Planning a trip to Egypt is guaranteed to be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. However, like all trips, choosing the country is often the easiest part. Researching things like which sites to visit, which hotels to book, and most importantly, how long you want to stay there can all be overwhelming if you aren’t an experienced traveler. 
That’s one thing you won’t have to worry about today. Keep reading to learn about the perfect 8-day itinerary that will show you the most beautiful places in Egypt and take the stress of planning off your plate.  
 

Day 1: Explore Cairo 
 

If you flew to Egypt, you no doubt landed at Cairo International Airport. Once you’ve landed, take the opportunity to go straight to your hotel and rest for the evening. Find a restaurant that’s nearby and hunker down to start planning the rest of your trip. 
If you managed to arrive at Cairo early in the day, you’ll have the entire day to explore Egypt’s capital city. The famous Egyptian Museum is a massive collection of treasures, mummies and other artifacts found in the tombs of the ancient pharaohs, needless to say one of the most important places in Egypt. 
The city of Cairo is a phenomenal blend of modern technology and old-world culture. If you feel like you couldn’t possibly see the whole city in one day, don’t be afraid to tack on an extra day at the end of your trip.
 

Day 2: Visit the Pyramids of Giza
 

No trip to Egypt is complete without checking one of the great wonders of the world off your bucket list. Giza is only five miles west of the Nile River, so it’s a perfect day trip to start off your eight-day adventure. 
These three great pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, Khufu’s pyramid being the largest. It stands today at 455 feet tall, and it’s hard to imagine that it was build by hand all those many years ago. 
While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Great Sphinx and the worker’s village. The pyramids took decades to build, and the workers dedicated their entire lives to its completion. 

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Days 3: Travel to Abu Simbel Temple 
 

While you’re still staying in Cairo, be sure to wake up early for a trip to Abu Simbel Temple. You will immediately recognize this monument, as it is recognized throughout the world as the quintessential representation of Egypt. The great statues of King Ramses II and his wife Nefertari were built in 1200 B.C. to commemorate Ramses’ victory at the Battle of Kadesh. 
These amazing temples were actually moved when the Aswan High Dam was being constructed. The dam was essential to Egypt’s success, but the government wouldn’t risk losing the temple to water erosion. Therefore, Abu Simbel was disassembled and reassembled perfectly in the exact spot you see it today. 
 

Day 4: Visit Luxor 
 

Luxor is known as the one the largest temple complex in the world and one of the best places in Egypt. It contains Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, and many other small tombs built for past pharaohs and nobles. This ancient city is located on the east bank of the Nile River, as ancient Egyptians believed their loved ones would travel down the Nile and into the underworld. 
Hatshepsut’s Temple is a particularly unique site as it was made to honor one of the few female pharaohs, Queen Regent Hatshepsut. She ruled in the name of her young son and was known as a strong leader and brilliant businesswoman. Pharaohs after her resented her rule, but she nevertheless made her mark on history with some of the most impressive monuments in all of Egypt. 
 

Day 5: See the City of Aswan 
 

The city of Aswan is in Southern Egypt and resides right on the Nile River. If you have booked a cruise down the Nile, they will have your visits planned out for you. However, if you are staying in Cairo during your trip, it would be wise to book a few nights in Aswan in advance. 
Aswan has two incredibly significant archaeological sites that can fit into one day. The first is the Aswan High Dam. This am is one of the largest in the world and provides all of Egypt with electricity and irrigation. It was built between the 1960’s and 1970’s and is 364 feet tall! 
The other site to visit while in Aswan is Philae Temple. This temple is located on a small island in the middle of the Aswan lower dam reservoir. In ancient times, it was the place of worship for the cult of the goddess Isis. Today, it actually had to be moved from its original location while the High Dam was being constructed. It was perfectly disassembled and reassembled and still remains the exact same as it was all those years ago. 
 

Day 6: Travel to Hurghada 
 

As you head south, the only place to go from Aswan is the coastal city of Hurghada. This booming city is known for its sports activities and nightlife. Many Europeans regularly travel to Hurghada during the winter to escape the brutal European winters. 
You won’t want to miss the extraordinary sites that Hurghada has to offer. Nearby is the Giftun Island National Park, which is spotted with small islands and coral reefs just below the water. Book a snorkeling trip and take a break from the desert winds and hot sands of your Egyptian Adventure thus far. 
 

Day 7: Book a Safari in Hurghada 
 

Day 7 of your trip will be by-far the easiest to plan. A desert safari through the arid Hurghada wilderness will last most of the day, and afterward you can return to town and spend the rest of the evening enjoying Hurghada cuisine and nightlife. 
 

Day 8: Return to Cairo 
 

At this point, you’re on the last leg of your trip and will have to return to Cairo. You can take an overnight train, but we highly recommend flying. Once you’ve returned, you can fly straight home or spend the rest of the day seeing magnificent locations like The Hanging Church, the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and the Mosque of Amr Ibn El-As. 
Once you feel you’ve seen all there is to see in Cairo, your flight back to your home country awaits. You’ve spent eight glorious days getting to know the best places in Egypt, and you’ll never quite be the same after experiencing the mystery, romance, and history of ancient Egypt.   

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