7-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel

This 7 day Egypt itinerary covers Cairo (2 nights), Luxor (2 nights), and Aswan (2 nights), with Abu Simbel as a day trip from Aswan and stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo en route.

The trip starts with the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, continues with Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, then moves south to Edfu and Kom Ombo before finishing in Aswan with Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. Seven days is enough for the classic Egypt route when transfers are handled by private vehicle and domestic flights connect Cairo and Upper Egypt. El Sultan Travel operates this 7 day Egypt itinerary as a fully private tour from their base in Luxor.

What This 7-Day Egypt Itinerary Covers

This route is built around the three cities every first-time visitor comes to see — Cairo, Luxor and Aswan — with Abu Simbel added as the great southern finale.

You begin among the Pyramids of Giza and the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, fly south to Luxor for the temples and royal tombs of ancient Thebes, then follow the Nile upstream through Edfu and Kom Ombo to Aswan, where Philae and Abu Simbel wait. Seven days is the sweet spot: long enough to see the icons without rushing, short enough to fit a normal holiday.

Day by Day Through the Itinerary

Days 1–2: Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza

Arrive in Cairo and settle in before a full day exploring the Giza plateau — the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and the panoramic desert viewpoint — followed by the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the complete Tutankhamun collection. An optional evening in Old Cairo or Khan el-Khalili rounds out the capital.

Days 3–4: Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings

A short domestic flight brings you to Luxor. On the East Bank you visit the vast temple complex of Karnak and Luxor Temple; on the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, the terraces of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. An optional sunrise hot air balloon flight over the valley is easy to add here.

Day 5: Edfu and Kom Ombo

Travelling south along the Nile you stop at the Temple of Horus in Edfu — one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt — and the unusual double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god and Horus, before arriving in Aswan.

Days 6–7: Aswan, Philae and Abu Simbel

Aswan is the gentlest of the three cities: a felucca sail on the Nile, the island temple of Philae dedicated to Isis, and the High Dam. An early start on the final day takes you to Abu Simbel, where the four colossal statues of Ramesses II guard temples relocated stone by stone to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Why This Route Works So Well

The classic Cairo–Luxor–Aswan line follows the Nile the way ancient Egyptians did, so the story unfolds in roughly chronological and geographical order rather than jumping around. Domestic flights between Cairo and Upper Egypt keep the long distances from eating into sightseeing time, while private transfers on the ground mean you set the pace at each site rather than following a large group.

Because everything is arranged as a private tour, the itinerary is flexible: you can swap in a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, add the balloon flight, or spend an extra afternoon in the Grand Egyptian Museum. For official visitor information, visa guidance and current site opening details it is worth checking Egypt.travel, the country’s official tourism portal, alongside our own detailed day-tour guides for each city.

Practical Notes Before You Book

The best months are October to April, when temperatures in Upper Egypt are comfortable for daytime sightseeing. Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection and modest cover for religious sites, and carry your passport for the Abu Simbel checkpoint. Domestic flights and Abu Simbel access are included in this 7 day Egypt itinerary, and all transfers are handled by air-conditioned private vehicle with a licensed Egyptologist guide.

Why Book Private with El Sultan?

Cheaper group tours exist, but here is what booking this 7 day Egypt itinerary privately buys you:

• One team, whole journey — the same operator meets you in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan; nothing falls between agencies.
• Your own air-conditioned vehicle — leave when you are ready, skip the 40-seat bus hotel rounds.
• Flexible timing — beat the crowds at opening or linger where you love; the day bends around you.
• Family-friendly — kids nap, grandparents rest, nobody is left behind.
• Direct local team — one WhatsApp away before, during and after your trip.