Egypt is not just a country; it is an open-air museum that defies time. However, it can also be chaotic and overwhelming. Unlike the structured streets in our Qatar Guide, navigating Cairo requires patience and street smarts. You need a strategic online trip planner to dodge the tourist traps and stand alone before the Sphinx. This updated Egypt route planner 2025 organizes the chaos, connecting the Pyramids of Giza with the temples of Luxor efficiently.
🇪🇬 Egypt Trip Summary
- 🚢 Must-Do: 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
- 🚕 Transport: Use Uber in Cairo (Avoid regular taxis).
- 💵 Tipping: "Baksheesh" is expected everywhere. Keep small cash.
- 📅 Best Time: October to April (Summer is unbearably hot).
Before You Go: The Scam Survival Guide
Egypt is safe, but aggressive selling is common. Follow these rules:
- "Free" is never free: If someone offers you a "gift" or asks to take your photo, say "La, Shukran" (No, thank you) and keep walking.
- Camel Rides: Only book official rides inside the complex or via online apps. Do not negotiate with random handlers at the gate.
Days 1-3: Cairo (Chaos & History)
Start in the mega-city. It is loud, dusty, and absolutely mesmerizing.
Day 1: The Great Pyramids of Giza
Go early (8:00 AM). Seeing the Great Pyramid of Khufu is surreal. Walk to the panoramic view point. Visit the Sphinx last. Pro Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the chaotic ticket office queue.
Day 2: The Egyptian Museum & Citadel
Visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir (or the new GEM if fully open) to see Tutankhamun's gold mask. In the afternoon, head to the Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali for the best view over the city.
Day 3: Khan el-Khalili & Islamic Cairo
Get lost in the Khan el-Khalili market. It is 1,000 years old. Buy spices, lanterns, and drink mint tea at El Fishawy cafe (open since 1773). It feels like stepping into Aladdin.
Days 4-6: The Nile Cruise (Aswan to Luxor)
Fly to Aswan. This is the most relaxing part of the trip. The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt.
Day 4: Abu Simbel & Philae
Take the early convoy (3:00 AM start) to Abu Simbel. The massive statues of Ramses II are awe-inspiring. Board your Nile Cruise in Aswan by lunch. Visit the Philae Temple on an island at sunset.
Day 5: Kom Ombo & Edfu
The ship sails north. You will stop at Kom Ombo (the Crocodile God temple) and Edfu (the Falcon God temple). Watching the rural life on the Nile banks from the ship's deck is peaceful and timeless.
Day 6: Luxor (The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum)
Arrive in Luxor. Cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings (enter King Tut's tomb) and the Temple of Hatshepsut. In the evening, visit the massive Karnak Temple complex.
Day 7: Hot Air Balloon & Return
End your trip with magic.
Sunrise Over the Nile
Just like in our Turkey Guide, a Hot Air Balloon ride over Luxor is essential. Seeing the Nile River and the ancient temples from the sky at sunrise is cheaper here than anywhere else in the world.
Egyptian Food Guide: Carbs on Carbs
- Koshary: The national dish. Rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas topped with spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. Cheap and filling.
- Ful Medames: Slow-cooked fava beans, eaten for breakfast with bread.
- Molokhia: A green leafy soup served with rice and chicken. You either love it or hate the texture.
🇪🇬 Don't Get Scammed!
Navigating Egypt alone can be stressful. We highly recommend booking a Private Guide for the Pyramids and a pre-arranged Nile Cruise to avoid haggling. Also, the Luxor Hot Air Balloon is a sell-out activity. Secure your safe passage below.