15-Day Egypt Tours — And Beyond

15-Day Egypt Tours: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure, Perfectly Planned

Two weeks in Egypt transforms travelers forever.

Planning a 15-day Egypt tour opens doors to experiences most people only dream about. From standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza at sunrise to sailing the Nile River between ancient temples, this timeframe allows you to truly absorb Egypt’s incredible depth. You’ll witness pharaonic treasures in world-class museums, explore bustling bazaars in Islamic Cairo, and relax on pristine Red Sea beaches. The beauty of a two-week Egyptian adventure lies in its perfect balance—enough time to see major highlights without feeling rushed, plus opportunities to venture into lesser-known gems like the Siwa Oasis or Mount Sinai.

Our carefully crafted 15-day itineraries ensure every moment counts, combining must-see monuments with authentic cultural encounters that create lasting memories.

Essential Destinations Your Tour Must Include

Cairo dominates most Egypt itineraries, and for good reason. The capital houses the world-famous Giza pyramid complex, where you’ll spend an entire morning exploring the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and surrounding tombs with our expert Egyptologist guides. The Egyptian Museum showcases treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb alongside thousands of artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history.

Islamic Cairo deserves a full day of exploration. Walk through medieval streets lined with mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais that transport you back centuries.

Luxor: The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum

Luxor contains one-third of the world’s ancient monuments. The East Bank features Karnak Temple Complex—a massive religious site built over 2,000 years—and Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated for evening visits. Cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, where Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s intact tomb in 1922.

Aswan’s Nubian Heritage

Aswan offers a gentler pace with strong Nubian cultural influences. Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, and take felucca boat rides around Elephantine Island. The colorful Nubian villages provide insight into Egypt’s southern heritage.

Alexandria’s Mediterranean Charm

Egypt’s second-largest city blends ancient history with coastal beauty. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina pays homage to the legendary ancient library, while the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa showcase fascinating Greco-Roman burial practices.

Nile Cruise: The Journey Between Luxor and Aswan

A 4-day Nile cruise represents the pinnacle of Egyptian luxury travel, whether aboard a modern cruise ship or one of the traditional dahabiya boats. Modern vessels feature swimming pools, sun decks, and restaurants serving both international and traditional Egyptian cuisine, while dahabiya boats offer a quieter, more intimate way to sail the river. Your floating hotel glides past rural villages, palm groves, and irrigation systems that have remained virtually unchanged for millennia.

Kom Ombo Temple sits dramatically on a river bend, dedicated to both Sobek (crocodile god) and Haroeris (falcon god). The temple’s unique double design reflects this dual dedication. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, stands as one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient structures. Walking through its massive pylons and hypostyle halls feels like stepping directly into pharaonic times.

Evening entertainment aboard includes traditional music performances, cooking demonstrations, and stargazing on the top deck. Professional guides accompany all shore excursions, explaining historical context and answering questions. Small group sizes—maximum 12 participants—ensure personalized attention at each site.

Desert Adventures and Red Sea Relaxation

Western Desert and Siwa Oasis

The Siwa Oasis expedition adds adventure to your cultural journey. Located 560 km (348 miles) west of Cairo, Siwa feels like another world entirely. Date palm groves surround natural hot springs, while the Oracle Temple of Amun once drew Alexander the Great seeking divine guidance.

Desert safaris include overnight camping under star-filled skies. Local Bedouin guides prepare traditional meals over campfires while sharing stories passed down through generations. The experience connects you with Egypt’s vast landscape beyond the Nile Valley.

Red Sea Coast

Three days on the Red Sea coast provide perfect relaxation after intensive sightseeing. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh offer world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities. Coral reefs teem with colorful fish species, while desert meets crystal-clear waters in stunning contrast.

Beach resorts feature spas, water sports, and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Many travelers find this coastal interlude essential for processing their Egyptian experiences before returning home.

Suggested: Cairo and Red Sea Travel Tours

Practical Planning for Your 15-Day Adventure

International flights typically arrive at Cairo International Airport, though some Red Sea resorts accept direct flights from Europe. U.S. citizens require a tourist visa, easily obtained online for $25 or upon arrival for $30. European visitors follow the same process, while some nationalities receive visa-free entry. Check current requirements with Egyptian consulates before departure.

Domestic transportation varies by destination. Modern air-conditioned coaches connect major cities, while short flights save time for distant locations like Abu Simbel. Train services operate between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan—the overnight sleeper train offers a unique travel experience with private compartments and meals included.

Seasonal Considerations

October through April provides ideal weather conditions with daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and cool evenings. Summer months (May-September) bring intense heat exceeding 40°C (104°F) in southern regions, though Red Sea coastal areas remain more comfortable. Winter brings occasional rain to Cairo and Alexandria, while Upper Egypt stays dry year-round.

Peak season (December-February) offers perfect weather but higher prices and crowds. Shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April) balance good weather with better value and fewer tourists.

Cultural Sensitivity and Dress Codes

Egypt welcomes visitors warmly, though modest dress shows respect for local customs. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or religious sites. Women should carry scarves for mosque visits. Friday prayers (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm / 12:00-14:00) may limit access to some Islamic monuments.

Tipping (baksheesh) forms part of Egyptian culture. Budget $5-10 daily for guides, drivers, and service staff. Small bills in Egyptian pounds work best.

Specialized Tour Options

Private vs. Small Group Experiences

Private guided tours offer maximum flexibility and personalized attention from dedicated Egyptologist guides. You set the pace, spend extra time at preferred sites, and modify itineraries based on interests. Private transportation ensures comfort with modern vehicles and professional drivers.

Small group tours (8-12 participants) balance social interaction with intimate experiences. Shared costs make luxury accommodations more accessible while maintaining high service standards. Many solo travelers prefer group dynamics for safety and companionship.

Extend Your Journey: Egypt + Jordan (and Beyond)

If you’re already investing the time for an unforgettable Egypt adventure, it’s the perfect opportunity to expand your trip into a multi-country tour—and this is where a two-week itinerary truly shines.

Many travelers choose to pair Egypt with Jordan, one of our most popular combinations, for a seamless blend of ancient wonders and desert landscapes. After exploring Egypt’s pyramids, temples, and Nile Valley, Jordan adds powerful contrasts: the rose-red city of Petra, the vast silence of Wadi Rum, and the soothing waters of the Dead Sea—all in a short, easy extension that feels like a natural continuation of your journey.

For travelers looking beyond Jordan, we also arrange exciting combinations with Morocco, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, depending on your pace and travel style. Imagine stepping from Egypt’s timeless monuments into Morocco’s colorful souks and kasbahs, Turkey’s layered history and vibrant food culture, or Saudi Arabia’s striking desert heritage and modern transformation. The best part is that we handle everything—private guides, smooth transfers, and carefully paced planning—so your 15-day Egypt tours can evolve into a perfectly balanced multi-country itinerary without adding stress or complexity.

Because every traveler’s dream looks different, we tailor these multi-country extensions around your interests—whether you want more history, more culture, more scenery, or simply an extra destination that feels once-in-a-lifetime. With your own private guide and 24/7 support, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own rhythm, while we make sure every border, flight, hotel, and experience flows effortlessly from one destination to the next.

Photography and Special Access Tours

Photography enthusiasts benefit from special access permits to restricted areas. Interior pyramid visits, private morning hours at major temples, and behind-the-scenes museum tours create exceptional opportunities. Professional photographers guide composition techniques while historians explain architectural significance.

Early morning and late afternoon provide optimal lighting conditions. Golden hour photography at Abu Simbel, sunrise pyramid visits, and sunset felucca rides produce stunning images while avoiding harsh midday sun.

What Sets Premium Tours Apart

Twenty-five years of operation has taught us that exceptional Egypt tours require attention to countless details. Our relationships with local authorities enable special access opportunities unavailable to casual operators. Licensed Egyptologist guides possess advanced degrees in ancient history, not just basic tourism training.

Accommodation standards significantly impact your experience. Five-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor feature restaurants, spas, and concierge services that enhance daily comfort. Deluxe Nile cruise ships offer larger cabins, superior dining, and better maintenance than budget alternatives.

24/7 support ensures assistance whenever needed. Medical emergencies, flight changes, or simple questions receive immediate attention from our local team. We maintain offices in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan for rapid response capabilities.

Modern transportation prevents the fatigue that ruins many Egypt experiences. Air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers, internal flights for long distances, and comfortable train compartments keep you refreshed for each day’s adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions