Sharm el-SheikhChoose Naama Bay for restaurants and promenades, Hadaba for the southern coast and Old Market, or Sharks Bay for resort stays near SOHO Square.Best areas to stay in Sharm el-Sheikh Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh

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Getting around

Flights: Compare domestic flights for long transfers between Cairo, the Nile cities and the Red Sea, allowing time for airports as well as the flight.
Trains: Rail services connect Cairo with Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan; sleeper cabins are an option for the longer southern journey.
Ride-hailing: Ride-hailing apps operate in Greater Cairo and Alexandria; keep the destination and pickup point ready on your phone.
Boats: Choose a Nile cruise for travel between Luxor and Aswan, or a short felucca sailing in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates.

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Phone dataMobile data helps with Cairo pickup points, ticket confirmations and maps when moving between cities.How a travel eSIM works

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