5 Days in Egypt: A Perfect Itinerary

5 Days in Egypt: A Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Egypt is a land where ancient history and modern life converge in the most captivating ways. From the grandeur of the Great Pyramids to the mystical temples of Luxor, Egypt promises an adventure that transcends time. Whether you’re fascinated by Pharaohs, in awe of ancient architecture, or drawn to the bustling streets of Cairo, this 5-day Egypt itinerary offers a rich introduction to the country’s top highlights.

While five days may not be enough to see all of Egypt’s wonders, it’s the perfect amount of time to visit Cairo, take a quick flight to Luxor, and immerse yourself in the legacy of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Day 1: Welcome to Cairo – Where the Ancient and Modern Meet

Morning: Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Cairo International Airport. Arrange an airport transfer to your hotel in Giza, near the pyramids, or in Downtown Cairo for a more urban experience.

After check-in, relax, refresh, and get ready to start your journey.

Afternoon: Egyptian Museum & Tahrir Square

Start your Egypt adventure with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. Home to more than 120,000 artifacts, this museum offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the country’s Pharaonic past.

Must-see exhibits:

Tutankhamun’s treasures – including his famous golden death mask
Royal Mummies Room – see the preserved remains of great Pharaohs like Ramses II
Artifacts from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms

Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore.

Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara

Morning: Giza Plateau

No trip to Egypt is complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza—the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Built over 4,500 years ago, these architectural marvels continue to astonish visitors.

Must-visit sites:

The Great Pyramid of Khufu – the largest and oldest
Pyramid of Khafre – still partially encased in limestone
Pyramid of Menkaure – the smallest of the three
The Sphinx – with its lion’s body and Pharaoh’s head

Tips:

Arrive early to avoid crowds and midday heat
Consider a camel ride or horse carriage tour
You can enter the Great Pyramid for an extra fee, though it's a tight and steep climb

Afternoon: Saqqara and Memphis

After lunch, take a short drive to Saqqara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis. Here you’ll find:

Step Pyramid of Djoser – the world’s oldest pyramid, designed by Imhotep
Tomb of Kagemni – adorned with well-preserved wall carvings
Serapeum – underground burial site for Apis bulls

Then visit Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and other relics.

Evening: Return to Cairo and Optional Sound & Light Show

Back in Giza, you can attend the Pyramids Sound & Light Show, a dramatic presentation that illuminates the pyramids while telling stories of Egypt’s past. A nice optional activity for history buffs.

Day 3: Fly to Luxor – The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum

Morning: Flight to Luxor

Take a 1-hour flight from Cairo to Luxor. Formerly known as Thebes, this city was once the capital of ancient Egypt and is packed with iconic monuments on both banks of the Nile.

Check in to a Nile-view hotel or a luxury cruise ship if you plan to continue your journey by boat later.

Afternoon: Karnak and Luxor Temples

Begin your exploration with the East Bank of Luxor:

Karnak Temple

One of the largest religious complexes in the world
Famous for its Hypostyle Hall, with 134 towering columns
Sacred lake, obelisks, and the Avenue of Sphinxes

Luxor Temple

Smaller and more compact, but equally mesmerizing
Especially beautiful when visited at night under the lights
Linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes, recently restored

Optional: Visit the Luxor Museum for a deeper understanding of the area’s archaeology.

Evening: Felucca Ride on the Nile

Enjoy a relaxing sunset felucca ride on the Nile. These traditional wooden sailboats offer a peaceful escape from the day’s sightseeing.

Day 4: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s & Colossi of Memnon

Morning: West Bank of Luxor

Cross the Nile early and head to the West Bank, where the ancient Egyptians built their tombs and mortuary temples.

Valley of the Kings

Burial site for New Kingdom Pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses VI
Explore elaborately painted tombs deep in the desert hills
Entry includes 3 tombs; Tutankhamun’s tomb is extra but worth seeing for the original mummy

Temple of Hatshepsut

A stunning mortuary temple built into a cliff
Dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs
Unique design with terraces and colonnades

Colossi of Memnon

Two massive statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded his temple
Great photo opportunity on the way back

Afternoon: Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride or Relaxation

If you’re up early enough, consider a hot air balloon ride over the West Bank—an unforgettable way to see the Valley of the Kings and Nile River from above.

Alternatively, return to your hotel for lunch and a refreshing dip in the pool.

Evening: Return to Cairo

Fly back to Cairo in the evening, giving you a restful night before your final day.

Day 5: Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili & Departure

Morning: Islamic Cairo & Citadel of Saladin

Begin your final day in Islamic Cairo, known for its medieval mosques, narrow alleys, and historic significance.

Citadel of Saladin

A massive hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of Cairo
Visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Alabaster Mosque), inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

Sultan Hassan Mosque

A masterpiece of Islamic architecture
Known for its enormous size and stunning minarets

Afternoon: Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Spend your last afternoon exploring Khan el-Khalili, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East. Perfect for souvenir shopping or soaking in local life.

What to buy:

Papyrus art
Essential oils and perfumes
Spices and herbal teas
Handmade jewelry and crafts

Don’t forget to sip a cup of mint tea at El Fishawy, Cairo’s most famous café, dating back to 1773.

Evening: Departure from Cairo Airport

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Cairo International Airport, ending your magical 5-day journey through Egypt.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Have More Time or Flexibility)

If you can stretch your trip or want to swap out certain destinations:

Abu Simbel (Aswan) – A 1-day trip or overnight excursion to see Ramses II’s grand temples
Aswan and Nile Cruise – Extend your stay in Luxor for a 3-night cruise to Aswan
Alexandria – A coastal city with Greco-Roman heritage, just 2.5 hours by train from Cairo

Essential Tips for Traveling to Egypt

Best Time to Visit:

October to April: Mild and pleasant weather
Avoid summer (June–August) unless you’re okay with extreme heat

Entry Requirements:

Most nationalities need a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (e-Visa) or on arrival

Currency:

Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Carry small notes for tipping and taxis

Dress Code:

Modest clothing is advised, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas
Light fabrics and comfortable walking shoes are essential

Cultural Etiquette:

Tipping is customary and appreciated
Always ask before taking photos of people
Friday is a holy day—expect limited hours at some sites

Is 5 Days in Egypt Enough?

Yes—for a great introduction. In five days, you can:

Marvel at the Pyramids and Sphinx
Discover the rich history of the Pharaohs
Explore tombs and temples in Luxor
Enjoy the Nile River’s timeless beauty
Shop in Cairo’s ancient markets

This itinerary is ideal for first-time travelers, those on a tight schedule, or anyone stopping in Egypt on a longer Middle East or Mediterranean tour. It hits all the major highlights and still gives you time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the rhythm of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.