11-Day Egypt Adventure: Plan the Ultimate Nile & Desert Journey
Let’s Talk About Your Egypt Adventure!
Okay, so you’re thinking about Egypt? Smart choice! This place is absolutely wild – imagine standing next to pyramids that are older than… well, pretty much everything, then hopping on a boat down the Nile like Cleopatra (minus the drama), and finishing it all off camping in deserts that look like they’re from another planet.
Planning your Egypt itinerary doesn’t have to give you a headache. Trust me, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to! This 11-day trip hits all the must-sees plus some seriously cool spots that most tourists totally miss. We’re talking pyramids (obviously), but also colorful Nubian villages, incredible diving in the Red Sea, and those famous Black and White Deserts that’ll blow your Instagram followers’ minds.
Whether you’re a history nerd, adventure junkie, or just someone who wants to see something totally different, this guide’s got you covered. And don’t worry about the Egypt weather – I’ll tell you exactly when to go so you’re not melting in the desert heat or freezing your butt off at night. Yeah, it actually gets cold there! Who knew?
Why This 11-Day Plan Rocks
You’ll See Everything (And I Mean Everything!)
Look, most Egypt tours just drag you around dusty monuments all day. Boring! This itinerary mixes the ancient stuff with some seriously cool natural spots, including the Black and White Deserts that honestly look like Mars. It’s not just about checking boxes – you’re gonna have some real adventures here.
No Rush, No Stress
We’ve got 11 days instead of the usual rushed 10-day tours, which means you can actually enjoy stuff instead of running around like a crazy person. Trust me, you’ll want time to just sit and absorb the fact that you’re looking at 4,000-year-old buildings!
Real Experiences, Not Tourist Traps
Four days cruising the Nile? Check. Hanging out in authentic Nubian villages? Double check. Chilling at a fancy Red Sea resort after all that culture? Triple check. This isn’t just sightseeing – it’s actually living a bit of Egyptian life.
Perfect for Egypt Newbies
Never been to Egypt? No worries! I’ve covered all the stuff that freaks people out – safety, money, tipping (spoiler: you’ll be tipping everyone), and even how to cross the street without becoming roadkill.
The Real Talk: What You Need to Know Before You Go
“Is Egypt Safe?” (The Question Everyone Asks)
Short answer: Yes! Well, mostly. Just stay away from Northern Sinai – that’s the only sketchy area. Everywhere else, especially the tourist spots, you’re totally fine.
Here’s the thing about Egyptians – they’re genuinely awesome people. Yeah, some might try to sell you stuff, but most are just being friendly. Don’t be that tourist who thinks everyone’s trying to scam you. The hospitality is real!
You’ll see lots of security everywhere – checkpoints, armed guards at temples, the works. Don’t freak out, it’s totally normal and they’re just making sure everyone stays safe. Think of it as VIP protection for tourists!
When to Actually Go (Timing is Everything!)
Best time? October through early April, hands down. The weather’s perfect – around 60-65°F during the day. You can actually walk around without melting!
Do NOT go in summer unless you enjoy feeling like a rotisserie chicken. We’re talking 100-115°F in places like Luxor. I’m not kidding – people literally pass out from the heat.
Plot twist: nights can be freezing cold, especially in the desert. Pack a jacket! The Egypt climate is basically bipolar – scorching hot days, surprisingly chilly nights.
Peak season (December-February) means crowds and higher prices. October-November or March-April are sweet spots – good weather, fewer people, better deals.
Oh, and avoid Ramadan unless you want to experience fasting culture (no eating or drinking in public during the day). Respect the locals!
Visa Stuff (Don’t Panic, It’s Easy)
You need a visa – $25 bucks, easy peasy. Get it online at Visa2Egypt before you go, or just grab it at the airport. If you’re doing airport visa, bring cash USD for the bank counter before passport control.
Money-wise, Egyptian pounds (LE) are what you want for daily stuff. ATMs are everywhere. Sure, hotels take USD, but you’ll get ripped off on the exchange rate for street food and souvenirs.
Tipping Culture (AKA Bakshish = Your New Best Friend)
Okay, real talk – you’re gonna tip everyone. Bathroom attendant? 5-10 LE. Tour guide? 50-100 LE. It’s not being taken advantage of, it’s literally how the economy works there. Just roll with it and budget accordingly.
Staying Healthy (No One Wants Traveler’s Revenge)
Never, EVER drink tap water. Seriously, don’t even brush your teeth with it. Bottled water only, and make sure the seal isn’t broken.
Street food? Actually pretty safe if you’re smart about it. Go for busy stalls where the food’s turning over fast. If it’s been sitting there all day looking sad, skip it.
Pack the essentials: anti-diarrhea meds (just in case), probiotics (start a week before), basic painkillers, and LOTS of sunscreen. Oh, and bug spray for the Nile – those mosquitoes are no joke.
Hit up your doctor about vaccines. Usually MMR, Hepatitis A/B, maybe rabies and typhoid. Nothing too scary, just basic travel stuff.
Photo Rules (Don’t Get Arrested for the ‘Gram)
Don’t photograph government buildings or military stuff. Like, seriously don’t. Some temples charge extra for cameras (but phones are usually free). And heads up – some locals might want payment if they end up in your shots. Just ask first!
Haggling 101 (It’s Actually Fun!)
Everything’s negotiable! Don’t pay the first price for anything. It’s like a game, and they expect it. Start at about 30% of their asking price and work up. Don’t be shy – it’s part of the experience!
Street Crossing Survival Guide
Cairo traffic is absolutely insane. The secret? Follow the locals like they’re your bodyguards, or just confidently walk into traffic (sounds crazy, but cars will go around you). Look for the rhythm and go for it!
Your Epic 11-Day Adventure Day by Day
Day 1: Welcome to Crazy, Amazing Cairo!
You made it! Cairo’s gonna hit you like a wall of sensory overload – and that’s exactly what makes it awesome.
First stop: Egyptian Museum or the shiny new Grand Egyptian Museum if it’s open. This place houses King Tut’s treasure and basically every cool artifact you’ve seen in documentaries. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt!
Food time! Try some actual Egyptian food – not the hotel buffet stuff. Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), Egyptian falafel (made with fava beans, way better than chickpea versions), and baba ghanoush that’ll ruin you for the grocery store version forever.
Sleep near the pyramids if your budget allows. Marriott Mena House is fancy with pyramid views, or Elite Pyramids Boutique Hotel for something more reasonable but still cool.
Day 2: Pyramid Day (The Big Kahuna!)
This is it – the day you’ve been dreaming about! The Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, and honestly, pictures don’t do them justice. They’re MASSIVE.
Don’t just stick to Giza though. Hit up Saqqara and Dashur too – way fewer crowds and you can see how they figured out pyramid building. Saqqara’s step pyramid looks like ancient Legos, and Dashur’s bent pyramid is hilariously wonky.
Lunch at Abu Shakra – this place has been serving amazing Egyptian food forever and locals actually eat there, which is always a good sign.
Day 3: Islamic Cairo (Culture Overload in the Best Way)
Islamic Cairo is a UNESCO site that’ll transport you back in time. Ibn Tulun Mosque is gorgeous, the Islamic Art Museum is full of incredible stuff, and the Citadel has killer views over the whole chaotic city.
Evening at Al Azhar Park is perfect for dinner with a view and some peace after the crazy streets.
Khan el Khalili market is where your haggling skills get tested. It’s touristy but fun – spices, jewelry, that brass lamp you definitely don’t need but absolutely want. Just remember: everything’s negotiable!
Day 4: Flying South to Aswan (Nile Cruise Time!)
Early flight to Aswan (about $50-80, way better than the overnight train). You’re officially starting your Nile cruise adventure!
The Nubian Village visit is honestly one of the trip highlights. These people have such a cool culture and their houses are painted in the most amazing bright colors. Plus, they’re genuinely welcoming – not just tourist-friendly, actually friendly.
Sundeck time on your cruise ship as the sun sets over the desert. This is peak vacation vibes right here.
Day 5: Abu Simbel (Mind = Blown)
Abu Simbel is worth the early wake-up call. These temples were literally moved piece by piece to save them from flooding. The scale is just ridiculous – Ramesses II really wasn’t into modesty!
Back in Aswan, check out Philae Temple (dedicated to the goddess Isis), the botanical gardens on Kitchener Island, and the Nubian Museum. Maybe squeeze in a felucca ride – these traditional sailboats have been cruising the Nile forever.
Day 6: Temple Hopping on the Nile
Kom Ombo Temple is weird and wonderful – it’s dedicated to both a crocodile god AND a falcon god. They’ve got ancient medical instruments carved into the walls and an Egyptian calendar that’ll make you feel stupid about complaining about Monday mornings.
Edfu Temple is incredibly well-preserved. The hieroglyphs are so detailed you can almost hear the ancient stories.
Hello, Luxor! You’ve arrived at what’s basically an open-air museum.
Day 7: Valley of the Kings (Pharaoh Central)
This is where pharaohs got buried for 500+ years. KV9 (Ramses V & VI tomb) has the most incredible painted ceiling – it’s like an ancient planetarium.
Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut Temple (Egypt’s most badass female pharaoh), and those massive Colossi of Memnon statues that have been sitting there for thousands of years.
Pro tip: Add Medinet Habu Temple if you can – the colors are still so vibrant it’s almost unreal.
Day 8: Hot Air Balloons and More Temples
Sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor = instant Instagram gold and one of those moments you’ll never forget. Seeing all these ancient sites from above is just magical.
Karnak Temple complex is HUGE – second biggest religious site in the world after Angkor Wat. Luxor Temple with its sphinx avenue is elegant and beautiful.
The evening light show at Karnak is cheesy but fun if you’re into that sort of thing.
Day 9: Beach Time! (Finally!)
Time to switch gears completely. GoBus to Hurghada is actually pretty comfortable – they feed you and the seats don’t suck.
Check into your all-inclusive beach resort and just… breathe. After all that culture and history, some beach time and resort food hits different. Tennis, soccer, yoga, whatever – just chill.
Day 10: Red Sea Magic
The Red Sea is seriously gorgeous – crystal clear water, incredible coral reefs, and marine life that looks like it’s from a nature documentary. Diving or snorkeling here is world-class.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the ATV desert tour to meet Bedouin communities is really cool. These people know how to survive in the desert, and their lifestyle is fascinating.
Day 11: Desert Grand Finale
Save the best for last! The Black and White Deserts are hands down Egypt’s most spectacular natural wonder. It’s like being on an alien planet – totally surreal.
Desert camping under the stars is incredible. No light pollution, no noise, just you and the most amazing night sky you’ve ever seen. Fair warning: no showers or fancy facilities, but that’s part of the authentic experience.
Back to Cairo for your flight home, but you’ll be planning your return trip before you even leave!
Getting Around Egypt (Without Losing Your Mind)
Flights within Egypt are cheap and save tons of time. EgyptAir and NileAir are fine – nothing fancy but they get you there.
Trains can be good for some routes. The sleeper train is an experience, and day trains to Alexandria are pretty decent. Book early though!
Go Bus is surprisingly comfortable for longer drives. The Luxor to Hurghada route is actually pleasant.
Uber works great in Cairo and Alexandria, and it’s super cheap. Just watch out for drivers who might take scenic routes to bump up the fare.
Nile cruises are slow but relaxing. It’s more about the journey than getting somewhere fast.
Private drivers are pricey but sometimes necessary, especially for remote spots like the Western Desert.
The Questions Everyone Asks
How do I get around Egypt? Depends where you’re going! Flights for long distances, buses and trains for medium trips, Uber for cities. Remote desert stuff needs private transport.
Guided tour or solo travel? Mix of both works great! Use guides for the big historical sites (you’ll learn way more), then explore markets and restaurants on your own.
How much money do I need? Budget travelers: $50-80/day. Mid-range: $100-150/day. Luxury: $200-400/day. Egypt can be surprisingly affordable or as expensive as you want it to be.
Is street food safe? Yeah, if you’re smart about it. Busy stalls with lots of turnover are usually fine. Use common sense and maybe pack some stomach meds just in case.
What should I pack? Light clothes for daytime, warm stuff for nights and AC, comfy walking shoes, sunscreen (lots!), and any meds you need. The weather swings are crazy, so layers are your friend.
Your Egyptian Adventure Starts Now!
This 11-day Egypt trip is seriously the perfect introduction to this incredible country. You’ve got everything – iconic pyramids, relaxing Nile cruise, amazing beaches, and those otherworldly deserts that’ll give you bragging rights forever.
The key is timing your visit right with the Egypt weather patterns. Follow this itinerary, pack smart, embrace the chaos, and you’re gonna have the time of your life. Egypt’s got this amazing combo of mind-blowing history and genuine hospitality that you just can’t find anywhere else.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning, book those flights, and get ready for an adventure that’ll completely change how you see the world. And hey, drop a comment below when you get back – I want to hear about your favorite moments!
Trust me, by day 11, you’ll already be planning your next Egypt trip. This place gets under your skin in the best possible way.
