Egypt.
Where ancient history meets great adventure. From the Great Pyramids, to the Nile River and the Red Sea, Egypt is a place of endless discovery. Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh are the three cities visited during this trip. With two nights in Cairo and Luxor, and three nights in Sharm El Sheikh, this itinerary is perfect for one week of travel with the goal to see a little bit of everything.
Where to Stay.
This post will have links to all three accommodations booked for Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh. In Cairo, I recommend staying somewhere close to the pyramids for an authentic experience, or in New Cairo if you are looking for something more elevated. Jimmy Pyramids Hotel was just a short 3 minute walk to the pyramids, and very easy to find via taxi or Uber. Jimmy himself was a great host, making you feel right at home and there to help you with anything you may need.
If you found Cairo to be hot, and plan on visiting Luxor, prepare yourself for more intense heat once you arrive. Booking something with a pool was crucial, especially if you plan on visiting during summer months. Although our experience with the host was not the most positive, for a quick stay, this Airbnb was all that was needed. You can check out the Luxor Airbnb here.
To complete the trip, relaxation was key after an extremely fast paced week of adventure. Three nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton, was a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the Red Sea.
Cairo - View from Airbnb.
Luxor Airbnb.
DoubleTree by Hilton Sharm El Sheikh - Sharm Bay.
Things To Do In Cairo.
Cairo is home to the Great Pyramids, as well as the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, which just opened its doors to the public in 2025. The mosque of Muhammad Ali is also located in Cairo, giving you two days of activities. I recommend getting to the Great Pyramids early morning, right when they open is best. This allows you to skip the crowds, and also escape the Egyptian heat. Tickets can be purchased right outside the complex. Inside, there are shops, restaurants, and cafes; as well as hop on/off buses - insuring you are well equipped to see everything you wish from the pyramids to the Great Sphinx of Giza. After your morning with the pyramids, head over to the Grand Egyptian Museum for more beauty and history, as well as a well deserved AC break! Tickets can be purchased on site, or online.
Khufu’s Restaurant.
The Grand Egyptian Museum.
Day two in Cairo can be spent visiting the mosque of Muhammad Ali, Mena House, and Khan el-Khalili - Cairo’s largest outdoor market.
Start your morning at Mena House, located in the Marriot. Sip coffee and enjoy the breakfast buffet with breaktaking views of the pyramids. Walk the property grounds before leaving, taking in the care and maintenance of this stunning hotel.
With many mosques to view in the area, the mosque of Muhammad Ali left us feeling immense gratitude that we decided to visit. The beauty of it is something that can only be experienced in person, no matter how good your camera is.
Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s bazaar, is over 600 years old, and is the perfect place for all your souvenir needs. Get ready to bargain, as this is expected and part of the culture. Although we went during the day, try and go in the evening as it is also famous for all the glowing lanterns, creating an extremely vibrant atmosphere.
The Marriot Mena House.
Khan el-Khalili.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Things To Do In Luxor.
From Cairo, take a quick one hour flight to Luxor, home of many temples and tombs. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, and Valley of The Kings should all be on your list. These sites can easily be done in half a day. Hire a driver/tour guide, for peace of mind. This can be done through Airbnb, or Get Your Guide. We started at 8am, and finished around 2pm. Having a local driver is extremely helpful when it comes to navigating each site, and the knowledge you will gain from your tour guide will be priceless. Also a benefit; their lunch recommendation and quick pit stop to view how local’s turn stone into magic. With a quick “how to” explanation, as well as a massive shop to browse local creations, you will be guaranteed an authentic Egyptian experience.
Since Luxor is nestled along the Nile River, try and make time for a sunset cruise on their local sailing boats. Local tea is provided.
Hatshepsut Temple.
Karnak Temple.
Valley Of The Kings.
Local Artists Located in Luxor.
Lunch Time in Luxor.
Hatshepsut Temple.
Sunset Cruise Along the Nile River.
Things To Do In Sharm El Sheikh.
The perfect location to finish off your Egypt trip! Beach days, shopping, ATV rides through the desert, Sharm is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. While staying at your resort, go for a snorkel or book a scuba dive session if you’re up to it. The Red Sea is known for the extraordinary underwater magic, due to it’s coral reefs.
Old Town Sharm and SOHO are great shopping locations - Old Town Sharm also has a large mosque welcoming visitors, and SOHO is a great place for an evening stroll. Make sure to pencil in the famous Farsha Cafe, but arrive early. Best to plan your visit around sunset, as it is built into the cliffs overlooking the Red Sea. After sunset, the iconic cafe transforms when thousands of laterns are lit. The atmosphere, along with the Persian rugs, vintage furniture, and antique peaces, creates a scene I have never seen before, and never will again anywhere else.
Last, but not least, if there is only one thing you do in Sharm, make it be a ATV tour through the Sinai desert. Booked with Sharm Safari, this tour offers not only an ATV ride (or buggy), but also a visit within the Bedouin village. Here there are no stores, doctors, hospitals, etc. The Bedouin people turn to their local tea shop, which is fully equipped with natural herbs and remedies for anything you may need.
A BBQ dinner is provided, as well as evening entertainment. 10/10 recommend.
Farsha Cafe.
Bedouin Village Local Tea Shop.
BBQ Dinner - Sinai Desert.
Beverage Break During ATV Tour.
