2 Weeks in Egypt: The Ultimate Itinerary

Two weeks in Egypt is the trip of a lifetime. This itinerary covers the full range of what the country offers — the pyramids and museums of Cairo, the Mediterranean port of Alexandria, a multi-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, Red Sea diving in Hurghada, and the laid-back Sinai coast at Dahab. Every day earns its place.

Days 1–3: Cairo

Day 1 — Giza Pyramids

Head to the Giza Plateau early (opens 8:00 AM). General admission approximately EGP 540 (USD 11 as of 2026), Great Pyramid interior EGP 1,000 (USD 20). Cover the three main pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.

Lunch: Andrea El Mariouteya near Giza — EGP 400–600 (USD 8–12) per person.

Afternoon at the Solar Boat Museum and the panoramic viewpoint on the desert side of the plateau.

Dinner: Abou Tarek — koshari from EGP 60 (USD 1).

Day 2 — Grand Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo

Morning at the Grand Egyptian Museum (general EGP 1,000 / USD 20, Tutankhamun supplement EGP 500 / USD 10). Afternoon walking Khan el-Khalili and Al-Muizz Street, stopping at the Qalawun Complex (EGP 100 / USD 2) and Sultan Hassan Mosque (EGP 200 / USD 4).

Dinner: Zooba in Zamalek — modern Egyptian street food, EGP 250–400 (USD 5–8).

Day 3 — Saqqara, Memphis and Old Cairo

Morning excursion to Saqqara (EGP 450 / USD 9) and the open-air museum at Memphis (EGP 200 / USD 4), where a colossal fallen statue of Ramesses II lies in a purpose-built hall. Private driver for the half-day circuit costs approximately EGP 600–900 (USD 12–18).

Afternoon in Coptic Cairo — Hanging Church, Abu Serga, Coptic Museum (EGP 200 / USD 4). End with sunset at the Citadel of Saladin (EGP 450 / USD 9).

Cairo Hotels

• Budget: Meramees Hostel (Downtown) — from approximately EGP 700 (USD 14) per night
• Mid-range: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir — from approximately EGP 3,500 (USD 70) per night
• Upscale: Kempinski Nile Hotel — from approximately EGP 8,000 (USD 160) per night

Days 4–5: Alexandria

Getting There

Train from Cairo Ramses Station to Alexandria Misr Station takes approximately 2.5 hours. First-class tickets cost approximately EGP 150–250 (USD 3–5). Trains depart hourly. A private car costs approximately EGP 1,500–2,000 (USD 30–40) for the 220-kilometre drive.

Day 4 — Bibliotheca, Catacombs and Corniche

Morning at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — the modern successor to the ancient Library of Alexandria. General admission approximately EGP 140 (USD 3 as of 2026). The reading room alone, with its tilted disc roof sheltering space for 8 million books, is worth the visit.

Afternoon at the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa (EGP 200 / USD 4) — a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary art carved into three underground levels. Then walk along the Corniche to the Citadel of Qaitbay (EGP 200 / USD 4), a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse.

Dinner: Balbaa Village for grilled seafood priced by weight — expect approximately EGP 400–700 (USD 8–14) per person for a generous spread. The restaurant is a local institution.

Day 5 — Montazah Gardens and Roman Theatre

Morning at Montazah Palace Gardens (EGP 100 / USD 2) — a 370-acre royal park on the Mediterranean with beaches and walking paths. The palace itself is closed to visitors, but the grounds and coastline are worth 2 hours.

Afternoon at the Roman Amphitheatre at Kom el-Dikka (EGP 200 / USD 4) — the only Roman theatre discovered in Egypt, with 13 marble rows of seating and well-preserved mosaic floors.

Lunch: Mohamed Ahmed on Shakour Street — Alexandria’s most famous ful and falafel restaurant since 1953. A full plate costs approximately EGP 50–80 (USD 1–2). Cash only.

Evening train back to Cairo (or overnight stay and early morning train, depending on your flight schedule the next day).

Alexandria Hotels

• Budget: New Swiss Canal Hotel — from approximately EGP 800 (USD 16) per night
• Mid-range: Steigenberger Cecil — from approximately EGP 3,000 (USD 60) per night, historic waterfront hotel
• Upscale: Four Seasons San Stefano — from approximately EGP 10,000 (USD 200) per night

Days 6–7: Aswan

Getting There

Fly from Cairo to Aswan (approximately 1.5 hours, EGP 2,500–5,000 / USD 50–100 one way).

Day 6 — Philae Temple, High Dam and Nubian Village

Philae Temple on Agilkia Island (boat EGP 150–250 / USD 3–5 return, admission EGP 450 / USD 9). Aswan High Dam (EGP 100 / USD 2). Afternoon Nubian village visit by motorboat (EGP 500–800 / USD 10–16 with guide).

Dinner: Al Masry in the souk — grilled meats and ful, EGP 150–250 (USD 3–5).

Day 7 — Abu Simbel

Depart 4:00 AM for the 280-kilometre drive to Abu Simbel (minibus EGP 1,200–1,800 / USD 24–36 per person, or private car EGP 4,000–5,000 / USD 80–100). Admission EGP 550 (USD 11).

Return to Aswan for a late-afternoon felucca ride (EGP 300–500 / USD 6–10 for 1–2 hours).

Dinner: 1902 Restaurant at Old Cataract Hotel — EGP 1,000–1,500 (USD 20–30). Reserve ahead.

Aswan Hotels

• Budget: Keylany Hotel — from approximately EGP 800 (USD 16) per night
• Mid-range: Basma Hotel — from approximately EGP 3,000 (USD 60) per night
• Upscale: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract — from approximately EGP 15,000 (USD 300) per night

Days 8–10: Nile Cruise — Aswan to Luxor

Board your cruise ship in Aswan. The 3-night journey north to Luxor follows the current and includes stops at the Nile Valley’s most important temples.

Cruise Pricing (per person, per night, as of 2026)

• Budget: from approximately USD 80–120 — MS Nile Dolphin or similar
• Mid-range: from approximately USD 150–250 — MS Mayfair or Steigenberger Minerva
• Luxury: from approximately USD 400–800 — Sanctuary Sun Boat IV or Oberoi Philae

Day 8 — Sailing and Kom Ombo

Sail north from Aswan. Late afternoon stop at Kom Ombo Temple (EGP 300 / USD 6), the unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Visit the Crocodile Museum next door displaying dozens of mummified Nile crocodiles.

Day 9 — Edfu Temple

Morning stop at Edfu Temple (EGP 360 / USD 7), the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Reach the temple by horse carriage (EGP 100–200 / USD 2–4) from the dock. The main pylon stands 36 metres high and the reliefs depicting Horus defeating Seth are remarkably intact.

Continue sailing through the lock at Esna — watch the negotiation between souvenir vendors in small boats and passengers on deck.

Day 10 — Luxor: West Bank and East Bank

Full day in Luxor. Morning on the West Bank: Valley of the Kings (EGP 600 / USD 12 for 3 tombs), Temple of Hatshepsut (EGP 360 / USD 7), Colossi of Memnon (free).

Afternoon on the East Bank: Karnak Temple (EGP 450 / USD 9) and Luxor Temple (EGP 360 / USD 7). Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes between the two. Disembark from cruise.

Day 11: Luxor — Extra Day

Morning — Medinet Habu and Valley of the Queens

Use this extra day for sites that most Nile cruises skip. Medinet Habu (EGP 200 / USD 4), the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, has some of the best-preserved painted reliefs in Egypt — the colours on the columns and ceilings are still striking after 3,000 years.

Valley of the Queens (EGP 200 / USD 4) is far less crowded than the Valley of the Kings. The tomb of Nefertari (supplementary ticket EGP 1,400 / USD 28) contains the finest painted tomb in Egypt — every surface covered in detailed scenes of the queen’s journey to the afterlife.

Lunch: Sofra Restaurant on Mohamed Farid Street — rooftop dining with temple views, mains EGP 250–450 (USD 5–9).

Luxor Hotels

• Budget: Bob Marley Peace Hotel (West Bank) — from approximately EGP 600 (USD 12) per night
• Mid-range: Steigenberger Nile Palace — from approximately EGP 4,000 (USD 80) per night
• Upscale: Sofitel Winter Palace — from approximately EGP 12,000 (USD 240) per night

Days 12–13: Hurghada — Red Sea

Getting There

Private transfer from Luxor to Hurghada via the desert highway takes approximately 3.5 hours (EGP 2,500–3,500 / USD 50–70 for the vehicle).

Day 12 — Giftun Island Snorkelling

Book a boat trip to Giftun Island (approximately EGP 1,000–1,500 / USD 20–30 per person including lunch). The protected marine park has clear water, coral gardens and abundant fish. Bring your own mask and snorkel for the best fit, or use the ones provided.

Dinner: Moby Dick in Sigala — fresh seafood, EGP 400–700 (USD 8–14).

Day 13 — Diving or Free Day

Options:

• Two-dive trip: approximately EGP 2,500–3,500 (USD 50–70) per person — Red Sea Diving Safari and Jasmine Diving are reputable operators
• Desert quad safari: EGP 800–1,200 (USD 16–24) for 2 hours including Bedouin camp stop

Hurghada Hotels

• Budget: Bella Vista Hurghada — from approximately EGP 1,500 (USD 30) per night, all-inclusive
• Mid-range: Steigenberger Al Dau Beach — from approximately EGP 4,000 (USD 80) per night
• Upscale: Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh — from approximately EGP 12,000 (USD 240) per night

Day 14: Dahab (or Sharm el-Sheikh)

Getting There

Fly from Hurghada to Sharm el-Sheikh (approximately EGP 2,000–4,000 / USD 40–80, 30 minutes). From Sharm, a private transfer to Dahab takes approximately 1 hour and costs EGP 500–800 (USD 10–16).

Alternatively, spend the day in Sharm el-Sheikh itself — the resort town has its own excellent diving, including the famous Ras Mohammed National Park (admission approximately EGP 250 / USD 5 as of 2026).

Dahab

Dahab is a former Bedouin fishing village on the Gulf of Aqaba, now popular with divers, climbers and long-term travellers. The pace is the opposite of Cairo — exactly what you need after 13 days.

The Blue Hole is Dahab’s most famous dive site. A shore dive here costs approximately EGP 1,500–2,000 (USD 30–40) with a local operator. Snorkelling from the surface is free (bring your own gear) or approximately EGP 200 (USD 4) for rental.

Lunch/Dinner: Ralph’s German Bakery for European-style baked goods and coffee, or Everyday Café on the waterfront for Egyptian-Asian fusion — mains approximately EGP 200–400 (USD 4–8).

Fly from Sharm el-Sheikh to Cairo in the evening (approximately EGP 2,000–4,000 / USD 40–80, 1 hour) for your international departure.

Dahab Hotels

• Budget: Penguin Village Dahab — from approximately EGP 500 (USD 10) per night
• Mid-range: Le Méridien Dahab — from approximately EGP 3,500 (USD 70) per night
• Upscale: Jaz Dahabeya — from approximately EGP 5,000 (USD 100) per night

Budget Summary

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Upscale
Hotels (10 nights on land)	EGP 10,000 (USD 200)	EGP 35,000 (USD 700)	EGP 100,000 (USD 2,000)
Nile cruise (3 nights)	EGP 12,000 (USD 240)	EGP 22,500 (USD 450)	EGP 60,000 (USD 1,200)
Food (non-cruise days)	EGP 5,500 (USD 110)	EGP 11,000 (USD 220)	EGP 22,000 (USD 440)
Sightseeing + activities	EGP 7,000 (USD 140)	EGP 10,000 (USD 200)	EGP 15,000 (USD 300)
Flights + transport	EGP 12,000 (USD 240)	EGP 16,000 (USD 320)	EGP 25,000 (USD 500)
Total	EGP 46,500 (USD 930)	EGP 94,500 (USD 1,890)	EGP 222,000 (USD 4,440)

All prices approximate as of 2026.

Practical Tips

• Visa: Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa (approximately USD 25 single entry) at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Apply at least 7 days before travel.
• SIM card: Buy a Vodafone or Orange SIM at Cairo Airport arrivals for approximately EGP 200–400 (USD 4–8) including data. Coverage is reliable in cities and along the Nile, patchy in the Western Desert and southern Sinai.
• Packing: Pack layers for the Nile cruise (evenings on deck can be cool even in winter), reef-safe sunscreen for the Red Sea, and modest clothing for mosque visits.
• Currency: The Egyptian pound (EGP) fluctuates. As of 2026, approximately EGP 50 = USD 1. ATMs are widely available in all cities. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants but not at markets, small cafés or admission gates.