Egypt fascinates. In itself, it embodies the promise of a mythical journey, between millennia of history, contrasting landscapes and timeless encounters. For those who dream of discovering its many facets, here’s a sample itinerary designed as a framework, to be customized according to your desires. From the bustling alleys of Cairo to the sculpted temples in the heart of the desert, via a gentle cruise on the Nile, each stage reveals a fragment of eternity.
Cairo: gateways to history
Starting out in Cairo means plunging straight into the richness of ancient Egypt… and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Just a few kilometers from the hustle and bustle of the city, the pyramids of Giza still stand majestically, guarded by the silent gaze of the Sphinx. Further south, the sites of Saqqarah and Dahshur reveal more ancient pyramid forms, including the famous step pyramid designed by Imhotep.
But Cairo is also a mosaic of historic districts: Old Coptic Cairo, the backstreets of Islamic Cairo, its great mosques, its lively souks… And soon, a new page will be turned with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, where Tutankhamun’s entire treasure will finally be on display.
🕓 Recommended duration: 1 night for the pyramids, 2 or 3 nights if you also wish to discover Old Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo
➜ Find here our selection of must-see places to visit in Cairo.
Luxor: the grandeur of ancient Egypt
In Luxor, history is around every corner. From the majestic temples of Karnak and Luxor to the Valley of the Kings and Queens on the west bank, the entire city is an open-air museum. Here, we walk in the footsteps of the Pharaohs, among colossi, richly decorated tombs and ochre cliffs bathed in light.
Among our favorites: the magical atmosphere of Luxor temple illuminated at night, a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise, the splendor of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings… not forgetting the artisans’ village of Deir el-Medina, a moving testimony to daily life in the time of the Pharaohs.
🕓 Recommended duration: 3 nights
➜ Here you’ll find the must-sees in Luxor. And to experience the thrill of sunrise from the air, don’t miss our story of a hot-air balloon flight over the valley.
A cruise on the Nile: slowing down the pace
This is one of our favorites. Embarking on a dahabieh, a traditional sailing boat on a human scale, means choosing to slow down. The Nile flows silently by, palm trees line the banks, fishermen go by against the current, and the sky reflects the evening colors.
Along the route between Luxor and Aswan, there’s stopover after stopover: Edfu and its temple dedicated to Horus, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo… Sites that are often visited off the beaten track of the big cruise ships, for a more intimate and serene experience.
🕓 Recommended duration: 3 or 4 nights
➜ Find out more about our Nile cruise here.
Aswan: between stone and gentle living
Calmer, gentler, Aswan marks a welcome break. Formerly the country’s southern frontier, the city was built between blocks of pink granite and verdant islands. Visit the souk, the stone quarries, the Nubian villages… but above all the temple of Philae, delicately set on an island in the Nile. It exudes a singular harmony, between rocks and reflections, spirituality and silence.
🕓 Recommended duration: 2 nights
➜ Here you can read our article dedicated to the treasures of Aswan: the charm of Philae temple and the majesty of Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel: the masterpiece rescued from the desert
Last but not least: Abu Simbel. Carved into the cliffs in the 13th century BC, the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari dominate the desert and Lake Nasser. The former impresses with its 20-metre-high colossi, the latter with its tribute to the queen. Both were moved block by block to escape the rising waters of the lake, during a titanic construction project in the 1960s. The majestic, isolated site leaves a lasting impression of admiration and respect.
🕓 Recommended duration: day trip from Aswan, or 1 night on site
➜ Find here our article dedicated to the treasures of Aswan: the charm of Philae temple and the majesty of Abu Simbel.
Practical info
- Recommended total duration: between 10 and 14 days, depending on pace and transport options (domestic flights, overnight train or private car).
- This itinerary can be adapted to suit your wishes: extend the Nile cruise, add extra nights in Cairo or Luxor, or include specific activities such as a magical night in the desert, or a seaside holiday on the Red Sea. For nature and adventure lovers, diving in crystal-clear waters, swimming with dolphins, discovering the Siwa oases or exploring the White Desert offer unforgettable experiences far off the beaten track.
Would you like to take your turn?
This itinerary is just one of our Egypt travel suggestions, designed to balance culture, scenery and breathing space. Each project is unique, and each trip is built hand in hand with you.
Contact us for a personalized, no-obligation proposal, or discover our Egypt, in the land of the Pharaohs itinerary, a suggestion for an eight-day trip from €3,000 per person, based on a group of four travelers.
