Egypt Short Breaks Itinerary: What to See in 3, 4, or 5 Days
November 19, 2025
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| Duration |
12 Days / 11 Nights |
|---|---|
| Tour Location |
Cairo / Luxor / Abu Simbel / Aswan / Sharm El Sheikh |
| Tour Type |
Daily Tour |
| Pickup |
Cairo Airport |
Experience 12 days Cairo, Nile Cruise and Sharl El Shiekh Holiday like never before, combining ancient wonders, Red Sea relaxation, and the magic of the Nile. Your adventure with Tripidays starts in Cairo, where you arrive and enjoy a scenic Nile dinner cruise. On Day 2, visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and explore the Grand Egyptian Museum before flying to Sharm El Sheikh. Spend the next three days unwinding in the Red Sea’s serene beauty, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, and enjoying all-inclusive amenities.
Your cultural journey continues on Day 6 as you fly to Luxor to explore the monumental wonders of the East Bank, including the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple, before boarding your deluxe Nile Cruise. The following day, discover the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Then, visit Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples. Your Day 9 highlights include a private excursion to Abu Simbel Temples. On Day 10, arrive in Aswan to explore the High Dam and the Philae Temple, before flying back to Cairo.
Your 12 Days Egypt Itinerary begins the moment your plane touches down in Cairo. Tripidays' representative will greet you with a warm welcome at Cairo Airport, assist with all formalities, and escort you comfortably to your hotel. From the first step, everything is taken care of, so your adventure starts stress-free.
As night falls, step aboard a magical Nile dinner cruise while enjoying live folkloric performances and glittering views of Cairo’s skyline.
Relax and unwind at your hotel as you prepare for the wonders awaiting you tomorrow.
Wake up to a delightful breakfast filled with fresh local flavors before checkout.
Visit the timeless pyramids: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Built over 4,500 years ago, these monumental structures still guard the edge of the desert with unmatched power. Walking among them feels like stepping into the heartbeat of Egypt’s ancient world.
Explore the Valley Temple of Pharaoh Khafre, a beautifully preserved place of rituals where priests prepared pharaohs for eternity. Its massive granite blocks and meticulous craftsmanship reveal the genius of Old Kingdom architecture.
Explore the Great Sphinx, the legendary guardian of Giza. Half lion, half king, entirely iconic. With its mysterious gaze and centuries of stories carved into its stone body, it remains one of Egypt’s most unforgettable symbols.
Enjoy an authentic Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
Finally, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities. See the treasures of Tutankhamun, ancient royal statues, and awe-inspiring artifacts spanning 5,000 years — all presented in one of the most modern museums on Earth.
After your visit, transfer to Cairo Airport for your short flight to Sharm El Sheikh, where your 5-star hotel awaits. If you’re inspired by the wonders of ancient history and prefer journeys focused entirely on culture, temples, and the Nile, you may enjoy our 13 Day Classic Egypt with 7 Day Nile Cruise or 11 Day Egypt Classic Itinerary.
Today is all yours. Relax on Sharm’s pristine beaches, soaking up turquoise waters and golden sunshine. If you crave adventure, dive into the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs — home to some of the world’s most magnificent marine life.
Return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s rest.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Another full day in paradise. Lounge on silky sands, snorkel among colorful reefs, or explore the dramatic desert on a sunrise or sunset safari. Ride across soft dunes, sip Bedouin tea, and witness the Red Sea mountains glowing under shifting sunlight.
Relax and spend a peaceful night at your hotel with sea views and world-class amenities.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Your final day in Sharm is a celebration of pure bliss. Sunbathe by the shimmering shoreline, take a refreshing dip, or try exhilarating water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. Every moment is crafted for joy.
Enjoy one more restful night before your journey continues to the land of pharaohs.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After your last breakfast in Sharm, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor — the ancient capital of Thebes.
Begin your East Bank exploration at the Karnak Temple Complex. With its towering pylons, massive statues, and the legendary Hypostyle Hall of 134 columns, Karnak feels like the world’s greatest open-air museum, built over 2,000 years by generations of pharaohs.
Enjoy a flavorful Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, explore the Temple of Luxor— a masterpiece built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II. Walk through illuminated colonnades and gaze at monumental statues that still whisper ancient stories.
Afterward, board your Nile River cruise ship and enjoy your overnight onboard.
Start your morning with a delicious meal onboard.
Visit the hidden tombs of Egypt’s greatest rulers at the Valley of the Kings. From Tutankhamun to Seti I, each chamber reveals vivid colors, intricate carvings, and eternal myths preserved underground for millennia.
Our journey continues to the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. Carved directly into the cliffs, it honors one of Egypt’s most extraordinary rulers — a visionary queen who reshaped the empire.
Return to your cruise to enjoy a traditional lunch.
Gaze up at the towering Colossi of Memnon — silent stone guardians watching over the Theban plains for over 3,000 years.
Savor a relaxing evening onboard with a delicious dinner and gentle breezes.
Start your day refreshed with breakfast onboard.
Visit the Temple of Horus — one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, where ancient walls depict the eternal battle between Horus and Seth. Its grandeur transports you back to the Ptolemaic age.
Explore Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus (the Elder).
Savor a delicious dinner onboard accompanied by soft music and the Nile’s soothing ambiance.
After a day of adventure, relax and rest onboard.
Begin your early morning with breakfast before exploring the iconic Abu Simbel Temples.
Travel to the awe-inspiring Temples of Abu Simbel, carved by Ramses II into a mountainside. These colossal monuments honor the pharaoh’s legacy and the love he held for Queen Nefertari — and they remain one of Egypt’s most breathtaking achievements.
Return to your cruise for hearty meals as you continue sailing the serene Nile.
Enjoy a peaceful night onboard.
Enjoy your breakfast onboard, then check out as your Aswan adventure begins.
Discover the High Dam — Egypt’s modern engineering triumph that reshaped the Nile and secured the nation’s water and energy future.
Enjoy lunch at a local Aswan restaurant.
Sail to the Temple of Isis — relocated to Agilkia Island in the 20th century to protect it from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam.
Fly back to Cairo and check into your 5-star hotel for a peaceful overnight stay.
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at your Cairo hotel.
Step into the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Opened in 1902, this historic landmark showcases over 120,000 treasures spanning more than 5,000 years of history. Wander through halls filled with royal mummies, intricate sarcophagi, towering statues, and exquisite daily-life objects from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms.
Visit the Hanging Church, suspended above Roman ruins and cherished as one of Egypt’s oldest Christian landmarks.
Enjoy authentic Egyptian dishes at a local restaurant.
Walk down El Muizz Street, Cairo’s grand avenue of Islamic architecture, lined with centuries-old mosques, gates, and palaces.
End your Cairo day wandering through Egypt’s most famous bazaar — a vibrant maze of crafts, spices, lanterns, and charming cafés.
After a day of adventure and exploration, unwind at your hotel in Cairo and rejuvenate for your departure tomorrow.
Enjoy one last breakfast as you reflect on the unforgettable moments of your journey.
Your 12 Days Egypt Itinerary ends with a smooth transfer to Cairo Airport — carrying memories of pyramids, temples, the Nile, the Red Sea, and stories that will stay with you forever. Feel free to explore our full collection of 12 Days Egypt Itinerary and Egypt Tours with Nile Cruise.
* You can let us know if you'd like to customize your tour itinerary to meet your needs. We value your input and aim to accommodate your requirements.
* Nile Cruise itinerary maybe changed without prior notice due to navigational and security restrictions. The itinerary may change in sequence but not in visits.
Tripidays' tour package includes airport pickup and drop-off, domestic flights, 5-star hotel stays in Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh, a deluxe Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, guided tours to major historical sites, all entrance fees, meals as per the itinerary, private transportation, and an expert Egyptologist guide.
You will explore Egypt’s three most iconic regions:
If you're interested in adding a desert adventure or more history, you may also consider our Bahariya Oasis 12 day trip.
Absolutely. This itinerary combines Egypt’s top historical attractions, Nile Cruise highlights, and Red Sea relaxation, making it the perfect introduction for first-time travelers who want a complete Egypt experience.
Yes. Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt’s safest and most tourist-friendly destinations, known for its luxury resorts, coral reefs, and world-class hospitality. The area is continuously monitored and secured for international visitors.
Sharm is perfect for relaxation and adventure. Popular activities include:
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All things you should know before visiting Egypt
Tripidays Egypt Tours has been offering an exceptional range of Egypt tours, vacation packages, Nile cruises, day trips, and shore excursions tailored to meet the diverse interests of travelers worldwide for over 45 years.
