Egypt Short Breaks Itinerary: What to See in 3, 4, or 5 Days
November 19, 2025
Read more
| Duration |
9 Days / 8 Nights |
|---|---|
| Tour Location |
Cairo / Aswan / Abu Simbel / Luxor / Alexandria |
| Tour Type |
Daily Tour |
| Pickup |
Cairo Airport |
Embark on an unforgettable Egypt Tour 9 Days Without Cruise, a fully overland adventure that reveals Egypt’s greatest historical treasures in comfort and style. Your journey begins in Cairo, where the mighty Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the world class Grand Egyptian Museum introduce you to the heart of ancient civilization. For more options, travelers can browse our comprehensive guided Egypt classic itineraries to discover other immersive experiences.
Continue south to Aswan to explore the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and the enchanting Philae Temple, followed by a once in a lifetime visit to the monumental temples of Abu Simbel. Traveling onward to Luxor, discover the wonders of both the East and West Banks: Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Luxor’s desert landscapes. Travelers seeking more Nile exploration can also check our Egypt Nile tour round trip, which combines luxury and classic historical landmarks.
Begin your Egypt tours 9 days without a cruise with a warm welcome at Cairo Airport. A Tripidays representative assists with your luggage, guiding you to a smooth check in at your hotel so you can start your adventure stress free.
Cruise along the Nile as the city lights shimmer around you. Enjoy traditional music, delicious food, and the beauty of Cairo by night.
Settle into your comfortable room and rest after your long journey.
Fuel up with a tasty breakfast before meeting your guide for a full day of discoveries.
Stand face to face with the legendary pyramids of Giza, masterpieces of ancient engineering and symbols of timeless power.
Next, you'll visit the Valley Temple, a key site built during the 4th Dynasty (circa 2575–2465 BCE) as part of the funerary complex of Pharaoh Khafre. This temple played a vital role in the mummification rituals of Egyptian royalty.
No trip to Egypt is complete without seeing the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza. Believed to have been constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre around 2500 BCE, this colossal statue features the body of a lion and the face of a human, likely representing Khafre himself.
Enjoy a delicious Egyptian meal with views overlooking the Giza Plateau.
A true highlight of your day will be visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), an architectural masterpiece set to open in 2020. Home to over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, this extraordinary museum will showcase the legendary treasures of King Tutankhamun. Explore more land-based packages through our guide to overland travel in Egypt.
Transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel to check in and unwind, preparing for the adventures that await you the following day.
Your first stop is the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel completed in 1970 after a decade of construction. Built under President Gamal Abdel Nasser in the 1960s, the dam controls flooding on the Nile River, generates hydroelectric power, and boosts agriculture.
Before having lunch, stop by the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. Dating back to Queen Hatshepsut’s reign (1507–1458 BCE), it would have been the largest obelisk ever at 42 meters tall and 1,200 tons.
Taste a flavorful Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
Your final stop will be the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and built during the Ptolemaic period (380-362 BCE). Expanded by Roman emperors like Augustus and Tiberius, it was a key religious center in ancient Egypt.
Relax at your hotel in Aswan and prepare for tomorrow’s desert adventure.
Start your day early with breakfast boxes while heading south to Abu Simbel.
Marvel at the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, carved by Ramses II, true icons of power and devotion. Prefer combining Cairo with resort stays? Explore the best Cairo and Sharm El Sheik tour.
Enjoy a satisfying lunch after your Abu Simbel exploration.
Arrive in Luxor and check in for a relaxing night's stay.
Start your morning with a fresh breakfast at the hotel in Luxor.
Step into the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest religious complex and a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. Built over 2,000 years, starting around 2000 BCE, it flourished under pharaohs such as Senusret I, Hatshepsut, and Ramses II. Walk under the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, built around 1290–1224 BCE under Seti I and Ramses II, showcasing an incredible profession.
Pause for a delicious Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the remarkable Temple of Luxor, built around 1400 BCE during Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s reign in the 18th Dynasty. Pharaoh Ramses II of the 19th Dynasty later added the colossal statues at the entrance and the iconic obelisk. Dedicated to the Theban Triad of gods, mainly Amun-Ra, the temple reflects its religious significance.
Rest comfortably and enjoy Luxor’s peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy a light breakfast before crossing to Luxor’s West Bank.
Visit Luxor's west bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial site from Egypt's New Kingdom (16th–11th centuries BCE). This necropolis holds over 60 tombs of pharaohs like Ramses II, Seti I, and Tutankhamun, whose tomb was famously discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.
Explore the remarkable Hatshepsut Temple, also known as Deir El-Bahari, a stunning example of ancient Egyptian architecture from the 15th century BCE. Built during Queen Hatshepsut's reign (1479–1458 BCE), the temple honors one of Egypt's most influential female pharaohs. Designed by her architect Senenmut, it is carved into the cliffs near Luxor and serves as both a mortuary temple and a tribute to her divine relation.
Savor a fresh local lunch in a traditional setting.
After lunch, visit the iconic Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues over 18 meters tall. Built around 1350 BCE during Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s reign, they once flanked the entrance to his grand mortuary temple in Thebes.
Return to your hotel in Luxor for a restful evening.
Enjoy breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.
Your first stop in Old Cairo is the historic Salah El Din Citadel, a medieval Islamic fort built in 1176 by Salah El Din (Saladin) to defend against the Crusaders. This iconic site was Egypt's seat of power for nearly 700 years. Explore its ancient walls, learn its history, and enjoy sweeping views of Cairo.
Next, you’ll visit the Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest, dating back to the 3rd century AD. Built above a Roman gate in the Babylon Fortress, it served as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope in the 7th century.
After visiting the Hanging Church, you will head to the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, built in 641-642 AD by the commander of the Muslim army that conquered Egypt. One of the oldest mosques in Egypt and Africa, it showcases early Islamic architecture.
Your next stop is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt's oldest, built in the 9th century by Abraham ibn Ezra. It is believed to be where baby Moses was found by Pharaoh's daughter, according to biblical tradition.
No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting the bustling Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. This vibrant market has been around for centuries and offers a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Enjoy a relaxing final stay in the heart of Cairo.
Enjoy your morning meal before heading to Alexandria.
Enjoy a journey to Alexandria, a stunning coastal city celebrated for its deep history and lively culture, all from the comfort of a sleek, air-conditioned car.
Start your journey in Alexandria at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground burial site from the late 2nd century AD, built during the Roman period. Discovered in 1900, this necropolis reveals Alexandria’s multicultural past, blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles.
Visit Pompey's Pillar, a 30 meter tall granite column in Alexandria, Egypt. Built in 297 AD, it honors Roman Emperor Diocletian (284–305 AD) after he suppressed a city revolt and provided food during a famine.
Enjoy a flavorful seafood or Egyptian lunch by the sea.
A trip to Alexandria isn’t complete without visiting the Alexandrina Library, which opened in 2002 as a modern complement to the ancient Library of Alexandria. The original library, founded under Ptolemy II (283–246 BCE), was a renowned center of learning with a vast collection of texts.
End your Egypt family exploration by visiting the Qaitbay Citadel, built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay. This fortress stands on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was damaged by earthquakes between 956 and 1323 AD. Looking for Egypt travel + Red Sea options? Explore the best luxury tour of Egypt.
Return to Cairo for a final relaxing evening.
Enjoy a final breakfast before heading to the airport.
Your representative ensures a smooth, quick checkout.
Your classic Egypt no cruise package ends with unforgettable memories and a warm invitation to return.
* 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.
A 9-day travel to Egypt without a cruise takes you through Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Alexandria entirely overland. You’ll explore Egypt’s top highlights, such as the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel, using private vehicles, domestic flights, and trains instead of a Nile River cruise. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who prefer a land-based exploration. For more options, you can explore our comprehensive 9 Days Egypt Itinerary guide.
Yes. This itinerary is designed as a comfortable 9 day Egypt overland itinerary, with smooth transfers, expert guides, minimal walking at each stop, and flexible pacing. It works perfectly for families, seniors, and travelers looking for a classic tour experience without a cruise.
The package generally includes hotel accommodation, domestic flights, guided tours with certified Egyptologists, entrance fees to all listed sites, private air-conditioned transportation, airport transfers, and daily breakfast. Several lunches are also included depending on the day’s activities.
A land based itinerary gives travelers more time at archaeological sites, greater flexibility in scheduling, and faster travel between cities. It also includes destinations that cruise programs skip, such as Old Cairo, Islamic and Coptic landmarks, and the Mediterranean city of Alexandria.
Yes. A full visit to the Abu Simbel Temples is included, with comfortable private transportation from Aswan. You’ll explore both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari.
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport or Your Hotel
Cairo / Giza / Aswan / Luxor / Alexandria
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport or Your Hotel
Cairo / Giza / Luxor / Aswan / Sharm El Sheikh
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport
Cairo / Aswan / Luxor / Hurghada
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport
Cairo / Giza / Nile Cruise
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport or Your Hotel
Cairo / Aswan / Abu Simbel / Luxor / Hurghada
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport
Cairo / Aswan / Abu Simbel / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Luxor
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport or Your Hotel
Cairo / Aswan / Luxor / Hurghada
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport
Cairo / Aswan / Luxor / Fayoum
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport or Your Hotel
Cairo / Luxor / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan
9 Days / 8 Nights
Cairo Airport
Cairo / Aswan / Abu Simbel / Luxor / Fayoum
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.
