How to Plan a Family Itinerary for Egypt

Plan 10-12 days minimum with Cairo (3-4 days), Luxor (2-3 days), and Aswan (2-3 days), plus 2-3 beach days in Hurghada. Book guided tours for major sites, stay in family-friendly hotels with pools, and travel between cities by domestic flights or tourist trains.

  1. Choose your season and duration. Visit October-April for comfortable weather with kids. Plan minimum 10 days, ideally 12-14 days. Summer (May-September) is brutally hot and not recommended for families.
  2. Map your route. Fly into Cairo, spend 3-4 days there including day trip to Alexandria. Fly to Luxor for 2-3 days, then take train or drive to Aswan for 2-3 days. Add 2-3 beach days in Hurghada if kids need downtime. Fly home from Cairo.
  3. Book accommodations early. Reserve family rooms or suites with connecting doors. Essential: air conditioning, pool, and 24-hour room service. In Cairo: Marriott Mena House or Hilton Pyramids Golf. In Luxor: Winter Palace or Hilton Luxor. In Aswan: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract.
  4. Arrange guided tours. Book private guides through your hotel or EMO Tours for major sites. Private guides cost $50-80 per day but essential with kids - they skip lines, provide bathrooms breaks, and explain history at kid level. Never visit Pyramids or Valley of Kings without a guide.
  5. Plan transportation. Domestic flights between cities save time (Cairo-Luxor 1.5 hours vs 10-hour train). Book EgyptAir domestic flights. For day trips, hire private drivers through hotels. Avoid public buses with kids.
  6. Prepare for logistics. Download offline maps. Carry toilet paper everywhere - public facilities are basic. Pack hand sanitizer, electrolyte packets, and basic meds. Notify your bank of travel dates. Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Is Egypt safe for families with children?
Yes, Egypt is generally safe for families staying in tourist areas and using reputable guides. Stick to organized tours, stay in established hotels, and avoid political demonstrations. Tourist police are present at all major sites.
What's the minimum age for kids to enjoy Egypt?
Kids 6 and older typically enjoy the history and adventure. Younger children can handle it but may get overwhelmed by heat and walking. Bring stroller for kids under 5.
How do we handle the heat with children?
Start activities early (7am), take midday breaks at air-conditioned hotels, carry water constantly, and dress in light, covering clothing. Summer months are too hot for family travel.
Are there medical facilities if someone gets sick?
Major tourist areas have good private hospitals and clinics. Bring travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Hotels can arrange doctor visits for minor issues.
Can kids handle the walking at archaeological sites?
Most sites involve significant walking on uneven surfaces. Kids need good shoes and stamina. Consider hiring golf carts at sites like Karnak where available. Plan shorter site visits than you would without kids.