Explore Egypt in 7 to 12 Days: Top Tours for First-Time Travelers
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Planning a trip to Egypt? Whether you’re looking for multi-day tours or day trips, this guide provides my top recommendations to help you create a memorable itinerary!
The right tour will depend on:
Your travel experience
Your personal preferences
Your time constraints
For a more detailed itinerary, check out my Discover Egypt- A 12 Day Itinerary
Best Tours in Egypt by Destination:
Day Tours in Cairo:
Cairo: Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis Private Tour with Lunch - Efficient & comprehensive for seeing key landmarks.
Cairo: Pyramids & Great Sphinx Private Tour with Camel Ride - Budget Friendly and visits the major complex (well most things in Egypt are!)
Day tours in Luxor:
West Bank Kings and Queens Private Tour with Lunch - Covers most major sites! Pay extra to visit additional tombs like Ramses V & VI (KV9) or Seti I (KV17)—a must if you can splurge.
Tip: We skipped Tutankhamun (KV62) due to long lines and reviews from our guide, but if you’re curious and have time, it could still be worthwhile!Full Day Tour West Bank Temples and Tombs (Private) - Similar to the above but this one includes the entrance fees! (not for the extra cost tombs though!)
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor Relics - Life changing and totally worth the 4am wake up call!
4-Day Nile Cruise to Aswan with Abu Simbel and Tours - We didn’t have time to visit Abu Simbel, and I definitely will be planning a visit back! Our guides highly recommended it.
Luxor: Private Full-Day Customized Tour - Tailor your day to your interests. Don’t miss Medinet Habu—the hieroglyphs are stunning!
From Luxor- Dendara and Abydos Full Day Tour - A guide favorite—Dendara is an architectural masterpiece!
Day Tours in Aswan:
Nubian Village with Camel Tour - Unique to Aswan, featuring baby crocodiles and cultural experiences.
High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, & Philae Private Tour- Philae Temple is breathtaking and located on an island in the Nile.
Red Sea Adventures:
Hurghada:
Day Trip from Hurghada to Luxor- Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip- Perfect if you’re not staying in Luxor but want to see key sites.
From Hurghada: Makadi Bay: Nature with Snorkeling & Lunch Paradise Island or Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch - World class snorkeling in the Red Sea!
Sharm El-Sheikh:
Sharm El-Sheikh - White Island and Ras Mohamed Snorkeling Trip-Keep an eye out for dolphins while exploring vibrant coral reefs!
Sharm El-Sheikh: City & Shopping Tour with Old Market Visit- A great way to experience local culture and shop for souvenirs.
Sharm El-Sheikh: Ultimate ATV Quad, Stargazing & BBQ Dinner- For adventurous travelers, this combines desert thrills with serene stargazing.
Warning- most tours do not include the admission to the attractions/sites or tip! Make sure you read the terms for each reservation so you are aware. In my experience, the entry fee’s are minimal though.
Cruises:
My Top Recommendation!
A Nile River cruise is a unique way to explore Egypt’s history and beauty. Drift past timeless villages and golden sunsets, stopping to visit iconic sites like the Valley of the Kings. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure!
Luxor to Aswan- 5 Days 4 Nights from Luxor to Aswan on Gentle Breeze Dahabyia - My #1 choice if your budget allows—floating peacefully on the Nile is unforgettable.
Luxor to Aswan- 5 Day/ 4 Night Nile cruise - Includes accommodation, meals, and guided tours—a perfect way to end your trip!
Aswan to Luxor- 4 Day/ 3 Night Nile Cruise- A shorter, budget-friendly option.
Cairo
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Luxor
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Aswan
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Hughada
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Sharm El-Sheikh
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Cairo | Luxor | Aswan | Hughada | Sharm El-Sheikh |
Karnak Temple, Luxor Egypt
Short on Time?
Explore Egypt in just 1 Week
Pressed for time but still eager to experience Egypt’s incredible highlights? These curated itineraries are ideal for less experienced travelers or anyone who prefers to have the logistics taken care of. With organized tours, you’ll visit Egypt’s most iconic sites without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.
Destinations Covered:
Giza: Pyramids and the Sphinx
Aswan: Philae Temple
Abu Simbel: Temples of Ramses II
Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples: Unique Nile-side stops
Luxor: Karnak, Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, and Temple of Hatshepsut
Tour Recommendations
Important Notes:
Most tours do not include admission fees or tips—check the terms before booking.
Entry fees in Egypt are typically minimal, but it’s good to budget for extras.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Cultured Compass!
