Planning a trip to Egypt for the first time can feel like a lot — thousands of years of history compressed into a handful of cities, plus a coastline most people don't even realize is part of the same country. Here's the shape of it.
When to go
The most comfortable months to visit are October through April, when daytime temperatures are manageable for sightseeing, particularly in Luxor and Aswan where summer heat is extreme. December and January are peak season — book hotels and Nile cruises early. May through September is hot but significantly quieter and cheaper, and the Red Sea coast is pleasant nearly year-round.
Where to go
- Cairo — the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo's old city, and the base for most itineraries
- Luxor — ancient Thebes: the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Nile's east and west banks
- Aswan — a quieter, more relaxed Nile city, gateway to Abu Simbel and Nubian culture
- The Red Sea (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, El Gouna) — diving, snorkeling, and beach time to balance out the history-heavy itinerary
- Alexandria — Mediterranean coastal city with a distinct, more European feel
Getting around
Domestic flights connect Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts quickly. Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan are a popular way to see multiple sites without repacking every night. Private transfers and guided day tours cover everything else.
A typical first-time itinerary
3–4 days in Cairo, a short flight to Luxor, a Nile cruise or overland journey to Aswan, then either back to Cairo or on to the Red Sea for a few days of downtime. Most CTE package itineraries follow a version of this route — see our tour packages for ready-made options.
Before you go
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt — see our Egypt E-Visa Guide for requirements and how to apply online in advance.