9 Days in Egypt: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary from Cairo to Aswan

From towering pyramids and golden desert sands to mighty temples and tranquil Nile waters, Egypt is a country that tells its ancient stories with grandeur. For thousands of years, it’s fascinated explorers and continues to captivate modern travelers with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

This 9-day Egypt itinerary offers the perfect journey through the highlights of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. You’ll discover some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, cruise the Nile like the pharaohs, and experience the warmth of Egyptian hospitality.

Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, these nine days will stay with you forever.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – The Gateway to Ancient Egypt

Welcome to Egypt

Land at Cairo International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest gateways. Meet your driver or guide and transfer to your hotel in either Downtown Cairo or Giza for proximity to the pyramids.

Spend your first afternoon settling in and soaking up the city’s vibrant energy. If time permits, stroll around Zamalek Island or the banks of the Nile River.

Day 2: The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Saqqara

Morning: Explore the Giza Plateau

Your journey into ancient Egypt begins at the legendary Giza Plateau:

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu – the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World
• Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure
• The Great Sphinx – guardian of the pyramids with the body of a lion and face of a pharaoh

Opt for a camel or horse ride, or even enter the Great Pyramid for a claustrophobic but unforgettable climb.

Afternoon: Saqqara and Memphis

Head south to Saqqara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis, to see:

• The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone structure in the world
• Tomb of Kagemni – richly decorated with daily life scenes
• Serapeum – burial place of Apis bulls

End the day with a stop at Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, home to the colossal statue of Ramses II.

Day 3: Cairo’s Museum and Islamic Treasures

Morning: The Egyptian Museum

Spend a few hours at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, housing over 120,000 ancient artifacts:

• Tutankhamun’s treasure collection, including the famous gold mask
• Statues, sarcophagi, and tools from thousands of years of Egyptian history
• Optional entry to the Royal Mummy Room

Afternoon: Islamic Cairo and the Citadel

Visit Saladin’s Citadel, a fortress overlooking the city:

• Tour the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque
• Explore the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i Mosques

Later, stroll through Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s most famous bazaar. Shop for spices, perfumes, papyrus, and jewelry. Sip mint tea at El Fishawy, a 200-year-old café.

Day 4: Travel to Luxor – East Bank Temples

Morning: Fly to Luxor

Take a short morning flight to Luxor, once the capital of ancient Thebes. Transfer to a hotel or board your Nile cruise, if you’re continuing by boat.

Afternoon: Karnak and Luxor Temples

Explore the East Bank of Luxor, home to two of Egypt’s most magnificent temples:

• Karnak Temple: A sprawling complex featuring the Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive columns, obelisks, and sacred lake.
• Luxor Temple: Beautifully illuminated in the evening, this temple was used in various religious rites and even houses a mosque within its structure.

Day 5: West Bank of Luxor – Valley of the Kings and More

Morning: Explore the West Bank

Cross the Nile to visit:

• Valley of the Kings: Explore tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Ramses III, and Seti I
• Temple of Hatshepsut: A striking terraced temple carved into the cliffs
• Colossi of Memnon: Two massive statues of Amenhotep III

Afternoon: Optional Visit or Rest

Return to your hotel or cruise ship for lunch. If you have energy, visit the Luxor Museum or take a walk along the Nile Corniche.

Day 6: Temple of Edfu and Kom Ombo

Morning: Temple of Horus at Edfu

As you cruise the Nile southward (if on a cruise), stop at Edfu, home to the best-preserved temple in Egypt.

• Dedicated to Horus, the falcon god
• Features battle reliefs, inscriptions, and a massive inner sanctuary

Afternoon: Temple of Kom Ombo

Sail to Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to:

• Sobek, the crocodile god
• Haroeris (Horus the Elder)

Visit the Crocodile Museum, which displays real mummified crocodiles found near the site.

Evening: Sunset on the Nile

Relax on the sun deck, watch feluccas drift by, and enjoy your cruise’s themed dinner night (often “Galabeya Night” where guests wear traditional Egyptian clothing).

Day 7: Arrive in Aswan – Temples and Island Charms

Morning: Philae Temple and Aswan Highlights

In Aswan, take a boat ride to Philae Temple, located on Agilkia Island. This stunning temple complex, dedicated to Isis, was moved here stone-by-stone after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Also visit:

• The Unfinished Obelisk, revealing ancient stone-working techniques
• The Aswan High Dam, an impressive feat of modern engineering

Afternoon: Nubian Culture or Botanical Gardens

Visit a Nubian village via boat. Colorful homes, warm smiles, and unique traditions await you. Alternatively, explore the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island—a lush retreat full of exotic plants.

Evening: Felucca Ride at Sunset

End the day with a sunset felucca ride around Elephantine Island. The soft breeze and golden light make this a highlight of your Aswan visit.

Day 8: Abu Simbel – Majestic Temples of Ramses II

Early Morning: Drive or Fly to Abu Simbel

Wake early for a day trip to Abu Simbel (3-hour drive or short flight). Built by Ramses II, these temples are carved directly into the mountainside.

• The Great Temple is aligned with the sun to illuminate the inner sanctuary twice a year.
• The Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to Ramses’ beloved queen, is one of the few dedicated to a female ruler.

These temples were rescued from rising waters during the construction of the High Dam and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon: Return to Aswan and Travel to Cairo

Fly back to Aswan, then take a domestic flight to Cairo for your final night.

Check into a hotel near Cairo Airport or in the Heliopolis district for easy access to your departure terminal.

Day 9: Departure or Extra Exploration

Depending on your flight time, consider one last Egyptian experience:

Options:

• Visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum (if open)
• Have a farewell brunch overlooking the Nile
• Take a quick stop at Coptic Cairo to see the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue

Transfer to the airport and say goodbye to a country that has taken you on a journey through time.

Travel Tips for Your Egypt Trip

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Carry small denominations for tipping.
• Best Time to Visit Egypt: October to April for pleasant weather.
• Dress Code: Modest attire recommended in temples, mosques, and rural areas.
• Tipping: Common practice in Egypt. Tip guides, drivers, hotel staff, and cruise crew.
• Transport: Domestic flights are efficient; Nile cruises are comfortable and scenic.
• Safety: Egypt is safe in all tourist zones, but always travel with a licensed operator.

Is 9 Days in Egypt Enough?

Yes, and no. Nine days is enough to experience:

• Cairo’s ancient wonders
• The grandeur of Luxor’s temples and tombs
• A relaxing Nile cruise
• The serenity of Aswan
• And the jaw-dropping marvel of Abu Simbel

But Egypt will leave you wanting more. You’ll likely dream of returning to dive in the Red Sea, visit Alexandria, or venture deep into the Western Desert.

In 9 days, however, you’ll experience the soul of Egypt—a journey through 5,000 years of history, culture, and timeless beauty.