Exploring the Best of Egypt: A 10-Day Adventure

 

 

Welcome to Egypt, a land of ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and captivating history! Prepare for a 10-day journey that will take you to the magnificent cities of Aswan, Luxor, Siwa, and Cairo. Trust me, exploring Egypt is an absolute “must do” for anyone seeking an unforgettable travel bucket list experience. As someone who recently visited Egypt in 2023, I fell in love with the country’s ancient history and landmarks. From the iconic pyramids of Giza, to the enchanting Nile cruises, and the mesmerizing Siwa Oasis, Egypt offers extraordinary sights and experiences waiting to be discovered.

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! I’ll share with you some tips on best accommodations, must-visit attractions, dos and don’ts,  and how to budget properly so that you can make the most of your stay in Egypt.

As someone who loves to travel and share my experiences, I’ve also compiled a series of YouTube Shorts videos, that highlight an exclusive glimpse into the most memorable highlights of each city mentioned in this itinerary.

Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you, but it does help support what we do in a small way. I only recommend products/services that I have personally used and found valuable.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Cairo and Connecting Flight to Aswan

As your plane touches down in Cairo, get ready to go on an incredible adventure in Egypt. Catch a connecting flight to Aswan, the gateway to the Nile, and let the magic of this ancient land unfold before you. Immerse yourself in the vibrant city as you prepare for the incredible experiences that lie ahead.

If you find yourself arriving in Aswan early in the day, I highly recommend starting your journey with a visit to the Nubian village. Explore the Nubian’s people rich culture and learn about their traditions, which have been preserved for centuries. In the early evening, indulge in a truly mesmerizing experience by taking a traditional felucca boat ride around Elephantine Island to catch the sunset. If time permits, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the lively Aswan night market. This lively marketplace is full of local crafts, delicious street food, and souvenirs. Remember, dressing modestly and respecting local customs can help ensure a more comfortable experience and minimize unwanted attention.

Additionally, keep in mind that it’s important to communicate with your Nile Cruise tour company before booking your hotel in Aswan as some companies have specific pick-up restrictions and may not provide transportation from certain areas in Aswan.

Day 2-4: Embarking on the Nile Cruise

Prepare to start your day bright and early as you step aboard a luxurious cruise ship, ready to embark on a three day journey along the waters of the Nile.

As your cruise sails along the Nile, get ready to see some of the most stunning attractions that Egypt has to offer.

Here are the must-see highlights that will leave you in awe:

• Abu Simbel: Prepare to be mind-blown by the jaw-dropping temples of King Ramesses and Queen Nefertari. (One of my personal favorites.)
• Valley of the Kings: Explore the final resting place of famous ancient pharaohs. Make sure you pay extra to visit the tomb of Ramses the 4th, as it will leave you speechless with its breathtaking beauty. This is a true gem that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
• Hatshepsut Temple: Visit the beautifully constructed temple dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, a powerful female pharaoh who ruled as a King.
• Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple: Prepare to be swept away by the beautiful colossal statues, towering pillars, and captivating hieroglyphs transport you back in time. (If they’re not already included in your cruise package, make sure to add them to your itinerary. Trust me, you won’t regret it.)
• Conclude your unforgettable Nile cruise with a magical Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor’s landscapes. You’ll see the ancient wonders from above, enjoying breathtaking views—an experience worth every penny, in my opinion.

Finally, prepare to catch your flight from Luxor to Cairo, as you continue your Egyptian adventure. The Nile cruise will leave you with memories to cherish and beautiful pictures to show it off.

In terms of cost, the three-day Nile cruise cost $440 USD (not including tip), which included accommodations and meals. Additionally, I paid an extra $35 USD to visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, and another $80 USD for the breathtaking hot air balloon ride. I booked my cruise with Egypt Gift Tours, who provided exceptional service and I totally recommend them as they ensured our journey was seamless and amazing.

Day 5-7: Discovering the Hidden Gem of Siwa Oasis

Now it’s time to escape the crowded cities and venture into the enchanting Siwa Oasis, a true hidden gem in Egypt. Over the course of three days, immerse yourself in the captivating attractions and experiences.

Here are the highlights of your Siwa Oasis adventure:

• Siwa Oasis Salt Lakes: Prepare to be mesmerized by the surreal beauty of the crystal-clear blue waters of the salt lakes. As you step into the high-salt concentration, you’ll experience the incredible sensation of effortlessly floating in the water. This Instagram-worthy location is by far the top highlight of Siwa, and I can’t recommend it enough. While walking on the salt-covered ground may be a bit uncomfortable, the unforgettable experience of floating in the water makes it completely worthwhile.
• Sahara Desert Safari: Experience thrilling sandboarding, breathtaking sunsets, and dinner under the stars in this amazing desert adventure. Spending the night in a tent is an option, but based on my experience, I suggest you consider alternatives. During the night, temperatures can drop significantly, leaving you feeling cold, and in the morning, you may wake up with terrible back pains.
• Siwa Oasis Accommodations: If you are opting for a private tour, it typically includes round trip pick-up and drop-off and accommodations. I highly recommend this option for a comprehensive and seamless journey. Make sure to ask your tour company for the name of your hotel(s) so you can check out the reviews.
• While exploring Siwa, don’t forget to take some time to visit the hand-crafted shops scattered throughout the town. These charming shops offer a variety of unique and locally made goodies that you can purchase as souvenirs or gifts.

Despite the challenging 20-hour drive from Cairo and back, experiencing the salt lakes alone makes this trip worthwhile. Siwa Oasis offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience that will leave you enchanted by its natural beauty and historical significance.

The three-day private Siwa trip from Cairo to Siwa and back costs $400 (not including tip), which includes accommodations, all meals, and a comprehensive range of excursions. I highly recommend booking a private tour for your Siwa adventure.

 

Day 9-10: Exploring the City of Cairo

Welcome back to Cairo.

Get ready to discover the following highlights that will leave you in awe:

• Pyramids of Giza + Sphinx: Get ready to be blown away by these magnificent ancient wonders. It’s a truly humbling experience to witness this in person. Seeing the pyramids in person for me was an indescribable feeling. (I still can’t comprehend how they were able to build it back then.)
• Venture Inside a Pyramid: Brace yourself for a unique adventure. You can choose which pyramid you want to venture inside of. I personally chose the Khafre pyramid. Prepare to navigate the humid, narrow interiors, as you witness the inside structure of the pyramid. (Personally, even though the final view was not as impressive as I expected, I don’t regret doing it. After all, how many people can say they have been inside the only ancient wonder of the world?)
• Marriott Mena House: Spoil yourself in absolute luxury. Treat yourself to incredible views of the pyramids at the Marriott Mena House while savoring delightful culinary creations. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this place!
• Khan El Khalili Market: Immerse yourself in the lively and busy atmosphere of Cairo’s famous bazaar, Khan El Khalili Market. From there you will see traditional crafts, spices, jewelry, and amazing savory food.
• Cairo Accommodations: Check out Airbnb stays as some places offer breathtaking views of the pyramids. Additionally, consider booking a stay at the prestigious Marriott Mena House for your other night in Cairo.

As you explore Cairo, embrace the rich history, soak in the local culture, and create memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Additional Useful Tips 

1. Check if you require a Visa to enter Egypt. If you are from the USA, a Visa can be obtained upon arrival at a cost of $25 per person.
2. Exchanging some of your currency to Egyptian pounds prior to or upon arrival can be beneficial.
3. When it comes to transportation, choose Uber for affordability, or dare to embark on an adventurous tuktuk ride. In cities with heavy traffic like Cairo, rely on Google Maps to estimate travel distance and plan transportation wisely. (In Cairo, expect an unconventional driving experience with people crossing streets amid traffic and tuktuks going against one-way streets.)
4. Beware of pushy vendors who may follow you in an attempt to make a sale. They may offer something for “free” and then request money.
5. If you have extra time, I highly recommend exploring the coastal areas, particularly Sharm el-Sheikh and Sahel. These destinations boast beautiful beaches and clear waters, making them worthwhile additions to your itinerary. (I am personally planning to return to Egypt to visit these places myself.)

Money-Saving Tips 

If you’re looking to experience Egypt on a budget, here are some tips to help you save money during your travels:

1. Plan your travel backwards by searching for flights and hotels in advance to secure the best deals. Utilize popular platforms such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo to find affordable flight options. When it comes to accommodations, Booking.com offers a wide selection of options at the cheapest rates, while Airbnb is another great choice to explore.
2. When booking excursions and tours through Viator, Get Your Guide, or any other travel experience app, consider going through Rakuten to earn cashback. You can also try this when booking your accommodations.
3. Plan and save for your trip in advance by starting a travel sinking fund. Setting aside money specifically for your Egypt adventure in advance will help ensure that you can experience the best of Egypt without worrying about financial constraints.
4. Explore travel hacking methods to reduce your travel costs or potentially travel for free.

By incorporating these money-saving tips and customizing this Egypt itinerary to suit your preferences, you can make the most of your 10-day trip in Egypt while staying within your budget.

I hope you found this Exploring the Best of Egypt: A 10-Day Adventure Guide helpful! It warms my heart to know that I’ve not only inspired you to experience the wonders of Egypt but also provided valuable insights into the trip’s cost, empowering you to budget wisely. I’m already daydreaming about returning to explore its breathtaking beaches.