You can visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan in a week, hitting the essential highlights. With careful planning, the right transport, and a focus on top sights, you’ll get a remarkable snapshot of Egypt’s heritage—even if you can’t linger everywhere. Let me know if you’d like a custom itinerary with accessibility, family tips, or hotel suggestions!
Day 1–2: Cairo
- Day 1: Arrive in Cairo. Visit the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and optionally Saqqara/Dahshur.
- Day 2: Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo, Hanging Church), and/or Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Evening flight or sleeper train to Luxor.
Day 3–4: Luxor
- Day 3: West Bank (Valley of the Kings—including Tutankhamun’s tomb if desired, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon).
- Day 4: East Bank (Karnak & Luxor Temples), Luxor Museum, stroll along the Nile. Evening at leisure or further exploration.
Day 5–6: Aswan
- Day 5: Early train or transfer to Aswan. Visit Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, Nubian Village, felucca ride on the Nile.
- Day 6: Day trip to Abu Simbel (early morning departure required), return to Aswan.
Day 7: Departure
- Return to Cairo by flight or train for your onward flight, or spend remaining hours exploring any missed sites.
Tips for making it work:
- Domestic Flights: Use EgyptAir or Nile Air to save time, especially between Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo.
- Nile Cruise Option: If you want a cruise (most are 3-4 nights Luxor-Aswan), you’ll need to focus mainly on the river sights with limited free exploration in Cairo.
- Sleeper Train Option: Overnight trains help maximize sightseeing days and connect Cairo with Luxor/Aswan efficiently.
Things to consider:
- Packed days and early mornings—some sights (like Abu Simbel) require pre-dawn departures.
- Local guides and pre-arranged transfers help you move quickly between sites.
- This itinerary leaves little time for rest or spontaneous adventure—extend your trip for a more relaxed pace if possible.
Summary:
You can visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan in a week, hitting the essential highlights. With careful planning, the right transport, and a focus on top sights, you’ll get a remarkable snapshot of Egypt’s heritage—even if you can’t linger everywhere. Let me know if you’d like a custom itinerary with accessibility, family tips, or hotel suggestions!