Egypt Tour 10 Days: Complete Itinerary and Tips 2026

As a local agency based in Cairo since 2020, we have perfected the ideal itinerary to discover Egypt in 10 days. It's the perfect duration: long enough to explore without stress, short enough to stick to a reasonable budget.

Ten days in Egypt gets you to the heart of the country, and our 10-day Glory of the Gods tour shows exactly how. Pyramids, a Nile cruise, Abu Simbel and a spell on the Red Sea beaches, all without rushing and without skimming the surface.

Below is our tried and tested day-by-day plan, with the details other agencies overlook.

The 10 Day Day By Day Circuit

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Touch down at Cairo International Airport, where your own driver (part of every package) is waiting. He takes you to your hotel in Zamalek or Heliopolis, both safe districts for visitors.

In the afternoon, rest and acclimatization. Jet lag often hits European travelers. Our advice: do not overload on the first day. A light stroll at sunset on the banks of the Nile is enough. You eat a typical mezze at Abd El Wahab (our partner restaurant, 15% reduction for our customers).

(Night in Cairo)

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza and Plateau

Get up early. You visit the three pyramids (Kheops, Khefren, Menkaure) before 9 a.m., when the crowds are less dense. An Egyptologist guide explains construction techniques and theories on stellar orientation.

Next, the Sphinx. Then the small temple of the Valley of Khefren. You finally understand why these monuments have made humanity dream for 4500 years.

Lunch looking out at the pyramids (Al Dente, continental standards at Egyptian prices).

In the afternoon, Cairo Museum: rooms of royal mummies. A gripping experience. You see the preserved bodies of the pharaohs, their jewelry, their golden sarcophagi.

(Night in Cairo)

Day 3: Saqqara and Memphis

The morning takes you out to Saqqara, burial ground of the Old Kingdom, and King Djoser's Step Pyramid, the world's first, raised around 2670 BC.

Memphis, the ancient capital. Colossi of Ramses II, Sphinx of Albatres. Open-air museum. History unfolds before your eyes.

Return to Cairo at the end of the afternoon. Free dinner. Local tip: the Khan El Khalili district offers authentic restaurants and souvenirs. Negotiate politely, it's tradition.

(Night in Cairo)

Day 4: Flight Cairo - Aswan

Domestic flight to Aswan (2h). Installation at the hotel. In the afternoon, ride in a felucca (traditional sailboat) on the Nile. You are sailing near the island of Elephantine, the island of Philae.

Dusk on the Nile from the deck of a felucca: one of those moments no photograph ever captures.

Dinner on board your boat or on the terrace on the quays.

(Night in Aswan)

Day 5: Abu Simbel

Very early morning excursion to Abu Simbel (280 km, approximately 4 hours drive). Departure at 4 a.m. The colossal temples of King Ramses II emerge from the dunes at sunrise.

Two temples excavated in the mountain. Monumental facades of 67 meters. Four colossi 20 meters high. Inside, bas-reliefs illustrating military victories.

Rare phenomenon: twice a year (October 22 and February 22), the sun's rays penetrate to the innermost sanctuary, illuminating the statues of the gods. If you are traveling in October or February, you can see this show.

Return to Aswan at the end of the afternoon.

(Night in Aswan)

Day 6: Nile Cruise Day 1

Board your Nile cruise, 4 or 5 star. For comfort we suggest Uniworld, Abercrombie & Kent or Nile Cruise Egypt.

The cruise descends slowly from Aswan towards Luxor. You see the temples, the local villages, the traditional feluccas passing by. Meals and entertainment on board.

(Night on the Nile)

Day 7: Nile Cruise Day 2

A halt at Edfu, the temple of Horus and the best-preserved in all Egypt. Its bas-reliefs are dazzling and narrate the battle between Horus and Set.

Continue to Esna. Passage of the Esna lock (a technically fascinating experience, the boat goes up and down in water chambers).

(Night on the Nile)

Day 8: Luxor and Valley of the Kings

Arrival in Luxor. Descent to land for an intensive day.

Morning in the Valley of the Kings, where you enter 3 royal tombs whose paintings and hieroglyphs survive intact. Tutankhamun's (the Chamber of Nebkheperure) draws the biggest queues, yet for sheer spectacle we would point you to the tombs of Ramses III and Amenhotep II.

In the afternoon, Karnak Temple. The largest religious complex of Antiquity. 130 rooms. 100 statues. A forest of colossal columns.

Then the Temple of Luxor: pure architectural elegance, elegant columns, statues of Ramses II on the facade.

(Night on the Nile in Luxor)

Day 9: Flight Luxor - Hurghada

A one-hour flight brings you to Hurghada on the Red Sea, and a 4 or 5 star all-inclusive resort. Steigenberger and Red Sea Magic are our suggestions.

Relaxing afternoon: swimming pool, beach, optional spa massage.

The sun sets over the Red Sea; then fresh seafood, buffet or à la carte.

(Night in Hurghada)

Day 10: Hurghada and Return

Last day on the beach. Optional snorkeling (we organize with certified clubs), or simple relaxation.

Transfer to the airport at the end of the afternoon for your return flight to Egypt (your flight to Egypt remains at your expense; we coordinate all of your transfers and internal flights in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada).

You come home transformed.

Detailed Budget By Traveler Profile

How much a 10-day Egypt tour costs depends largely on the comfort level you choose. These are our 2026 numbers, drawn from the tours we have most recently run.

Our "all-inclusive" packages include all your domestic flights in Egypt (Cairo-Aswan, Aswan-Luxor, Luxor-Hurghada), hotels, the cruise, Egyptologist guides, selected meals and all transport. You retain the freedom to organize your flight to Egypt; we take care of everything else on site. “Extras” (souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, diving, massages) remain your responsibility.

Seven, Ten or Fourteen Days: How Long Should Your Tour Be?

The 5 Common Mistakes of 10 Day Circuits

During our last organization in 2026, we noted these errors constantly recurring. Avoiding them changes everything.

1. Overload on the first day. You arrive exhausted. Then you are looking to visit Giza that same evening. It's stupid. Allow yourself Day 1 to acclimatize. Start visits on day 2.

2. Choosing the wrong class of hotel. Don't skimp on accommodation the first three days. A low-end hotel in Cairo means dirty swimming pool, noisy air conditioning, unsafe water. For £20 extra per night you get real comfort. It's worth it.

3. Skipping Abu Simbel. Travelling in October, December or January? Then Abu Simbel comes first. The sun alignment (the astronomical equinox) happens rarely, and you may never return. Build it in.

4. Neglect the Nile cruise. A cheap cruise is depressing. You look at dirty toilets, sour meals. For an extra 150-20, you upgrade to a clean 4-star cruise, with authentic local food. The change in experience is enormous.

5. Believing that Hurghada is a necessity. Some travelers hate beach resorts. If you prefer to continue to Siwa (lost oasis) or Aswan (still temples), the 10th day can be flexible. We adapt. Tell us your preferences.

Best Period for a 10 Day Tour

The best time? October to November, January to February. Pleasant temperatures (20-28°C), calm Nile water, Hurghada perfect for diving. Avoid June-August (45°C+, unbearable). May and September remain acceptable (35-38°C).

If you are traveling in October or February, synchronize your dates with the astronomical phenomena of Abu Simbel (October 22, February 22).

FAQ: Recurring Questions about 10 Day Tours

Our 10 Day Tour Packages 2026

We offer two options:

Guided Formula: You are in a group of 6-12 people with a certified English-speaking guide. Group price: £2,150/person (comfort category). Included: all domestic flights in Egypt (Cairo-Aswan, Aswan-Luxor, Luxor-Hurghada), 9 nights accommodation, 4-star cruise, entries, selected meals, transport and guide.

Personalized Formula: You travel alone, as a couple or as a family with a private driver and adapted guides. Pricing on demand. From 3200 to £4,460 depending on category. Maximum flexibility on itinerary and timing.

Either option can be amended up to 10 days before you leave, and cancellation terms are flexible. We recommend travel insurance (additional 27).

In Conclusion: What Sets Sem Elegant Voyage Apart on a 10-Day Tour

We are a local agency and have run these 10-day tours week after week since 2020. Our guides are qualified Egyptologists, every hotel has been checked by us in person, and our Nile boats are genuine 4-5 star vessels, not tourist tat.

We do not trade in vague dreams. What we deliver is real: temples that stop you in your tracks, nights beneath the stars on the Nile, orange sunsets and genuine encounters with Egyptians.

Ten days in Egypt alters how you see humanity. The pyramids prove that people can build for eternity; the Nile, irrigating the desert for 5000 years, proves that persistence wins in the end.

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