Cairo & Sharm el-Sheikh: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Cairo & Sharm el-Sheikh?

• Most travelers spend 7-8 days in Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh combined
• With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Aswan, Luxor, Edfu, Esna, and Kom Ombo

How Many Days to Spend in Egypt

Recommended Itineraries for Cairo & Sharm el-Sheikh

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Cultural sightseeing meets a beach vacation on this week-long Egyptian getaway. Starting in Cairo, you'll explore the ancient world with tours of the Great Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and Alexandria. Then switch gears and head for the coast, where you can unwind in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh—sunbathing, swimming, and scuba diving along the Sinai Peninsula. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

Equal parts cultural tour and beach getaway, this 8-day Egyptian escape takes you from the bustling streets of Cairo to the shores of the Sinai Peninsula. Get to know the capital with visits to the ancient wonders of Giza and Memphis, a tour of the medieval Salah El-din Citadel, and a stroll through the colorful Khan El Khalili Bazaar. After a quick flight to the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh, the rest of your trip is free to savor the sun-soaked beaches and clear waters of the Red Sea at your own pace. Read more

Extended Itineraries

10-Day Itinerary Including Aswan, Luxor & Edfu 

This 10-day Egyptian adventure is perfect for anyone who likes to spend time on (and in) the water. It kicks off with a multi-day cruise down the legendary Nile River, with stops to tour ancient temples along the way. Finish the trip with a few days of relaxing by the Red Sea in the idyllic coastal resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, with an added visit to Saint Catherine's, the longest-operating monastery in the world. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Aswan, Luxor, Esna & Kom Ombo

Cultural highlights, river cruising, and a beach vacation combine on this unforgettable two-week Egyptian adventure. Starting in Cairo, you'll marvel at the Great Pyramids and explore the city's world-class museums before flying south to Luxor, the capital of the ancient pharaohs. Shift gears and board a scenic cruise down the Nile River to Aswan, exploring temples and tombs along the way, then head to the coast to end your journey on the gorgeous Red Sea beaches of Sharm El Sheikh. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Aswan & Luxor

Pyramids, temples, tombs, Roman ruins—this two-week tour of Egypt takes you to the country's top cultural and historical highlights. You'll visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, touring the most important monuments along the way, from the Karnak Temple Complex to the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings. Finish the trip with a few relaxing days in Sharm El Sheikh, an Egyptian resort town with white sandy beaches and clear water that's perfect for swimming and boating. Read more