Egypt in 8 Days: Complete Travel Itinerary and Highlights

The 8 days spent in Egypt are the right mix of the ancient wonders, cultural and natural landscapes. Starting with the legendary Pyramids of Giza and moving on to the temples of Luxor and the beauty of the Nile, this itinerary will make it easy to see the best of the country. For eligible nationalities, applying for an Egypt e-Visa in advance may simplify entry, although final admission is always subject to border control approval, which the travelers can do to have a hassle-free adventure.

Uncover the highlights of Egypt in just 8 days

Overview of 8 day Egypt itinerary

The 8 day trip to Egypt offers a moderate tour of the most historical places, dynamic cities and real cultural experiences in Egypt. This program enables tourists to see the ancient marvels of Cairo, sail or drive up or down the Nile, and see the grandiose temples of Aswan and Abu Simbel. This itinerary is fast-paced and requires efficient planning, early departures, and realistic expectations regarding travel times between destinations and limit the tour time to a maximum. And no matter whether it is your first time or you are visiting the country again, an 8-day Egypt itinerary will provide the right introduction to the unchanging beauty of this country.

• Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
• Day 2: Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and Memphis
• Day 3: Cairo to Aswan – Temples and Nile Experience
• Day 4: Aswan attractions and travel to Luxor
• Day 5: West Bank of Luxor
• Day 6: East Bank of Luxor and transfer to Hurghada
• Day 7: Hurghada water activities and desert Safari
• Day 8: Hurghada to Cairo and departure

Top places to see in Egypt in an 8-day trip

These highlights showcase Egypt’s top historical and cultural attractions.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Start your 8 days of Egypt tour with a visit to the busy capital of Cairo which is full of history and culture. Once you have checked in your hotel, rest after your flight. Provided that there is energy, visit surrounding places like Zamalek or Downtown Cairo. During the evening, take a Nile dinner cruise or Corniche walk.

What to do:

• Check in and relax after arrival
• Explore local cafés, markets, or the Nile Corniche
• Optional evening cruise with dinner and entertainment
• Early night to prepare for the next day’s sightseeing

Commence your 8-day Egypt itinerary with an arrival in Cairo

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and Memphis

Begin your morning in the Giza Plateau where you can visit the Great pyramid, Khafre pyramid, Menkaure pyramid, and the famous Sphinx. Next, proceed to Saqqara and visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser; one of the earliest monuments in Egypt. Finish in Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt with its statues and sphinxes and archaeological findings.

What to do:

• Visit Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
• Enter a pyramid (optional ticket)
• Explore Saqqara’s Step Pyramid complex
• Tour Memphis Open-Air Museum
• Return to Cairo for dinner and rest

Pyramids of Giza

Day 3: Cairo to Aswan – Temples and Nile Experience

Arrive in Aswan in the morning by domestic flight. Spend the day exploring the city’s main highlights, including Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam. If time permits, enjoy a felucca ride around Elephantine Island. Overnight in Aswan.

Day 4: Aswan to Luxor – Transfer and Leisure Time

Depart Aswan in the morning and travel to Luxor by road or train. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Optional activities include a short walk along the Nile Corniche or visiting a local café. Overnight in Luxor.

West Bank of Luxor

Day 5: West Bank of Luxor

Explore the West Bank of Luxor, which is one of those historical places in Egypt where the archaeological sites are rich. Begin with the Valley of the Kings with royal tombs of Tutankhamun. Go back to the Temple of Hatshepsut that is a mastermare cut on the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. On the way, visit the Colossi of Memnon and take some pictures and historical background. Depending on time, one of the possible places to visit is the artisan village of Deir el-Medina or the Valley of the Queens to gain further understanding of how life was in the ancient world.

What to do:

• Valley of the Kings
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Colossi of Memnon
• Optional: Valley of the Queens / Deir el-Medina

Valley of the Kings

Day 6: East Bank of Luxor and transfer to Hurghada

Start a day at the Eastern Bank of Luxor with the great Karnak Temple containing Great Hypostyle Hall and holy lake. Move on to Luxor Temple, now perfectly oriented on primeval ceremonial pathways. Following lunch, get ready to be transferred to Hurghada, a city found in the Red Sea, which is a holiday resort in the city as well as water sports. You would get to Hurghada in the late afternoon or evening, get into your hotel and relax at the beach or pool.

What to do:

• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple
• Afternoon journey to Hurghada
• Beachside relaxation

Karnak Temple

Day 7: Hurghada water activities and desert Safari

Enjoy the natural beauty of Hurghada on a morning out Red Sea water sports trip. Snorkel or dive into vivid coral reefs, or go on a glass-bottom boat tour as a family-friendly alternative. Afternoon shift to quad bike, jeep or camel desert safari. Pay a visit to Bedouin camp to have traditional tea and cultural education before going back to your hotel.
What to do:

• Snorkeling or diving
• Boat tours
• Desert quad or jeep safari
• Bedouin village visit

Enjoy Hurghada’s sea activities

Day 8: Hurghada to Cairo and departure

Flying from Hurghada to Cairo is strongly recommended on departure day, as road travel takes 6–7 hours and may be exhausting before an international flight. On arrival, use any available free time on last minute shopping or a snack meal before flying to the airport. Ensure that international check-in processes are given enough time. Reminisce about your trip to the ancient monuments, nature, and culture of Egypt as you are about to leave the country.

What to do:

• Travel from Hurghada to Cairo
• Free time in Cairo
• Airport transfer
• Final departure

Journey from Hurghada back to Cairo and fly out

Where to stay: Best hotels for your 8-day trip

When selecting accommodation, it is important to select the 8-day Egypt itinerary to be as comfortable and well-organized as possible. Travelers in Cairo have a choice of hotels with pyramid views or those in the middle of the city. Luxor and Aswan have riverfront accommodation close to large temples and Hurghada has beachfront resorts that are perfect for relaxing. The following are tested and reviewed selections that can fit various budgets.

Recommended hotels:

• Cairo: Marriott Mena House, Steigenberger Tahrir Square, Cairo Pyramids Hotel
• Aswan: Movenpick Resort Aswan, Basma Hotel Aswan
• Luxor: Hilton Luxor Resort, Steigenberger Nile Palace
• Hurghada: Sunrise Garden Beach Resort, Steigenberger Al Dau Beach
• For budget travelers: City View Hotel Cairo, Bob Marley House Luxor, Sea Waves Hostel Hurghada

How much does 8-days in Egypt cost?

The price of a 8 days trip in Egypt will depend on the mode of travel, hotel, mode of transport and tour guide. Low-budget travelers will afford to remain in local accommodation situations and do group tours, whereas middle and upmarket clients are entitled to hotel upgrades, internal flights, and best experiences. The following is a realistic cost breakdown using the existing market prices.

Category	Budget traveler	Mid-range traveler	Luxury traveler
Accommodation (8 nights)	$200–$350	$450–$800	$1,200–$2,000
Domestic transport	$100–$150	$200–$350	$400–$600
Food & drinks	$100–$150	$200–$300	$350–$500
Tours & entry fees	$150–$250	$350–$600	$800–$1,500
Total estimate	$550–$900	$1,200–$2,000	$2,800–$4,500

Travel tips for an 8-day trip to Egypt

To have an enjoyable and hassle free 8-day Egypt trip, it is important to plan in advance. Wear casual clothes, particularly when going to places of worship and spirituality, and drink water since it is very hot all year round. Take domestic flights, which cover a longer distance to save time, and apply guided tours to large temples which will help learn more.

Useful tips:

• Apply for the Egypt e-Visa online before traveling
• Carry cash for small shops and tipping
• Use official taxis or ride apps like Uber/Careem
• Avoid midday heat for outdoor sites
• Book Nile cruise or transport early in high season
• Respect local customs and photography rule

In conclusion

Egypt itinerary 8 days is an ideal blend of history, culture, and rest which is perfect when one is visiting the country first-time. The best places to explore Egypt are easily accessible with proper planning, good hotels and intelligent budgeting which helps you to enjoy the best of the Egyptian places. The Egypt e-Visa application will ensure a hassle free arrival due to advance application. Sightseeing the wonders of Cairo or taking a break on the shores of the Red Sea, eight days will provide the Egyptian experience one will never forget.