14 days Grand Tour of Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Red Sea

Trip map

Click each numbered marker to see the corresponding day.

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival Cairo

   Direct Paris-Cairo flight (4h30, EgyptAir/Air France daily, €350-600 return). Egyptian visa: e-visa online before departure ($25, eta.gov.eg) or visa on arrival ($25 cash). Collect bags + private transfer €30-50 to centre (35 km). Settle hotel in Giza (pyramid view from room) or Zamalek (residential embassy island). Evening first shisha at traditional cafe + koshary dinner (national lentil-rice-pasta-fried onion dish, €2-4) at Abou Tarek (institution since 1950).

   Tips

   • · Egypt e-visa $25 online 3-5 days before departure (eta.gov.eg, card payment)
   • · Giza hotels pyramid view: Mena House 5* (luxury, €300-500/night), Pyramids View Inn (boutique, €80-130)
   • · Cairo airport: official orange metered taxi (35 km, €25-35) or Uber/Careem
   • · Koshary Abou Tarek (Downtown Cairo, open 24/7, €2-4 XL bowl)
   Cairo →
2. 2

   Day 2

   Giza: Pyramids + Sphinx + GEM

   Mythical day. Morning Giza plateau (entry 6am, €8): Khufu Pyramid (interior entry +€18, climb to King's Chamber - watch claustrophobia), Khafre Pyramid (with its polished limestone top), Menkaure Pyramid, Sphinx (20m high, walk around the statue), Khafre's valley temple. Camel ride option (€20-40 for 1h, negotiate first). Afternoon Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened 2024: world's largest archaeological museum (60,000 m2), complete Tutankhamun collections (5,398 pieces - gold mask, hunting chariot, throne), Khufu solar boats. 3-4h minimum visit (English audioguide €10).

   Tips

   • · Giza: 6am entry imperative before heat and groups (60,000 visitors/day high season)
   • · GEM: MANDATORY booking time slots (visitgem.com), €25 adult entry
   • · Giza camel handlers: negotiate hard before climbing (starting price x2-3 too high)
   • · Water, hat, SPF 50, closed shoes - 0 shade on plateau
   Giza →
3. 3

   Day 3

   Islamic + Coptic Cairo + Saqqara

   Morning Islamic Old Cairo: Citadel of Saladin (12th c., €4) and Mohammed Ali alabaster mosque (spectacular Ottoman architecture). Afternoon Coptic Old Cairo: Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa, 4th c.), Ben Ezra synagogue, Saint George Monastery. Saqqara (30 km south, Djoser step pyramid, 27th c. BC, world's oldest pyramid, €25). If time: Memphis (ancient Empire capital, colossal Ramses II statue). Back Cairo late afternoon, dinner Khan el-Khalili (14th c. bazaar, Naguib Mahfouz Cafe).

   Tips

   • · Mosques: covered dress (shoulders, knees), shoes removed at entrance, headscarf for women
   • · Saqqara: Djoser Pyramid recently reopened (interior visit possible +€5)
   • · Khan el-Khalili: starting price x3-5 real price - negotiate hard
   • · Dinner Naguib Mahfouz Cafe (Khan el-Khalili): €20-30/person, historic setting
   Cairo →
4. 4

   Day 4

   Cairo-Luxor flight + Karnak

   Morning EgyptAir internal flight Cairo-Luxor (1h, €80-150, 2 flights/day). Transfer hotel (Sofitel Old Cataract for Agatha Christie luxury, Winter Palace for historical myth, or cruise boat). Karnak afternoon (€8): largest religious temple ever built, hypostyle hall of 134 giant columns (15-21m high), restored Avenue of Sphinxes 2021 (2.7 km to Luxor Temple). Sunset Luxor Temple (€4) - better lit at night. Dinner on Nile corniche, first felucca to discover city from water.

   Tips

   • · EgyptAir flights Cairo-Luxor: book 1 month before (€80-150 vs €250 last minute)
   • · Karnak: free English audioguide at entrance (€5 deposit)
   • · Sunset felucca 1h: €15-25 for boat (negotiate first)
   • · Hotel Old Cataract Aswan: book a month ahead if you want the Agatha Christie room
   Luxor →
5. 5

   Day 5

   Luxor: West Bank (Valley of the Kings)

   Morning Valley of the Kings (Luxor west bank, €14 entry + €3 per tomb + €12 optional Tutankhamun): 63 known pharaonic tombs, 3 visible (spectacular Ramses III KV9, Merenptah, Ramses IV). Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari, €8): spectacular terraced architecture against the cliff, 3 levels, colourful frescoes. Colossi of Memnon (free): two 18m-high statues, guardians of the lost Ramses II temple. Hot-air balloon flight option at dawn (5-7am, €80-120) for unique aerial view of west bank. Back east bank late afternoon, hotel rest.

   Tips

   • · Valley of the Kings: base ticket €14 gives access to 3 tombs of choice, premium tombs extra (Tutankhamun, Seti I)
   • · Luxor hot-air balloon: unique world experience (rare archaeological sites visible from above)
   • · Photography forbidden in tombs (strict controls, €50 fine)
   • · Avoid souvenirs on west bank (industrial crafts) - buy from east bank merchants
   Luxor →
6. 6

   Day 6

   Luxor: Medinet Habou + Ramesseum + sailing

   Afternoon reserved for west bank's secondary temples, less frequented. Medinet Habou (Ramses III, €7): Egypt's best-preserved funerary temple, intact polychromy (original colours from 3,200 years ago), walls telling wars against Sea Peoples. Ramesseum (Ramses II, €5): ruined funerary temple, colossal pink stone statue of the pharaoh. Shelley's poem 'Ozymandias' was inspired by this site. Afternoon Nile sailing to Esna (cruise boat) or back Luxor for second night. Dinner Egyptian specialty mahshi (rice+meat stuffed vegetables) or molokhia (green soup).

   Tips

   • · Medinet Habou: often empty yet as spectacular as Karnak (€3 entry)
   • · Ramesseum: photogenic at sunset (golden light on stone)
   • · Nile cruise Luxor-Aswan: 4-7 nights, €500-1500/person all-inclusive with guide
   • · Authentic Egyptian cuisine: Sofra Restaurant (Luxor centre, €20-30/person)
   Luxor →
7. 7

   Day 7

   Edfu → Kom Ombo

   Cruise Nile or car to Aswan. First stop Esna (1h from Luxor): Khnum temple (Greco-Roman, blue starry ceiling). Edfu (2h, €8): Egypt's best-preserved, dedicated to Horus, dizzying heights, intact hieroglyphs (3 km of carved walls). Kom Ombo (2h more, €6): world's unique double temple dedicated to 2 gods (Sobek-crocodile and Haroeris-falcon), crocodile mummy museum (40 preserved). Pylon, hypostyle hall, sanctuaries. Arrive Aswan late afternoon. First sunset felucca on the Nile. Dinner and night Aswan.

   Tips

   • · Edfu: BEST preserved temple in Egypt - allow 1h30 minimum visit
   • · Kom Ombo: crocodile museum +€3, unique in world
   • · Aswan felucca: 1h for €20-30 with small traditional sailboats at sunset
   • · Aswan hotels: Old Cataract 5* (Agatha Christie, €350-600/night) or Movenpick Resort Aswan (4* boutique)
   Aswan →
8. 8

   Day 8

   Aswan: Philae + felucca

   Aswan day. Morning Philae Temple (€12): saved from the waters by UNESCO in the 1960s (moved block by block to neighbouring Agilkia island). Tribute to goddess Isis, Ptolemaic frescoes. Boat access €5-10. Felucca to Elephantine Island and its colourful Nubian village (small pyramids, spice market, brightly painted houses). Afternoon Aswan High Dam (€5): colossal 1970 structure that created Lake Nasser, panoramic view. Unfinished Obelisk (€4): granite quarry where lies a never-detached colossal obelisk (42m). Nubian cuisine dinner (fresh fish, stews, local dates).

   Tips

   • · Philae: opens 7am, photogenic early morning (calmer water, golden light)
   • · Elephantine Nubian village: brightly painted houses, tea offered (€1-2 donation)
   • · Aswan souks: excellent for spices (saffron, hibiscus, karkade)
   • · Sofitel Old Cataract: sunset cocktail on terrace (legendary, €15-25)
   Aswan →
9. 9

   Day 9

   Aswan: Abu Simbel (day excursion)

   Dawn 4am, depart for Abu Simbel - 280 km south of Aswan via military convoy (mandatory). 3h drive, desert landscapes. Arrive 7-8am. Two colossal temples of Ramses II and Nefertari (€12 entry): saved from submersion by UNESCO in the 1960s (cut and reassembled 65m higher). 4 Ramses II colossi 20m high at the entrance. Solar phenomenon twice a year (February 22 and October 22) - sun rays illuminate statues in the sanctuary's depth. 2-3h visit. Back Aswan midday-early afternoon. Rest of day: hotel rest or shopping. Alternative: Abu Simbel flight (45 min, €100-200) to avoid 6h drive.

   Tips

   • · Military convoy MANDATORY Aswan-Abu Simbel: depart 4am, return 2pm
   • · Abu Simbel flight: more comfortable but expensive (€100-200 return vs convoy included in €50-80 excursion)
   • · Solar phenomenon (Feb 22/Oct 22): book 1 year ahead, x3-5 price
   • · Breakfast at hotel before 4am (order night before)
   Abu Simbel →
10. 10

    Day 10

    Aswan → Hurghada flight (1h)

    Quiet morning Aswan or souvenir shopping (spices, papyrus, local sculptors). EgyptAir internal flight Aswan-Hurghada (1h, €80-180) - saves 5h drive. Arrive Hurghada midday-early afternoon. Settle all-inclusive resort Red Sea (El Gouna for luxury and architecture, Sahl Hasheesh for premium quiet, Makadi Bay for families, Sharm el-Naga for boutique). Afternoon beach relax and first dip: coral reefs accessible from hotel beach (free snorkeling). Sunset over Red Sea with view of Sinai Peninsula opposite. Hotel international buffet dinner.

    Tips

    • · Internal Aswan-Hurghada flight: always prefer to 5h drive (€80-180)
    • · El Gouna resorts: Movenpick (5*, €200-350/night), The Three Corners Ocean View (4*, €100-180)
    • · Free snorkeling from most Red Sea hotels (reefs accessible 50m from shore)
    • · Red Sea weather app: winds often strong in afternoon (rough sea for diving)
    Hurghada →
11. 11

    Day 11

    Hurghada: Giftun Islands (snorkelling)

    Giftun Islands boat excursion (full day, €30-50/person, departure 8-9am). 1h boat trip to the 2 islands: Big Giftun (white sand, turquoise water) and Small Giftun (wilder). Several snorkeling stops on pristine reefs (30m+ visibility, abundant fauna: clownfish, rays, sometimes reef sharks). Buffet lunch on board or island. Afternoon 2nd swim + beach swim. Back hotel 5-6pm, sunset over marina. Dinner Egyptian cuisine in Hurghada old town (Sakkala) - grilled fish, mezze.

    Tips

    • · Giftun Islands: excursion organised by hotel or Sakkala marina agencies (€30-50/day)
    • · Snorkeling: bring your own mask/snorkel (rental quality variable, frequent leaks)
    • · UV protection for skin and eyes (sea reflection + white sand = quick burns)
    • · Authentic Hurghada Egyptian cuisine: El Halaka (Sakkala, seafood €20-35)
    Hurghada →
12. 12

    Day 12

    Hurghada: scuba diving (PADI)

    Scuba diving day for certified or PADI try-dive for beginners. Recommended centres: Aqua Vision or ILIOS Dive Club (El Gouna). 2 dives + boat + gear: €80-120. Top spots: Sha'ab Abu Nuhas (4 accessible wrecks, depth 8-25m), Carless Reef (tabular reef with frequent dolphins), Erg Somaya (coral pinnacles with gorgonians and eagle rays). PADI try-dive €50-80 (3h, shallow water then 1 dive max 12m). Afternoon hotel rest. Evening sunset cruise with traditional onboard entertainment (music, belly dance) - €25-40/person.

    Tips

    • · Red Sea diving: still preserved reefs but local overcrowding (max 6 divers/site)
    • · Serious PADI 5* centres: Aqua Vision El Gouna, Subex (Hurghada)
    • · 3mm wetsuit in winter (water 22 °C), shorty or nothing in summer (water 27-29 °C)
    • · Underwater photography: rent a camera at the centre (€15-25/day)
    Hurghada →
13. 13

    Day 13

    Hurghada: relax day

    Free day. Multiple options: desert excursion quad/buggy (€50-100/person, 4-5h, eastern desert dunes, Bedouin village, sweet tea), 2nd diving session or beach snorkeling, total relaxation at resort pool with spa massage (€60-90). For the brave: day excursion Luxor (3h drive return, tiring but bonus sites). Afternoon souvenir shopping at Sakkala souk (Hurghada): authentic papyrus (€20-50 medium piece), shisha, spices, semi-precious stones. Farewell dinner at high-end restaurant (Smugglers Inn, Felfela, or 5* hotel).

    Tips

    • · Quad/buggy desert excursion: exotic experience but noisy (€50-100 half-day)
    • · Authentic papyrus: lighter test (real papyrus doesn't burn instantly)
    • · Semi-precious stones (turquoise, malachite): bought from desert Bedouins more authentic than tourist souk
    • · Farewell dinner: Smugglers Inn (Sahl Hasheesh, €30-50), Felfela (Hurghada centre, €15-25)
    Hurghada →
14. 14

    Day 14

    Hurghada → Paris return

    Quiet morning hotel or last sea dip. Resort brunch. Private transfer to Hurghada airport (HRG, 20 min from centre). Direct Hurghada-Paris flight (5h, Transavia/EgyptAir charter, €200-400) OR connection via Cairo (EgyptAir, 6-8h total). 3h margin recommended for airport (Hurghada security sometimes slow, duty-free queues). End of trip. For night flights: plan to sleep on arrival at Paris CDG/Orly (airport hotel, €80-150) if you arrive after midnight.

    Tips

    • · Hurghada-Paris: direct Transavia/EgyptAir charter flights (5h, €200-400) - saves 3-4h vs Cairo connection
    • · 3h Hurghada airport margin MANDATORY (security + duty-free + fake taxis)
    • · End-of-stay tips: €5-10 resort hotel and €10-15 driver if you had one
    • · If Paris arrival after midnight: CDG hotel (Hilton, Sheraton €130-200) or Ibis budget €80
    Hurghada →

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