Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Egypt. It gives you time for Cairo and the Pyramids, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with Abu Simbel, and three days on the Red Sea to finish — without rushing. Here is a day-by-day 10-day Egypt itinerary, alternatives for different interests, and the packages that match it.
10 Days in Egypt at a Glance
| Day | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cairo | Arrival |
| 2 | Cairo | Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum |
| 3 | Cairo | Saqqara and Dahshur, or Islamic and Coptic Cairo |
| 4 | Aswan | Fly to Aswan; board the Nile cruise; Philae, High Dam |
| 5 | Aswan | Abu Simbel (optional, early start); Nubian village or felucca |
| 6 | Nile | Kom Ombo and Edfu temples while sailing north |
| 7 | Luxor | Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Karnak and Luxor Temple |
| 8–10 | Red Sea | Beach, snorkeling or diving, then departure |
Days 1–3: Cairo
After arriving, spend day 2 at the Pyramids and the Sphinx and in the Grand Egyptian Museum. On day 3 choose between the older pyramids of Saqqara and Dahshur on the Pyramids, Sakkara & Dahshur tour (from $120) or the historic heart of the city on the Citadel, Coptic and Islamic Cairo tour (from $50). Planning the museum? Read the Grand Egyptian Museum guide.
Days 4–7: Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Fly to Aswan and board a Nile cruise. Visit Philae Temple and the High Dam, and if you can, make the early trip to the great temples of Abu Simbel. Sail north past Kom Ombo and Edfu, and finish in Luxor with the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Karnak and Luxor Temple. For cruise options and prices, see Nile cruise prices in Egypt or book the Nile Cruise Aswan – Luxor 4 Days.
Days 8–10: The Red Sea
End with sun and sea. From Luxor, Hurghada is the closest resort by road; Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab in Sinai are reached by air. Compare them in Sharm vs Dahab vs Hurghada, and if you choose Sinai, read things to do in Dahab.
Alternative 10-Day Routes
- Egypt and Jordan: Cairo, Sinai and Petra — see the Egypt and Jordan tour packages.
- History only: replace the Red Sea with Alexandria or the White Desert — see the Overnight White Desert and Bahariya Oasis tour.
- Sinai focus: three days in Cairo and a week in Dahab — see one week in Sinai.
- Shorter trip: see our 7 days in Egypt itinerary.
Ready-Made 10-Day Packages
| Package | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada | 10 days | $1,900 |
| Cairo and Dahab | 10 days | $1,900 |
| Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria | 10 days | $1,900 |
| Egypt and Jordan 10 Days 9 Nights | 10 days | $1,800 |
| Cairo, Aswan, Luxor by Train | 9 days | $1,800 |
Planning Tips
- October to April is the most comfortable season for sightseeing — see the month-by-month guide.
- You need a full visa for this route — read the Egypt visa guide.
- Plan tips for guides, drivers and cruise crew — see tipping in Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 days enough to see Egypt?
Yes. Ten days covers Cairo, a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor with the main temples, and a few days on the Red Sea.
Should I take a Nile cruise or stay in hotels?
A cruise is the most relaxing way to see Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor, as you sleep while you travel. Hotels give more flexibility.
How much does a 10-day trip to Egypt cost?
Our 10-day packages start from $1,800–1,900 per person; check each package for what is included.
Can I combine Egypt and Jordan in 10 days?
Yes. The Egypt and Jordan 10 Days 9 Nights package combines Cairo with Petra.
