Is 7 days enough for Cairo and Luxor?

Yes, 7 days covers the essential sites in both cities without rushing. You'll see the major pyramids, museums, and temples with time to absorb the experience. Adding Alexandria or Aswan would need 10+ days.

Should I book tours or explore independently?

Hire guides for complex sites like Giza pyramids and Valley of the Kings where historical context matters. You can explore downtown Cairo, markets, and Luxor Temple independently. Local guides cost $30-50 per day and provide valuable insights.

How much should I tip in Egypt?

Tipping is expected everywhere. Give hotel staff 20-30 EGP per service, restaurant servers 10-15% of the bill, taxi drivers 10-20 EGP for longer rides, and tour guides 100-150 EGP per day. Keep small bills handy.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Egypt?

No, stick to bottled water throughout your trip. Buy large bottles from shops (5-10 EGP) and carry smaller ones when sightseeing. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's from bottled water.

How to Plan 7 Days in Egypt: Cairo and Luxor Complete Guide

Spend 4 days in Cairo exploring the pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo, then take a 1-hour flight to Luxor for 3 days visiting the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and west bank tombs. Book flights between cities in advance and stay near downtown Cairo and the east bank in Luxor for easy temple access.

Split your time: 4 days Cairo, 3 days Luxor. Cairo needs more time for the Giza complex, Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo. Luxor's main sites can be covered in 3 full days. This split gives you time to adjust to Egypt on arrival in Cairo before the internal flight.
Book Cairo to Luxor flight for day 5. EgyptAir operates 6-8 daily flights between Cairo and Luxor (1 hour). Book the morning flight on your 5th day to maximize your first afternoon in Luxor. Flights cost $80-120. The alternative overnight train takes 10-12 hours.
Plan Cairo days around major sites. Day 1: Giza Pyramids and Sphinx (full day). Day 2: Egyptian Museum and downtown Cairo. Day 3: Islamic Cairo (Khan el-Khalili, mosques, Citadel). Day 4: Memphis, Saqqara, and departure prep. Book pyramid entry tickets online in advance.
Organize Luxor by east and west bank. Day 5: Arrive, visit Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple (east bank). Day 6: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon (west bank). Day 7: Luxor Museum and last-minute shopping before departure.
Arrange airport transfers and guides. Pre-book airport pickup in Cairo ($15-25) and arrange a guide for Giza pyramids ($30-50 for half day). In Luxor, your hotel can arrange west bank tours ($40-60 per day including transport and guide).
Handle the practical details. Get Egyptian pounds at Cairo airport ATM. Download offline maps before arrival. Bring sunscreen, hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Carry water bottles everywhere. Have your hotel arrange restaurant reservations for your first night in each city.

Is 7 days enough for Cairo and Luxor?: Yes, 7 days covers the essential sites in both cities without rushing. You'll see the major pyramids, museums, and temples with time to absorb the experience. Adding Alexandria or Aswan would need 10+ days.
Should I book tours or explore independently?: Hire guides for complex sites like Giza pyramids and Valley of the Kings where historical context matters. You can explore downtown Cairo, markets, and Luxor Temple independently. Local guides cost $30-50 per day and provide valuable insights.
How much should I tip in Egypt?: Tipping is expected everywhere. Give hotel staff 20-30 EGP per service, restaurant servers 10-15% of the bill, taxi drivers 10-20 EGP for longer rides, and tour guides 100-150 EGP per day. Keep small bills handy.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Egypt?: No, stick to bottled water throughout your trip. Buy large bottles from shops (5-10 EGP) and carry smaller ones when sightseeing. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's from bottled water.