Quick answer
Eight days in Egypt covers three days in Cairo for the Giza pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara and Islamic Cairo, then a flight to Aswan for a three-night Nile cruise to Luxor with Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, and a last night in Cairo. Mid-range land cost starts at about ₹82,000 per person, excluding international flights.
The route
- Cairo
- Giza
- Saqqara
- Aswan
- Abu Simbel
- Kom Ombo
- Edfu
- Luxor
- Cairo
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Arrive in Cairo
Morning: Land at Cairo International Airport. The transfer to Giza or Zamalek takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Afternoon: Check in and rest.
Evening: Dinner by the Nile in Zamalek, or a short Nile dinner cruise.
Stay: Giza (pyramids view) or Zamalek
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips from day one.
- 2
Day 2
Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Morning: Giza plateau at opening: the Great Pyramid, the panoramic viewpoint and the Sphinx.
Afternoon: Grand Egyptian Museum for 3–4 hours, including the Tutankhamun galleries.
Evening: Optional sound-and-light show at the pyramids.
Stay: Giza or Zamalek
Book the museum's timed slot only through the official portal.
- 3
Day 3
Saqqara and Islamic Cairo
Morning: Saqqara's Step Pyramid and Dahshur's Bent and Red Pyramids.
Afternoon: Rest at the hotel through the warmest hours.
Evening: Al-Muizz Street and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Stay: Giza or Zamalek
Bargain in the bazaar; first prices are often double.
- 4
Day 4
Fly to Aswan and board the cruise
Morning: Early flight to Aswan, about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Afternoon: Philae Temple by boat, then board your Nile cruise.
Evening: Felucca sail around Elephantine Island at sunset.
Stay: Nile cruise (Aswan)
Tell the cruise about vegetarian or Jain needs at check-in; most kitchens adapt.
- 5
Day 5
Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo
Morning: Road trip leaving around 4 am, or a short flight, to the temples of Abu Simbel.
Afternoon: Back on board around midday; the ship sails north.
Evening: Kom Ombo's riverside double temple, lit up after dark.
Stay: Nile cruise
Seniors and families with young children should take the flight rather than 7 hours on the road.
- 6
Day 6
Edfu and sailing to Luxor
Morning: Edfu's Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved in Egypt.
Afternoon: Relax on deck as the ship sails through the Esna lock towards Luxor.
Evening: Luxor Temple after dark, when it is lit and cooler.
Stay: Nile cruise (Luxor)
Carry a light layer for the evening temple visits in winter.
- 7
Day 7
Luxor West Bank and Karnak
Morning: Optional sunrise balloon, then the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple.
Afternoon: Karnak Temple and its Hypostyle Hall.
Evening: Flight back to Cairo, about 1 hour.
Stay: Cairo (near the airport or Giza)
Tutankhamun's tomb needs a separate ticket; buy it at the valley entrance.
- 8
Day 8
Coptic Cairo and departure
Morning: Coptic Cairo: the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Afternoon: Last shopping or a rest at the hotel.
Evening: Transfer to the airport three hours before your flight.
Cairo traffic is unpredictable; leave a generous buffer for the airport run.
Who this Egypt itinerary suits
This is the classic first trip: Cairo's pyramids and museum, a Nile cruise and the temples of Upper Egypt. It suits first-timers, history lovers and families with teenagers. It is busy, with early starts on most days, because the sites are hot by late morning. More ideas are on things to do in Egypt.
Why fly south and cruise north
Flying to Aswan first and cruising downstream to Luxor fits Abu Simbel neatly at the start and ends with Luxor's biggest sites. Domestic flights save two long days on the road.
What this plan costs
Mid-range land cost starts at about ₹82,000 per person, twin sharing, for four nights in 4★ Cairo hotels, a three-night 5★ cruise with meals, two domestic flights, the e-visa, main entry tickets, a guide and transfers. With return international flights, expect about ₹1,30,000 per person; see Egypt trip cost.
Where to stay in Cairo
Giza hotels with pyramid views are popular for the first nights; Zamalek is calmer and better for evenings out. Compare on where to stay in Egypt.
October to April is the right window. Luxor regularly passes 40°C in summer; see best time to visit Egypt.
Indian passport holders need a visa before flying in most cases; check our Egypt visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 8 days enough for Egypt?
Should I take the train or fly between Cairo and Aswan?
Is this Egypt itinerary suitable for senior citizens?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
