Egypt Itineraries · 7 Nights
A 7-Day Egypt Itinerary For British Travellers
Seven nights is the most popular choice among UK visitors. It fits within most annual leave allowances, uses the direct Heathrow–Cairo service, and covers every major site without a day feeling wasted. This is the route we suggest to most first-time visitors.
Published 26 May 2026 · Reviewed by our Cairo team
The 7-Night Route at a Glance
Day-by-Day
Arrival in Cairo
Most British travellers arrive into Cairo International on an overnight EgyptAir or British Airways flight, landing mid-morning local time. Your guide meets you at the terminal, transfers you to the hotel, and runs a city orientation in the afternoon. Khan el-Khalili bazaar or Old Islamic Cairo works well as an opener if you arrive with time to spare.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Your Egyptologist guide takes you to Giza at opening time, before the day-tour coaches arrive, and walks you through the engineering, mythology, and dynasty timeline. The afternoon moves to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where the Tutankhamun collection warrants two hours alone. Allow time for the café on the roof terrace as the light changes over the plateau.
Fly to Luxor – Valley of the Kings
An early domestic flight (one hour, bookable as part of your itinerary) gets you to Luxor before midday. The Valley of the Kings is best in the late morning before peak heat – your guide holds three tomb entry tickets and will point you to whichever tomb is open only to private groups that day. Luxor Temple at dusk is worth the walk; or rest at the hotel and prepare for boarding.
Karnak and Board Your Nile Cruise
Karnak is the largest temple complex in the ancient world – two to three hours with a good guide. Board your Nile cruise vessel at lunchtime. The afternoon sail is quiet; Luxor falls away behind you and the Nile takes over. If your vessel docks at Edfu by dusk, a horse-drawn calèche takes you to the gate.
Edfu and Kom Ombo
Edfu Temple (dedicated to Horus) is the best-preserved temple in Egypt – the falcon statues at the gate have stood for 2,200 years. The cruise continues south to Kom Ombo, the unusual double temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon Horus. A small crocodile museum sits beside it. Watch the evening sun on the Nile from the top deck.
Aswan – Philae and the High Dam
Aswan is the most relaxed city on the river – quieter than Luxor, less hurried. Philae Temple sits on its own island; you reach it by motor launch from the shore. The High Dam puts modern Egypt in context alongside the ancient. In the afternoon, the Nubian village on Elephantine Island gives the trip something the temple circuit doesn't – a conversation with people who still live on the Nile.
Fly Home or Optional Extra Night
Most overnight flights from Cairo depart late evening. A transfer to Cairo for a connection works well if timed carefully – or extend to 8 nights and use the final day for a felucca on the Nile at sunset. The Abu Simbel day trip (1.5 hours south by plane or 3.5 hours by road) also fits naturally into this day if arranged in advance.
Practical Notes for UK Travellers
Flights
British Airways and EgyptAir both operate direct Heathrow–Cairo services (approximately 5 hours). EgyptAir also flies from Manchester via Cairo. Domestic Cairo–Luxor flights take around 1 hour and cost £50–£90 per person – bookable as part of your itinerary.
Best time to go
October through April. October half-term and February half-term are the most popular windows. November and March offer the best combination of good weather and manageable crowds.
Visa
Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg (single-entry e-Visa, $30, 3–5 working days). We also offer an airport arrival service ($35) – the stamp is ready when you land, no forms in the queue.
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP). Euros and US dollars are accepted for entrance fees and some markets. ATMs are widely available in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. We provide a cost guide with every booking.
Questions
- Is 7 days enough for Egypt?
- Seven nights covers the essential circuit comfortably: two nights in Cairo (Pyramids, GEM, Khan el-Khalili), a flight to Luxor, and a 3-night Nile cruise ending in Aswan. You visit every major site without rushing. Ten to twelve nights lets you add the Red Sea or Abu Simbel – but 7 nights is a complete Egypt holiday.
- Which direction is better – Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?
- Both directions work. For a 7-night itinerary from the UK, Cairo → fly Luxor → cruise to Aswan is the most logical flow. You arrive in Egypt's ancient capital, move south on the Nile, and fly home directly from Aswan or return to Cairo for a late departure.
- How much does a 7-day Egypt holiday cost from the UK?
- Ground arrangements start from around £1,500 per person (standard tier), rising to £3,500+ for ultra-luxury. Heathrow–Cairo return flights typically add £350–£700 per person depending on season. We send 2–4 costed options across accommodation tiers with every quote.
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