Egypt in 21 Days: 2 Recommended 21-day Itineraries to Egypt

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Egypt 21-day itinerary options
For more ideas and inspirations to spend 21 days in Egypt, check out our handpicked 3-week Egypt itineraries below.
Itinerary #1: Egyptian Temples, Desert and River


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo and familiarize yourself with the city | Exploration | Cairo |
Day 2 | Visit the unmissable Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple | Sightseeing | Cairo |
Day 3 | See the largest collection of Egyptian art at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo | Museum visit | Cairo |
Day 4 | Travel to El Bahariya Oasis and explore ancient tombs and temples | Sightseeing | Bahariya Oasis |
Day 5 | Head to the White Desert and see the Crystal and Black Mountains | Desert safari | White Desert |
Day 6 | Take a desert safari trip on a 4x4 in the White Desert and camp under the stars | Desert safari | White Desert |
Day 7 | Reach Farafra Oasis and visit El Qasr and the Roman burial grounds | Exploration | Farafra Oasis |
Day 8 | Explore Kharga Oasis and see the temple of Hibis and the Christian tombs of Bagawat | Sightseeing | Kharga Oasis |
Day 9 | Travel to Luxor, visit the Temple of Dush along the way | Sightseeing | Luxor |
Day 10 | Tour Karnak and Luxor temples and board the Nile cruise | Sightseeing | On cruise |
Day 11 | Relax onboard your cruise and stop in iconic locations along the way | Cruise | On cruise |
Day 12 | Visit the majestic Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, and sail to Aswan | Sightseeing | On cruise |
Day 13 | Tour Aswan’s historical center and visit the city’s landmarks | Sightseeing | Aswan |
Day 14 | Take a flight to sunny Sharm El Sheikh | Sharm El Sheikh | |
Day 15 | Relax at the beach and go snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea | Beach day | Sharm El Sheikh |
Day 16 | Take a boat trip to Tiran Island and try water activities | Exploration | Sharm El Sheikh |
Day 17 | Go on desert safaris by quad bike or camel or visit the Old Market | Desert safari | Sharm El Sheikh |
Day 18 | Say goodbye to your beach life and fly back to Cairo | Cairo | |
Day 19 | Head to Alexandria for a day of sightseeing | Sightseeing | Cairo |
Day 20 | Explore the treasures of Saqqara and Memphis | Exploration | Cairo |
Day 21 | Depart from Cairo Airport |
From ancient temples to stunning beaches and breathtaking desert landscapes, experience the best of Egypt in three weeks. Start your journey by exploring Cairo's iconic landmarks, including the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. Embark on a scenic Nile cruise, visiting the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of Karnak and Luxor. For adventure, take a quad bike ride through the White Desert, camp under the stars, and marvel at its surreal rock formations. Then, head to Sharm El Sheikh to relax on pristine beaches, snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea, and soak in the laid-back beachside atmosphere. Over the course of three weeks, you’ll explore Egypt’s major highlights while enjoying some of its best activities and historical treasures.
You can book this itinerary as it is or craft a customized Egypt holiday similar to this with us.
Itinerary #2: Hiking in Egypt


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo and start exploring the city and its buzzing nightlife | Exploration | Cairo |
Day 2 | Visit the Giza Pyramids Complex | Exploration | Cairo |
Day 3 | Travel to Bahariya and the White Desert and camp under the stars | Desert safari | White Desert |
Day 4 | Explore the desert and take some time to enjoy the sunset over the dunes | Desert safari | White Desert |
Day 5 | Fly to Hurghada and head to the beach | Beach day | Hurghada |
Day 6 | Join a diving excursion in the marvelous waters of Hurghada and explore the Red Sea | Water activity | Hurghada |
Day 7 | Embark on a safari in the Hurghada desert and have a real Bedouin-style dinner | Desert safari | Hurghada |
Day 8 | Reach Luxor, visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, and board the Nile cruise | Sightseeing | On cruise |
Day 9 | Tour the West Bank of Luxor | Sightseeing | On cruise |
Day 10 | Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the stunning Kom Ombo Temple | Sightseeing | On cruise |
Day 11 | Explore Abu Simbel and its temples | Sightseeing | On cruise |
Day 12 | Head to Aswan and marvel at the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple | Sightseeing | On cruise |
Day 13 | Fly back to Cairo and spend the rest of the day at the Egyptian Museum | Museum visit | Cairo |
Day 14 | Travel to St. Catherine | Exploration | St. Catherine |
Day 15 | Enjoy an early morning visit to Sinai Mountain, then explore Saint Catherine Monastery, and return to Cairo | Exploration | Cairo |
Day 16 | Tour Cairo’s best landmarks | Sightseeing | Cairo |
Day 17 | Take a day trip to Wadi Degla for a stunning hike | Hiking | Cairo |
Day 18 | Go for an excursion to Faiyum and visit Wadi El Rayan | Exploration | Faiyum Oasis |
Day 19 | Reach Wadi El Hitan and explore ‘Valley of the Whales’ | Exploration | Cairo |
Day 20 | Enjoy a relaxing day in Cairo and take advantage of the many street markets of Khan El Khalili | Leisure | Cairo |
Day 21 | Head to the airport for your return flight |
Discover Egypt and all its ancient wonders on a journey across its best destinations. In over 21 days, you’ll see some of the country’s best historical treasures and natural beauty. Start in Cairo, exploring its vibrant streets, then marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Camp under the stars in the White Desert, dive into Hurghada’s Red Sea waters, and enjoy a desert safari. Cruise the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, visiting landmarks like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel. Hike in Wadi Degla and explore the fossil-filled ‘Valley of the Whales’ in Faiyum. End with a relaxing day at Cairo’s street markets before your departure. See all Egypt holiday packages.
Planning to spend 21 days in Egypt?
Tailor your trip to your needs and choose the transportation option that suits you best. Travel by car between cities, enjoy scenic train rides from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, or sail the Nile on a relaxing cruise, stopping at ancient temples along the way. Whether you're driving a 4x4 through the White Desert or sailing in the Red Sea, Egypt offers countless ways to turn your trip into an adventure. Connect with our travel expert to customize your own Egypt adventure.
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