Planning a trip to Africa soon? You might be wondering how many days in Egypt is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the area.
If you’re interested in exploring the region, we suggest spending at least seven days in Egypt.
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That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.
If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 3 days in Egypt might be enough for you.
But if you’d like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at each attraction, you might want to consider 6 or 7 days in Egypt instead.
I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Egypt you’ll need. You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Egypt’s highlights.
I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.
How To Decide How Long To Stay In Egypt
Deciding how long to spend in Egypt can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!
To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Egypt, make a list of the things you want to do in the area, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.
At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Egypt you’ll need.
That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Egypt.
Are you planning on staying in Cairo, or do you want to use Cairo as a base to explore further in Egypt?
Cairo can be a good base for exploring the area, but it really depends on what you want to do while in Egypt.
Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure
One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.
To save time on arrival, consider booking a private transfer in advance.
If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage.
If you want to get to Cairo early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.
Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.
Things To Do In Egypt And Its Surroundings
Egypt is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy spending time on the beach and immersing themselves in ancient history.
The region also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as visiting ancient ruins, exploring beach towns, or scuba diving in the red sea.
You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.
The list of highlights below will help you put your Egypt itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.
It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!
Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.
Pace Of Activities
When thinking about how many days in Egypt you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.
So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or a history enthusiast who wants to learn as much as possible about ancient Egypt– then a week in Egypt will definitely suit you better than a few days.
Transportation
Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.
Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by scooter, taxi, or bus?
Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Egypt.
Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.
That said, if you’re going to Cairo directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.
Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.
What To Do In Egypt Area
Here are some of the best sights, experiences, and things to do in Egypt, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.
Visit The Pyramids Of Giza
A must-do while in Egypt, and one of the main reasons many people travel here, is to see the Pyramids of Giza.
These are one of the ancient wonders of the world and are incredible to see in person. You will be amazed by the sheer size and grandeur of these pyramids and you can explore them for hours.
You can take a guided tour or you can even explore on your own, but if you want to go inside the pyramids, be prepared for some walking and climbing.
This is a busy area, so the earlier in the day you go, the better.
Suggested time: 8 hours
Explore Luxor
Another must-see in Egypt is the awe-inspiring ancient city of Luxor.
Here you can see many temples and tombs of pharaohs including the Temple of Karnak and the famous Valley of the Kings.
These temples and tombs have stood for thousands of years and walking around here feels like stepping back in time.
While you’re here, you can see the intricate murals and hieroglyphics in the tombs of pharaohs.
This is a great place for photography lovers to get some incredible shots.
Suggested time: How long you spend in Luxor is up to you, check out our guide to how many days in Luxor is enough.
Nile River Cruise
The Nile is an iconic river known all across the world. You can take a River Nile cruise to soak up all this area has to offer while in Egypt.
Along this relaxing cruise, you can see plenty of major sights, traditional villages, and ancient cities.
You will float past ancient temples and you can take shore at some points to join tours of historic sights in places like the Temple of Kom Ombo.
These boats are exceptionally comfortable with some even having swimming pools. They are the perfect place to watch the scenery go by and take in the country’s beauty.
Suggested time: Up to 7 days
Sharm El Sheikh
If you’re after some sun and downtime by the sea, Sharm El Sheikh should be next on your list to do in Egypt.
This coastal town is located on the red sea and is a very popular holiday resort.
Here you can enjoy a whole host of water sports and activities, and it’s a great place to try some scuba diving in the red sea.
Another big draw for Sharm El Sheikh is the natural beauty of the area. Here you can find stunning natural landscapes, including the Sinai Mountains and the Colored Canyon.
You can organize a jeep safari or a hiking tour to explore these areas.
Sharm El Sheikh is also known for being home to an array of luxury accommodations and vibrant nightlife.
Suggested time: 2 days
Best Time To Visit Egypt
Egypt is a dream destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers alike. But when is the best time to go to Egypt to get the most out of your stay?
This paradise in Africa is always brimming with exciting activities and sunny skies, but certain times of the year are more ideal than others. So, let’s look at what you can expect from Egypt’s weather.
The peak tourist season in Egypt is from December to February when the weather is cool and dry.
This is a great time to explore ancient sites and monuments without worrying about extreme heat.
No matter when you visit, Egypt is sure to provide a vacation that will be remembered for years to come!
Final Thoughts On Egypt Trips
We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Egypt is enough.
And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting time!
Egypt is a great destination to relax and explore ancient Egyptian history.
We hope you’ll have a great time while doing the best things to do in Egypt.
Not sure when is the best time to visit Egypt? We recommend you visit Egypt between December and April.
Traveling to Egypt soon? Read one of the following guides:
