Days
Nights
Cities
Experiences
Ancient Egypt
Best Time to Visit Egypt
October to April is ideal for this itinerary, with cooler and more comfortable weather for exploring Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. December to February is the peak season, while May to September can be extremely hot—particularly in Upper Egypt.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
Take a flight from your city to Cairo and arrive by afternoon or evening. Pickup from the airport and proceed to the hotel for check-in.
Stay with a view: Hotels overlooking the Giza Pyramids can be arranged for an unforgettable first impression of Egypt.
Day 2 – Giza & Cairo
Explore Cairo and Giza during the day:
- Giza Pyramids – Monumental royal tombs on the Giza Plateau, including the Great Pyramid—the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
- The Great Sphinx – A colossal limestone guardian with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh.
- The Egyptian Museum – A landmark museum in Tahrir Square displaying an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts spanning thousands of years.
- Nile Dinner Cruise – An evening cruise with dinner, Nile views, a belly-dance performance and a traditional Tanoura show.
A one-hour camel ride, one-hour quad-bike trip and entry inside a pyramid at Giza are included.
Day 3 – Cairo to Aswan
Check out from the hotel and explore:
- Old Cairo – A historic quarter known for ancient churches, religious landmarks and atmospheric lanes reflecting Cairo’s layered heritage.
- Citadel of Cairo – A medieval hilltop fortress featuring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and sweeping views over the city.
Proceed to Cairo Airport in the evening for your flight to Aswan. Pickup on arrival and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Day 4 – Abu Simbel
Take a day trip to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel:
- Great Temple of Ramesses II – A monumental 13th-century BC rock-cut temple fronted by four colossal statues of the pharaoh.
- Temple of Nefertari – An elegant neighbouring temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
The twin temples were relocated to higher ground during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Return to Aswan by late afternoon.
Day 5 – Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
After breakfast, check out and travel towards Luxor, visiting:
- Temple of Kom Ombo – A riverside Ptolemaic temple distinguished by its unusual double design dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
- Temple of Edfu – One of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples, dedicated to Horus and renowned for its monumental gateway and detailed reliefs.
Continue to Luxor, check in at the hotel and relax for the evening. A room with a view of the River Nile can be arranged.
Day 6 – Luxor
Enjoy an eight-hour tour of Luxor’s East and West Banks:
- Hot-Air Balloon Ride – An optional sunrise flight offering panoramic views of Luxor’s temples, fields and Nile landscape.
- Valley of the Kings – The royal necropolis containing richly decorated pharaonic tombs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
- Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – A striking terraced mortuary temple built against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
- Colossi of Memnon – Two massive seated statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.
- Karnak Temple – A vast temple complex celebrated for its towering pylons, sacred lake and Great Hypostyle Hall.
- Luxor Temple – A graceful riverside sanctuary linked to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes.
- Felucca Ride on the Nile – A peaceful sail aboard a traditional Egyptian boat with views of Luxor’s riverbanks.
Day 7 – Luxor to Cairo
Take an afternoon flight from Luxor to Cairo. Pickup on arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for the remainder of the day.
Day 8 – Cairo
Enjoy a leisurely day in Cairo for shopping, local dining or exploring the city at your own pace.
Day 9 – Return
Check out from the hotel and proceed to Cairo Airport for your return flight.
Plan Your Egypt Holiday
Let Astral Trips customise this itinerary with your preferred hotels, flights and experiences.