Egypt Travel Guide: Cairo, Luxor and the Nile

Egypt lies in the northeast corner of Africa and the southwest corner of Asia, and the Sinai Peninsula connects the two continents. The Nile crosses the desert plateau from the south of the country through the Delta to the Mediterranean.

Most first trips follow the river: Cairo and the pyramids at Giza, then Luxor and Aswan, with a day trip to Abu Simbel. The tourism ministry also promotes the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts, the desert oases and Sinai.

Places to visit in Egypt

Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt, and Greater Cairo includes Giza and the outer suburbs. The city was founded in 969, and its Arabic name, Al-Qahira, translates as The Victorious. UNESCO lists Historic Cairo as one of the world's oldest Islamic cities.

Giza and Memphis

Giza sits west of the Nile and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Memphis and its Necropolis. UNESCO says the site includes the three pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is described as the only surviving wonder of the ancient world.

Luxor

The Nile splits Luxor into an East Bank and a West Bank. The East Bank has Luxor and Karnak Temples, and the West Bank has the burial grounds. UNESCO lists Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

Aswan

Aswan lies further south along the Nile, with islands and a Nubian culture that visitors can explore through its villages. The tourism ministry suggests sailing to Elephantine Island and taking a ferry to Philae Temple.

Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser

The temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and the Sanctuary of Isis at Philae form the UNESCO site Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae. They were saved from the rising waters of the Nile by a UNESCO campaign between 1960 and 1980. The tourism ministry describes the Abu Simbel trip as a day trip south of Aswan.

Nile cruises

Dozens of cruise ships operate on the Nile. Most sail between Luxor and Aswan, in either direction, on trips of three to seven nights with stops at major attractions.

Getting to Egypt

Egypt has several international airports. The tourism ministry lists Cairo International, Sphinx International, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm al-Sheikh, Taba, Luxor, Aswan and Borg al-Arab, among others.

You can also enter by sea. The ministry names the ports of Alexandria, Hurghada, Safaga, Nuweiba and Ras Ghaleb, and the Taba Marina.

Getting around

Domestic flights are offered by EgyptAir, Nile Air and Air Cairo. The ministry lists Abu Simbel, Port Said and Al-Kharga as domestic airports. Trains run between Cairo and Alexandria, Marsa Matruh, the Delta and the Canal Zone, and south to Luxor and Aswan, and schedules and online tickets are on the Egyptian Railways website.

Three main bus companies cover the country. The Upper Egypt Bus Company connects Cairo to the Nile Valley, Fayoum, the inner oases and the Red Sea coast. Local ferries cross the Nile and the Suez Canal at various points.

When to go to Egypt

Winter

The tourism ministry says winters are cool and mild, with certain regions in the south remaining warm year-round.

Summer

Summers are hot and dry. The Mediterranean coastline is cooler and more humid, and the Red Sea coastline has less humidity.

What to book ahead

• Nile cruises: the ministry describes sailings of three to seven nights, mostly between Luxor and Aswan, so fix your cruise dates before you plan the rest of your route.
• Trains: seats can be reserved up to seven days in advance, and return tickets are not necessarily available from your starting point.
• Desert and remote sites: check with your hotel, a licensed guide or an authorized tour operator whether the destination is open to visitors before you go.
• Cameras: personal photography is allowed at archaeological sites and museums, without flash indoors. Professional equipment and drones need a permit and must be declared at the airport.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Egypt e-Visa Portal before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Egypt e-Visa Portal.

Frequently asked questions

Which Egyptian cities do most first trips include?

Many itineraries combine Cairo and Giza with Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt. Abu Simbel is a day trip from Aswan, and the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts are separate areas to add.

How do I get between Cairo and Luxor?

The tourism ministry lists domestic flights on EgyptAir, Nile Air and Air Cairo, and trains that run south to Luxor and Aswan. Buses also connect Cairo to the Nile Valley.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Egypt e-Visa Portal, the official government site, before you book.

Which Egyptian sites on the usual route are UNESCO World Heritage sites?

UNESCO lists Memphis and its Necropolis (the pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur), Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, and Historic Cairo.