8 days in Cairo, Luxor & Abu Simbel Itinerary

More than 20 million people call Cairo their home and, as soon as you set foot in the sprawling metropolis, it's evident they make it crowded and chaotic, but also exuberant and charming.

On the 8th (Sun), appreciate the history behind Great Sphinx and then grab your flashlight and head to Egypt Tailor Made Day Tours. Keep things going the next day: see the interesting displays at The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, then contemplate the waterfront views at Nile River, and then get a taste of the local shopping with Khan Al-Khalili.

To see other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Cairo online trip itinerary planner.

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiports are Cairo International Airport and Sphinx International Airport. In January, daytime highs in Cairo are 21°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can fly to Luxor.

A monumental number of archaeological relics from ancient Egypt remain evident in Luxor, the former capital of the New Kingdom.

Luxor is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: steep yourself in history at Temple of Karnak, pause for some photo ops at Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, take in the spiritual surroundings of Medinet Habu, and examine the collection at Le Scarabe Papyrus Museum.

To see other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Luxor itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Cairo to Luxor takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Cairo in January: highs in Luxor hover around 26°C, while lows dip to 8°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to travel to Abu Simbel.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): steep yourself in history at Abu Simbel Temple Complex.

To find photos, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Abu Simbel trip itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Luxor to Abu Simbel in 6.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or fly. In January in Abu Simbel, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 10°C at night.