
For most travelers, 14 to 15 days is the perfect amount of time for an Egypt trip, with stops in Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Aswan, Luxor, Esna, and Kom Ombo. If you don’t mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less timeāas few as 10 to 13 days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country. Get inspired with our trip ideas below.
## Planning Your Egyptian Adventure: How Many Days Do You Need in Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Aswan, Luxor, Esna & Kom Ombo?
Embarking on a journey to explore the wonders of Egypt is an exciting prospect. From the bustling metropolis of Cairo to the serene beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh, and the ancient historical sites of Aswan, Luxor, Esna, and Kom Ombo, a trip to Egypt offers a diverse range of experiences. But how much time should you allocate to truly immerse yourself in this captivating country?
* Most travelers find that a 14-15 day itinerary provides a well-rounded experience, allowing sufficient time to explore Cairo, relax in Sharm el-Sheikh, and delve into the historical wonders of Aswan, Luxor, Esna, and Kom Ombo without feeling overly rushed. This duration provides a good balance between seeing the major highlights and enjoying some leisure time.
* While it is possible to visit Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Aswan, Luxor, Esna, and Kom Ombo in a shorter timeframe of 10 to 13 days, be prepared for a more fast-paced experience. This condensed itinerary may require prioritizing certain sites and activities and may leave you feeling like you haven’t fully absorbed the atmosphere of each location. Careful planning is essential to make the most of your time.
* If you have the luxury of 16 days or more, you’ll have the opportunity to explore beyond the main tourist trail and delve deeper into Egyptian culture and history. Many travelers with this extra time choose to add additional stops to their trip, perhaps exploring the Western Desert oases, visiting Alexandria, or extending their time on the Red Sea coast. The possibilities are endless!
## Recommended Itineraries for Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Aswan, Luxor, Esna & Kom Ombo
Below are a couple of suggested itineraries, designed to help you make the most of your time in Egypt, encompassing the highlights of Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Aswan, Luxor, Esna, and Kom Ombo.
### Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks
**(Image of Nile River Cruise)**
**Caption:** Cruise down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan
This two-week itinerary combines cultural immersion with relaxation, providing a memorable Egyptian adventure.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—– | :————————————————————— | :————– |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo, Self-Guided Exploration | Cairo |
| Day 2 | Discover the Great Pyramids: Giza & Memphis | Cairo |
| Day 3 | Tour the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Bazaar | Cairo |
| Day 4 | Fly to Luxor, Board Nile River Cruise | Luxor |
| Day 5 | Explore the Valley of the Kings, Cruise to Esna | Esna |
| Day 6 | Cruise to Kom Ombo via the Temple of Edfu | Kom Ombo |
| Day 7 | Cruise to Aswan, Visit the Temple of Philae & Aswan Dam | Aswan |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to the Temples of Abu Simbel | Aswan |
| Day 9 | Fly to Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 10 | Explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & Coptic Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 11 | Fly to Sharm el-Sheikh | Sharm el-Sheikh |
| Day 12-13| Relax by the Red Sea in Sharm el-Sheikh | Sharm el-Sheikh |
| Day 14 | Fly to Cairo, Depart | |
This itinerary offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Cairo, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and delve into the rich history housed within the Egyptian Museum. You’ll have time to wander through Islamic Cairo and experience the bustling atmosphere of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Next, you’ll fly to Luxor, the ancient capital, where you’ll embark on a scenic Nile River cruise. This cruise will take you to Aswan, allowing you to explore magnificent temples and tombs along the way. You’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried, and marvel at the stunning Temple of Philae. The journey continues to Esna and Kom Ombo, offering further insights into ancient Egyptian civilization. A day trip to Abu Simbel is an absolute must, to witness the grandeur of the temples built by Ramses II.
Finally, you’ll unwind on the beautiful Red Sea beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and soaking up the sun before your departure from Cairo.
This carefully curated journey combines the iconic cultural landmarks of Cairo with the serene beauty of a Nile River cruise and the relaxing beach vibes of Sharm el-Sheikh. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the best of Egypt.
### Recommended Itinerary for 15 Days
**(Image of Habu Temple Hieroglyphs)**
**Caption:** See the beautiful ancient hieroglyphs in the Habu Temple at Luxor
This 15-day itinerary offers a more comprehensive exploration of Egypt, balancing historical sightseeing with relaxation.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—– | :——————————————————————— | :————– |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo, Explore | Cairo |
| Day 2 | Discover the Great Pyramids: Giza & Memphis | Cairo |
| Day 3 | Fly to Luxor, Visit Habu Temple, Carter House & the Tomb of Nobles | Luxor |
| Day 4 | Explore Luxor & Karnak Temples, Board Nile River Cruise | Luxor |
| Day 5 | Tour the Valley of the Kings, Cruise to Esna | Esna |
| Day 6 | Cruise to Kom Ombo via Edfu Temple | Kom Ombo |
| Day 7 | Cruise to Aswan, Visit the Temple of Philae & Aswan Dam | Aswan |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to the Temples of Abu Simbel | Aswan |
| Day 9 | Fly to Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 10 | Tour the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Bazaar | Cairo |
| Day 11 | Fly to Sharm el-Sheikh | Sharm el-Sheikh |
| Day 12-13| Relax by the Red Sea in Sharm el-Sheikh | Sharm el-Sheikh |
| Day 14 | Fly to Cairo, Free Time | Cairo |
| Day 15 | Depart Cairo | |
This extended itinerary allows for a deeper dive into Egypt’s rich history and culture, combined with ample relaxation time. In addition to the iconic sites of Cairo, such as the Great Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to explore lesser-known gems, such as the Habu Temple, Carter House and the Tomb of Nobles in Luxor, providing a richer understanding of ancient Egyptian life.
The Nile River cruise will take you on a journey through time, allowing you to witness the stunning riverside temples as you sail towards Aswan. You’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, the majestic Abu Simbel, and the magnificent Philae Temple.
And of course, no trip to Egypt would be complete without some downtime on the beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh. Here, you can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, and simply relax and unwind after your explorations. You’ll also have a free day in Cairo to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. This itinerary truly encompasses all that Egypt has to offer, from its iconic historical landmarks to its stunning natural beauty.
This 15-day adventure perfectly blends Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites with the tranquil experience of a Nile River cruise and the soothing relaxation of Sharm el-Sheikh beaches. You’ll get to experience the Valley of the Kings, the great Abu Simbel, wander through the historical Bazaars of Cairo, and even get to swim in the amazing Red Sea.

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