How to Spend 15 Days in Egypt

Planning a two-week trip to Egypt? With 15 days at your disposal, you have the perfect amount of time to dive deep into ancient history, cruise the Nile, discover vibrant cities, relax by the Red Sea, and experience the charm of desert oases. This itinerary balances must-see landmarks with immersive local experiences—so you won’t just visit Egypt, you’ll truly feel it.

Let’s Plan Your Egyptian Adventure

If you're dreaming of wandering among millennia-old temples, riding camels near the pyramids, sailing the Nile at sunset, and ending your day with fresh seafood by the sea—this trip is for you. With 15 full days, you can explore Egypt's diversity at a relaxed pace without rushing. We'll guide you from bustling Cairo to the quiet serenity of Siwa Oasis and the coral-rich waters of the Red Sea.

This plan is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a mix of history, relaxation, and cultural connection. Flexibility is built in—feel free to switch beach towns or spend more time in places that speak to you most. Here are our top suggested 15-day Egypt itineraries.

Best Possible 15-Day Egypt Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Private airport pickup to hotel.
• No tour (arrival day); guide assists with hotel check-in and brief orientation.
• Relax at hotel in Cairo.

Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara

• Private vehicle to Giza and Saqqara.
• Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Sphinx, and Step Pyramid of Djoser.
• Return and overnight at Cairo hotel.

Day 3: Cairo City Tour

• Private vehicle within Cairo.
• Explore Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo (Sultan Hassan & Al-Rifa’i Mosques), Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
• Return and overnight at Cairo hotel.

Day 4: Alexandria Day Trip

• Private vehicle round trip to Alexandria (approx. 3 hrs each way).
• Visit Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel, and Alexandria Library.
• Return to Cairo hotel.

Day 5: Fly to Luxor – East Bank

• Private transfer to Cairo Airport → domestic flight → Luxor airport pickup.
• Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
• Check in to 5★ Nile Cruise in Luxor.

Day 6: West Bank of Luxor

• Private vehicle to West Bank sites.
• Explore Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.
• Return to Nile Cruise and overnight onboard.

Day 7: Sail to Edfu via Esna

• Nile Cruise sailing, private guide onboard.
• Visit Esna Temple en route.
• Arrive and overnight onboard in Edfu.

Day 8: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

• Horse carriage to Edfu Temple; sail to Kom Ombo.
• Tour Edfu Temple (Horus Temple) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek & Haroeris).
• Cruise continues to Aswan and overnight onboard.

Day 9: Aswan Sightseeing

• Private vehicle in Aswan.
• Visit High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple.
• Overnight on Nile Cruise in Aswan.

Day 10: Abu Simbel Excursion

• Early private vehicle round trip to Abu Simbel (3 hrs each way).
• Explore Abu Simbel Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.
• Return and overnight at hotel in Aswan.

Day 11: Nubian Village + Flight to Cairo

• Motorboat to Nubian Village → private transfer to airport → flight to Cairo.
• Cultural visit to Nubian Village.
• Arrive and check in at Cairo hotel.

Day 12: Fayoum Oasis Day Trip

• Private vehicle to Wadi El Rayan and Wadi El Hitan (UNESCO site).
• Explore waterfalls, desert landscapes, and prehistoric whale fossils.
• Return to Cairo hotel.

Day 13: Coptic Cairo & Nile Dinner Cruise

• Private vehicle for day and evening activities.
• Visit Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Church of St. Sergius.
• Enjoy Nile Dinner Cruise with live music and folklore.
• Return to hotel in Cairo.

Day 14: Leisure & Shopping

• Private vehicle at your disposal.
• Optional visit to malls, local markets, or relax at the hotel/spa.
• Final night at Cairo hotel.

Day 15: Departure

• Private transfer to Cairo International Airport.
• Airport assistance if needed.
• End of the tour.

Highlights

• Visit the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Step Pyramid at Saqqara
• Explore ancient treasures at the Egyptian Museum
• Wander through Islamic Cairo and shop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar
• Take a full-day guided trip to Alexandria: Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Discover Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank
• Explore the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple on the West Bank
• Enjoy a luxury Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
• Visit Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus) by horse carriage
• Tour the twin temples of Kom Ombo dedicated to Sobek and Horus
• See Aswan’s Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam
• Take a roundtrip excursion to the monumental Abu Simbel Temples
• Experience Nubian culture during a visit to a traditional village
• Journey to Fayoum Oasis and visit Wadi El Rayan and Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales)
• Explore Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and more
• Enjoy a Nile Dinner Cruise with live entertainment and folklore show
• Relax and shop in Cairo before your departure

Additionaly here are 7 private tour itineraries for Egypt...

1# Private 15-Day Siwa Egypt Tour: Cairo, Bahariya, Nile & Alexandria

Tour Description

This immersive 15-day Egypt itinerary is a journey through time and terrain, offering a rare blend of ancient history, Mediterranean charm, and desert adventure. Begin in Cairo with the awe-inspiring pyramids of Giza and the world-renowned Grand Egyptian Museum. Travel south to explore the lesser-known pyramid complexes of Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur, the true cradle of pyramid building. The coastal city of Alexandria awaits with its Greco-Roman ruins and Mediterranean elegance before you venture west toward the serene and mystical Siwa Oasis. Along the way, you'll stop at El Alamein’s WWII memorials before reaching Siwa, where you’ll explore the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, Alexander’s Temple, traditional Siwan villages, and camp under the stars after a thrilling desert safari. The itinerary continues with a journey to Bahariya Oasis and its surreal landscapes, followed by a return to Cairo for a final exploration of Islamic, Christian, and modern heritage. From there, fly to Aswan and take in the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel before reaching Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum, where you’ll tour the temples of Karnak and Luxor and wander through the Valley of the Kings. This itinerary offers a well-balanced mix of cultural highlights, hidden gems, and breathtaking natural scenery, perfect for adventurous travelers looking to see a side of Egypt far beyond the standard tourist route.

2# Private 15-Day Tour: Cairo, Sharm, Alexandria  & Nile

Tour Description

This 15-day journey is crafted for travelers seeking the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and iconic sightseeing across Egypt’s diverse regions. The tour begins in Cairo with a magical Nile dinner cruise and a deep dive into the ancient world at the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. From there, a quick flight whisks you to the sun-soaked shores of Sharm El Sheikh, where several days are dedicated to pure leisure, snorkeling excursions, and optional desert or mountain trips — including a memorable visit to the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery. Midway through the adventure, the focus shifts back to ancient history with a flight to Luxor and a Nile cruise. You’ll uncover awe-inspiring sites like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the twin temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu before visiting the monumental Abu Simbel. The final stretch takes you north, with time to explore Aswan’s landmarks and then fly to Cairo to discover its historic churches, mosques, and bazaars. A day trip to Alexandria rounds out the experience with Greco-Roman ruins and sea breezes. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to balance coastal bliss with deep cultural exploration across Egypt’s most iconic destinations.

3# Private 15-Day Tour Package: Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan & Nile Cruise

Tour Description

This dynamic 15-day Egypt tour offers a bit of everything — from pharaonic temples and Roman ruins to Red Sea relaxation and desert escapades. The journey begins in Cairo with a warm welcome and a visit to the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx, followed by a scenic trip north to Alexandria, where coastal charm meets historical intrigue. You’ll then fly south to Aswan, where a luxurious Nile cruise begins. This stretch of the trip highlights Egypt’s ancient river culture with visits to Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and the grand temples of Luxor. Once the cruise ends, the adventure transitions to the Red Sea, with Hurghada offering beachside relaxation, water sports, and optional diving or snorkeling trips. You’ll also enjoy a desert safari for a thrilling contrast to the coastal calm. After several days of leisure, return to Cairo for a deeper exploration of its cultural and historical treasures. This well-rounded tour seamlessly combines history, nature, and relaxation, appealing to all types of travelers.

4# Private 15-Day Egypt Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, Abu Simbel & Hurghada

Tour Description

This Egypt itinerary spans coastlines, deserts, and ancient wonders, offering a romantic and enriching 15-day escape. Start in Cairo with a welcome dinner cruise and a full day exploring the Great Pyramids, Saqqara’s step pyramid, and other early architectural marvels. You’ll then fly to Aswan to explore Nubian heritage before journeying to Abu Simbel, where Ramses II’s temples await on the edge of Lake Nasser. In Luxor, you’ll uncover the glory of the East and West Banks, marveling at Karnak, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. After days immersed in history, the journey heads east to the Red Sea, where Hurghada offers the perfect seaside break with snorkeling, scuba diving, and days of relaxation. Desert adventures and Bedouin cultural experiences add a unique local flavor. The tour ends with a return to Cairo and a coastal day trip to Alexandria, where the Mediterranean breeze pairs perfectly with Greco-Roman heritage and modern seaside beauty. It's a richly layered itinerary with something for every traveler.

5# Private 15-Day Egypt Christmas & New Year Holiday Tour

Tour Description

Celebrate the holiday season in a land of timeless magic with this 15-day Egypt itinerary designed around Christmas and New Year festivities. The journey kicks off in Cairo with a festive welcome and visits to the Pyramids of Giza and the ancient wonders of Memphis and Saqqara. Alexandria adds a Mediterranean twist with its Roman catacombs and historic charm before you fly south to Aswan and Abu Simbel — two jewels of ancient Nubia. From here, the Nile cruise portion begins, gliding through Kom Ombo, Edfu, and onto Luxor, where East and West Bank treasures come alive with temples, tombs, and stories of the pharaohs. The second half of the trip brings you to Hurghada’s Red Sea coast for days of snorkeling, beach lounging, and a Bedouin-style desert safari. Your return to Cairo is filled with visits to medieval mosques, Islamic citadels, and colorful bazaars, perfect for soaking in Egypt’s festive spirit. Whether you’re lighting up Christmas under palm trees or toasting the New Year with pyramids in the distance, this seasonal tour is as memorable as it is magical.

6# Private 15-Day Egypt Package: Cairo, Alexandria, Nile River & Hurghada

Tour Description

This 15-day Egyptian journey blends ancient wonders, coastal serenity, and cultural immersion into one smooth, unforgettable itinerary. Begin your trip with a dazzling sound and light show at the pyramids, followed by an in-depth look at Giza’s wonders before flying to Hurghada. There, the Red Sea’s coral reefs and warm beaches await, along with optional desert excursions and several days of leisure and adventure. The second week shifts to Upper Egypt’s historical gems. Cruise along the Nile as you explore Luxor’s East and West Banks, marvel at Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples, and witness the grandeur of Abu Simbel. The journey continues through Aswan before returning to Cairo for a final immersion into Egypt’s vibrant capital and a day trip to Alexandria. With a relaxed pace and well-balanced mix of sightseeing and downtime, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking both exploration and rejuvenation.

7# Private 15-Day Magical Honeymoon in Egypt

Tour Description

This dreamy 15-day honeymoon itinerary is tailor-made for newlyweds looking to explore Egypt’s romance, mystery, and magic. Your love story begins with a warm Egyptian welcome in Cairo and a private tour of the Great Pyramids, followed by an enchanting getaway to Alexandria for a stroll along the Mediterranean and visits to the city’s historic gems. Next, you'll journey south to Aswan and board a luxury Nile cruise, visiting the majestic Abu Simbel, the twin temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu, and the timeless treasures of Luxor. After days spent exploring ancient temples and watching sunsets over the Nile, the experience shifts to desert romance — including dune-bashing, stargazing, and Bedouin-style campfires. You’ll return to Cairo to explore its cultural heart at your own pace, with chances to shop, dine, and unwind. This itinerary is the perfect blend of luxury, discovery, and togetherness — a honeymoon that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a love story written in the sands of time.

Final Thoughts

A 15-day journey in Egypt is an unforgettable adventure through ancient history, vibrant cities, and stunning natural wonders.

Wander the Valley of the Kings, sail along the tranquil Nile River, or dive into the crystal-clear Red Sea. Crafted for history buffs, adventure seekers, luxury travelers, and honeymooners, these itineraries offer a perfect blend of iconic landmarks and hidden treasures.

Marvel at the Great Pyramids, explore the temples of Abu Simbel and Karnak, or discover local bazaars in Siwa and cozy cafés in Alexandria. Egypt seamlessly mixes ancient heritage with modern comforts, letting you explore pharaohs’ legacies by day and relax in luxury resorts by night. Flexibility is key—linger in places that captivate you, whether it’s savoring traditional Egyptian dishes, riding camels by the pyramids, or stargazing in a desert oasis.

Pack your curiosity and an open heart for a trip that’s as enriching as it is exhilarating. Egypt isn’t just a destination—it’s a story you’ll live and carry with you forever.