How to Plan a Trip to Egypt – Ultimate Guide

When planning a trip to Egypt, one stands in front of a door to experience ancient history and, at the same time, have a present-day vacation. Truly, from the amazing Pyramids to the streets of Cairo, every second allows such a unique experience.

This guide is a mine of information for anyone trying to set the program right for the ideal trip, whether trying to decide when to travel to the cultural sites of Egypt or how to manage their stay in Egypt’s active cities.

I. How Far in Advance Should I Plan My Trip to Egypt?

Based on my experience, I’d recommend starting your planning process about 3-6 months before your intended travel date. Why? Well, there are a few factors at play here:

• Winter is Egypt’s busiest time, so the best flight and hotel deals go fast. Book early to get what you want if you plan to visit from November to April. Summer is less crowded and cheaper, but it can be very hot.
• Visa rules can change, so check early to see if you can get a visa upon arrival or need to apply before your trip. It’s usually a quick process, but taking care of it early makes traveling easier.
• Tours and Nile cruises are very popular, especially in peak season. Planning gives you a better chance to get spots on the best tours and cruises, making your trip to Egypt unforgettable.

Here’s a quick rundown of planning milestones to refer to:

• 6 months out: Start researching and decide on your travel dates 
• 4-5 months out: Book your flights and start looking at accommodation options 
• 3-4 months out: Apply for your visa (if needed) and book popular tours  
• 2-3 months out: Arrange travel insurance and start planning your day-to-day itinerary 
• 1 month out: Double-check all bookings and start packing!

Note: These are just guidelines. If you like to travel on a whim, you can visit Egypt with little planning. However, planning for a few months can help you create the perfect Egyptian trip without last-minute stress.

II. Egypt Trip Planning Tools

Many people may feel anxious about traveling to Egypt, but this should not be so since the following tips can make the trip as easy as ABC. Here are some must-have trip-planning tools to get you ready for your Egyptian adventure:

Travel Apps:

• Google Translate (iOS, Android): A must-have app for communicating with locals, reading signs and menus, and navigating the country.
• Maps.me (iOS, Android): A reliable offline map app that provides turn-by-turn directions and helps you find nearby attractions.
• TripIt (iOS, Android): A travel organizer app that helps you manage your itinerary, book flights and hotels, and receive real-time flight alerts.

Booking Websites:

• Booking.com: A popular hotel booking platform that offers a wide selection of accommodations in Egypt, including budget-friendly options and luxury resorts. 
• Expedia: A well-established online travel agency that allows you to book flights, hotels, and package deals to Egypt. 
• Hostelworld: A booking platform specializing in hostels and budget accommodations, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers. 

III. What is The Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The most optimal time to travel to Egypt largely depends on the climate one prefers and the activities planned. Egypt’s climate resembles a hot desert, with very hot summers in Luxor and Aswan. There is little winter, so you can imagine the conditions to be very good for outdoor activities.

Climate and Weather Conditions:

The weather is moderate during the period between October and April when the temperatures range between 14°C (57°F) and 30°C (86°F). This is the high season for most destinations. Therefore, fixing the accommodation and most of the tours in advance is advisable.

Cultural Factors and Festivals

Cultural events impact the best times to visit. For example, Ramadan brings a special vibe with evening feasts. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival in February and October is also a must-see, as the temple is lit by the sun in a rare alignment.

Recommendations for Different Travelers:

• For Cooler Weather Seekers: Visit Egypt from late fall to early spring (October to April) for mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities like desert adventures and Red Sea fun. 
• For Cultural Enthusiasts: Experience Egypt’s rich culture during festivals like Ramadan or the Abu Simbel Sun Festival to taste local traditions. 
• For Budget Travelers: Summer (May to September) offers lower hotel prices and fewer crowds at major sites, even if it’s hot.

IV. How Long to Stay in Egypt?

Usually, people say 7 to 10 days is enough to see the major attractions. That way, tourists do not feel rushed. However, to help you visualize easily, I’ll provide some suggested itineraries to help you plan:

5-Day Itinerary:

• Days 1-2: Cairo (Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum)
• Days 3-4: Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple)
• Day 5: Return to Cairo, final sightseeing or shopping

7-Day Itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Cairo
• Days 4-6: Luxor and Aswan (including a Nile cruise)
• Day 7: Return to Cairo

10-Day Itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Cairo
• Days 4-7: Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
• Day 8: Abu Simbel day trip
• Day 9: Alexandria
• Day 10: Final day in Cairo

For those with more time, consider adding a few days at the Red Sea for relaxation or explore off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Western Desert oases.

V. Best Things To Do in Egypt

1. Visit the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are among the most famous symbols that can be visited today. These large structures date back to 4500 years and are of awe-inspiring size.

Taking a tour with an Egyptologist is a fascinating experience. You can learn exactly how these pyramids were constructed and about the lives of pharaohs.

2. Cruise the Nile River

A Nile cruise presents a simple image of Egypt, albeit with major attractions. These cruising services normally operate between Luxor and Aswan, dropping anchorages at classic sites such as Edfu and Kom Ombo.

You will learn about some of the most incredible temples and tombs while reveling in the Nile’s serenity. In the evening, you will always be entertained by local songs and dances, which will make you appreciate the Egyptian way of life.

3. Explore the Valley of the Kings

For about 500 years, the main site of the tombs of the great, defective pharaohs was the Valley of the Kings, located on the western bank of the River Nile in Luxor. There are more than 60 tombs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun, Howard Carter’s discovery.

It provides a great opportunity to examine the Egyptians’ beliefs on death and the afterlife. The walls also contain bright paintings, and tombs depict hieroglyphs in detail.

VI. Getting to Egypt

Egypt is a popular tourist destination that can be reached by air, land, and sea. However, most international visitors arrive by air through the country’s main international airports.

1. Main International Airports

• Cairo International Airport (CAI): The largest and busiest airport in Egypt, serving the capital city.
• Hurghada International Airport (HRG): Serves the popular Red Sea resort town of Hurghada.
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH): Caters to tourists visiting the Sinai Peninsula.
• Luxor International Airport (LXR): Convenient for those exploring ancient Egyptian sites in Upper Egypt.

2. Major Airlines and Routes

Many international airlines fly to Egypt from around the world. EgyptAir offers direct flights from major cities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Other airlines also have regular flights to Egypt, such as:

• British Airways
• Lufthansa
• Turkish Airlines
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways

While air travel is the most common way to reach Egypt, there are other options:

• Sea: Ferries operate between Aqaba (Jordan) and Nuweiba (Egypt), offering an alternative route into the Sinai Peninsula.
• Land: It’s possible to enter Egypt by land from Israel via the Taba border crossing. However, this option may be subject to security concerns and travel advisories.

VII. Getting Around Egypt

Here are the main transportation options for traveling within Egypt:

1. Taxis

Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way to explore Egyptian cities. You can either negotiate the fare before getting in or pay what you think is fair upon arrival at your destination. The latter is a common practice but might require some local knowledge.

Price Range: For short city trips, expect to pay about 10 to 20 Egyptian Pounds (LE), or roughly $0.20 to $0.40. Airport transfers in Cairo cost between 50 and 70 LE ($1 to $1.40).

2. Caleches

These are horse-drawn carriages commonly found in cities like Luxor and Aswan. They offer a leisurely and picturesque way to explore the sights, ideal if you’re not in a hurry.

Price Range: Caleches usually cost more than taxis, and prices can change based on your negotiation skills and the route.

3. Public Buses and Metro

Public buses and the metro in Cairo offer budget-friendly travel, but because of language barriers, they can be challenging for non-Arabic speakers.

Price Range: These are the cheapest options, costing about 1 to 3 LE ($0.02 to $0.06), but they might not be the easiest for tourists who don’t know the routes.

4. Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are a fast and efficient option for traveling between major cities like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, or Sharm El Sheikh.

Price Range: Booking early can get you good prices, with one-way tickets usually costing $50 to $150 based on the route and when you book.

VIII. Money and Budget

Accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions are the main expenses when traveling in Egypt. Here’s a rough estimate of daily expenses for different travel styles:

Travel Style	Accommodation	Food	Transportation	Attractions	Total
Budget	200-300 EGP (4-6 USD)	150-250 EGP (3-5 USD)	50-100 EGP (1-2 USD)	100-150 EGP (2-3 USD)	500-800 EGP (10-16 USD)
Mid-range	500-800 EGP (10-16 USD)	300-500 EGP (6-10 USD)	100-200 EGP (2-4 USD)	200-300 EGP (4-6 USD)	1,100-1,800 EGP (22-36 USD)
Luxury	1,500-2,500 EGP (30-50 USD)	800-1,200 EGP (16-24 USD)	200-500 EGP (4-10 USD)	500-800 EGP (10-16 USD)	3,000-5,000 EGP (60-100 USD)

IX. Mobile Internet

To use your phone in Egypt, you must ensure it’s compatible with the local network. Most modern smartphones support international frequencies, but it’s always a good idea to check with your carrier before traveling.

Buying a SIM Card or eSIM

In Egypt, you have two options for staying connected: buying a SIM card or an eSIM. A SIM card is a physical card you insert into your phone, while an eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your phone.

We recommend using an eSIM for several reasons:

• Convenience: eSIMs are digital, so you don’t need to physically swap out a SIM card.
• Flexibility: eSIMs can be easily activated and deactivated, making switching between plans or carriers easy.
• Cost-effective: eSIMs often offer more competitive pricing than traditional SIM cards.

When it comes to eSIMs, three popular choices are Airalo, Yesim, and egyptesim.com. All three choices are dependable, but egyptesim.com seems the best option, especially if you want affordability, flexibility, and convenience.

X. Passport and Visa Requirements for Egypt

Most travelers visiting Egypt need a valid passport and visa. Here’s what you need to know:

Passport Requirements:

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Egypt. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Visa Requirements:

• E-Visa: Many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online before traveling.
• Visa on Arrival: Available for some nationalities at major entry points.
• Embassy Visa: Required for certain travelers, obtained from Egyptian embassies or consulates. Remember to check current requirements before traveling, as rules can change.

XI. Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Egypt. Whether visiting the pyramids, cruising the Nile, or exploring Cairo, careful planning ensures you won’t miss anything. Preparing, booking flights, and getting your eSIM prepares you for a smooth and exciting adventure. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Egypt!