Egypt has been a beacon for travelers since antiquity. From the engineering genius of the Giza Pyramids to the story-soaked temples of Luxor, this is a place where myth and masonry meet. Over five days, you’ll trace the Nile’s ancient lifeline, sampling modern Cairo’s buzz and Upper Egypt’s golden light.

Our route focuses on two world-class bases: Cairo and Luxor. Cairo anchors your introduction with the Pyramids, Sphinx, and the new era of museums, while Luxor—often called the world’s greatest open-air museum—unfurls a staggering parade of temples and tombs on both banks of the Nile. Expect sensory contrasts: honking boulevards and quiet courtyards, dazzling desert horizons and cool, columned halls.

Practical notes: Many nationalities obtain an e-visa or visa on arrival; verify current guidance for your passport. Dress modestly at religious sites, carry cash for tips (baksheesh), and hydrate—Egyptian sun is no metaphor. Rideshare apps work in Cairo, and domestic flights make quick work of long distances.

Cairo

Cairo is a metropolis of nine lives: pharaonic relics, medieval lanes, Belle Époque facades, and a modern food scene. You’re here for the Giza Plateau—Khufu’s Great Pyramid and the Sphinx—but don’t miss the evolving museum scene and atmospheric quarters like Zamalek and Islamic Cairo.

Highlights include the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum’s preview galleries and monumental atrium pieces, and the lantern-lit Khan el‑Khalili bazaar for brass, spices, and storytelling cafés. Evenings shimmer on the Nile—sunset feluccas and riverfront dinners set the mood.

• Where to stay (Cairo): Browse stays on VRBO Cairo or compare hotels on Hotels.com Cairo. Aim for Giza (for pyramid views) or Zamalek/Garden City (for cafés and river strolls).
• Getting there: Fly into Cairo International (CAI) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. CAI is well-connected across Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
• Food you’ll crave: Koshary piled with lentils and crispy onions, spit-roasted pigeon, taameya (Egyptian falafel), cane-juice pick-me-ups, and honeyed basbousa.

Day 1 — Cairo Arrival, Nile First Impressions

Morning: In transit. Aim for a midday/early afternoon landing at CAI if possible.

Afternoon: Check in, refresh, and ease in with a Zamalek wander. Grab specialty coffee at 30 NORTH (Zamalek roastery with single-origin pours) or Kafein (downtown art-and-espresso nook). If jet lag allows, stroll the Nile Corniche for river breezes and skyline views.

Evening: Classic Egyptian dinner at Abou El Sid (molokhia, stuffed vine leaves, and slow-cooked lamb) or opt for Zitouni for refined regional dishes with Nile views. Nightcap with mint tea at the storied Café El‑Fishawy inside Khan el‑Khalili—open late, humming since the 18th century.

Day 2 — Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum

Morning: Devote the morning to the Giza Plateau—Khufu’s Great Pyramid, Khafre and Menkaure, plus the Great Sphinx. Go with a licensed Egyptologist to cut queues, decode inscriptions, and reach panoramic viewpoints.

Consider booking: Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids and Sphinx in Private Tour (Viator) — a private, insight-rich day pairing Giza with the new museum’s preview areas and iconic displays.

Afternoon: Lunch with a view at 9 Pyramids Lounge (Bedouin-style seating and photogenic angles), or head downtown for Koshary Abou Tarek—perhaps the city’s most famous bowl of Egypt’s national comfort food. If time allows, stop by the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the Royal Mummies Hall (a moving, beautifully lit presentation).

Evening: Dive into Islamic Cairo. Wander Khan el‑Khalili’s gold, spice, and brass alleys, then dine at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant—cushioned banquettes, classic mezzes, and live oud. For a breezy finale, take a short felucca sail from the river docks at sunset; negotiate per hour with the captain (typically affordable for small groups).

Luxor

Welcome to Luxor, where the Nile divides two kingdoms of memory. The East Bank holds Karnak and Luxor Temple, aligned to ancient processional routes. Across the water, the West Bank hides the Valley of the Kings and the terraced elegance of Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple.

Luxor rewards slow looking: lotus-bud columns, chisel marks on reliefs, star‑studded tomb ceilings. Sunrise balloon rides reveal the whole tapestry at once—green fields, desert escarpments, and the ribbon of the Nile.

• Where to stay (Luxor): Find apartments and villas via VRBO Luxor or browse hotels on Hotels.com Luxor. East Bank is handy for easy access; West Bank stays are peaceful and close to the tombs.
• Getting from Cairo to Luxor: Morning flights take ~1h10 (often USD 60–150 one-way) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. The overnight sleeper train runs ~9–10 hours; book locally if you prefer a rail adventure.
• Eat and drink: Sofra (heirloom recipes and vintage decor), Al‑Sahaby Lane (roof terrace with temple views), Wenkie’s (espresso and homemade gelato), and the white‑glove 1886 at the Winter Palace (dress code).

Day 3 — Fly to Luxor, Karnak and Luxor Temple

Morning: Depart Cairo for Luxor on a morning flight (~1h10). A taxi from Luxor Airport to the East Bank is 15–25 minutes. Drop bags and fuel up at Wenkie’s (espresso, croissants) or Aboudi Coffee near Luxor Temple.

Afternoon: Explore Karnak Temple, Egypt’s largest temple complex. Don’t rush the Great Hypostyle Hall; look up to read the papyrus capitals and patchwork of pharaoh cartouches. Take a short ride down the corniche to Luxor Temple—golden in late light and magical after dusk when reliefs glow.

Evening: Dinner at Sofra: start with pickled aubergine and tahini, then okra tajin or pigeon with freekeh. If you’re up for a night experience, the Karnak Sound & Light show layers history with dramatic illumination (check current schedule locally).

Day 4 — Balloon Sunrise, West Bank Tombs and Temples

Early Morning: Float above antiquity on a sunrise balloon ride. This is the ultimate Luxor perspective: green fields, Nile mirrors, and temple geometry.

Bookable option: Luxury Sunrise Balloon Ride in Luxor with Hotel Pickup (Viator) — professional pilots, hotel pickup, and dawn views you’ll never forget.

Late Morning & Afternoon: Cross to the West Bank for a deep-dive into New Kingdom splendor: the Valley of the Kings (choose a rotation of tombs; consider KV62—Tutankhamun—for context), Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el‑Bahri, and the Colossi of Memnon. A guided day helps with logistics and interpretation.

Consider: Full Day Tour to East and West Banks of Luxor (Viator) — a comprehensive sweep of the landmarks with an Egyptologist guide.

Evening: Sunset felucca sail from Luxor’s corniche (plan for 45–60 minutes). Dine at Al‑Sahaby Lane: rooftop mezze, grilled fish, and a view of Luxor Temple’s obelisks and colonnades glowing across the street.

Day 5 — Museums, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Luxor Museum is small but superb—finely curated statues and objects with excellent lighting; pair it with the Mummification Museum next door if time allows. For last bites, try falafel wraps or a light brunch at Wenkie’s.

Afternoon: Fly from Luxor back to Cairo to connect to your international departure (typical LXR→CAI flights are frequent; ~1h10). Search schedules and fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re staying on, consider adding Aswan or a short Nile cruise on a future visit.

Optional Cairo Enhancements (swap into Day 2 or add a night)

• Cairo 8 Hour Private Tour of Pyramids & Grand Egyptian Museum (Viator) — a classic, full-day Giza + museum pairing.

  

• Prefer a camel ride and guaranteed inside-pyramid entry bundled? Top Rated Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel ride, lunch & inside pyramids (Viator).

  

Daily Food and Coffee Shortlist

• Cairo breakfasts: 30 NORTH (single-origin espresso, pastries), Beanos (reliable chain for quick bites).
• Cairo lunches: Koshary Abou Tarek (iconic), Felfela (Egyptian staples downtown), 9 Pyramids Lounge (view-heavy).
• Cairo dinners: Abou El Sid (hearty classics), Naguib Mahfouz (in-bazaar ambiance), Sachi (creative plates; reserve).
• Luxor cafés: Wenkie’s (espresso, gelato), Aboudi Coffee (temple-adjacent views).
• Luxor meals: Sofra (vintage townhouse cuisine), Al‑Sahaby Lane (rooftop grills), 1886 (white-linen splurge; jacket suggested).

Getting Around and Practical Tips

• Local transport: In Cairo, use rideshare or hotel taxis; in Luxor, taxis and riverboats/ferries are convenient between banks.
• Timing: Start major sites early to beat heat and tour crowds. Balloon rides run at sunrise, weather permitting.
• Money & tipping: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is standard. Carry small bills for tips and incidental fees at sites.
• Dress & etiquette: Shoulders/knees covered at religious spaces; hats and sunscreen are your best friends at open-air sites.

Summary: In five days, you’ll stand before the Giza Pyramids, wander Luxor’s colossal halls, drift along the Nile, and taste Egypt’s homey, spice-tinged cuisine. This itinerary balances marquee sights with breathable downtime and memorable meals—enough to feel Egypt’s past and present in stride.