Egypt packs more ancient history into a two-week trip than almost anywhere else on earth, and 2026 is a genuinely good year to go, with the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza plateau now fully open. Here is how to plan it.
Cairo and Giza (2-3 days)
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are the obvious anchor, best visited at opening time before the heat and tour buses arrive. Pair this with the Grand Egyptian Museum for Tutankhamun’s full treasure collection, and the older Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square for the mummy rooms. Islamic Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar is worth an evening for the atmosphere alone.
A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan (3-4 days)
This is where Egypt’s temples really live: Karnak and Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the colossal temples at Abu Simbel near Aswan. A multi-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way, is the classic way to see this stretch without constant repacking.
The Red Sea coast (2-3 days, optional)
Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh are worth adding if diving or a beach recovery day appeals; the Red Sea reefs are among the most accessible world-class diving anywhere, with dive centers that cater well to beginners.
Practical planning
October to April is the comfortable travel season; June to August in Upper Egypt regularly exceeds 40°C. Most nationalities can get an e-visa online in advance, which is far less hassle than the visa-on-arrival queue. Hiring a licensed Egyptologist guide for the major sites is worth the cost, since the history is dense enough that wandering the ruins solo means missing most of what makes them remarkable. Modest dress is expected at religious and historical sites, and bargaining is standard practice in markets.