Planning a trip to Egypt can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling solo. This one week Egypt itinerary is based on my experience as a solo female traveler and it’s designed to help you see Egypt’s highlights when you only have a week to spare. You’ll explore the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, temples along the Nile, the Valley of the Kings, and more!
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Why This One Week Egypt Itinerary Works
This one week Egypt itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the best of Egypt.
What makes this itinerary perfect:
- Covers Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor efficiently
- Includes a Nile River cruise for easy travel between temples
- Combines history, culture, and relaxation
- Great for solo travelers with private guides
Day 1: Start Your One Week Egypt Itinerary in Cairo with a Luxury Hotel Near the Pyramids
Start your one week Egypt itinerary in Cairo, where you’ll check into one of the most amazing hotels in the world: Marriott Mena House.
I used my Marriott Boundless sign-up bonus to get 4 free nights here. You can read more about this travel hack here.
Why this stay is special:
- Direct views of the Great Pyramids from your balcony
- Peaceful gardens away from Cairo’s chaos
- Room service breakfast on your balcony
Day 2: Pyramids, Saqqara & Red Pyramid
Your first full day dives straight into ancient Egypt.
Stops include:
- Saqqara – home to the Step Pyramid, Egypt’s oldest pyramid (Go inside the Pyramid of Unas to see hieroglyphics)
- Red Pyramid – one of the first true pyramids (Go inside this pyramid for a similar experience to the Pyramids of Giza, but with less crowds)
- Great Pyramids of Giza – the iconic Wonder of the Ancient World
I hired Anton’s Egypt Tours for all my Cairo tours. They were professional and extremely responsive through email, which can be rare to find with Egypt tour companies. I would absolutely use them again and I really appreciated having a female tour guide.
Day 3: Islamic Cairo, Markets & Mummies
There’s much more to see in Cairo than just the pyramids.
Highlights:
- Mosque of Muhammad Ali – breathtaking Ottoman-style architecture
- Coptic Cairo – Hanging Church
- Khan el-Khalili – a lively, chaotic, and colorful market
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization – home to royal mummies
Note: I visited before the GEM opened, so you may want to check that out instead of the Egyptian Civilization Museum. However, seeing the mummies was really interesting and I would highly recommend it.
Day 4: Start Your Nile River Cruise in Aswan
Fly south to Aswan to begin one of the best parts of this one week Egypt itinerary: a Nile River cruise.
I used Luxor and Aswan Travel to book the Ramadis II Nile Cruise.
Why a cruise is worth it:
- Transportation + accommodation + tours all in one
- Private guide stayed on the ship and got off at every site with me
- Relaxing way to see multiple ancient sites
Day 5: Abu Simbel Add-On to Your One Week Egypt Itinerary
Take the early morning trip to Abu Simbel. It’s an add-on excursion, but absolutely unforgettable. There are two different ways to visit Abu Simbel that you can read about in more detail here.
Expect:
- Massive statues of Ramses II
- Intricate carvings inside the temple
- A surreal location near Lake Nasser
Day 6: Temples Along the Nile
As you sail toward Luxor during your one week Egypt itinerary, you’ll stop at multiple temples.
Typical stops include:
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Edfu Temple
- Philae Temple
- Luxor Temple
Whether you sail Aswan to Luxor or the other way around, the sites are the same. So choose what works based on your schedule.
Day 7: Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings (My Favorite Stops During My One Week Egypt Itinerary)
End your trip in Luxor—home to some of Egypt’s most impressive sites.
Must-sees:
- Karnak Temple – the most awe-inspiring temple complex in Egypt
- Valley of the Kings – where you can walk inside tombs with vibrant, intact paintings and carvings
Karnak was my favorite temple. Make sure to schedule plenty of time to explore this massive complex.
Optional Extensions to Your One Week Egypt Itinerary
If you are able to spend more than one week in Egypt, here’s some optional add-ons that I would love to do on my next trip.
- Red Sea – stay in either Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh for beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and diving
- Black and White Desert – take an overnight excursion exploring the beauty of the Black and White Desert and experience traditional camping
Final Thoughts on This One Week Egypt Itinerary
This one week Egypt itinerary is the perfect way to experience Egypt’s highlights in a short amount of time. From the pyramids to ancient temples and a relaxing cruise along the Nile, every day brings something unforgettable.
If you are hesitant to travel solo, check out my full experience as a solo female traveler in Egypt.
Also check out Egypt Travel Tips that you need to know!
Egypt Travel Essentials
- Linen pants to help you beat the heat
- Sun hat and cover up for the pool
- Travelan to avoid GI issues
- Supergoop sunscreen is my favorite face sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Airalo eSIM (your phone must be unlocked)
- Ekta Travel Health Insurance