Embark on an extraordinary 17-day expedition through the heart of Egypt with our meticulously planned “Best 17-Day Egypt Itinerary.” This carefully curated adventure is designed to immerse you in the wonders of Cairo, the historical charm of Alexandria. Tranquil felucca cruise along the Nile from Aswan. Relax in the vibrant Hurghada, and enjoy the surreal landscapes of the White Desert. Beyond a conventional travel experience, this journey is an invitation to unravel the rich tapestry of Egypt’s captivating history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Commence your exploration in Cairo, where the interplay of ancient and modern unfolds seamlessly. Witness the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, encounter the Sphinx’s enigma, and delve into the treasures housed within the Egyptian Museum. The narrative continues in Alexandria, a city echoing with tales of civilizations past, from the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina to the imposing Qaitbay Citadel.
As you gracefully sail the Nile on a felucca, let the gentle currents guide you through the timeless landscapes. Along the riverbanks, ancient temples and tombs stand as enduring monuments to the grandeur of Egyptian civilization. Next, the sun-soaked shores of Hurghada welcome you to relax and explore the vibrant underwater realm of the Red Sea. Whether snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs or unwinding on pristine beaches, indulge in the laid-back charm of this coastal paradise.
Concluding your adventure, venture into the ethereal beauty of the White Desert. Marvel at the otherworldly limestone formations aglow in the hues of the setting sun, creating a breathtaking backdrop for a night beneath the starlit desert sky.
This best 17-day Egypt itinerary transcends the conventional vacation. It’s a transformative journey that promises to surpass expectations at every turn. Join us as we uncover the secrets of Egypt, offering an unparalleled and immersive experience that will leave an enduring imprint on your travel memories. Welcome to the pinnacle of Egyptian exploration—a harmonious blend of discovery, cultural enrichment, and natural marvels.
Arrival at Cairo International Airport. Meet and assist by our representative of “Egypt Best Vacations” who will help you through the arrival and visa regulations. Transfer to your hotel for free time and the beginning of your best 17-day Egypt itinerary.
Your actual best 17-day Egypt itinerary begins when Egypt Best Vacations professional tour guide picks you up from your hotel to commence your tour to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Saqqara.
Today, you will explore the Giza Plateau. Today’s tour includes the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure with the great Sphinx. The only ancient wonder which still exists (Khufu’s pyramid) awaits you. Are you ready to explore it from the inside? Today you will learn about the history of the pyramids, how they were built, and why they were built.
Then on to the first pyramid in history of mankind, the Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara. Saqqara is one of the most important and richest necropolises in Egypt. It was the cemetery of Memphis, the 1st capital city of United Egypt in 3200 BCE.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Explore the fabulous contents of the historical Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Thousands of artifacts from all periods of Egyptian history are displayed on the two floors of the museum.
From the museum to the Citadel of the Sunni Muslim leader Saladin, which was built in 1172 to defend Cairo against the Crusaders. The White Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha is a prominent feature of the Citadel. You will finish your tour today at the historical bazaar of Khan El-Khalili, the largest bazaar in the Middle East.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Today, your best 17-day Egypt itinerary takes you to the beautiful City of Alexandria, the capital city of Egypt during the Greco-Roman era. Your tour includes the famous Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. The catacombs are huge Egyptian tombs and royal cemeteries with Ptolemaic and Roman influences. The catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa are one the largest Roman burial sites not just in Alexandria but in Egypt. These catacombs started as a private tomb for a wealthy family, then became a public cemetery. The catacombs house more than 300 tombs.
From the catacombs to the Pompey’s Pillar. Many of the ancient historians did not tell us more details about the “Pompey’s Pillar” but about the buildings that stood nearby and have disappeared now. The hill on which the pillar is erected was covered with temples and houses a long time before the Roman era. It was the place of the Citadel of Rhakotis. A temple was dedicated to Osiris-Serapis was built on the mountain.
Then proceed to the Citadel of Qaitbay. The Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria is one of the most important fortifications in Egypt. It was constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay to defend Egypt against the Ottomans/Turks.
End your tour in Alexandria with visiting the Library of Alexandria from the outside. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then travel back to Cairo.
Enjoy a spiritual tour to the Community of Religions in Cairo. This tour includes the famous Coptic Hanging Church. Cairo’s Church of the Saint Virgin Mary was built on the ruins of the Roman Babylon Fortress. Because of its location over the ruins of the fortress, it is known as Al Mo’llaqah Chruch or the “Hanging Chruch.”
Then proceed to the Abu Serga Church. The Church of Abu Serga is located in the modern Old Cairo, in the midst of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. The Holy Family drank from a well in the church, so the church is characterized among the other Egyptian Coptic churches.
Then to the Synagogue of Ben Ezra. Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo is one of the most important and largest synagogues in Egypt. The Synagogue is named after the great Jewish Rabbi Ezra the Scribe.
Transfer to Giza train station to board your sleeper train to Aswan to begin your felucca cruise.
You’re going to spend the next three nights of your best 17-day Egypt itinerary, on board a Felucca River cruise.
Meet your guide at Aswan Railway to commence your tour. Explore the highlights of the beautiful City of Aswan such as the High Dam, one of the great engineering feats in the 1960s. Then proceed to the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae Island. End your tour at the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk.
Board your Felucca Nile cruise. Enjoy the Nile landscape in Aswan while cruising.
Visit the famous Camel Market (every Saturday and Sunday). Daraw has one of the largest camel markets in Egypt. Most of the camels come in caravans from Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan along the Darb Al Arba’een (Forty Days Rd) to just north of Abu Simbel before being trucked to Daraw. It is a picturesque sight and fascinating to see the trading; sometimes there are as many as 2000 camels. Set sail to Kom Ombo to overnight there.
Breakfast then visit the twin Temple of Horus and Sobek together with the Crocodile Museum in Kom Ombo. Kom Ombo Temple was built over the ruined temple of the New Kingdom. The temple began during the time of Ptolemy V and was completed by the time of Emperor Tiberius. The emperors Domitian, Caracalla, and others added to the temple. So it took about 400 years to finish.
Breakfast then disembarkation. Visit the sandstone quarry of Gabal El-Silsilah together with the rock-cut temple of Horemheb. Gabal el-Silsilah is a historic site known for its ancient quarries and rock-cut temples. It holds significant archaeological importance as it served as a major source of sandstone for countless monumental structures in ancient Egypt. Visitors can explore the well-preserved temples and marvel at the intricate carvings that showcase the artistic and architectural prowess of the past civilizations.
Travel by bus from Gabal El-Silsilah to Edfu to visit the most intact temple in Egypt, the Temple of Horus in Edfu. It is one of the most beautiful temples built during the Greco-Roman period. The Temple of Edfu is fully inscribed with reliefs and hieroglyphs on its exterior and interior walls.
Transfer to your hotel in Luxor.
Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel, then visit the magnificent Valley of the Kings. Here, the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period were buried trying to be hidden from the Grave Robbers. There’re 65 tombs were discovered till now while Ramses VIII’s tomb is not found yet. Your guide will recommend the best three open tombs to visit.
From the Valley of the Kings to the unique Temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt for about 20 years as a sole pharaoh. You will end your tour at the Colossi of Memnon, which survived from the Temple of Amenhotep III.
Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the largest temple in the world, Karnak Temple. Then proceed to the great Temple of Luxor. Both temples were dedicated to the Theban Triad; Amun, Mut and Khonsu.
Transfer to Hurghada to enjoy some relaxation on the next four days of your best Egypt 17-day itinerary. Enjoy some beach activities and explore the magnificent underwater world of the Red Sea.
Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Luxor
Free day. Tours such as diving, glass boat, safari, snorkeling, and submarine rides are available upon request.
Free day. Tours such as diving, glass boat, safari, snorkeling, and submarine rides are available upon request.
Free day. Tours such as diving, glass boat, safari, snorkeling, and submarine rides are available upon request.
Transfer to Hurghada Airport to fly to Cairo for the remaining part of your best Egypt 17-day itinerary. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel.
Depart Cairo early in the morning and drive towards the Bahariya Oasis. Enjoy your lunch and be ready to begin your adventure. Take a 4×4 Jeep to visit the Black Desert, then to the Hez Village to enjoy the natural cold springs. Continue driving to the Crystal Mountain, after that you will arrive at Aqabat. Aqabat is one of the most beautiful areas in the White Desert National Park. Then drive to your camping area in the White Desert. Enjoy your dinner and spend your night stargazing.
Enjoy one of your lifetime sunrise, then take your breakfast to be ready to take the 4X4 back to Bahariya Oasis. Then travel back to your hotel in Cairo for last night of your best Egypt 17-day itinerary.
You will end your best Egypt 17-day itinerary with a transfer to Cairo Airport for final departure. It is really sad to leave, so ask our guides about your next adventure in Egypt.
