Egypt, pyramids and pharaohs notwithstanding, is a genuine treasure mine of ancient and modern marvels. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the peaceful banks of the Nile in Luxor and Aswan, this ten-day itinerary will take you throughout the real Egypt. Antiquity of the Nile River, grandeur of the Luxor temples, and majesty of the Giza Pyramids await your enchantment.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
You enter Egypt the moment you set foot at Cairo International Airport. Once immigration and customs processes are over, a tour operator representative will greet you and assist with hotel transportation. As you move about Cairo, you’ll see glimpses of its unique blend of ancient and contemporary buildings. Give yourself time to relax and get cleaned up after checking in and settling into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Exploring Islamic Cairo
Look around Islamic Cairo first thing after a restorative respite. View Cairo from the medieval Islamic fortress of Saladin, the Citadel. See inside the Citadel the Alabaster Mosque, sometimes referred to as the Muhammad Ali Mosque. fantastic inside, it offers a fantastic view of the city.
Next stroll through the tiny aisles of one of Cairo’s most famous and ancient bazaars, Khan El Khalili Bazaar. This is the place to get authentic Egyptian crafts, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. Remember to stop at a local café to get a cup of traditional Egyptian tea or coffee.
Evening: Dinner and Nile Cruise
To round off your first day, eat slowly aboard a boat on the Nile River. Savour a delicious feast together with a belly dancing and traditional Tanoura dance performance. Nighttime illumination of Cairo’s skyline offers a unique perspective made possible by the boat. Ascending the Nile, you will see landmarks like the Cairo Tower and the numerous bridges that connect the city. Enjoy a quiet evening in your hotel getting ready for the next adventure.
Day 2: The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Morning: Giza Pyramids
Upon an early breakfast at your hotel, take a day trip to the Giza Plateau to see the iconic Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the Menkaure, Khafre, and Great Pyramids of Khufu. These historic structures have withstood, and visitors are always amazed by the architectural brilliance. Give the site some time, and consider entering one of the pyramids to observe the interior chambers (additional tickets required).
Afternoon: The Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum
See the Great Sphinx of Giza next, a gigantic limestone statue with a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s head that is believed to represent King Khafre. The Sphinx, whose enigmatic visage never ceases to fascinate travelers, has dominated the Giza Plateau for millennia. Then see the restored Khufu ship, which the pharaoh used to get to the afterlife, at the Solar Boat Museum. The museum offers an intriguing glimpse at the advanced aquatic technology of ancient Egypt.
Evening: Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids
See the Giza Pyramids and then finish your day with the incredible Sound and Light Show. This immersive experience vividly illuminates the history of ancient Egypt with narration, music, and projected lighting onto the pyramids and Sphinx. The show dramatizes the building tales of the pyramids and the pharaohs. Return to your Cairo hotel following the show for a quiet evening filled with the spirits of long ago.
Day 3: Cairo’s Museums and Cultural Sites
Morning: The Egyptian Museum
See the enormous array of ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square first thing in the morning. Take your time touring the exhibitions and, if you can, employ a guide to delve into further depth about the treasures. Among the more than 120,000 items in the museum are the golden mask, the wealth of Tutankhamun, and the royal mummies of Hatshepsut and Ramses II. The vast collection of sculptures, gems, and ordinary items at the museum offers a comprehensive picture of the rich history of ancient Egypt.
Afternoon: Coptic Cairo
In the afternoon, tour Cairo’s affluent Coptic quarter. See one of Egypt’s oldest churches, the Hanging Church, also called Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, built on the remains of a Roman fortification. Its name came from its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress. Take in the vast collection of ancient Christian artifacts from Egypt at the Coptic Museum. The museum has manuscripts, icons, and textiles on display that provide a comprehensive look at the development of Coptic Christianity.
Located in the heart of Coptic Cairo, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is among the oldest in Egypt. According to legend, baby Moses was found here amid the Nile reeds. A peek into the past of the Jewish community in Egypt, the synagogue is exquisitely adorned inside.
Evening: Dinner in Downtown Cairo
Taste traditional Egyptian cuisine for dinner at a local restaurant in central Cairo, featuring ful medames (stewed fava beans), koshari (a concoction of rice, pasta, and lentils), and ta’amiya (Egyptian falafel). Take in the vibrant spirit of the city by meandering aimlessly around the Nile Corniche after dinner. Have a peaceful evening at your hotel preparing for the next day’s events.
Day 4: Luxor – Temples of Karnak and Luxor
Morning: Flight to Luxor
After breakfast, drive to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor. When you arrive at Luxor, meet your local guide and then be driven to your hotel. Luxor, frequently dubbed the world’s largest outdoor museum, is home to some of Egypt’s most magnificent temples and tombs. Once there, relax, and then start your adventure.
Afternoon: Karnak Temple
See the massive Amun-Ra-dedicated Karnak Temple Complex in the afternoon. The complex is a massive tangle of run-down temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings. With its 134 massive columns, the Great Hypostyle Hall is a stunning sight and the high point of Karnak. Climbing the hall, see the ornate statues of several pharaohs and gods. Significant features of the complex include the massive statues of Ramses II and the Sacred Lake, which is used for rituals of purification.
Evening: Luxor Temple
Visit the Luxor Temple after dusk; it is beautifully illuminated at night. Luxor Temple is devoted to the rebirth of monarchy, in contrast to other Luxor temples that were devoted to individual gods or pharaos. Here were crowned several of the ancient Egyptian kings. A processional route with sculptures of sphinxes links the shrine to Karnak shrine. Visit, then return to your hotel for dinner and some relaxation.
Day 5: The Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple
Morning: Valley of the Kings
Get to the Valley of the Kings, the burial location of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, first thing in the morning. This includes the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), which Howard Carter famously discovered in 1922. Rich wall paintings depicting scenes from the hereafter adorn the tombs. The interpretation of the artwork and the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians will be covered by your guide.
Afternoon: Hatshepsut’s Temple and Colossi of Memnon
Next, view the amazing Hatshepsut Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari. This amazing temple carved into the cliffs honours Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs. A sight not to be missed, the temple has beautiful terraces and unusual design. The reliefs illustrating Hatshepsut’s reign include her celestial birth and voyage to Punt.
When you get back, make time to see the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood in the Theban necropolis for almost 3,400 years. These statues guarded the entrance of one of the largest and most magnificent burial temples in ancient Egypt when Amenhotep was still living.
Evening: Dinner and Overnight in Luxor
Eat at your hotel or in a local restaurant in Luxor. Consider the wonderful historical sites you have seen as you prepare for the next leg of your journey. Impact is assured by Luxor’s magnificent monuments and rich history.
Day 6: Aswan – Philae Temple and Unfinished Obelisk
Morning: Travel to Aswan
Once breakfast is over, leave your Luxor hotel and go to Aswan. One might take a short domestic flight or a lovely drive along the Nile. The magnificent Nileside setting of Aswan is typified by granite boulders scattered over the river and islands surrounded by palm trees.
Afternoon: Philae Temple
Visit the Isis-dedicated Philae Temple after settling into your lodging and doing your laundry when you arrive in Aswan. The temple complex was transported to Agilkia Island in the 1960s to escape being inundated by the waters of the Aswan High Dam. The brief boat voyage to the temple just heightens the attraction of the visit. The temple with its stunning reliefs and picturesque island setting is one of Aswan’s main draws.
Evening: Unfinished Obelisk and Aswan Market
See the enormous granite obelisk, which was abandoned in its quarry, next. With completion, it would have been the largest obelisk ever constructed in ancient Egypt. Understanding the techniques used by the ancient stonemasons is possible via the webpage.
In the evening, go around the vibrant Aswan Market (Souk) for traditional Nubian goods, spices, and perfumes. For supper, try some Nubian-style grilled meats or seafood at a local restaurant. Retire to your hotel for a peaceful Nile evening.
Day 7: Abu Simbel and Nile Cruise Embarkation
Early Morning: Abu Simbel Temples
See the Abu Simbel Temples first thing in the morning; they are near the Sudanese border. Built by Ramses II, these exquisite rock temples pay homage to the gods Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amun in addition to Ramses II himself. Ramses II is shown in massive sculptures in the Great Temple, while his faithful wife Queen Nefertari is revered in the smaller temple. The temples were relocated in the 1960s to avoid being damaged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The tour is fantastic, and the early morning light brings out the beauty of the temples even more.
Afternoon: Embark on Nile Cruise
Returning to Aswan, embark on your luxurious Nile River cruise. Take lunch on board after checking into your cabin. The serene Nile and its environs will be breathtakingly evident as your ship sets off. Including stops at significant historical sites along the way, the trip offers the perfect blend of sightseeing and leisure.
Evening: Kom Ombo Temple
The unique Temple of Kom Ombo, which commemorates the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon deity Horus, may be toured when your ship docks in Kom Ombo in the evening. This amazing twin temple consists of symmetrical duplicate sections commemorating each deity. View the unusual reliefs in the temple and the mummified crocodiles and other artifacts connected to Sobek worship in the Crocodile Museum. Once again on board your cruise ship for dinner and entertainment, which includes traditional dance and music performances.
Day 8: Edfu and Sailing to Luxor
Morning: Edfu Temple
See one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples, the Temple of Horus, in Edfu, following breakfast on board. This Ptolemaic temple honoring the falcon deity Horus is distinguished by lovely sculptures, reliefs, and an impressive entrance pylon. The temple has typical pharaonic design, and your guide will go into some detail about its history and significance.
Afternoon: Sailing to Luxor
Once returning on your cruise ship, go for Luxor. Savor lunch on board as you relax and take in the stunning Nile landscape. Relaxing and enjoying the lush surrounds and traditional way of life along riverbanks are possibilities provided by travel. Giving you a peek of the traditional beauty of the Nile Valley, you will go by little villages, palm groves, and farmers hard at work.
Evening: Arrival in Luxor
Get off of your cruise ship at Luxor as darkness falls. Check into your Luxor hotel for your final night in this historic city. Savour a leisurely dinner and perhaps spend the evening exploring Luxor’s vibrant bazaars. Good people and bustling city streets make for a night to remember.
Day 9: Luxor’s East and West Banks
Morning: East Bank – Luxor Museum and Karnak Sound and Light Show
See the Luxor Museum first thing in the morning; it has a wonderful collection of regional artifacts. Sculptures, gems, and everyday items are among the many exhibits that give a comprehensive overview of the rich history of ancient Egypt. Highlights are the superbly preserved statues of Thutmose III and Amenhotep III as well as items from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
See the nightly Karnak Light and Sound Show. This multimedia presentation takes you through Thebes’ and the Karnak Temple Complex’s historical significance and architectural attributes using lighting and sound effects. A stunning and instructive performance, the drama revitalizes the historic site.
Afternoon: West Bank – Ramesseum and Medinet Habu
In the afternoon, travel the West Bank of Luxor starting with a visit to the Ramesseum, the tomb of Ramses II. It features arresting reliefs depicting the pharaoh’s military victories, notably the famous Battle of Kadesh. Ramses II’s enormous, now-broken and collapsing statue was once among the largest in the world.
Next stop at Medinet Habu, the burial temple of Ramses III. Rich reliefs depicting the pharaoh’s battles and religious rites are a well-known feature of this well-preserved temple complex. Rich sculptures covering the temple’s towering columns and massive gates clearly depict ancient Egyptian art and architecture.
Evening: Farewell Dinner in Luxor
Give yourself a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Luxor as you wind up your incredible journey across Egypt. Stuffed pigeon, molokhia, a green leafy soup, and om ali, a delicious Egyptian bread pudding, are among the area delicacies. Consider all the stunning scenery and fascinating history you have seen along the way.
Day 10: Departure
Morning: Free Time in Luxor
After breakfast you’ll have some free time to relax or do any last-minute sightseeing or shopping. A last look at the Luxor Temple or a leisurely stroll down the Nile Corniche to take in the serene surroundings and the vitality of the city.
Afternoon: Return to Cairo
To board your homeward plane returning to Cairo, head to Luxor Airport. When you arrive in Cairo, if your flight schedule permits, you could have some time to squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Visit one of Cairo’s many museums or cultural organizations or take in the city from above at Cairo Tower.
Evening: Departure from Cairo
Drive to Cairo International Airport in plenty of time for your departure. Take with you unforgettable memories of Egypt’s ancient sights, vibrant culture, and kind people as you leave. Regardless of your degree of interest in history or culture or just looking for a fantastic holiday, Egypt has something to offer everyone. To your great vacations and Egyptian experience!
Conclusion
In 10 days, one may experience the ideal blend of historical background, cross-cultural contacts, and contemporary activities. From the magnificent Luxor temples and the Pyramids of Giza to the calm Nile River and the energetic streets of Cairo, this itinerary will undoubtedly assist you to appreciate Egypt’s rich history and timeless beauty much better. Whether you’re witnessing Cairo’s vibrant marketplaces, floating down the ageless Nile, or taking in the majesty of the pharaohs’ tombs, every day of your journey brings fresh experiences and priceless memories. To your Egyptian journey and ongoing, secure trips!
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