8 Days in Egypt: The Ultimate Itinerary

8 Days in Egypt: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Egypt is a country like no other—a place where ancient history, rich culture, and breathtaking natural beauty converge. From the colossal Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx to the grandeur of Luxor’s temples and the tranquility of Aswan, Egypt captivates the imagination and ignites the soul.

If you're planning a visit and have 8 days in Egypt, you're in for an extraordinary experience. This itinerary is crafted for first-time visitors and balances historical exploration, cultural immersion, and leisure. You’ll explore Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and even venture to the monumental temples of Abu Simbel.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Discover the City of a Thousand Minarets

Morning: Land in Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel. For a view of the Pyramids, choose a hotel in Giza. For a lively urban experience, stay in Downtown Cairo or Zamalek.

After check-in, relax and prepare for your adventure.

Afternoon: Egyptian Museum

Start your journey at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. This treasure trove holds over 120,000 artifacts, including:

The legendary golden mask of Tutankhamun
Royal mummies in the Mummy Room
Statues and relics from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms

Spend 2–3 hours here to set the historical context for the days ahead.

Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and Saqqara

Morning: The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Head to the Giza Plateau, one of the most iconic sites on Earth. Stand before the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World—the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Don’t miss:

Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure
The Great Sphinx, guarding the plateau for millennia
Optional camel ride or horse-drawn carriage
Enter the Great Pyramid (extra ticket required)

Afternoon: Saqqara and Memphis

Drive to Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the earliest monumental stone structure ever built. Then, visit Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, to see:

The colossal statue of Ramses II
The Alabaster Sphinx

Evening: Sound and Light Show (Optional)

Back at the pyramids, attend the Sound & Light Show, where laser lights and narration illuminate 5,000 years of history.

Day 3: Islamic Cairo, Citadel, and Khan el-Khalili

Morning: Islamic Cairo and Saladin Citadel

Explore the rich Islamic heritage of Cairo:

Saladin Citadel – A fortress from the 12th century
Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Alabaster Mosque) – Inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque
Sultan Hassan Mosque – A masterpiece of Mamluk architecture
Al-Rifa’i Mosque – Burial place of modern Egyptian royalty

Afternoon: Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili market, one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East. Pick up:

Handcrafted jewelry
Spices and perfumes
Traditional lanterns
Papyrus and souvenirs

Enjoy tea at El Fishawy Café, a 200-year-old institution.

Day 4: Fly to Luxor – Temples of the East Bank

Morning: Travel to Luxor

Take a short domestic flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Check into a hotel or Nile cruise ship, depending on your preference.

Afternoon: Karnak and Luxor Temples

Explore the East Bank of Luxor:

Karnak Temple

A vast religious complex dedicated to Amun-Ra
Famous for the Hypostyle Hall with 134 towering columns
Includes obelisks, sacred lakes, and shrines

Luxor Temple

Smaller but beautifully preserved
Best visited at sunset or after dark, when it’s dramatically lit

Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes, recently restored, which once connected the two temples.

Day 5: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple

Morning: West Bank Exploration

Cross the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings, where New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in elaborately decorated tombs.

Highlights:

Visit 3 included tombs (rotated for preservation)
Optional: King Tutankhamun’s tomb (requires extra ticket)
Marvel at the artistry in tombs of Ramses III, Seti I, or Merenptah

Temple of Hatshepsut

Built by Egypt’s most powerful female ruler
Features stunning colonnades and cliff-face integration

Colossi of Memnon

Two massive seated statues of Amenhotep III, once guarding his mortuary temple

Afternoon: Relaxation or Luxor Museum

Return to your accommodation for lunch and rest. If time allows, visit the Luxor Museum, which offers an intimate and beautifully curated collection of local artifacts.

Day 6: Travel to Aswan – Tranquil Beauty on the Nile

Morning: Travel to Aswan

Take a morning train (3 hours), car, or continue by Nile cruise to Aswan. Check into a hotel or cruise ship.

Aswan offers a slower pace and is surrounded by granite rocks, palm-lined islands, and Nubian culture.

Afternoon: Philae Temple and High Dam

Visit:

Philae Temple

Resides on Agilkia Island
Dedicated to Isis, goddess of magic and motherhood
Relocated from its original site to avoid flooding from the Aswan High Dam

Aswan High Dam

One of the world’s largest dams, completed in the 1970s
A marvel of modern engineering that saved many ancient sites

Day 7: Day Trip to Abu Simbel – A Monumental Masterpiece

Early Morning: Drive to Abu Simbel

Leave before dawn for a 3-hour drive to Abu Simbel, near the Sudanese border.

These twin temples were built by Ramses II:

The Great Temple features four colossal statues of the pharaoh
The Small Temple honors his wife, Queen Nefertari
Both were relocated by UNESCO to save them from Lake Nasser’s rising waters

Afternoon: Return to Aswan

After visiting Abu Simbel, return to Aswan by late afternoon. Spend your last few hours shopping or resting.

Evening: Train or Flight to Cairo

Board a night train or fly back to Cairo, depending on your schedule. Overnight in Cairo or continue to the airport for your departure the next day.

Day 8: Departure from Cairo

Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for:

A visit to Coptic Cairo (Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Church of St. Sergius)
A quick breakfast and stroll through Plaka-like alleys in Old Cairo
Last-minute shopping in Downtown Cairo

Then, transfer to Cairo International Airport and bid farewell to the land of Pharaohs.

Optional Extensions (If You Have More Time)

If you can extend your stay or want to customize your itinerary:

Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh: For beach lovers and divers
Alexandria: Explore Greco-Roman history on the Mediterranean coast
Siwa Oasis: An off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Western Desert

Essential Egypt Travel Tips

When to Go:

Best months: October to April
Summer (June–August) is very hot, especially in Upper Egypt

Visas:

eVisa available online for many nationalities
Also available on arrival at major airports

Currency:

Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Credit cards accepted in cities; cash is essential in markets and villages

Language:

Arabic is the official language
English is widely spoken in tourist areas

Dress Code:

Modest clothing is advised, especially when visiting religious sites
Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must

Tipping:

Common and expected for most services
Keep small notes handy for tips

Is 8 Days in Egypt Enough?

Yes—especially with a well-planned itinerary. In 8 days, you can:

Stand before the Great Pyramids
Wander through the Egyptian Museum
Explore the majestic temples of Luxor and Karnak
Marvel at the tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Sail on the Nile
Discover the quiet magic of Aswan
Be awestruck by the Abu Simbel Temples

You’ll leave Egypt with a heart full of memories and a newfound appreciation for the civilization that helped shape the world.