15 days in Egypt
Why Egypt?
•Egyptian civilization studied in schools
•Best time to visit during Christmas - New Year vacation. Good weather
•Key cities covered: Cairo -> Luxor -> Aswan -> Abu Simbel -> Cairo -> Alexandria -> Cairo
Itinerary
Attractions
Accommodation
Transportation
Restaurant
Items
Bonus Tips
Itinerary
Attractions
Accommodation
Transportation
Restaurant
Items
Bonus Tips
Itinerary
Cairo Airport to Hotel: Taxi 🚕
Transportationon fly hire (without pre-booking)
Cost of transportation: 720 EGP, They rip of money from me.
Alternatively you can choose Uber.
Alternatively you can choose Uber.
Sky light hotel, Cairo
Accommodation2025-Dec-20 - 2025-Dec-23
Reached hotel around 7:45pm, Its a private room with toilet/bath-room.
Day 2 - 2025 December 21 Sunday - Cairo - Giza - Cairo
GenericCairo -> Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis -> Cairo
TransportationBooked 1 day shared trip from Ocean Air traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a shared trip
This is a shared trip
Entry inside the Pyramid of Khufu
LocationCovered as part of getyourguide.com package. Entry ticket was additional and purchased directly and accepts only card. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 1500 EGP
Namaste Indian Restaurant, Cairo
RestaurantAn Indian restaurant. Its in the 'R' floor of the Ramses Hilton hotel.
Day 3 - 2025 December 22 Monday - Cairo - GEM - Coptic Cairo
GenericSky light hotel, Cairo: Taxi to The Grand Egyptian Museum: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 145 EGP + 5 EGP tip
The Grand Egyptian Museum & Khufu Boats Musuem
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked the day before. Note: If you need a guide, you may need to pre-book early. Even though I purchased Audio guide, I didn't used it much.
The Grand Egyptian Museum: Taxi to The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 206 EGP + 14 EGP tip
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked the day before. The royal mummies are the main attraction here
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: Taxi to Coptic Musuem: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 55 EGP + 5 EGP tip
Coptic Museum
LocationEntry ticket purchased directly and accepts only card. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 280 EGP
Coptic Musuem: Taxi to Nile bridge near Ramses Hilton Hotel: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 92 EGP + 8 EGP
Namaste Indian Restaurant, Cairo
RestaurantDinner
An Indian restaurant. Its in the 'R' floor of the Ramses Hilton hotel.
Namaste Indian Restaurant, Ramses Hilton Hotel: Sky light hotel, Cairo: Walk 🚶
TransportationSky light hotel, Cairo: Taxi to Go Bus (Tahrir) Boarding Station: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 72 EGP + 8 EGP tip
Day 4 - 2025 December 23 Tuesday - Cairo - Luxor
GenericGo Bus (Tahrir) Boarding Station: Luxor Go Bus: Over night bus
TransportationCost of transportation: 450 EGP + Luggage onboarding handling guy 20 EGP tip. On the way, this bus will stop at multiple places for toilet & tea/coffee break
Full day private taxi hired for 1 day in Luxor
TransportationI booked Ahmed via Whatsapp by reading his reviews from Google Map
Valley of Kings - 'KV17 - Tomb of Seti I' & 'KV62 - Tomb of Tutankhamun' & 'KV9 - Tomb of Ramesses V and VI'
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked via egymonuments.com few hours before to avoid the queue. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 750 EGP (allow 3 tombs) + 'KV17 - Tomb of Seti I' 2000 EGP + 'KV62 - Tomb of Tutankhamun' 700 EGP + KV9 - Tomb of Ramesses V and VI 220 EGP. 20 EGP electric vehicle ticket purchased directly by cash
Valley of Queens - 'QV55 - Tomb of Amenkopshef' & 'QV52 - Tomb of Queen Tyti' & 'QV44 - Tomb Of Prince Kha em wast'
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked via egymonuments.com few hours before. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 220 EGP (allow 3 tombs). When I visited, 'QV66 Tomb of Nefertari' was closed. When you visit if 'QV66 Tomb of Nefertari' is open, highly recommended as I heard it's the most beautiful tomb in the Egypt as of (2025 December) and it may require additional entry ticket
Deir el-Medina
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked via egymonuments.com few hours before. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 220 EGP.
Madinet Habu
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked via egymonuments.com few hours before. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 220 EGP.
Ramesseum
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked via egymonuments.com few hours before. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 220 EGP
Seti I Temple
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked via egymonuments.com few hours before. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 200 EGP
St Joseph Hotel, Luxor
Accommodation2025-Dec-23 - 2025-Dec-26
Its a private room with toilet/bath-room.
Day 5 - 2025 December 24 Wednesday - Luxor
GenericLuxor -> Hot Air Balloon -> Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings (3 tombs), Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple -> Luxor
TransportationBooked 1 day shared trip from Sunrise ballooning traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a shared trip
This is a shared trip
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
LocationCovered as part of getyourguide.com package. Entry ticket cost EGP 440 was not included in the package. 20 EGP electric vehicle ticket purchased directly by cash
Valley of the Kings - Ramesses IV tomb (KV2), Ramesses IX tomb (KV6), and Ramesses III tomb (KV11)
LocationCovered as part of getyourguide.com package. Entry ticket cost EGP 750 was not included in the package. 20 EGP electric vehicle ticket purchased directly by cash
Restaurant Paris, West bank, Luxor
RestaurantLunch as part of getyourguide.com package. cost EGP 650 was not included in the package.
Karnak Temple
LocationCovered as part of getyourguide.com package. Entry ticket cost EGP 600 was not included in the package.
St Joseph Hotel, Luxor: Luxor Museum: Walk 🚶
TransportationLuxor Museum
LocationEntry ticket pre-booked via egymonuments.com few hours before. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: EGP 400
Mummification Museum
LocationEntry ticket purchased directly and accepts only card. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 220 EGP
Day 6 - 2025 December 25 Thursday - Luxor
GenericSt Joseph Hotel, Luxor: Mut Temple via Karnak Temple entrance: Walk 🚶
TransportationIts 1 hour walk. You can use indrive.com app (Uber like app) as well
Mut Temple & Alley of the Sphinxes & path connecting between Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
LocationThe path connecting Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple is visible from the roadside, even without entering the Karnak Temple premises. You will be entring via Karnak Temple, So, need entry ticket of Karnak Temple EGP 600 + Additional entry ticket of Mut Temple EGP 200
Oasis Palace, East bank, Luxor
RestaurantOasis Palace, restaurant: Nile corniche, Luxor: Walk 🚶
TransportationNile corniche, Luxor: Luxor Temple entrance: horse carriage ride 🏇🛷
TransportationLuxor Temple
LocationEntry ticket purchased directly and accepts only card. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 500 EGP
Day 7 - 2025 December 26 Friday - Luxor - Aswan
GenericLuxor to Aswan (one way) private taxi transfer
TransportationPre-booked 2 days before via getyourguide.com. However, you can get cheaper options
Tiba Hotel, Aswan
Accommodation2025-Dec-26 - 2025-Dec-29
This is a private room with an attached toilet and bathroom. You may choose to book another hotel if you find a better option, as this one is located near the railway station and involves a short walk to access restaurants along the Nile Corniche
Tiba Hotel, Aswan: Taxi to Nubian Museum: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via InDrive app
Cost of transportation: 150 EGP (In the InDrive app, fares work on a bidding system, allowing you to bid the price you prefer)
Nubian Museum, Aswan
LocationEntry ticket purchased directly and accepts only card. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 400 EGP
Nubian Museum: Taxi to Makani Restaurant: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via InDrive app
Cost of transportation: 80 EGP (In the InDrive app, fares work on a bidding system, allowing you to bid the price you prefer) + 20 EGP Tip
Makani Restaurant, Aswan
RestaurantValue for money. Good food. They will not ask tip.
Nile corniche, Aswan: Ferry to Elephantine island: Public ferry ⛴️
TransportationElephantine Island Archaeological Site
LocationI purchased the entry ticket directly and paid in cash. However, I’m not sure whether it was legitimate because I was not given a ticket. The cost was 200 EGP.
Elephantine island: Ferry to Nile corniche, Aswan: Public ferry ⛴️
TransportationNile corniche, Aswan: Taxi to Tiba hotel: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via InDrive app
Cost of transportation: 50 EGP (In the InDrive app, fares work on a bidding system, allowing you to bid the price you prefer)
Day 8 - 2025 December 27 Saturday - Aswan
GenericAswan -> Unfinished Obelisk, Philae, High Dam, Nubian Village -> Aswan
TransportationBooked 1 day partially private trip from 'Nice tours' traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a private trip, however, the Nubian village visit was a shared trip
This is a private trip, however, the Nubian village visit was a shared trip
Aswan -> Nubian Village: Shared ferry (including return) ⛴️
TransportationCovered as part of getyourguide.com package.
Nile corniche, Aswan: Ferry to Kitchener's island: Private ferry (including return) ⛴️
TransportationHired a private ferry to Kitchener's island. Cost of transportation: 600 EGP (includes 1 hour waiting and return), if you have bargaining skills, you might get cheaper
Botanical Garden, Kitchener Island, Aswan
LocationI purchased the entry ticket directly and paid in cash. The cost was 70 EGP.
Kitchener's island: ferry to Nile corniche, Aswan: Private ferry ⛴️
TransportationReturned on the same private ferry
Feryal Garden
LocationI purchased the entry ticket directly and paid in cash. The cost was 50 EGP.
Day 9 - 2025 December 28 Sunday - Aswan - Abu Simbel - Aswan
GenericAswan -> Abu Simbel Temples -> Aswan
TransportationBooked 1 day private trip from 'Emo tours' traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a private trip, however, there are shared trip from 'Nice tours' as well
This is a private trip, however, there are shared trip from 'Nice tours' as well
Elmodhesh Fish Restaurant, Near Abu Simbel
RestaurantThe lunch from this restaurant was covered as part of getyourguide.com package. However, drink/juice cost is extra and they charged 200 EGP for 1 mango juice (which is high).
Day 10 - 2025 December 29 Monday - Aswan - Luxor
GenericAswan -> Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple -> Luxor
TransportationBooked 1 day 1 side partially private trip from 'Nice tours' traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a private trip, however, the guide explanation was shared with others
This is a private trip, however, the guide explanation was shared with others
Kom Ombo Temple & nearby Crocodile Museum
LocationBooked 1 day 1 side partially private trip from 'Nice tours' traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a private trip, however, the guide explanation was shared with others. Entry to Crocodile Musuem was free.
This is a private trip, however, the guide explanation was shared with others. Entry to Crocodile Musuem was free.
St Joseph Hotel, Luxor
Accommodation2025-Dec-29 - 2025-Dec-30
Its a private room with toilet/bath-room.
St Joseph Hotel, Luxor: Taxi to Go bus boarding point, Luxor: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via InDrive app
Cost of transportation: 100 EGP + 20 EGP tip (In the InDrive app, fares work on a bidding system, allowing you to bid the price you prefer)
Day 11 - 2025 December 30 Tuesday - Luxor - Cairo
GenericGo Bus Boarding Station, Luxor: Go Bus, Tahrir square, Cairo: Over night bus
TransportationCost of transportation: 450 EGP + Luggage onboarding handling guy 20 EGP tip + Luggage offboarding guy 30 EGP tip (I didn't had change & he was rude). On the way, this bus will stop at multiple places for toilet & tea/coffee break
Go Bus, Tahrir square, Cairo: City View Hotel, Cairo: Walk 🚶
TransportationIt was nearby, so walked with luggage
City View Hotel, Cairo
Accommodation2025-Dec-30 - 2026-Jan-03
Its a private room with toilet/bath-room.
Koshary Abou Tarek, Cairo
RestaurantHad Egyptian food 'Koshary' for 65 EGP (without salad, chips, water)
The Egyptian Museum, Cairo
LocationEntry ticket purchased directly and accepts only card. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 550 EGP
Koshary Abou Tarek, Cairo
RestaurantHad Egyptian food 'Koshary' for 95 EGP (with salad, chips), one guy asked me 50 EGP tip
Day 12 - 2025 December 31 Wednesday - Cairo - Alexandria - Cairo
GenericCairo -> Alexandria -> Cairo
TransportationBooked 1 day shared trip from Ocean Air traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a shared trip
This is a shared trip
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
LocationBooked 1 day shared trip from 'Ocean Air' traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package.
This is a shared trip
This is a shared trip
Athineos, Alexandria
RestaurantThe lunch from this restaurant was covered as part of getyourguide.com package. However, drink/juice cost is extra and they charged 200 EGP for 1 mango juice (which is high). They also had vegetarian options. Everyone else in my group ordered fish and gave very positive feedback. The eggplant dish was also good.
Day 13 - 2026 January 1 Thursday - Cairo
GenericCity View Hotel, Cairo: Saladin Citadel: Walk 🚶
TransportationSaladin Citadel, Cairo & Sultan Al Nasir Muhammad Mosque & National Police Museum & National Military Museum Egypt
LocationEntry ticket purchased directly and accepts only card. transaction currency will be EGP. Cost of the entry ticket: 550 EGP. All entries are included in the same ticket, but some rooms inside the 'National Military Museum' require an extra ticket.
Saladin Citadel: City View Hotel, Cairo: Walk 🚶
TransportationDinner Cruise, Cairo
TransportationBooked dinner cruise shared trip from 'Egypt Excursions' traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package. I also purchased private taxi pick and drop off from the same package.
Dinner Cruise, Cairo
LocationBooked dinner cruise shared trip from 'Egypt Excursions' traveller which I booked using via getyourguide.com package. I also purchased private taxi pick and drop off from the same package. The cruise itself appears to be operated by another company called Nile Crystal. Be aware that the music is played through loud speakers—if you are sensitive to loud sound, this cruise may not be suitable for you. The program includes a belly dance show and a few cultural performances. There is no rooftop area; only a small section of the cruise is open-air. The buffet is served inside the main hall, which has windows covered with tinted film, so it's difficult to see outside or enjoy the river view. Drinks are not included in the buffet price. one mango juice costs 200 EGP. Payment is accepted by both cash and card.
Day 14 - 2025 January 2 Friday - Cairo
GenericCity View Hotel, Cairo: Khan el-Khalili: Walk 🚶
TransportationKhan el-Khalili, Cairo
LocationKhan el-Khalili: City View Hotel, Cairo: Walk 🚶
TransportationKoshary Abou Tarek, Cairo
RestaurantHad Egyptian food 'Koshary' for 105 EGP (with salad, chips, water)
City View Hotel, Cairo: Taxi to Cairo Airport: Taxi 🚕
TransportationBooked via Uber app
Cost of transportation: 314 EGP + 86 EGP tip
Day 15 - 2025 January 3 Saturday - Returning to home country
GenericItems that I carried
▼iPhone 12 Mini
Brand: Apple
All images are captured using iPhone 12 mini
Redmi 14C
Brand: Redmi
As a backup phone
power bank
Brand: Xiomi
2026 onwards, you may not be able to carry in flight
Universal Travel Adapter
Advantage: If your electronic power plug won't support New Zealand sockets, you must need an adapter to charge your electronic devices
Pencil & Sharpner
Because of cabin pressure changes, ink pens sometimes leak and stain bags or clothes.
Pencils never leak, so they’re safer to carry
Pencils never leak, so they’re safer to carry
Toilet tissue
To save money and time I bought toilet tissue,
I didn’t used it much as most of the public toilet in New Zealand had toilet tissues
I didn’t used it much as most of the public toilet in New Zealand had toilet tissues
Credit Card Holder
Storite 6 Slots RFID Protected Metal Credit Card Holder Wallet for Men & Women(Shiny Black,9.5 x 6.5 x 1.3 cm)
Rain Cover for Backpack
Amazon Brand - Solimo
Advantages: It helped during harsh rain in Queenstown and Redwoods Treewalk (Rotorua), and spontaneous small drizzling in Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown
Belt waist bag
Advantage: Since I was keeping bags in hostels, and when I do water activities in Queenstown, I was worried about my passport safety, So i kept passport inside a zip lock and kept in the belt waist bag
Ziplock
Note: Some of the zip-lock bags in the link have weak zips. If you find better ones, go ahead and buy them.
Wet wipes
Advantage: I never stopped my walking when there was a heavy rain in Queenstown area, Kiwi Park Queenstown,
Nivea UV protection Creme
I never used it as I was using Blunt UV umbrella most of my longer sun falling walks. And also, due to personal interest i dont use creme or Sun creme
However, almost everyone i have seen in New Zealand heavily use Sun creme a lot
However, almost everyone i have seen in New Zealand heavily use Sun creme a lot
Waterproof Phone Pouch
I carried it to keep my phone if I take any watersports, However, I never used it
Insta360 X5
Brand: Insta360
All videos are captured using Insta360 X5
Items that I bought
▼Physical SIM of Vodaphone
Brand: Vodaphone
Bought from Cairo Airport
Physical SIM of Etisalat
Brand: Etisalat
Bought from Cairo Airport
Tips
▼Search 'Egypt Scam' in Youtube and watch all those. THIS IS A MUST ITEM BEFORE EVEN LANDING IN AIRPORT.
Mistakes
▼I could have booked uber from Cairo Airport. they scam with 2.5x cost
I booked Luxor to Aswan bus via bookaway.com. But after seeing the review in Google map https://maps.app.goo.gl/6uXtPVZ5tDwWA8r99, decide to take private transfer from GetYourGuide.com. So money wasted by booking bus from bookaway.com
Notes
▼The form that you will get just before landing Cairo airport is important, clearly mentioning all the points. You will also get a form while returning as well. if possible, carry a pen
Read all the reviews before you do anything in Egypt. Hotel, GetYourGuide trips, Viator trips, Visiting places, Light show at Karnak temple, etc
If you are planning to take a 1 day trip package, When you book accommodation, good to check its location comes under the 1 day trip pick up location limit. Most of the trip wont have a pickup from Luxor West Bank and also islands in Aswan, and new cairo area may cost you extra 10 USD
Pre-Checklist
▼Entire Itinerary preparation from internet sources
Flight booking
Pre-booked all of my accommodations
Pre-booked for 6 1 day tour from GetYourGuide
Pre-booked overnight bus (Go Bus https://go-bus.com/en) from Cairo to Luxor and return as well
Get Egypt tourist e-Visa (if applicable)
Bought liquid USD and EGP cash from nearby currency exchange (i got comparatively cheaper rate than BookMyForex)
Downloaded Egypt map in my backup Android phone
Searched what not to do in Egypt, (i got to know about lot of scams in Egypt from youtube videos)
Flight booking
Pre-booked all of my accommodations
Pre-booked for 6 1 day tour from GetYourGuide
Pre-booked overnight bus (Go Bus https://go-bus.com/en) from Cairo to Luxor and return as well
Get Egypt tourist e-Visa (if applicable)
Bought liquid USD and EGP cash from nearby currency exchange (i got comparatively cheaper rate than BookMyForex)
Downloaded Egypt map in my backup Android phone
Searched what not to do in Egypt, (i got to know about lot of scams in Egypt from youtube videos)