Egypt Itinerary 7 Days – Your Complete Travel Guide

Egypt captivates travelers with ancient pyramids, magnificent temples, and the life-giving Nile River. You’ll journey through 5,000 years of history, from Cairo’s bustling markets to Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and Aswan’s Nubian culture.

This comprehensive guide provides the ideal Egypt itinerary 7 days tailored for Indian tourists. You’ll uncover archaeological wonders, cruise the Nile in comfort, and experience authentic Egyptian hospitality.

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Perfect 7 Days in Egypt – Overview and Itinerary

Your Egypt 7 day travel plan combines Cairo’s pyramids, Luxor’s temples, and a luxurious Nile cruise between ancient cities. Average daily costs range from ₹8,000-12,000 (700-1,050 EGP) including activities, meals, and local transport.

Day	Areas	Main Attractions	Estimated Costs	Transport	Food Highlights
Day 1	Cairo, Giza	Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum	₹11,500 (1,000 EGP)	Airport transfer + Car	9 Pyramids Lounge, Zooba
Day 2	Islamic/Coptic Cairo	Citadel, Khan el-Khalili, Churches	₹7,500 (650 EGP)	Car + Walking	Naguib Mahfouz, Nile dinner cruise
Day 3	Luxor West Bank	Valley of Kings, Karnak Temple	₹9,200 (800 EGP)	Flight + Car	Karnak Café, Sofra Restaurant
Day 4	Luxor East Bank	Luxor Temple, Cruise embarkation	₹6,900 (600 EGP)	Walking + Cruise	Cruise dining
Day 5	Edfu, Kom Ombo	Temple visits during cruise	₹2,800 (240 EGP)	Nile cruise	All inclusive onboard
Day 6	Aswan	Philae Temple, Abu Simbel option	₹8,000 (700 EGP)	Motorboat + Car	1902 Restaurant
Day 7	Aswan	High Dam, Nubian Museum, departure	₹5,700 (500 EGP)	Car + Flight	Terrace Restaurant

Day 1 – Cairo Arrival and Pyramids of Giza

Your 7 day trip to Egypt begins at Cairo International Airport, the busiest airport in Africa. Visa on arrival takes 30-45 minutes for Indian passport holders who have pre-arranged their eVisa or travel with authorized tour operators.

Morning Activities

Arrive early morning and meet your transfer representative outside customs. The 45-minute drive to central Cairo passes through the city’s awakening streets. Check into the historic Marriott Mena House, situated at the foot of the Pyramids.

Time	Activities	Key Info
04:30	Arrival at Cairo Airport	eVisa counter or consulate lane
05:30	Transfer to Mena House	45-minute private car journey
06:30	Hotel check-in	Early check-in if available
07:30	Breakfast at 139 All-Day Dining	International buffet included
09:00	Depart for Pyramids	6km, 20-minute drive
10:00	Giza Plateau exploration	Private guide recommended

The Marriott Mena House offers garden rooms with pyramid views starting at ₹22,600 (USD 251) per night. Their historic wing dates to 1869, when it served as a hunting lodge for Egyptian royalty.

Afternoon Activities

Step onto the Giza Plateau to face the last standing wonder of the ancient world. The Great Pyramid of Khufu towers 146 meters high and contains 2.3 million stone blocks. Entry to the plateau costs ₹6,300 (700 EGP) with additional ₹9,000 (1,000 EGP) to enter the Great Pyramid’s interior.

Your guide explains construction theories while you explore:

• Great Pyramid of Khufu with King’s Chamber
• Pyramid of Khafre appearing taller due to elevation
• Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three
• Great Sphinx guarding the causeway
• Solar Boat Museum (closed for relocation)

Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge inside the plateau offers set menus for ₹3,000 (330 EGP) with direct pyramid views. Try traditional dishes like koshari and molokhia soup.

An optional 30-minute camel ride around the pyramids costs ₹1,800 (200 EGP) – negotiate firmly and agree on price before mounting.

Evening Activities

Return to the Cairo city center for the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. This neo-classical building houses over 120,000 artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s treasures. Entry costs ₹1,800 (200 EGP) with an audio guide for ₹680 (75 EGP).

Key exhibits include:

• Tutankhamun’s golden death mask
• Royal mummy room (separate ticket)
• Narmer Palette from 3100 BCE
• Statue of Khafre with Horus falcon

Dinner at Zooba in Zamalek serves modern Egyptian street food. Their signature koshari bowl costs ₹400 (45 EGP) while a full meal averages ₹3,600 (400 EGP). End your day with the optional Sound and Light Show at the pyramids (₹2,700 or 300 EGP).

Pro Tips:

• Exchange money at the airport for better rates than hotels
• Download Uber/Careem apps for reliable transport
• Carry small bills for tips and entrance fees
• Stay hydrated – Cairo can be hot even in winter

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Day 2 – Islamic and Coptic Cairo Discovery

Begin early to explore Cairo’s religious heritage spanning 2,000 years. The city earned its nickname “City of a Thousand Minarets” from countless mosques dotting the skyline.

Morning Activities

After hotel breakfast, drive to the Salah al-Din Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortification overlooking Cairo. The massive walls enclose mosques, museums, and terraces with panoramic views.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
07:00	Hotel breakfast	Full buffet spread	Included
08:00	Drive to Citadel	30-minute journey	₹450 (50 EGP)
08:30	Citadel complex	Muhammad Ali Mosque	₹4,050 (450 EGP)
10:30	Khan el-Khalili bazaar	Medieval market	Free entry
11:30	Lunch at Naguib Mahfouz	Traditional Egyptian	₹1,800 (200 EGP)

The Muhammad Ali Mosque dominates the Citadel with its Ottoman architecture and alabaster-covered courtyard. Remove shoes before entering and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

Khan el-Khalili bazaar dates to 1382 CE when it served as a caravanserai. Navigate narrow alleys filled with spices, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs. Bargain for everything – start at 30% of the asking price.

Afternoon Activities

Explore Al-Muizz Street, Cairo’s main thoroughfare during Fatimid rule. This pedestrian zone contains the highest concentration of medieval Islamic architecture globally.

Visit Coptic Cairo, the oldest part of the city where Christianity took root in Egypt. Key sites include:

• Hanging Church suspended above Roman fortress gates
• Ben Ezra Synagogue, where baby Moses was found
• The Coptic Museum with the world’s largest Christian artifacts
• Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church above the Holy Family shelter

Each site charges ₹450 (50 EGP) entry or buy combined ticket for ₹1,350 (150 EGP).

Evening Activities

Return to your hotel for afternoon rest before the evening Nile dinner cruise. Most cruises depart from Zamalek or Garden City docks at 7 PM.

The 2-hour cruise includes:

• International buffet dinner
• Belly dancing performance
• Whirling dervish show
• Live Arabic music

Packages cost ₹5,400 (600 EGP) including transfers. Watch Cairo’s illuminated skyline while enjoying entertainment that showcases Egypt’s cultural diversity.

Pro Tips:

• Dress conservatively for religious sites
• Carry hand sanitizer for market visits
• Book a Nile cruise through a hotel for reliability
• Learn basic Arabic greetings – locals appreciate the effort

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Day 3 – Luxor Temples and Valley of the Kings

Transfer to Cairo Airport for your morning flight to Luxor, ancient Thebes and capital of New Kingdom Egypt. The 1-hour flight offers Nile views as you travel 670km south.

Morning Activities

EgyptAir flights to Luxor depart hourly from 6 AM. Book the earliest flight to maximize sightseeing time. Upon arrival, meet your Egyptologist guide for West Bank exploration.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
06:00	Hotel checkout	Pack breakfast box	–
07:00	Flight to Luxor	1-hour journey	₹9,000 (1,000 EGP)
09:30	Arrive at Luxor Airport	Meet guide and driver	–
10:30	Karnak Temple	World’s largest temple	₹1,800 (200 EGP)
12:30	Lunch at Karnak Café	Local specialties	₹1,350 (150 EGP)

Karnak Temple Complex spans 200 acres with construction spanning 2,000 years. The Hypostyle Hall contains 134 massive columns creating a stone forest. Look for:

• Sacred Lake used for purification
• Obelisks of Hatshepsut and Thutmose I
• Avenue of ram-headed sphinxes
• Temple of Amun-Ra

Afternoon Activities

Cross to Luxor’s West Bank, the ancient necropolis containing royal tombs and mortuary temples. Your 1 week in Egypt itinerary must include these archaeological treasures.

Valley of the Kings houses 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun’s. Standard ticket (₹2,160 or 240 EGP) allows entry to three tombs. Recommended tombs:

• KV62: Tutankhamun (separate ticket ₹2,700 or 300 EGP)
• KV11: Ramesses III with colorful reliefs
• KV6: Ramesses IX with astronomical ceiling
• KV14: Tausert and Setnakht dual tomb

Visit Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-Bahari, a masterpiece of ancient architecture built into limestone cliffs. The three-tiered structure honors Egypt’s female pharaoh who ruled for 22 years.

Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two 18-meter statues guarding Amenhotep III’s demolished mortuary temple. These quartzite statues have stood for 3,400 years.

Evening Activities

Check into your Luxor hotel or begin your Nile cruise embarkation. Take a sunset felucca ride on the Nile (₹1,350 for private boat or 150 EGP) to see temples illuminated against the darkening sky.

Dinner at Sofra Restaurant serves authentic Upper Egyptian cuisine in a restored 1930s house. Try their signature dish hamam mahshi (stuffed pigeon) for ₹1,400 (155 EGP) or vegetarian options like tahini-baked eggplant.

Pro Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes for tomb exploration
• Bring flashlight for poorly lit tombs
• Photography banned inside most tombs
• Avoid tomb visits during midday heat

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Day 4 – East Bank Luxor and Nile Cruise Begin

Optional pre-dawn hot air balloon ride offers spectacular views of Luxor’s monuments. Flights depart at 5 AM and last 45-60 minutes over the West Bank.

Morning Activities

Hot air balloon packages cost ₹7,650-10,800 (USD 85-120) including hotel pickup, light refreshments, and a flight certificate. Watch the sunrise illuminate temples and the Nile’s serpentine path through the desert.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
05:00	Hot air balloon (optional)	45-minute flight	₹8,550 (USD 95)
07:00	Hotel breakfast	Egyptian and continental	Included
08:00	Luxor Temple	City center location	₹1,800 (200 EGP)
10:00	Luxor Museum	Air-conditioned comfort	₹1,800 (200 EGP)
12:00	Local lunch	Street-side restaurant	₹1,080 (120 EGP)

Luxor Temple sits in the modern city center, connected to Karnak by a 3km sphinx avenue. Built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramesses II, it served as the site of the annual Opet Festival.

The Luxor Museum displays carefully curated artifacts found in local excavations. Highlights include:

• Statues from Tutankhamun’s tomb
• Amenhotep III’s red granite head
• Mummified Ramesses I
• Reconstruction of Akhenaten’s temple wall

Afternoon Activities

Free time for shopping in Luxor’s tourist market or relaxing at your hotel spa. The market sells alabaster, papyrus, spices, and cotton clothing. Remember to bargain starting at 30% of the asking price.

Board your Nile cruise ship by 3 PM. Standard cabins include a private bathroom, air conditioning, and panoramic windows. All meals and guided excursions are included in cruise packages starting at ₹18,000 (2,000 EGP) per night.

Evening Activities

Evening tea is served on the sun deck while watching rural Egyptian life along the riverbanks. Villages, farmers, and fishermen continue traditions unchanged for millennia.

Dinner onboard features an international buffet with Egyptian specialties. Evening entertainment might include:

• Galabeya party (traditional dress)
• Nubian music performance
• Belly dancing show
• Quiz night about ancient Egypt

Pro Tips:

• Pack light for the cruise – storage is limited
• Bring motion sickness medication if prone
• Sun deck gets crowded at sunset – arrive early
• Tipping pool collected at the end

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Day 5 – Nile Cruise Edfu and Kom Ombo

Your cruise continues south toward Aswan, stopping at riverside temples. The Nile narrows here, with lush vegetation contrasting with desert landscapes.

Morning Activities

Early breakfast before docking at Edfu, home to Egypt’s best-preserved temple. Horse-drawn carriages (caleches) transport passengers from dock to temple (₹180 or 20 EGP each way).

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
06:00	Breakfast onboard	Early buffet service	Included
07:00	Edfu Temple visit	Horus temple tour	₹1,080 (120 EGP)
09:00	Return to ship	Sailing continues	–
12:00	Lunch while sailing	International buffet	Included
15:00	Kom Ombo Temple	Dual deity temple	₹1,080 (120 EGP)

Edfu Temple dedicated to Horus took 180 years to complete (237-57 BCE). The massive pylon entrance leads to:

• Hypostyle hall with floral columns
• Sanctuary containing a Horus statue replica
• Nilometer measuring flood levels
• Birth house with divine birth reliefs

Afternoon Activities

Continue sailing to Kom Ombo, unique for its double design honoring two gods. The northern half worships Haroeris (Horus the Elder) while the southern half honors Sobek the crocodile god.

Features include:

• Surgical instruments carved on walls
• Mummified crocodiles in adjacent museum
• Calendar showing Egyptian months
• Dual sanctuaries with matching layouts

The temple’s riverside location offers perfect sunset photography opportunities. Watch for real Nile crocodiles – though rare, they occasionally appear near the temple.

Evening Activities

Return to the ship for afternoon tea and evening entertainment. Tonight’s program may include an Egyptian cooking demonstration or a hieroglyphics lesson.

Dinner might feature traditional Egyptian night with local specialties:

• Fattah (rice, bread, and lamb)
• Mulukhiyah (jute leaf soup)
• Om Ali (bread pudding dessert)
• Hibiscus tea and Turkish coffee

Pro Tips:

• Bring small bills for caleche rides
• Edfu Temple is crowded 9-11 AM
• Kom Ombo is beautiful at sunset
• Try star-gazing from the sun deck at night

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Day 6 – Aswan Philae Temple and Nubian Culture

Arrive in Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city known for its Nubian culture and granite quarries. The pace slows here with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Morning Activities

An optional excursion to Abu Simbel temples requires a 3 AM departure for the 3-hour drive. Alternatively, start your day with Philae Temple on Agilkia Island.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
07:00	Breakfast onboard	Full buffet spread	Included
08:00	Philae Temple boat	Motorboat to island	₹450 (50 EGP)
08:30	Philae Temple tour	Isis temple complex	₹1,620 (180 EGP)
10:30	Return to Aswan	Shopping opportunity	–
12:00	Lunch onboard	International cuisine	Included

Philae Temple honors goddess Isis and was relocated block-by-block when the Aswan Dam flooded its original island. The complex includes:

• First Pylon with reliefs of Ptolemy XII
• Birth House of Isis
• Kiosk of Trajan overlooking the Nile
• Sound and Light Show venue (evening option)

The best places to visit in Egypt in 7 days include this romantic island temple surrounded by palm trees and blue waters.

Afternoon Activities

Visit a Nubian village by motorboat for cultural immersion. Nubians maintain distinct traditions including:

• Colorfully painted houses
• Pet crocodiles in some homes
• Henna tattoo artistry
• Traditional music and dance

Enjoy mint tea in a local home while learning about Nubian customs and language. Shopping opportunities include handmade crafts, spices, and natural perfumes.

Evening Activities

Dinner at the historic Sofitel Old Cataract’s 1902 Restaurant offers French-Egyptian fusion cuisine. The terrace overlooks Elephantine Island and the First Cataract.

Menu highlights:

• Duck foie gras with fig chutney: ₹2,250 (250 EGP)
• Nile perch with saffron sauce: ₹3,150 (350 EGP)
• Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream: ₹1,350 (150 EGP)

Dress code requires smart casual attire (no shorts or sandals). Agatha Christie wrote “Death on the Nile” while staying here.

Pro Tips:

• Bring sunscreen for boat rides
• Nubian village visit supports the local economy
• Old Cataract requires reservations
• Try hibiscus tea – Aswan specialty

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Day 7 – Aswan Market and Departure

Your final day explores Aswan’s modern attractions before returning to Cairo. The city’s granite quarries supplied stone for ancient Egypt’s monuments.

Morning Activities

Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, abandoned due to cracks, but demonstrating ancient quarrying techniques. If completed, it would have weighed 1,200 tons – the heaviest ever attempted.

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
07:00	Breakfast onboard	Final cruise meal	Included
08:00	Unfinished Obelisk	Granite quarries	₹360 (40 EGP)
09:00	Aswan High Dam	Modern engineering	Free entry
10:00	Nubian Museum	Cultural heritage	₹720 (80 EGP)
11:30	Spice market walk	Souvenir shopping	Free

The Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake. The visitor center explains the massive relocation project that saved Abu Simbel and other monuments.

The Nubian Museum showcases the region’s African heritage through:

• Prehistoric artifacts
• Coptic textiles
• Islamic pottery
• Nubian architecture models
• UNESCO rescue campaign documentation

Afternoon Activities

Explore Aswan’s spice market for final shopping. Popular purchases include:

• Hibiscus flowers for tea
• Nubian spice blends
• Saffron and vanilla pods
• Natural henna powder
• Essential oils and perfumes

Lunch at the Old Cataract’s Terrace Restaurant offers lighter fare with Nile views. Their mezze platter (₹2,700 or 300 EGP) includes hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel.

Departure Plans

Transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. Allow 2 hours for the connection to your international flight home.

Flight options:

• EgyptAir: Multiple daily flights to Cairo
• Nile Air: Budget alternative
• Private transfer to Luxor if preferred

At Cairo Airport, use the remaining time for duty-free shopping. Popular items include:

• Egyptian cotton products
• Gold cartouche pendants
• Papyrus paintings
• Essential oils and perfumes

Pro Tips:

• Keep Egyptian pounds for airport expenses
• Declare valuable purchases at customs
• Airport Wi-Fi requires local phone number
• Arrive 3 hours before international flights

Your Top 7 day itinerary for Egypt concludes with memories of ancient wonders, Nile landscapes, and warm Egyptian hospitality. This 7 days travel route in Egypt provides the perfect introduction to this fascinating country.

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Additional Recommendations for Indian Tourists

Hotels

Luxury:

• Marriott Mena House (Giza) – From ₹20,000 (US$240) per night
• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (Aswan) – From ₹18,000 (US$215) per night
• Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – From ₹15,000 (US$180) per night

Budget:

• Dahab Hostel (Cairo) – From ₹1,500 (US$18) per night
• Nefertiti Hotel (Luxor) – From ₹2,000 (US$24) per night
• Bob Marley Peace Hotel (Luxor) – From ₹1,800 (US$22) per night
• City View Hotel (Cairo) – From ₹3,000 (US$36) per night

Food

Luxury:

• Zitouni (Four Seasons Cairo) – Authentic Egyptian fine dining
• 139 Pavilion (Mena House, Giza) – Views of the pyramids
• The Grill (Cairo Marriott) – French-Egyptian fusion

Casual:

• Abou Tarek – Famous for koshari (Egyptian street food)
• Felfela – Classic Egyptian cuisine, central Cairo
• El Fishawy (Khan El Khalili) – Historic café for tea, snacks
• Sofra Restaurant (Luxor) – Local specialties

Street Food:

• Cairo’s Downtown – Taameya (Egyptian falafel), shawarma
• Luxor’s West Bank – Ful medames, fresh bread
• Aswan Souk – Hibiscus tea, dates, Nubian snacks

Shopping

Electronics:

• Radio Shack (Cairo, Alexandria) – Gadgets, accessories
• Carrefour – Electronics and groceries

Fashion & Luxury:

• City Stars Mall (Cairo) – International brands, luxury shops
• Mall of Egypt (Cairo) – Fashion, accessories, entertainment

Local Markets:

• Khan El Khalili (Cairo) – Souvenirs, jewelry, spices
• Luxor Souk – Scarves, alabaster, handicrafts
• Aswan Market – Spices, Nubian crafts, souvenirs

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FAQs

Is 7 days enough to explore Egypt?

Seven days allows you to experience Cairo’s pyramids, Luxor’s temples, and a Nile cruise to Aswan. While more time permits deeper exploration, this Egypt itinerary 7 days covers the essential ancient sites efficiently.

What is the average daily cost for a 7 day itinerary in Egypt?

Budget ₹8,000-12,000 (700-1,050 EGP) daily for mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and local transport. Luxury travelers may spend ₹20,000+ (1,750+ EGP) daily.

Which is the best month to visit Egypt?

October-April offers pleasant weather with temperatures around 20-25°C. December-February can be cool, especially for Nile cruises. Avoid June-August when temperatures exceed 40°C.

How much money to take to Egypt for 7 days?

Carry ₹56,000-84,000 (4,900-7,350 EGP) for a week excluding hotels and flights. This covers meals, attractions, shopping, and tips. Credit cards accepted at major establishments.

Which area of Egypt is best to stay in?

In Cairo, stay near the Pyramids (Giza) or downtown (Zamalek/Garden City). For Luxor, choose the East Bank for convenience. During Nile cruises, all accommodation is onboard.

Should I include Alexandria in my itinerary?

With only 7 days, focus on Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Alexandria requires at least 2 days, making it better suited for longer trips or return visits.