A Classical Egypt Itinerary

Egypt is back in the travel news after a lot of bad press. It is touted as one of the must-visit destinations of 2019 and this North African nation is gearing up to welcome its visitors. Don’t get me wrong, Egypt never went off the tourist radar. It just took a backstep and now with improving political situations the travel advisories to Egypt are getting more relaxed. Or should I say that even the so-called “developed nations” like France, England are also getting unsafe thanks to all the terror attacks and the world is realizing the moot point of dumping unnecessary safety advisories? Anyway, Egypt is beckoning and this guide will help you plan a memorable trip to the Land of the Pharaohs. So, presenting a classical Egypt itinerary for a trip which covers the highlights of this fantastic destination.

The Pyramids of Giza

Let’s begin the Egypt itinerary with a few FAQs

1. Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to Egypt, provided you stay away from the White Desert, Northern Sinai at the moment. Southern Sinai is safe.

2. Would the first half of March be a good time?

Yes, it is a perfect time to visit Egypt.

3. We are planning for 8 days, would these be sufficient for covering the major ‘must see’ spots or we need more days? How many would you advise? 

I will suggest you make a 10N/11D trip to enjoy Egypt to the fullest. The Nile cruise from Luxor-Aswan and vice versa is minimum 2N/3D.

You may also like: The Nubians and the Nile in Aswan

The egyptian museum in cairo is must visit in egypt itinerary
A Pharaonic mask

And the classical Egypt itinerary on a day to day basis

Day 1. Arrive and lunch at Café Riche, thereafter the Egyptian museum (i.e if you arrive in the morning)

Day 2. Pyramids of Giza, lunch at Abu Shakra (for a taste of Egyptian food), Saqarra pyramids, Darshur pyramids (optional)

Day 3. Ibn Tulun Mosque, Islamic art museum, Old City or Islamic Cairo, Mosque Madrasa, Citadel, Evening and dinner at Al Azhar Park

Day 4. Al Manial Palace, Khan el Khalili market, night train to Aswan

Day 5. Aswan (Botanical garden, Philae temple, Nubian village of Sehel)

Day 6. Aswan (Abu Simbel, Nubian Museum, City Tour, Start your Nile Cruise for Luxor, visit Kom Ombo Temple, which is dedicated to Crocodile God Sobek and Falcon God Horus)

Day 7. Nile Cruise (visit Edfu Temple dedicated to the Falcon God Horus, arrive at Luxor in the evening, overnight stay onboard)

Day 8. Luxor (West Bank monuments include the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi Of Memnon). In the afternoon visit the East Bank monuments including the Karnak Temples and Luxor Temple, catch a light and sound show)

Day 9. Luxor (Sunrise hot air ballooning, visit the city) Night train to Cairo or Fly to Alexandria

Day 10. Cairo (fly out in the evening) or

Day 10. Alexandria (Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria Library, Necropolis, Roman Amphitheatre, Montaza Palace) train to Cairo

Day 11. Return to Cairo and fly back home

This is a classical Egypt itinerary of 10N/11D. You can substitute the trains with flights but they do not make much difference. If you want to absorb and experience the civilization, take it easy. If you have more time, then consider the following…

The Add-Ons to your Egypt itinerary

  • St Katherine Monastery and Hurghada/Sharm-el-Sheikh/Dahab (my personal choice is Dahab)
  • North Coast (Marsa Matruh)
  • Tunis Village near Cairo including the Valley of the Whales

    Felucca ride in Aswan

The difficult to access destinations in Egypt at the moment

  • The Black and the White Desert (Dying to go again)
  • Siwa Oasis (On my wish list especially during the date harvest)
  • The Great Sand Sea
  • The Cave of the Swimmers (I am personally lusting after this one)
    The gorgeous Red Sea at Dahab
    Khan el Khalili market in Cairo
    Philae temple in Aswan in Egypt
    Philae Temple in Aswan

    A Nubian woman sitting outside her house in Aswan

Have you been to Egypt? How did you like it? If you have any questions or feedback, do not forget to let us know.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE

 

 

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