Egypt
"Where 5,000 years of history rise from the sand"
Egypt at a glance
- Best time to go
- Roughly October to April is the most comfortable season for sightseeing, with mild days and cool evenings, especially useful around Luxor and Aswan. May to September is very hot, with daytime temperatures in Upper Egypt often climbing into the low 40s°C, so an early start and plenty of water matter more than usual.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest ten days to combine Cairo and Giza with a Nile cruise or a Luxor and Aswan add-on. A shorter four to five day trip can cover Cairo and one further stop.
- Who it's for
- History lovers who want ancient sites, markets and a Nile cruise, and don't mind heat management in the warmer months.
- Might not be for you if
- You dislike heat, or you're hoping to wander into major sites without planning ahead. The Grand Egyptian Museum uses online timed entry only.
- Worth knowing right now
- Check your government's current travel advice before finalising your route: some border and desert areas carry specific warnings, while Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the main Red Sea resorts are outside those warnings.
Egypt is the original bucket-list civilization — pyramids at Giza, tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and a slow Nile cruise past temples that have watched empires come and go. Modern Cairo is chaotic, Aswan is calm, and the Red Sea coast is unexpectedly one of the world's best dive spots.
Best Time to Visit
October to April (cooler months)
October to April (cooler months)
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
Egypt spans huge distances — internal flights save days, while Nile cruises and trains handle the classic route.
✈️ Domestic Flights
EgyptAir connects Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh in ~1 hour.
🚂 Sleeper Train
Watania overnight trains between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan — book cabins in advance.
🚢 Nile Cruise
3–7 night cruises between Luxor and Aswan are the classic way to see the temples.
🚕 Uber / Careem
Reliable in Cairo and Alexandria — safer and cheaper than negotiating with street taxis.
💡 Fly one-way to Aswan, cruise down to Luxor, then fly back to Cairo — best mix of comfort and iconic scenery.
Suggested Itineraries
Cairo Arrival
Settle in, Khan el-Khalili evening.
Pyramids & Museum
Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Fly to Aswan
Philae Temple by boat, felucca sunset.
Abu Simbel & Cruise
Sunrise drive to Abu Simbel, board Nile cruise in Aswan.
Kom Ombo & Edfu
Temples along the river as you cruise north.
Luxor East & West
Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut.
Fly Cairo & Depart
Morning flight back, evening international.
🌱 Psst — you don't have to do it all. The best souvenirs are slow mornings and one unplanned detour you'll still be talking about years later.
Highlights
Must See
- Pyramids & Sphinx
- Valley of the Kings
- Abu Simbel
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Fly between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan instead of taking the overnight train — it saves a day and isn't much pricier.
Egypt travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
Roughly October to April is the most comfortable period, especially for Luxor, Aswan and desert excursions, with warm days and cool nights. May to September is very hot, and Upper Egypt in particular can see daytime highs in the low 40s°C, so sightseeing is best done early in the day.
Do you need to book Grand Egyptian Museum tickets in advance?
Yes. The museum uses timed online entry, and tickets are sold through the official Grand Egyptian Museum ticket site. Lookalike sites have been reported reselling tickets at inflated prices, so book only through the official site.
Do you need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities need a visa, and many can apply for an e-visa online rather than getting one on arrival. Apply through the official Egyptian e-visa portal rather than a third-party site, and check current fees and processing times there, since they change.
Which parts of Egypt do governments currently advise against?
Government travel advice generally excludes the main tourist areas (Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Nile cruises and the main Red Sea resorts) from its warnings, but it does flag specific areas such as North Sinai, the area near the Libyan border and parts of the Western Desert. Check your own government's current advice, for example the UK page, for the exact areas and any changes before you finalise your itinerary.
Details last checked 22 September 2026.
More sparks for Egypt
Stories, films and books to keep the daydreaming going.
AI-generated editorial illustration — Unofficial AI-generated editorial illustration inspired by the destination and atmosphere of the film or series. Not an official poster or promotional image.
Death on the Nile
A murder mystery aboard a paddle steamer gliding past temples, dunes and the Nile's endless palm-lined banks.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho · Spain, Morocco & Egypt