Egypt-5-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Arrival: Arrive at Cairo International Airport
Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel ( approx. $10-$15)
Accommodation: Check-in to a 3-4 star hotel in the city center (approx. $50-$70 per night)
Places to Go:
- Pyramids of Giza: Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ( tickets: $20-$30)
- Egyptian Museum: Explore the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (tickets: $10-$15)
Things to Know:
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash; use credit cards or ATMs instead
- Be prepared for crowded streets and aggressive vendors
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting mosques or churches
Activity: Take a sunset tour of the pyramids (approx. $30-$50)

Day 2: Cairo

Places to Go:
- Sphinx of Giza: Visit this ancient monument with a mysterious face
- Islamic Cairo: Explore the narrow streets and historic mosques of Islamic Cairo
- Khan el-Khalili Market: Browse this bustling market for souvenirs, spices, and local goods
Things to Know:
- Be prepared for aggressive vendors at markets
- Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
- Try some Egyptian street food like falafel or koshari
Activity: Take a cooking class to learn about traditional Egyptian cuisine (approx. $30-$50)

Day 3: Aswan

Transportation: Fly from Cairo to Aswan ( approx. $50-$70)
Accommodation: Check-in to a 3-4 star hotel on the Nile River (approx. $60-$80 per night)
Places to Go:
- High Dam of Aswan: Visit this impressive dam that controls the Nile’s water flow
- Unfinished Obelisk: Explore this ancient granite quarry and see unfinished obelisks
- Abu Simbel Temples: Take a day trip to these massive temples carved out of sandstone (tickets: $30-$50)
Things to Know:
- Be prepared for crowds and vendors at tourist sites
- Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting mosques or churches
Activity: Take a sunset felucca ride on the Nile River (approx. $20-$30)

Day 4: Luxor

Transportation: Fly from Aswan to Luxor ( approx. $50-$70)
Accommodation: Check-in to a 3-4 star hotel in Luxor city center (approx. $60-$80 per night)
Places to Go:
- Valley of the Kings: Visit this vast burial ground for pharaohs and nobles (tickets: $10-$15)
- Temple of Hatshepsut: Explore this impressive temple dedicated to one of Egypt’s most successful female pharaohs
- Karnak Temple: Browse this massive complex of sanctuaries, halls, and obelisks
Things to Know:
- Be prepared for crowds and vendors at tourist sites
- Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting mosques or churches
Activity: Take a hot air balloon ride over Luxor (approx. $100-$150)

Day 5: Departure from Cairo

Transportation: Fly back to Cairo International Airport ( approx. $50-$70)
Accommodation: Spend the day at leisure; check-out of your hotel by 12pm
Places to Go:
- Egyptian Museum: Visit this world-class museum again for any artifacts you missed on Day 1
- Islamic Cairo: Explore this historic area for last-minute shopping or sightseeing
Things to Know:
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash; use credit cards or ATMs instead
- Be prepared for crowded streets and aggressive vendors
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting mosques or churches

Important Information

Visa Requirements: Tourists from many countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Australia) can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt. The visa is valid for 30 days and costs $25.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available, but Uber is more reliable. Consider hiring a driver for the day to save time and hassle.
Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing, scams, and petty theft. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Budget Breakdown

Total: Approx. $1,000-$1,500 for the 5-day itinerary

Note: Prices are estimates and may vary depending on individual preferences and exchange rates.