Egypt Travel Guide: Our Complete Egypt Itinerary from Giza to Alexandria, Luxor, Hurghada & Cairo

Pyramids, ancient tombs, Mediterranean history, Red Sea beaches and chaotic Cairo — this is our firsthand Egypt itinerary, following the exact route we travelled.

Egypt is one of those destinations where every stop feels completely different.

One day you are standing in front of a Pyramid that has survived for more than 4,500 years. The next, you are walking beside the Mediterranean in Alexandria. A few days later, you are exploring ancient tombs in Luxor before switching gears completely and snorkeling in the Red Sea at Hurghada.

Planning an Egypt trip? This guide covers Giza, the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, Alexandria, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Hurghada, Giftun Island, Red Sea snorkeling and Cairo.

Egypt Itinerary At A Glance

✈️ Planning your flights to Egypt

If you're travelling from India, compare different dates and airports before booking. Cairo is the natural entry point for this itinerary, while Hurghada and Luxor can also be useful depending on your route.

Day 1: Arriving in Egypt & Experiencing Giza for the First Time

Our Egypt adventure began with a flight from Mumbai to Cairo via Kuwait, with around a three-hour layover in Kuwait.

After arriving at Cairo International Airport, immigration was relatively smooth for us. We had applied for Egypt e-visa by self via the official website and had our Egyptian e-Visa printout with us even though it wasn't requested during immigration.

🚕 Cairo Airport to Giza

Our next challenge was getting from Cairo Airport to Giza.

We booked an Uber, which took roughly an hour depending on traffic.

But there was an important lesson here:

An Uber booking does not necessarily mean the final fare experience will be straightforward.

Scam Alert: Our driver tried to negotiate a higher price despite the ride being booked through Uber and urged to pay in cash only. Asked us to buy him cigarettes from a store in exchange for adjusting that in Uber fare to be paid. We chose to stay firm on the agreed fare and paid in cash.

Our tip for first-time visitors

• Prebook cab wherever feasible using Viator or via Hotel

• Use ride-hailing apps where practical.

• Avoid random taxi counters at the airport.

• Confirm your destination before starting the journey.

• Carry some Egyptian pounds in smaller denominations.

• Don't feel pressured into accepting a higher fare simply because someone is negotiating aggressively.

🏨 Staying in Giza: Wake Up to the Pyramids

The biggest highlight of our first day wasn't an attraction we had to travel to.

It was the view from our room. 

We stayed at Guardian Guest House in Giza, where our room offered direct views of the Sphinx and the three main pyramids. 

Waking up and looking out at the Pyramids of Giza from your accommodation is one of those Egypt experiences that photographs simply cannot capture.

🏨 Where to stay in Giza

If seeing the Pyramids from your room or rooftop is important to you, look specifically for accommodation around the Giza Plateau rather than choosing a hotel based only on its Cairo location.

After checking in, we walked around the neighbourhood and stopped at Pyramids Restaurant, approximately 200 metres from our accommodation.

The chicken kebabs and pilao were among the meals we enjoyed during the trip.

But there was another important lesson:

⚠️ Watch the prices : Some restaurants may quote tourists considerably higher prices.

💱 Money, Currency & Everyday Spending in Egypt

We exchanged some USD into Egyptian pounds, enough to cover the first few days in Giza. There is an Currency Exchange shop located in Giza market.

Having cash was useful for smaller restaurants, shops, tips and local purchases.

We were also carrying a Zero Forex Credit card was also useful for places accepting card payments.

Watching the sun set behind the pyramids while the neighbourhood slowly came alive was a perfect introduction to Egypt.

And then came another surprise.

✨ Watching the Giza Sound & Light Show from the Rooftop

Instead of paying to enter the official Sound & Light Show, we could see much of the spectacle directly from the guest house terrace.

If you want to attend the official show, tickets can also be booked through tour platforms. 

Our first day wasn't about ticking off attractions.

It was about settling into Egypt.

Pyramid views, local food, Giza streets, currency exchange and a sunset that made us realise the trip had finally begun.

Day 2: Alexandria — A Mediterranean Side of Egypt

After our first day in Giza, we headed north for a full-day trip to Alexandria.

This was one of the biggest contrasts of the trip.

Instead of desert landscapes and pyramids, Alexandria brought us:

• The Mediterranean Sea

• Royal gardens

• Greek-Roman history

• Archaeological sites

• Fishing boats

• Harbours

• Seafood

• Coastal views

Alexandria is Egypt's major Mediterranean city and was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Its history reflects a fascinating mixture of Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences.

🚐 Alexandria Day Tour

We booked a group tour through Viator, with the package including Egyptologist guide, transportation, entry fees to major attractions and an optional lunch.

The drive took several hours, and we reached Alexandria at approximately 11 AM.

🌿 Stop 1: Montaza Palace Gardens

Our first stop was Montaza Palace Gardens, a peaceful royal retreat overlooking the Mediterranean.

After the intensity of Giza, this was a refreshing change. It was a gentle way to begin exploring Alexandria.

📚 Stop 2: Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Next came one of Alexandria's most recognisable modern landmarks — the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

The modern library is a contemporary tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the most important centres of knowledge in the ancient world.
For travellers interested in ancient civilisations, architecture and knowledge, this is one of Alexandria's essential stops.

🏺 Stop 3: Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

From the modern library, we went underground.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are among Alexandria's most fascinating archaeological sites.

What makes them especially interesting is the combination of Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences in the architecture and decoration.

The catacombs date to the Roman period and were rediscovered in 1900 after a donkey reportedly fell through the access shaft.

🏛️ Stop 4: Pompey's Pillar

Next was Pompey's Pillar, an enormous Roman column standing among ancient ruins.

The column was erected in honour of Emperor Diocletian.

For us, this was more of a quick photographic stop than a long visit, but it provides a striking glimpse into Alexandria's Graeco-Roman past.

🏫 Stop 5: Roman Amphitheatre / Kom El-Dikka

The next stop was commonly referred to as the Roman Amphitheatre.

However, archaeological interpretation suggests that the site was part of a larger ancient complex rather than simply an amphitheatre.

The excavations reveal another layer of Alexandria's history and show just how much of the ancient city is still being uncovered.

🌊 Stop 6: Qaitbay Coast & Old Harbour

Then came one of the most photogenic parts of Alexandria.

The Qaitbay coastline brings you right into everyday harbour life. Nearby stands the Citadel of Qaitbay, built in the 15th century on the site traditionally associated with the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Even from outside, the combination of fortress walls, sea and fishing boats creates an unforgettable scene.

🕌 Stop 7: Sidi Morsi Abu Al-Abbas Mosque

Our final major stop in Alexandria was the Sidi Morsi Abu Al-Abbas Mosque.

Its cream-coloured exterior, ornate details and minarets made it a peaceful way to finish the sightseeing portion of the day.

By around 7:30 PM, we were back in Giza.

It had been a long day — but Alexandria had shown us an entirely different side of Egypt.

Day 3: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Ancient Egypt Up Close

After seeing the pyramids from our guest house for two days, Day 3 was finally about getting inside the Giza Pyramid complex.

We had booked a half-day private tour from Viator - all inclusive of entry tickets, lunch and Egyptologist guide, driver and hotel pickup and drop-off. Highly recommend the same since a lot of scams happen at the Pyramids and having a guide alongside helps.

Since it was really hot in August, we started around 8 AM, when the light was still relatively gentle and the crowds were manageable. 

🏛️ The Great Pyramid of Khufu

The first moment you stand beside the Great Pyramid is difficult to describe.

Photographs give you the shape. They don't give you the scale.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the three principal pyramids and the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

🔦 Going Inside the Great Pyramid

One of the most memorable experiences was entering one of the Pyramids.

Important:

The pyramid interior ticket was separate from our tour package. The passageways are narrow and the climb can be physically demanding.

🐪 Camel Ride Around the Pyramids

Next came the quintessential Egypt experience:

A camel ride with the pyramids in the background.

It's touristy. It's also incredibly photogenic.

🦁 The Great Sphinx

From the pyramids, we continued towards the Great Sphinx of Giza.

📜 Papyrus Institute

Around 11:30 AM, we visited a Papyrus Institute.

Here we learned how papyrus was traditionally produced and used in ancient Egypt.

One of the fun parts was seeing personalised artwork created with names written in hieroglyphics.

After experiencing Giza and Alexandria, the journey moved south.

We took an evening flight from Cairo to Luxor, departing at around 7:30 PM and arriving around 8:30 PM. 

For us, the flight was a convenient way to save time compared with a long overland journey.

Egypt also has domestic flight connections between major destinations, making air travel a useful option when building a multi-city itinerary.

Days 4 & 5: Luxor — Walking Through the Heart of Ancient Egypt

Luxor is often described as the world's greatest open-air museum, and after spending a day there, it is easy to understand why.

The city is divided by the Nile into the East Bank and West Bank, with temples concentrated on the East Bank and major royal tombs on the West Bank.

🚕 Arriving in Luxor

One important lesson came immediately after landing.

Uber was unreliable at Luxor Airport. After waiting without success, we stepped outside and negotiated with a local taxi driver. Would highly recommend pre-booking your airport transfer.

🏨 Where We Stayed in Luxor

We stayed at the Sonesta St. George Hotel, located along the Nile.

The location made for a relaxing base after long sightseeing days. The highlight of the morning was breakfast overlooking the Nile. 

We booked an East and West Bank full-day tour through Viator, including transportation, guide and lunch.

Karnak Temple was our first major stop.

And the scale is difficult to comprehend.

Massive columns, enormous halls and long corridors demonstrate the ambition of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Karnak is one of Luxor's defining attractions and remains one of the most important ancient religious complexes in Egypt.

👑 Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

We then crossed towards the West Bank and reached the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Built dramatically into the desert cliffs, the temple combines terraces, symmetry and monumental architecture.

The surrounding landscape makes the experience even more impressive.

During the journey, we stopped at a local alabaster workshop.

We watched artisans demonstrate traditional stone carving techniques and bought a small cat figurine featuring hieroglyphics.

⚱️ Valley of the Kings

Then came one of the biggest highlights of the entire Egypt trip.

The Valley of the Kings.

The barren hills surrounding the valley hide the tombs of ancient Egyptian rulers. 

Our standard entry allowed access to four tombs, while we paid extra to visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun.

Standing in front of an actual royal tomb and mummy is an experience that makes ancient history feel incredibly real.

The Valley of the Kings forms part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis, one of Egypt's major archaeological heritage areas.

Colossi of Memnon

Lunch was included in our tour and provided a much-needed break from the heat.

After lunch, we stopped at the Colossi of Memnon — two enormous statues associated with the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

🏛️ Luxor Temple & Avenue of Sphinxes

Our final major stop was Luxor Temple.

The temple becomes particularly atmospheric as the day moves towards evening.

We also experienced the Avenue of Sphinxes, the ancient ceremonial route connecting Luxor Temple and Karnak. 

Today, walking through this historic landscape gives you a sense of the enormous scale of ancient Thebes.

⭐ Is Luxor Worth Adding to an Egypt Itinerary?

Absolutely.

If Giza is where you see the iconic symbols of Egypt, Luxor is where you begin to understand the civilisation behind them.

🌊 Next Stop: Hurghada & the Red Sea

After several days of pyramids, temples, tombs and archaeological sites, it was time to change the pace completely.

We left Luxor and drove towards Hurghada.

The road journey took approximately four hours, passing through vast desert landscapes.

We booked the transfer through our Luxor hotel.

Hotel-to-hotel transfers are convenient for this route, especially when travelling with luggage.

Also keep your identification documents accessible because police checkpoints between cities are routine.

Hurghada: Egypt's Red Sea Escape

Hurghada felt like Egypt's reset button.

After days dominated by history, architecture and desert landscapes, Hurghada was about:

Sea. Sun. Beaches. Snorkeling. Resorts.

Located on the Red Sea, Hurghada is particularly well suited to travellers who want to combine an Egypt sightseeing itinerary with a few slower beach days.

🏨 Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort, which gave us direct access to the beach and sea views.

After the intensity of Luxor, simply having time to sit by the water was a welcome change.

Hurghada works particularly well if you don't want your Egypt trip to become one continuous sequence of temples and museums.

🐠 Hurghada Grand Aquarium

Our first attraction was the Hurghada Grand Aquarium.

The underwater tunnel is the obvious highlight, but the attraction also includes birds, turtles, flamingos and other exhibits.

🏖️ Sand City Hurghada

Another unexpected attraction was Sand City Hurghada.

The open-air museum features large sand sculptures across several themes, including:

• Ancient gods and goddesses

• Cartoon characters

• Superheroes

🤿 The Highlight: Red Sea Snorkeling & Giftun Island

If you're visiting Hurghada, this is the experience we would prioritise.

We booked a full-day Red Sea water activity tour through Viator.

🏝️ Giftun Island

The Giftun Island portion of the trip brought:

Turquoise water, beach time and absolutely no interest in checking the clock.

If you only have one full day for activities in Hurghada, a Red Sea snorkeling and Giftun Island tour is one of the experiences we'd prioritise.

🐠 Snorkeling in the Red Sea

Even if you aren't a confident swimmer, guided snorkeling experiences can still be accessible because the crew provides support.

The underwater world is completely different from everything you experience elsewhere on an Egypt itinerary:

• Coral reefs

• Colourful fish

• Clear water

• Open sea

• Island beaches

After several days focused on ancient civilisation, this was the perfect change of pace. 

If you only have one full day for activities in Hurghada, a Red Sea snorkeling and Giftun Island tour is one of the experiences we'd prioritise.

🚢 Semi-Submarine Ride

For travellers who want to see the Red Sea without spending much time in the water, a semi-submarine ride is another option.

You sit inside an underwater viewing chamber and observe marine life without having to dive or snorkel.

The experience takes roughly 2–3 hours including transfers.

It's particularly suitable for families or anyone who isn't comfortable getting into the open sea.

🏙️ Final Stop: Cairo

After the relaxation of Hurghada, our Egypt journey returned to where it began:

Cairo.

But this time, instead of simply using Cairo as an airport gateway to Giza, we finally explored the capital itself.It's particularly suitable for families or anyone who isn't comfortable getting into the open sea.

🏨 Where We Stayed

Because late-night arrivals and departures can be common, staying closer to the airport can make sense for the final night.

We stayed at Almasa Hotel, approximately 11 km from Cairo International Airport.

We had booked a private day tour of Cairo, with Egyptologist and driver for the day. 

🕌 Cairo Citadel

Our Cairo sightseeing day began with the Cairo Citadel.

Located on the Muqattam Hills, the medieval fortress provides panoramic views across the city.

🕌 Muhammad Ali Mosque

Inside the Citadel stands the impressive Muhammad Ali Mosque.

Built between 1830 and 1848, the mosque features Ottoman-inspired domes and grand marble interiors.

🏺 Egyptian Museum

Next came the Egyptian Museum.

For anyone interested in ancient Egypt, this is a major highlight.

The museum contains a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including statues, sarcophagi and royal treasures.

We recommend allowing at least two hours.

Important museum tip

The museum is not air-conditioned, so plan accordingly if you're visiting during a hot period.

🛍️ Khan Al Khalili

No Cairo itinerary feels complete without visiting Khan Al Khalili.

This famous bazaar is the place to look for:

• Egyptian souvenirs

• Spices

• Dates

• Local products

• Fridge magnets

• Traditional gifts

But it can become crowded.

Keep your belongings secure and be particularly alert during busy periods.The museum is not air-conditioned, so plan accordingly if you're visiting during a hot period.

After a long sightseeing day, we ended our trip with dinner at Morgana Restaurant.

Some of the dishes we enjoyed included:

• Seafood bisque soup

• Sadiyah tagines

• Wadi El Nile platter

It was a fitting final meal after a trip that had taken us from pyramids and temples to the Red Sea.

✈️ Cairo Airport & Flying Home

Our Egypt journey eventually came full circle at Cairo International Airport.

Before flying home, there was also time for some duty-free shopping, including perfumes, chocolates and other products.

And then it was time to head back to Mumbai.

🗺️ Our Complete Egypt Route

If you want to recreate our journey, this is the route to follow:

Mumbai → Cairo → Giza → Alexandria → Giza → Luxor → Hurghada → Cairo → Mumbai

The route works because each destination offers something different.

💡 Egypt Travel Tips We Learned Along the Way

1. Start early

Egypt can get extremely hot, especially around open-air archaeological sites. This was particularly noticeable in Luxor.

2. Don't assume Uber will work everywhere

Uber was useful around Cairo/Giza, but we found it unreliable at Luxor Airport. Be prepared to negotiate with local drivers where necessary.

3. Keep cash handy

Small Egyptian pound notes are useful for tips, small purchases and local services.

4. Carry USD

USD was useful for currency exchange during our trip. Always check current currency and payment conditions before travelling.

5. Don't underestimate tourist markups

This applies to:

• Restaurants

• Taxis

• Souvenirs

• Some local services

Ask prices upfront and check menus before ordering.

6. Consider guided tours

For places such as Giza and Luxor, a knowledgeable guide can make a major difference.

The monuments are impressive by themselves, but understanding why they were built, who built them and what they represented makes the experience much richer.

7. Wear comfortable clothes

You'll walk a lot.

Choose Comfortable shoes, Lightweight clothing, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen and carry water.

8. Don't pack your entire Egypt itinerary with sightseeing

This was one of our biggest lessons. After several days of pyramids, temples and tombs, Hurghada's slower pace felt necessary. Adding the Red Sea portion gave the trip balance.

❓ FAQs About Travelling to Egypt

How many days are enough for Egypt?

There is no single answer, but our route demonstrates how much you can experience by combining Giza, Alexandria, Luxor, Hurghada and Cairo. If you want to follow a similar route, allow enough time for travel between destinations rather than trying to rush through every attraction.

What are the best places to visit in Egypt for first-time visitors?

For a first trip, we recommend considering Giza, Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada. Alexandria is an excellent addition if you enjoy Mediterranean history, architecture and coastal experiences.

Is Giza different from Cairo?

Yes. Giza is part of the Greater Cairo metropolitan area but feels very different from central Cairo. Giza is where you will find the famous pyramids and Sphinx, while Cairo offers museums, historic mosques, markets and a much more urban experience.

Is Luxor worth visiting on an Egypt trip?

Absolutely. Luxor is one of the best destinations in Egypt for ancient temples and tombs, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Is Hurghada worth adding to an Egypt itinerary?

Yes, especially if you want to balance historical sightseeing with beaches and water activities. Hurghada provides easy access to Red Sea snorkeling, island trips and resort experiences.

How many days do you need in Hurghada?

We found 2–3 days ideal: one day for arrival and relaxation, one day for Red Sea activities and an optional third day for attractions such as the aquarium, Sand City or a semi-submarine ride.

Should you book Egypt tours in advance?

For major experiences such as Giza, Luxor and Red Sea excursions, advance booking can make logistics easier. Guided tours can also simplify transportation and provide historical context.

What should you carry when travelling around Egypt?

Carry comfortable footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, identification documents, some cash and a card suitable for international transactions.

Is Egypt suitable for first-time international travellers?

Egypt can feel chaotic at first, particularly in Cairo and Giza. However, with some preparation, reliable accommodation and organised tours for major sightseeing days, it can be a highly rewarding first international adventure.

Final Thoughts: Would We Do This Egypt Trip Again?

Yes.

But the biggest lesson from this trip is that Egypt isn't just about the pyramids.

The pyramids are the obvious starting point.

Then Alexandria shows you Egypt's Mediterranean side.

Luxor takes you deeper into the world of pharaohs, temples and royal tombs.

Hurghada gives you the Red Sea, coral reefs and a chance to slow down.

And finally, Cairo brings everything together with its museums, mosques, markets and unmistakable energy.

That is what made this journey special.

Egypt wasn't one destination. It was several completely different experiences stitched together into one trip.

And if you're planning your first Egypt itinerary, we'd strongly recommend building your journey around that contrast.

Pyramids → Mediterranean → Ancient Egypt → Red Sea → Cairo.

That was our Egypt.

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