An example of the amazing temple structures to visit in this 8 day itinerary of Egypt.

Discover An Epic 8 Day Itinerary For Extraordinary Egypt

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Planning to spend just 8 days in Egypt? Read on for the ultimate itinerary!

As 8 days in Egypt isn’t a lot of time to explore this fabulous country, you want to make sure you have the perfect itinerary to guarantee you make every day as memorable as possible.

I spent around 8 days during my first trip to Egypt last year and it was certainly a once in a lifetime bucket list trip for me.

I did plenty of top tier activities, from seeing the incredible Giza Pyramids up close on a personalised tour, to going on a magical hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

So that’s why I’ve put together this itinerary for you, to show you how exactly I organised my trip with recommendations of the best tours so that you too can enjoy the best that Egypt has to offer without breaking a sweat.

In a rush? My Top Tour Recommendations for Egypt:

Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx with Private Tour Guide
6 Day Cruise from Cairo to Luxor & Aswan
Private Cairo Egyptian Museum Tour with Lunch
Full Day Tour of Luxor West Bank Temples and Tombs (Private)
Karnak Temple Illuminated

8 Day Itinerary For Egypt

Egypt has so many exceptional places to visit, but if you only have 8 days to spend then I recommend focusing your time on two cities that you simply must visit: Cairo and Luxor.

Let me break down activities for each day, starting in Cairo at the magical Giza Pyramids:

Day 1: Discover The Great Pyramids With A Local

After arriving in Cairo or Giza and settling into your hotel, there’s only one way to start your first day in Egypt, and that is of course to see the other-worldly Great Pyramids of Giza.

There’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said about these magnificent wonders of the world. This was a bucket list destination for me (as I’m sure it is for you too) and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

At the Giza Pyramids.
At the Giza Pyramids.

Morning: Pyramids of Giza

Recommended visiting time: 4-5 hours

Getting to the pyramids can be quite a hassle if you decide to visit them on your own. That’s why I recommend booking a half day guided tour in advance, which is really convenient and very good value for money too.

That’s what I did and it allowed me to relax and enjoy the tour without having to stress about where to go for tickets and how to enter the site on the day. I was picked up on time at my hotel and experienced no problems whatsoever.

It’s also a great way to learn more about the mysterious pyramids, as you’ll be with a knowledgeable guide who’ll answer all your questions about this awesome historical site.

I recommend this tour because:

  • It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in a comfy car with air conditioning (my guide even bought me a coffee during a car ride!)
  • It does genuinely provide a hassle-free experience where you get to beat the crowds and queueing times entering the pyramid site.
  • You also get to ride a camel!
  • You’ll get to learn obscure facts about the pyramids from your guide, who will be a qualified Egyptologist.
  • You have plenty of free time by yourself to wander around each pyramid and I didn’t feel rushed at all by my guide.

👉 Pro Tip: if you want to actually enter the Great Pyramid or Khafre’s Pyramid then this is indeed possible, but it requires a separate ticket.

Make sure you tell your guide which pyramid you’d like to go inside before you purchase your entry ticket to the site. Otherwise it’ll be too late once you’ve entered, which would be a major disappointment.

Afternoon: Saqqara Pyramids

Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

Although the Great Pyramids are the main attraction in Giza, it’s also worth checking out the Saqqara Pyramids which are located close by.

These pyramids are the largest archaeological site in all of Egypt and what’s great is that they are much less visited by tourists. So you can enjoy visiting them with fewer crowds, unlike the Giza Pyramids.

Visiting the Saqqara Pyramids is another unique chance to get up close to ancient history and to visit the oldest pyramid in Egypt: the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Day 2: Museums & Markets Of Vibrant Cairo

Having visited the pyramids on day 1, day 2 is devoted to discovering the city of Cairo, which is a lively, restless place full of interesting sights to visit:

Morning: Egyptian Museum

Recommended visiting time: 5 hours

If you only have time to visit one museum when in Cairo, then make sure it’s the Egyptian Museum. This is the one of the oldest archaeological museums in the world and has an astonishingly huge collection of over 170,000 artefacts.

I was blown away by the collection at this museum, especially getting to see the Mask of Tutankhamun! My only regret is that I didn’t visit the museum with a tour guide to help explain all of the many mysterious artefacts on show.

So I recommend booking this tour guide because:

  • You’ll be guided throughout the museum with a qualified Egyptologist, which means a much better appreciation of the history that’s on show.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off is included.
  • Lunch is included as well.

Afternoon: Khan Al-Khalili Market

Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours

Khan Al-Khalili Market is a famous bazaar/souk market in the historic centre of Cairo and is a great place to explore and immerse yourself in Egyptian culture for a few hours.

I spent an afternoon at this market and was overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds here. It’s an enjoyable assault on the senses for sure and reminded me a little bit of some of the souk markets in Morocco.

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    Day 3: Travel From Cairo To Luxor

    Having taken in the sights and sounds of crazy Cairo, it’s time to move on to beautiful Luxor. There are several different travel options to reach Luxor from Cairo.

    I travelled there via train, because I love travelling by train when abroad. This was a long, exhausting day but a really interesting and memorable day for sure!

    I’ve written a detailed blog post on the best ways to travel from Luxor to Cairo, but here’s a short overview of the travel options available:

    • River Nile Cruise – This is the most romantic and memorable way to travel from Cairo to Luxor by far. But, it will take longer and cost more, with cruises from Cairo to Luxor lasting from 3 days to 8 or 9 days and costing several hundred pounds.
    • Plane – This is the most convenient and fastest option, with flights taking usually 1 hour 9 minutes to reach Luxor from Cairo, costing from £60 upwards.
    • Train – If you love travelling by train then this is a great option! The train takes about 10 hours, with tickets costing in the region of £50 if you’re a foreigner.
    • Bus – This is the cheapest option and takes a little less time than the train. Tickets cost only £10.
    • Car – You can also drive all the way to Luxor, but be prepared for traffic and driving in Egypt can also be quite a hair-raising experience!
    • Taxi – If you want to, it’s possible to take a taxi from Cairo to Luxor and the cost varies from anywhere in the region of £50-£100 or more.

    ➡️ Book a 6 Day Cruise from Cairo to Luxor & Aswan by here

    Day 4: Luxor & Karnak Temples

    I absolutely loved visiting the several main temples of Luxor – it’s a truly extraordinary place, especially if you’re a fan of ancient history. Here are 2 temples to visit on day 4 of your trip to Egypt:

    Luxor Temple

    Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

    Based very centrally in the middle of the city on the East Bank of the Nile, Luxor temple is a great first introductory temple to visit in Luxor.

    It is one of the oldest ancient sites in Egypt and although its a lot smaller than Karnark temple and doesn’t take as long to visit, it is still equally as fascinating in my opinion.

    It costs less than £10 to enter and it’s location is so convenient, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and other shops close by. So you can grab a bite to eat either before or after visiting.

    👉 Pro Tip: there is a lovely little outdoor cafe spot directly opposite the entrance to the temple, which is the perfect place to sit down, relax, enjoy a coffee and marvel at this magnificent site.

    Some of the extraordinary statues on display at Luxor Temple.
    Some of the extraordinary statues on display at Luxor Temple.

    Karnak Temple

    Recommended visiting time: 3 hours

    Arguably the best temple site in all of Egypt! Karnak Temple is located not too far away from Luxor Temple on the East Bank of the Nile, and takes a short taxi ride to reach (about 5-10 minutes).

    I totally fell in love with Karnak Temple and I would have to say it was my favourite temple I visited in the whole of Egypt.

    It’s a huge complex, starting with the Avenue of the Sphinxes that leads up to the temple, featuring 1350 sphinxes on either side of the pathway.

    The sheer size of the various statues, obelixes, pillars and more is awe-inspiring to say the least and so very memorable.

    Some of the huge obelixes on display at Karnak Temple.
    Some of the huge obelixes on display at Karnak Temple.

    Day 5: Valley of the Kings & Queens

    Having spent day 4 on the East Bank of the River Nile, day 5 is dedicated to exploring the quieter West Bank, and the incredible sites that are on show here:

    Morning: Colossi of Memnon

    Recommended visiting time: 30 minutes

    On the way to the Valley of the Kings is the remarkable Colossi of Memnon, based literally on the side of a busy road!

    These two huge statues are 18 metres high and represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III. They are located at the front of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III and are quite a sight to behold, especially up close.

    The remarkable Colossi of Memnon in Luxor.
    The remarkable Colossi of Memnon in Luxor.

    Morning: Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

    ⌚ Recommended visiting time: 1-2 hour

    Walking up to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, which is carved into the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari is a breathtaking experience and an amazing start to the day.

    The walkway that leads to the impressive Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
    The walkway that leads to the impressive Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.

    Late Morning: Valley of the Kings

    Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours

    After visiting the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, you’ll next get to discover a few tombs at the Valley of the Kings. The Valley of the Kings is probably the number one tourist destination in Luxor and an incredible place to visit.

    Walking down into each tomb and discovering the mesmerising hieroglyphs on show is one of my most treasured travel memories so far.

    The colourful hieroglyphs on display in the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramesses IX and Seti I is honestly unlike anything else I’ve ever seen.

    I recommend this private tour to the Valley of the Kings (which I personally booked with) because:

    • It’s a full day tour that includes visits to the Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, Temple of Hatshepsut and more.
    • It includes hotel pick-up and drop off.
    • Your guide will be a qualified Egyptologist – I loved asking questions to my guide who was so knowledgeable and friendly.

    ➡️ Book your place on this Full Day Tour of Luxor West Bank here

    Some of the colourful hieroglyphs on display in the tombs at the Valley of the Kings.
    Some of the colourful hieroglyphs on display in the tombs at the Valley of the Kings.

    Afternoon: Valley of the Queens

    ⌚ Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

    Not too far away from the Valley of the Kings is the Valley of the Queens, which is well worth visiting as well.

    Here you’ll find more tombs and burial sites of various princesses, royal wives from the New Kingdom of Egypt.

    The tomb of Queen Nefertari is the most must see site here, as it is believed to be one of the most beautiful tombs in all of Egypt.

    Day 6: More Historical Landmarks

    Day 6 in Egypt continues our exploration of some of the most fascinating historical landmarks you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting:

    Morning: The Ramesseum

    Recommended visiting time: 3-4 hours

    The Ramesseum memorial temple (Mortuary Temple of Ramses II) is another huge ancient complex which is an awe-inspiring place to wander around.

    Known as the largest colossus in the world, it is dedicated to the god Amun and its walls depict various images of the battle of Kadesh.

    I wasn’t expecting much at this temple site but once again I was totally in awe of the sheer size of the building and learning all about its history from my tour guide made the trip all the more interesting.

    Afternoon: Temple of Medinat Habu

    ⌚ Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours

    One of the most overlooked and underappreciated temples in Luxor is the temple of Medinat Habu.

    I was invited to explore this temple by my tour guide of the West Bank of Luxor. Not knowing what to expect, I was so taken aback and surprised by this temple site which is just as fascinating as all the others in my opinion.

    It was built by Ramses III and dedicated to the god Amun. Some of the wall carvings and depictions here are so colourful, and are some of the best that you’ll see anywhere in Egypt.

    The often overlooked but equally impressive Medinat Habu temple site in Luxor.
    The often overlooked but equally impressive Medinat Habu temple site in Luxor.

    Day 7: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Luxor Museum

    Day 7 promises to be a spectacular day with arguably the best activity in this whole itinerary:

    Early Morning: Hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings

    Taking a hot air balloon ride to see the sun rise over the Valley of the Kings is a truly outstanding experience and totally unforgettable.

    I went on a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and it was the highlight of my entire Egyptian adventure. It’s an early start for sure (expect to be picked up at your hotel around 4.30am), but it’s worth it without a doubt.

    Flying high over Luxor on a hot air balloon ride.
    Flying high over Luxor on a hot air balloon ride.

    Afternoon: Luxor Museum

    ⌚ Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

    Having experienced the exhilarating hot air balloon ride in the morning, I recommend a more relaxed activity for the afternoon on day 7.

    Although its collection is not as extensive as the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Luxor museum based close to the Nile on the East Bank is still most definitely worthy of your time.

    The museum has an impressive and beautiful collection of archaeological findings, including artwork, statues and other fascinating antiquities.

    I really enjoyed my visit to this museum. It’s much less crowded than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, so you can take your time and enjoy everything that’s on show.

    Day 8: Felucca Boat Ride On The River Nile

    Having experienced a whistle stop tour of the major tourist attractions in Egypt on this 8 day itinerary, it’s only fair that the last day is a little bit gentler and more relaxing:

    Morning/Afternoon: Felucca boat ride on the River Nile

    For your last day time activity in Egypt, I recommend a felucca boat ride down the River Nile from the centre of Luxor to Banana Island.

    I went on a felucca boat ride on my final day in Luxor and it couldn’t have been a more memorable last day. A felucca boat is a wooden sailing boat that has been used by Egyptians to travel on the River Nile dating back to ancient times.

    This felucca boat ride takes you to Banana Island, a banana plantation tourist attraction which is also a mini zoo. To be honest, Banana Island was a bit of a disappointment – but sailing on the River Nile more than made up for this.

    Sailing on the River Nile on a felucca boat ride.
    Sailing on the River Nile on a felucca boat ride.

    Karnak Temple Illumination show

    In my opinion the most magical and unforgettable way to finish your 8 day trip to Egypt is to visit Karnak temple for a second time, only this time at night.

    Visiting Karnak Temple during the day is special enough, but walking through the complex at night during this illuminated light show is very special indeed – I loved every second of it!

    👉 Pro Tip: make sure to wear an extra layer of clothing if you do decide to see this night show at Karnak Temple, especially during winter season.

    I visited wearing just a t-shirt and didn’t consider just how much the temperature would drop!

    ➡️ Book your ticket for Karnak Temple Illuminated here


    8 Days In Egypt FAQS

    Still have some doubts about visiting Egypt for 8 days? Let me answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this incredible country:

    Is 8 days enough time to visit Egypt?

    I personally visited Egypt over a 2 week period and feel that 8 days would be a little bit rushed to be honest. But you can still visit the major tourist sites as detailed in this blog post. I would recommend 10-14 days ideally.

    Is Egypt cheap or expensive to visit?

    Egypt is quite an economically challenged country so you can expect cheap prices when it comes to accommodation, meals, tours etc – especially if you visit during the off-peak season between August and February.

    When is the best time to visit Egypt?

    I travelled to Egypt in early January and enjoyed warm temperatures and cheap prices. Anytime during the winter months would be ideal as there tends to be less crowds during this season.

    Spring is also a good choice, but I would advise against visiting during the summer months when prices and temperatures are both extremely high.


    Conclusion: 8 Days In Extraordinary Egypt

    So that concludes your epic 8 day itinerary to extraordinary Egypt! I honestly have never been anywhere quite like Egypt before. Nowhere else compares in terms of ancient history and the magnificence of temples, tombs, pyramids and more.

    Yes, 8 days is a little bit short a time to fully appreciate the whole country (I never had a chance to visit places like Aswan and Alexandria). But visiting the major tourist attractions on this short timescale is very achievable.

    I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this 8 day itinerary for Egypt and are now motivated to visit one of the most incredible countries you’ll ever visit.

    You may also enjoy these blog posts about North Africa:

    ➡️ Is 2 Days In Marrakech Enough? A Guide To Morocco’s Best City
    ➡️ Is Essaouira Safe? The Essential Guide To Morocco’s Coastal City
    ➡️ My Honest Review Of A 4 Star Hotel In Agadir, Morocco
    ➡️ Is Agadir Worth Visiting? What I Loved (& Hated!) During My Trip

    ➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:

    🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
    🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
    ❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
    ✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights

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