How to Spend 9 Days in Egypt

Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs, is not just any ordinary travel destination– it’s one of the most awe-inspiring and fascinating places on Earth. Its revolutionary architecture, engrossing mythology, and immense monoliths have wowed humanity for millennia. As Napoleon himself puts it,

“From the heights of these pyramids, forty centuries look down on us.“

So, the question is, are you ready to experience the magic of Egypt for yourself? Let’s dive into what you might expect out of spending 9 days in Egypt!

This fast-paced Egypt itinerary explores all of the must-see highlights from Aswan to Cairo, including the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temple, and of course, the iconic Pyramids of Giza!

See it all > 9 Days Essential Egypt Trip

Day 1-2: Cairo 

Cairo is the modern capital of Egypt and is associated with the nearby ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. It’s set on the magical River Nile and is known as being the largest city in the Middle East. 

As you might expect, most travelers will visit Cairo to see the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza, but did you know there are many other famous landmarks worth seeing too? Some of the top sites you’ll want to see on your first day in Egypt include:

After a thrilling two days, it’ll be time to get your transport to Upper Egypt. The most iconic Egypt transport experience is to hop on one of the comfortable sleeper trains. So, that’s exactly what we’ll do– next stop Aswan!

Day 3-4: Aswan

Arriving in Aswan from Cairo feels like you’ve stepped into a brand new country! Things move a lot slower down here, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do and see in Aswan!

Here are some of the top highlights in Aswan:

Day 5: Felucca Sailing on the River Nile

They say if you didn’t sail on a traditional felucca, you didn’t visit Aswan! That’s why any great Egypt itinerary will feature this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. A felucca is the traditional method of transport on the River Nile, recognizable by its triangular sail and shallow hulls. 

Egyptians are said to be the first people to use the power of the wind to move their boats, and the design has remained largely unchanged for millennia. 

Aswan is the best place to embark on a felucca journey, with great highlights including Elephantine Island, Kitchener Island, and even a visit to a vibrant and friendly Nubian Village. 

Day 6: Edfu, Kom Ombo, Luxor

After unwinding on the River Nile near Aswan, it’s time again to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt! On the sixth day of your 9-day Egypt trip, you’ll visit several temples and historic sites including:

A great thing about this route is that both Edfu and Kom Ombo temples are conveniently located on the way to Luxor!

Day 7: Luxor

For many, day 7 is the day you’ve been waiting for! There are many treasures and mysteries waiting for you on the West Bank of the Nile, including the famous Valley of the Kings– also referred to as the City of the Dead.

The Valley of the Kings offers travelers the opportunity to explore the well-preserved burial chambers of some of Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs. If you visit King Tut’s tomb, you can even see the boy king himself, preserved in his mummified state. But, that’s not all that’s on offer in Luxor. Other must-see highlights include:

Next, travellers will make their way back to Cairo via the useful overnight sleeper trains!

Day 8 & 9: Cairo City

After seeing the temple structures and elegantly carved hieroglyphs for yourself, a visit to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum is so much more fascinating! This is one of the most important museums dedicated to the ancient world, and houses over 120,000 ancient Egyptian relics!

Following a guided visit to the museum, you’ll have time to explore more Cairo activities and sites including: 

Ready to Experience 9 Days in Egypt for Yourself?

So, are YOU ready to book your trip to Egypt? For the most convenient and memorable way to experience all of these amazing sites and activities, check out the 9-day Essential Egypt tour