7-Day Egypt Tours

7-Day Egypt Tours: Complete Itinerary Planning Guide

Planning a week in Egypt opens doors to ancient wonders and timeless adventures.

Egypt’s classic destinations pack incredible diversity into seven transformative days. From standing beneath the Great Pyramids of Giza to sailing the legendary Nile River between Luxor and Aswan, a week provides the perfect window to experience pharaonic treasures, vibrant culture, and desert landscapes. Our decades of expertise crafting personalized Egypt itineraries means we understand exactly how to maximize your time while maintaining comfort and authenticity throughout your journey.

Whether you’re drawn to Cairo’s bustling energy or the tranquil beauty of a Nile cruise, seven days strikes the ideal balance between comprehensive exploration and relaxed discovery.

Essential Destinations for Your 7-Day Egypt Adventure

Cairo anchors most week-long Egyptian journeys with its unmatched concentration of ancient sites. The capital city houses the iconic Giza pyramid complex, including the Great Pyramid and enigmatic Sphinx, alongside the world-renowned Egyptian Museum containing Tutankhamun’s treasures.

Cairo’s Must-See Attractions

Your Cairo exploration begins at the Giza plateau, where the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World awaits. The Great Pyramid of Khufu towers 146 meters (479 feet) high, while the nearby Sphinx guards these monuments with its mysterious gaze. Early morning visits at 8:00 am (08:00) help you avoid crowds and capture stunning photographs in golden light.

The Egyptian Museum downtown showcases over 120,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of pharaonic civilization. King Tutankhamun’s golden burial mask represents just one highlight among countless treasures. Allow three hours minimum for this archaeological wonderland.

Luxor’s Ancient Wonders

Luxor transforms your Egypt experience with its open-air museum atmosphere. The East Bank houses Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, while the West Bank conceals the Valley of the Kings where pharaohs found eternal rest. Professional Egyptologists bring these sites alive with historical context and hidden details most visitors miss.

The Valley of the Kings contains over 60 royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s burial site. Three tomb entries are typically included, though Tutankhamun’s tomb requires separate tickets. The intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphic texts provide fascinating glimpses into ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs.

Aswan’s Nubian Culture

Aswan offers a gentler pace with its beautiful Nile scenery and vibrant Nubian heritage. The Philae Temple, relocated to Agilkia Island, honors the goddess Isis with stunning island views.

Traditional felucca sailboats provide peaceful sunset cruises around Elephantine Island, where you can visit authentic Nubian villages and experience local hospitality.

Nile Cruise Experience: Luxor to Aswan

Nile cruises represent Egypt’s most romantic travel experience, connecting Luxor and Aswan over three to four days. These floating hotels combine comfort with convenience, allowing you to wake up at different destinations each morning.

Modern cruise ships feature air-conditioned cabins, sun decks, swimming pools, and dining facilities serving international and Egyptian cuisine. Shore excursions to Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple are conducted as small group experiences with up to 12 participants, ensuring intimate exploration guided by qualified Egyptologists.

The dual temple of Kom Ombo uniquely honors both Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the falcon god. Ancient Egyptians worshipped crocodiles here, and you’ll see preserved crocodile mummies in the site museum. Evening illumination creates magical photography opportunities.

Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, remains Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple. Horse-drawn carriages transport visitors from the Nile to this remarkable structure, where falcon imagery dominates the detailed wall carvings.

Dahabiya Sailing Alternative

Traditional dahabiya sailboats offer a more intimate Nile experience for smaller groups. These elegant vessels rely primarily on wind power, creating peaceful journeys reminiscent of 19th-century Egyptian travel.

We arrange dahabiya cruises for travelers seeking authentic sailing experiences with personalized service and flexible itineraries.

Practical 7-Day Egypt Tour Itinerary

Day one through three focus on Cairo’s highlights, including the Giza pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo’s medieval monuments. Professional drivers ensure comfortable transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles between sites.

Days four through seven combine Luxor exploration with Nile cruising to Aswan. This sequence maximizes your temple visits while providing relaxing river travel. Flight connections between Cairo and Luxor save valuable time compared to overland travel.

Abu Simbel represents an optional but highly recommended addition to your Aswan experience. These magnificent temples, relocated to save them from Lake Nasser’s rising waters, showcase Ramesses II’s architectural ambitions. Early morning flights from Aswan allow same-day visits with return by evening.

The Red Sea extension appeals to travelers seeking beach relaxation after intensive sightseeing. Hurghada offers resort accommodations with world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities. This seamless blend of culture and coastline is at the heart of our Cairo and Red Sea holiday itineraries, extending your journey to a relaxed and well-balanced 10–12 days total.

Transportation and Accommodation Options

Getting Around Egypt

Domestic flights connect major destinations efficiently. Cairo to Luxor takes approximately 1.5 hours, while Aswan to Cairo requires similar flight time. Train travel between Cairo and Luxor spans 10-12 hours overnight, offering a more adventurous alternative for travelers with flexible schedules.

Private guides and drivers accompany our tours, providing historical expertise and local insights throughout your journey. These personalized services are included in our carefully designed tour packages in Egypt, ensuring comfort, safety, and a deeper understanding of every destination.

Modern vehicles feature air conditioning, comfortable seating, and professional drivers familiar with tourist destinations.

Luxury Hotel Recommendations

Cairo’s Mena House Hotel overlooks the Giza pyramids from landscaped gardens where Winston Churchill and other historic figures once stayed. This palatial property combines royal history with modern amenities, including spa services and multiple dining venues.

Luxor’s Winter Palace Hotel has welcomed travelers since 1886, featuring colonial architecture and Nile River views. The hotel’s gardens provide peaceful retreats after temple visits, while the swimming pool offers refreshing relaxation.

Aswan’s historic Old Cataract Hotel inspired Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile,” offering legendary hospitality with spectacular river panoramas. The property’s terraced gardens cascade down to the Nile, creating one of Egypt’s most romantic settings.

Cultural Guidelines and Travel Preparation

Visa Requirements

U.S. visitors can obtain tourist visas upon arrival at Cairo International Airport for $25 USD, valid for 30 days. The process takes 15-20 minutes and requires a passport valid for at least six months. European Union citizens follow identical procedures, while Latin American travelers should verify specific requirements with Egyptian consulates before departure.

Cultural Etiquette

Egypt appreciates modest dress, particularly when visiting religious sites. Long pants and covered shoulders show respect for local customs. Women should carry lightweight scarves for mosque visits, where head covering is required.

Bargaining is expected in bazaars and markets, starting at approximately one-third of the quoted price. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary for guides, drivers, and hotel staff. We provide specific tipping guidelines with our detailed pre-departure information.

Health and Safety

Egypt maintains excellent safety standards for tourists, with dedicated tourist police throughout major destinations. Bottled water is recommended for drinking, though hotel restaurants use filtered water for food preparation.

The climate ranges from 25-35°C (77-95°F) during peak season (October through April). Light, breathable fabrics keep you comfortable during temple visits. Temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F) during summer months, making spring and fall optimal for sightseeing.

Maximizing Your 7-Day Egypt Experience

Photography Tips

Golden hour lighting transforms pyramid photographs, occurring just after sunrise and before sunset. The Sphinx faces east, making early morning ideal for front-facing shots. Temple interiors often restrict flash photography, so prepare camera settings for lower light conditions.

Karnak Temple’s Great Hypostyle Hall contains 134 massive columns creating dramatic shadows and perspective opportunities. Wide-angle lenses capture the scale, while detail shots highlight intricate hieroglyphic carvings.

Budget Planning

Seven-day Egypt tours range from $800-2,500 per person depending on accommodation standards and group size. Private tours with luxury hotels represent premium pricing, while small group tours with 4-star properties offer excellent value.

Additional costs include optional activities like Abu Simbel visits ($300-400 per person including flights), special tomb entries in the Valley of the Kings ($15-100 per tomb), and souvenir shopping in traditional bazaars.

Entry fees for major sites typically cost $10-20 per location, with photography tickets adding $5-15 extra. Our tours include all standard entry fees, with optional experiences clearly outlined in advance.

Best Time to Visit

October through April provides ideal weather conditions with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. December through February represents peak season with higher prices but perfect sightseeing weather.

Ramadan affects restaurant hours and some entertainment, though tourist sites maintain normal operations. We adjust itineraries accordingly while respecting local customs and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions