3-Week Egypt Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Egypt tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffEgypt travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Egypt Itinerary, incl. Cairo and Alexandria

  A 21-day Egyptian adventure through 9 cities from Cairo to Alexandria. A luxurious blend of a 3-night Nile cruise, 5 nights in Hurghada, 4 nights in Sharm El Sheikh, with visits to over 15 major sites including Pyramids, Valley of Kings, and Karnak Temple. Costs approx. $140 per day including accommodation.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Cairo & Giza

    Land in Cairo and meet your guide at the airport. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic jams. Start your Giza Plateau visit early at 8:00 AM before crowds fill the site and temperatures rise. You'll see the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre's Pyramid and the Sphinx. Visit the Egyptian Museum in the afternoon when it's less crowded.

    
  • Days 3-6

    Aswan & Nile Cruise

    Take the overnight train to Aswan. Choose upper berths for a smoother ride. Visit the High Dam and Philae Temple in Aswan early for better photos. Start your 3-night Nile cruise with stops at Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu. "The temple of Kom Ombo is uniquely dual-dedicated to both Sobek and Horus. Bring a good camera as the hieroglyphics here are exceptionally well-preserved."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Luxor

    Visit the Valley of the Kings first thing before it gets too hot inside the tombs. See Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Spend day 8 at Karnak and Luxor Temples. "Book the Karnak Sound & Light show. While touristy, seeing the temples illuminated at night offers a completely different perspective."

    
  • Days 9-13

    Hurghada

    Spend five days relaxing on the Red Sea coast. Try snorkeling, desert safaris or boat trips. "Book snorkeling trips through your hotel rather than street vendors. They're more reliable and usually include better equipment."

    
  • Days 14-17

    Sharm El Sheikh

    Take the 2-hour ferry from Hurghada. Four days here gives you time for world-class diving, beaches and trips to Ras Mohammed National Park or the Colored Canyon. Take motion sickness pills for the ferry if needed.

    
  • Days 18-19

    Alexandria

    Fly to Cairo then drive to Alexandria (3 hours). Visit the modern Library, Pompey's Pillar and the Catacombs. "The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are incredibly well-preserved but quite steep. Wear good shoes with grip as the limestone steps can be slippery."

    
  • Days 20-21

    Cairo

    Back to Cairo for final sightseeing and shopping at Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Visit Coptic Cairo or Islamic Cairo if you haven't already. Most bazaar shops open after 10 AM.

    

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• 20 Day Egypt Itinerary, incl. Cairo and Luxor

  A grand 20-day tour through 12 Egyptian cities including Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria. Highlights feature 4 nights Nile cruise, 4 nights desert camping, and luxury hotel stays. Expert guides lead comprehensive tours of ancient sites, with all entrance fees and domestic flights included.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Cairo & Pyramids

    Start in Cairo. Schedule airport pickup 4 hours before international flights to account for heavy traffic. Visit the Pyramids early at 8:00 AM before crowds arrive. Spend a full morning at the Egyptian Museum focusing on the Tutankhamun collection when you're fresh. "The guides all went far beyond expectations, though prepare for intense city traffic," noted one traveler.

    
  • Days 3-7

    Desert Safari

    Take a 4-hour drive west to Bahariya Oasis for your desert adventure. The White Desert camping stands out as a highlight. "We especially loved camping in the White Desert, driving off road and seeing a stunning sunset," one reviewer shared. Pack warm clothes for cold nights. Basic bathrooms are available at campsites. Visit crystal formations and black mountains on your way to Farafra and Dakhla Oases.

    
  • Days 8-12

    Luxor & Nile Cruise

    Fly from Kharga to Luxor instead of taking the long drive. Start with East Bank temples. Visit Karnak Temple early for the best morning light. Consider a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings for excellent views. Take the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples. Be aware that some ships are older and you might hear generator noise at night.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Sharm El Sheikh

    Fly from Aswan to Sharm for beach time and snorkeling. "This was the most relaxing portion - everything was super," according to one traveler. Take optional trips to Tiran Islands for great reefs. The resort area offers a nice break from sightseeing.

    
  • Days 17-20

    Alexandria & Final Cairo

    Drive 3 hours to Alexandria to see the modern library and ancient catacombs. Finish in Cairo exploring Islamic Cairo and Coptic sites. Book a dinner cruise on your final night for city views.

    

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• 18 Days in Greece & Egypt, incl. Athens and Cairo

  Cultural riches abound in this 18-day tour across 9 Egyptian cities, with 4 nights cruising the Nile on Carnival 4*. Unveil UNESCO sites like Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple Complex, and Philae Temple. Enjoy stays at Radisson Blu Heliopolis in Cairo and Pyramisa Isis in Luxor, with 31 included meals.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Athens

    Start with three full days in Athens. Get to the Acropolis by 8:30 AM to beat the crowds and catch perfect morning photos. Visit the New Acropolis Museum to see over 4,000 ancient artifacts. Book your stay in the Plaka neighborhood for easy walks to major sites and local tavernas.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Paros

    Take the morning high-speed ferry from Athens to Paros (4 hours). Stay in Parikia, the main port town where you can visit the beautiful 6th-century Byzantine church Panagia Katapoliani. The north coast has the best beaches with regular summer bus service. Make time for the fishing village of Naoussa.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Santorini

    Take a 3-hour ferry from Paros to Santorini. Skip crowded Oia and stay in Imerovigli or Firostefani for classic caldera views. Walk the caldera path in the early morning before the heat kicks in. Book your sunset sailing trips a few days ahead since they sell out quickly.

    
  • Day 9

    Athens-Cairo Transit

    Return to Athens by ferry then catch your flight to Cairo. Give yourself at least 3 hours between ferry arrival and flight departure because of Athens traffic. Get some Egyptian pounds ready for your arrival visa ($25).

    
  • Days 10-11

    Cairo

    Start at the Pyramids right when they open at 8 AM to avoid crowds. At the new Grand Egyptian Museum focus on the Tutankhamun collection if you're short on time. The Zamalek area is great for restaurants and easy to navigate.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Nile Cruise

    Fly to Aswan for a 4-night cruise to Luxor. The Abu Simbel trip starts very early but you won't regret it. Pack light clothes since deck temperatures can hit 100°F. Visit Edfu Temple early before it gets too hot.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Luxor

    Try the morning hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings for amazing views. See Karnak Temple in late afternoon light for the best photos. "The scale of Karnak is mind-blowing - allow at least 3 hours to explore properly," one traveler shared.

    
  • Day 18

    Return from Cairo

    Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic issues.

    

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