How Long to Stay in Egypt

It is no surprise that a trip to Egypt is high on the list of many people’s bucket lists. Home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the country is a potpourri of ancient ruins that hark back to the dawn of history. However, it is not just history and heritages that pull so many travelers towards this country. The sheer beauty of the Nile cutting through the heart of a majestic desert is a sight to behold, while there are few places in the world that rival the sandy stretches of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh.While archaeologists are enamored enough by the legends of this land to spend a lifetime here, you can experience a slice of it in less time. Below is an overview of possible Egypt itineraries based on the number of days you have.

With just 4 days in Egypt, you can tour some of the most fascinating ancient archaeological sites in the world. The cities of Cairo and Alexandria alone host numerous historical treasures to keep you occupied for 4 days. You can visit Cairo and the nearby Giza and Saqqara, iconic sites of the pyramids. Or split your 4-day Egypt vacation between Cairo and Alexandria to see the Great Library of Alexandria and the Church of St. Mark, the oldest church on the continent. If you prefer to avoid crowds and busy streets, opt for a cruise on the River Nile, hopping between archaeological sites under the blue sky of Egypt.

As the land of pharaohs and pyramids, Egypt exudes a sense of mystique and wonder that few other destinations can match. If you don't have a lot of time at hand, we recommend spending at least five days in Egypt to experience the country's highlights. In this timeframe, you can cover destinations like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. You can also embark on a Nile cruise, explore ancient temples, and discover Egypt’s vibrant culture, all within a well-paced itinerary. This shorter trip offers a fulfilling journey where you can easily squeeze in most of the attractions. 

Discover the ancient world of Pharaohs by city-hopping in Egypt. Join a cruise in Aswan and follow the Nile River, or move from oasis to oasis to see some of the most fascinating historical sites in the world. With 6 days in Egypt, you’ll be able to check off all the major must-sees in the country, such as the pyramids and the sphinx, the Temple of Karnak, and the Valley of Kings. Relax in the natural springs of El Hez and go sandboarding in Kharga Oasis—a 6-day Egypt tour, when planned right, allows you to experience everything the country has to offer.

A week-long Egypt holiday is ideal experience one of the earliest civilizations on earth. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings to the sprawling ruins of Karnak, there is a lot to see in the country. You can also sail down the River Nile, wander through the historic quarters of Cairo and Alexandria and hike to the summit of Mount Sinai while in the country. For lovers of history, there is the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which showcases more than 5,000 years of Egyptian history. 

Whether you’re looking to relax in remote oases or discover some of the most ancient cities in the world, Egypt’s got you covered. On a 8-day Egypt holiday, you can travel through the country, taking internal flights and sailing on the stunning Nile River, to see all the best temples and necropolis of the ancient world. Travel through Luxor, Edfu, and Abu Simbel and see the Sphinx in Cairo, relax on Naama Bay Beach in Sharm El Sheikh or hike the biblical mountain of Mount Sinai. Explore the dunes at your own speed on a 4X4 or with an iconic camel ride, and live 8 days in Egypt like a real Bedouin. 

Visit Egypt’s most beautiful spots and discover its ancient temples in just nine days. This is the perfect duration to both discover the country’s rich history and have the chance to see its diverse landscapes. You can tailor your 9-day Egypt trip around your preferences, exploring up to four iconic destinations—from the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo to the ancient temples of Luxor on the Nile, and even the tranquil beaches of the Red Sea in Hurghada. Whether you prefer relaxing on a felucca along the Nile, exploring Egypt’s marine life, or trekking through desert oases, you’ll find the perfect itinerary.

The land of pharaohs, Egypt is perhaps the most culturally interesting country in the world with a vast array of historic sites. Be it the towering pyramids of Giza that put to shame modern-day skyscrapers or the vast temple complex of Karnak, there is a lot to explore. Spending ten days in Egypt allows you enough time to see its biggest highlights in Cairo, take a Nile cruise, a safari to its White desert and the oasis of Siwa. If you want a well-rounded holiday, a 10-day Egypt trip is highly recommended. 

Spend 2 weeks in Egypt to discover the country's rich history and natural beauty at a comfortable pace. You can visit Egypt’s best landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, cruise along the Nile, and even relax by the Red Sea. You can delve deep into Egypt’s culture and history spending more days around temples and incredible artifacts, or combine historical exploration with some leisure time on the beaches of the Red Sea. Whether you spend all your time on a 14-day Egypt tour cruising from Cairo to Aswan or split your days between major cities and coastal retreats, the possibilities are endless.

From sunny, golden-sand beaches to ancient temples and bustling city streets, Egypt offers endless opportunities for adventure. Spend three weeks in the country to fully explore its diverse landscapes and rich history. With 21 days in Egypt, you can visit multiple destinations, from the ancient wonders of Cairo to the Unesco World Heritage Sites of the Valley of the Whales and Wadi Degla. Cruise the Nile, explore Luxor's temples, and discover Abu Simbel. Alternatively, you could focus your tour on one or two major areas, such as Cairo and the Red Sea, or mix desert adventures with beach life to cover more ground.

Spend 12 days in Egypt to discover ancient treasures while also enjoying some beach time and water sports. You can get a taste of everything Egypt has to offer in this duration. Visit key destinations like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El-Sheikh to see Egypt's stunning temples along the Nile. You can even choose to relax in Sharm El-Sheikh’s pristine waters or unwind on a Nile cruise, exploring tombs and temples. Whether you prefer focusing on Egypt's rich culture or relaxing on the beach—or a mix of both—these 12-day Egypt tours allow you to tailor your journey to cover all your interests.