If you have only one week for your trip there are two great itineraries in Egypt, always thinking that you can make the most of the days. The two options differ in one fundamental aspect, a choice you will have to make if you have a week: river or sea. That is to say, you will have to choose between the wonders of the Nile or those of the Red Sea, being, perhaps, the first option the most widespread among first-time travelers to the land of the pyramids.

Both itineraries include the capital, Cairo, with the city of Giza, which is very close and is always included in the same itinerary. Afterwards, the paths fork into two: a cruise on the Nile with a visit to the ancient temples; or diving, snorkeling and sea tours in one of the most important cities of the Red Sea.

Your choice will depend on what you like the most, of course, but also on the time you have, which is not much but not scarce. A week in Egypt is great and your trip will be unforgettable. So here we give you all the information you need about these two routes through Egypt in one week to help you make a good decision and make the most of every minute of your vacation.

Itinerary I: Pyramids and temples. Cairo and Nile cruise

This is usually the most requested option for most tourists wondering what to see in Egypt in a week, as it includes a good part of the treasures of the great empire and you can also feel the Arab culture that currently defines the country.

With this one-week Egypt itinerary you will see the highlights of the Egyptian capital and embark on a cruise on the waters of this legendary river, which is the best way to visit many temples that the ancient civilization built on its banks.

Tour

From Cairo to Luxor there are two options: the most economical is the night train, which takes 9 hours and is the best option to avoid wasting a day or half a day traveling. The most expensive but fastest option is by plane, on a direct flight that takes 2 hours but if you book well in advance it can be more economical.

In Luxor you will board the type of boat hired for the Nile cruise to visit different historical sites in the city of Luxor itself, as well as Edfu and Kon Ombo during the remaining days until the end of the trip in Aswan. Once there, direct flight to Cairo and return to your country of origin.

Places and sites of interest

  • Cairo: Coptic Quarter, Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel, Khan el-Khalili, Cairo Tower, City of the Dead, Islamic Quarter.
  • Giza: Sphinx and pyramids of Cheops, Kephren and Mykerinus.
  • Luxor: Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Museum of Ancient Art of Luxor, Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut.
  • Edfu: Temple of Edfu.
  • Kon Ombo: Temple of Kon Ombo, Crocodile Museum.
  • Aswan: Abu Simbel Temples, Nubian Village, Aswan High Dam and Aswan Market.

Itinerary II: Pyramids and silver. Cairo and Red Sea (Alexandria, Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh)

In this one-week tour of Egypt you will see the highlights of Cairo and some of the fabulous beaches of the Red Sea, the other geographical jewel of the country. As you do not have many days, our advice is to choose one of the three main coastal destinations in Egypt: Alexandria, Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.

Tour

Arrival at Cairo airport and transfer to the hotel by private car, which should be arranged in advance with your travel agency or, if you go on your own, with a local service. From Cairo to Guiza, the agencies that organize visits to the pyramids usually include hotel pick-up, transfer to Guiza and return trip.

From Cairo to the Red Sea cities, the best option is by plane, bearing in mind that your trip is a week long and that you have already spent a few days. Both Alexandria, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have direct flights to the capital, so it is best to book a return flight, so you can catch your flight back to your home country from Cairo airport. And, as in all cases, if you book well in advance you will find good deals.

Places and sites of interest

  • Cairo: Coptic Quarter, Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel, Khan el-Khalili, Cairo Tower, City of the Dead, Islamic Quarter.
  • Giza: Sphinx and the Pyramids of Cheops, Kephren and Mykerinus.
  • Alexandria: Kom el Dekka archaeological site, National Museum of Alexandria, Library of Alexandria, Pompey’s Column, Quaitbay Citadel, Montazah Palace, Promenade.
  • Hurghada: Sindbad Submarine, Abu Nuhas Shipwrecks, Hurghada Aquarium, Giftun Islands, Astronomical Night in the Desert, Gubal Strait.
  • Sharm el-Sheikh: Al Sahaba Mosque, Old Market, El Fanar Beach (Ras Um Sid Natural Park), Sunset on the coast, Ras Muhammad National Park, Quad biking in the desert.
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