It took me a while to decide to visit Egypt. Although it’s one of the first things I learned about history and geography in school. The only reason was because I kept hearing how unsafe or uncomfortable it could be to visit Egypt as a solo female traveller.
So, when I finally started planning my 3 weeks in Egypt trip, I was planning with a friend. I’m happy that I travelled there with someone, especially a person who loves history.
Egypt is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and the Sinai Peninsula in southwest Asia.
It has one of the longest histories of any country, dating back to the 6th to 4th millennia BCE. It is famous for its numerous world-famous landmarks, including the Pyramids, Nile River, and Sphinx, among others.
This country is a must-visit not only because of its historical sites but also because of its food, thrilling desert adventures, modern cities, fascinating Nubian villages, which are indigenous groups, and more.
In this guide, you will find an itinerary that discusses how many days to spend in each city what to see and do, how to get from point A to point B, things to know while planning your trip, and so much more.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO EGYPT
When is the best time to go to Egypt
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the cooler months from October to April, when the weather is more comfortable for exploring.
Peak Season: December to February is the peak season, especially around Christmas and New Year. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for visiting the pyramids, temples, and other outdoor attractions. However, this also means higher prices and more tourists.
Summer Season: June to August is extremely hot, especially in southern Egypt, like Luxor and Aswan. Temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities challenging.
Rainy Season: Egypt is mostly desert, so there’s minimal rainfall, primarily in the Mediterranean coastal areas from December to March. There’s no typhoon season.
Shoulder Season: March to May and September to November are the shoulder seasons. The weather is warm but not excessively hot, and there are fewer tourists. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather.
Are 3 weeks enough for Egypt
Yes, 20 days in Egypt is plenty. You will get to see the top sites without hurrying. Plan to visit 4-5 cities and decide on taking a domestic flight or private transfer when possible to save some time.
What to pack
Egypt has a majority of Sunni Muslims. This means ing your shoulders, knees, and sometimes even your head most of the time (not only when visiting mosques and temples).
To show respect, it’s best to dress conservatively even in touristy areas. But at the same time, it gets quite hot in Egypt, especially during the dry season. So, make sure to pack light clothing that is still modest in design.
Always carry a scarf big enough to cover your shoulders, and knees, use around your head, or even cover your nose/mouth when visiting the desert. You will be visiting lots of historical sites, which means a lot of walking.
Packing comfortable shoes is a must, but also walking sandals that can be used in dusty or sandy regions.
How to get around
Getting around in Egypt can be tricky. This is because of the shape of the country and the locations of the top attractions. Cairo is right on the top of Egypt, which can be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time.
From Cairo, you can reach almost all the top cities. But it also means that you might have to travel back to Cairo to get to another city.
- Fastest Option: Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between major cities like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. EgyptAir and other local airlines offer frequent flights that save time, especially for longer distances.
- Cheapest Option: Buses are the most economical way to get around Egypt. Companies like GoBus and SuperJet connect major cities and tourist destinations, offering affordable and comfortable rides.
- Renting a Car: Renting a car in Egypt is not ideal for most tourists due to chaotic traffic, different driving norms, and limited parking in cities. However, it can be useful for exploring less-visited areas or the Sinai Peninsula. If you rent, consider hiring a driver.
- City Transport: In Cairo, the metro is a convenient and inexpensive way to navigate the city. Alexandria also has a tram system. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely available in Cairo and other large cities, offering a safe and easy way to get around.
Each mode of transport has its advantages, so choose based on your destination and comfort level.
Language and currency
The main language in Egypt is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by those working in the tourism industry.
Tourists can generally get around in English, as many signs, menus, and public transport information are available in both Arabic and English.
The main currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Tourists generally need to use Egyptian Pounds for most transactions, as other major currencies like US Dollars or Euros are not commonly accepted, except in some high-end hotels and tourist shops.
Payment Methods:
- Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in major cities and tourist areas. They are convenient for larger transactions.
- Cash: It’s essential to carry cash, especially for smaller purchases, tips, local markets, and in more rural areas where card payment may not be available.
Having a mix of cash and cards is advisable for convenience.
Average travel cost for 3 weeks in Egypt
Egypt is my favourite popular destination because of how affordable it is to travel around. It has so much to offer while allowing your budget to stretch out. Here’s a budget idea:
An affordable trip might cost around $1,200-$1,800 per person, covering budget accommodations, local transportation (buses and trains), street food, and entry to major sites like the Pyramids.
A mid-range trip could range from $2,500-$4,000 per person, including 3-4 star hotels, domestic flights, guided tours, and dining at mid-range restaurants.
A luxury trip might range from $6,000-$9,000 per person, featuring 5-star accommodations, private tours, fine dining, and premium experiences like Nile cruises and hot air balloon rides over Luxor.
Visa
Egypt’s visa policy can be a bit more challenging for some. Visitors from most of Latin America, the US, Oceania, Europe, and some parts of Asia and Africa can get a visa on arrival or apply for an evisa online for up to 30 days.
Travellers from North Africa and the Gulf countries can enjoy visa-free stays, between 3 to 6 months.
Other travel tips
PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN EGYPT
Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google
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3 WEEKS IN EGYPT ITINERARY
There’s more to Cairo than museums and mosques. Here, you can get a feel of street life through shopping amidst the maze of Khan el-Khalili. You can also see the Royal Mummies, stroll down Al Muizz li-Din Allah Street, go to a park, and more.
The next stop is Hurghada, Egypt’s oldest and most famous resort city, where you’ll get to enjoy white sand, turquoise waters, and clear blue skies almost all throughout the year.
Ride horse-drawn carriages by the river and stroll along the Avenue of Sphinxes once you reach Luxor. You won’t run out of historic tourist attractions to visit here.
The last stop is Aswan and Luxor, which is a friendly town with a more tranquil vibe. Here, you’ll get to visit various temples and monuments and learn more about the Nubian culture. There are also tons of day-trip opportunities.
These two cities on the Nile River are also the gateway to the remarkable Abu Simbel Temples.
Cairo for 5 days
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the country. I highly recommend that you start your three weeks in Egypt trip here.
There is an international airport here and you can start your trip by exploring Egypt through its fragrant smells of spices, chaotic streets, and centuries-old architecture.
Also known as the cradle of civilization, Cairo is among the most densely populated cities in Africa, and because of that, there are tons of neighbourhoods that you could visit.
Aside from Giza, Zamalek is an oasis on the island of the Nile, filled with high-end restaurants and hip cafes. There’s also a downtown area filled with museums and the buzzing Tahrir Square.
You can also travel and spend overnight camping in the Western Desert. This is a hidden gem where you’ll get to see the White Desert, the Black Desert, and the Crystal Mountain.
Things to do in Cairo
- Day trip to Alexandria
- Sphinx, Giza Pyramids, and Egyptian Museum private tour
- El Tannoura dance show
- Nile dinner cruise
- Muhammad Ali Mosque
- Khan El-Khalili Market
- The Citadel
- Cairo Tower
Accommodations in Cairo
Hurghada for 5 days
The second stop on your 3 weeks in Egypt itinerary is Hurghada. This is a coastal city and serves as the capital of the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt. It is among the largest resort destinations in the Red Sea.
Filled with world-famous coral reefs as well as hotels and restaurants along the coastline, Hurghada is among the busiest holiday destinations in Egypt.
This place is perfect for those who love beaches and water sports. From scuba diving to jet skiing and snorkelling, you’ll never run out of things to do here.
If you prefer a laid-back vibe, you can opt to have a cruise instead, and if you prefer land activities, 4WD and buggy forays are available as well.
There are tons of ways to reach Hurghada if you are coming from Cairo, the most recommended of which is to ride the bus, with tickets costing between $3 and $7. The travel time for this is more than 5 hours. You can also ride a taxi, drive, or fly.
If you love snorkelling or diving, you should check out the Philippines or Thailand as well.
Things to do in Hurghada
- Dolphin-watching boat tour
- Diving and snorkeling
- Red Sea and Desert Horse Riding Tout
- Luxor Valley of the Kings day trip
- Orange Island yacht trip
- Giftun Islands
- Hurghada Old Town
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Accommodations in Hurghada
Luxor for 4 days
Luxor is a city in Upper Egypt, including the site of the Egyptian City of Thebes. It is often considered the world’s greatest open-air museum because of the Egyptian temple complexes.
On its opposite side, across the Nile, you’ll find tombs, temples, and monuments on the west bank Theban Necropolis.
During your 20 days in Egypt, I highly recommend that you stay in Luxor for 4 days, as there are so many world-renowned historical sites here.
Aside from the ancient sites, you can also partake in an annual pilgrimage that attracts millions of tourists.
Many of the places here are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also easily get to Abu Simbel from Luxor, which is also a historic site.
The distance between Hurghada and Luxor is 309 km (192 miles). In order to reach Luxor, I suggest that you ride the bus.
It has a travel duration of 4 hours and costs anywhere between $2 and $5. You can also ride a taxi, drive, or fly, but between the four transportation options, the bus is the cheapest.
Things to do in Luxor
- Amun Temple Enclosure
- The Valley of Kings
- Luxor Temple
- Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Ramesseum
- Sunrise hot air balloon ride
- Valley of Queens
- Felucca ride to Banana Island
Accommodations in Luxor
Aswan for 4 days
Aswan is a city in southern Egypt that is considered a busy market and tourist centre. Its natural placement is strategic, so it has been a successful trading port from 4,500 BCE to 450 CE.
It is also known as the Land of Gold, not because of goldmines but because it is the resting place of Nubian pharaohs.
It has five monuments that are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This city is well-known for its peaceful aura, significant archaeological sites, open-air marketplaces, and Nile Valley scenery
It also has generally warm weather all year round, so it’s a perfect winter destination.
Luxor is 241.4 km (149.99 miles) from Aswan. The cheapest way to reach Aswan. Believe it or not, it is by driving. It has a travel time of more than 3 hours, with fuel costing anywhere between $11 and $16. You can also ride the train or a taxi.
Things to do in Aswan
- Day trip to Abu Simbel
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Elephantine Island
- Aswan Botanical Garden
- Nubian Museum
- Nile River cruise
- Explore the Nubian Villages
- Temple of Kalabsha
Accommodations in Aswan
MUST-TRY EGYPTIAN DISHES AND DRINKS
Egyptian cuisine is a blend of influences from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. The dishes often feature legumes, vegetables, and grains, reflecting Egypt’s agricultural heritage.
While Egyptian food shares similarities with Middle Eastern cuisine, such as the use of spices like cumin and coriander, it also has unique elements influenced by ancient Egyptian traditions.
Make sure to try a few dishes during your 3 weeks in Egypt. Here are some the top food and rinks check out:
- Koshari – A mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and fried onions topped with tomato sauce.
- Ful Medames – Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and lemon.
- Molokhia – A green, leafy stew made from jute leaves, typically served with rice and chicken or rabbit.
- Ta’ameya (Egyptian Falafel) – Deep-fried patties made from fava beans and herbs.
- Fattah – A dish of rice, meat, and crispy bread, topped with vinegar and tomato sauce.
- Hawawshi – Spiced minced meat stuffed in bread and baked until crispy.
- Mahshi – Vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
- Shawarma – Marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) roasted on a spit and served on bread with tahini.
- Basbousa – Semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup, often topped with almonds.
- Umm Ali – A rich bread pudding made with milk, nuts, and raisins.
- Konafa – A dessert made from thin pastry soaked in syrup, layered with cream or nuts.
- Karkadeh – Hibiscus tea, served cold or hot.
- Sahlab – A warm, creamy drink made from orchid root, often topped with nuts and cinnamon.
- Sugarcane Juice (Asab) – Freshly pressed sugarcane juice, popular in street markets.
SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN EGYPT ITINERARY
The fascinating history, stunning landscapes, and ethereal landmarks are some of the reasons why one should visit this country.
Aside from the famous tourist spots, there are also tons of hidden gems that you’ll surely enjoy visiting, such as the KomEl-Shoqafa Catacombs, Shali Fortress, Cave of Beasts, and Wadi El-Weshwash, which is quite literally a hidden gem as its turquoise pool of water is nestled between granite mountains.
And that concludes our 3 weeks in Egypt itinerary article. I hope that you’ll consider visiting Egypt in the near future because there are so many places worth visiting and new things worth trying out here.