3 Day Egypt Tour Packages

Egypt itineraries for 3 days

Compiled by

SteffEgypt travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Cairo Itinerary, incl. Giza Pyramids and Islamic Cairo

  A rich 3-day tour through Cairo and Giza showcases 7 major sites including Great Pyramid, Valley Temple, Egyptian Museum, and Khan El Khalili. 2 nights at 4-star hotel with breakfast, costs around $330 (approx. $110 per day).

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Evening in Cairo

    Your airport transfer will take 45-60 minutes to central Cairo, depending on traffic. Most tour packages include this service. "Having someone meet us at the airport made all the difference - Cairo's airport can be overwhelming for first-timers." If you arrive by early afternoon, you might enjoy a Nile dinner cruise (about $50) with traditional entertainment and city views. Consider staying in Giza for pyramid views or downtown Cairo for better access to restaurants and nightlife.

    
  • Day 2

    Giza Pyramids Complex and Egyptian Museum

    Get to the Giza pyramid complex early (7:30-8:00 AM) to avoid crowds and heat. The site opens at 8 AM and morning light makes for better photos. Wear good walking shoes as the ground is uneven and sandy. You'll need a separate ticket to enter the Great Pyramid. It's interesting inside but the climb is tight and not for everyone. Visit the Solar Boat Museum last when there are fewer people. After lunch, visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. "The sheer volume of artifacts is overwhelming - focus on the Tutankhamun treasures and mummy room if time is limited." You'll need a special ticket if you want to take photos inside. The museum closes at 5 PM. Spend your evening exploring Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili bazaar when it's cooler and more atmospheric.

    
  • Day 3

    Old Cairo and Departure

    Visit Coptic (Old) Cairo early to see the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. It's quietest before 10 AM. The sites are close together but can be hard to find. Look for small signs or ask locals for directions. Plan carefully on your last day since you need to leave for the airport 4 hours before international flights due to Cairo traffic. Many hotels offer breakfast boxes for early departures.

    

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• 3 Days in Egypt's Desert, incl. Cairo and White Desert

  The fascinating 3-day route covers 400km from Cairo through Bahariya Oasis. Highlights include 8 major sites including Pyramid Mountain, Crystal Mountain, and White Desert formations. Two nights split between desert camping and Qasr el Bawity hotel.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cairo to Bahariya Oasis & Black Desert

    Leave Cairo at 7:00 AM to avoid heavy traffic on the 4-hour drive west. When you reach Bahariya Oasis stop for lunch before visiting the Date Gardens and Salt Lake with their rows of palm trees. A recent visitor shared: "After a 4 hour car ride arrived at Bahariya Oasis... we left for the Black Desert in a 4 wheel drive vehicle and went further into the desert than most tours. Absolutely incredible!" Visit Pyramid Mountain and English Mountain viewpoints in the late afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photos. As evening approaches head to your camping spot in the Black Desert. Your guide will handle camp setup and cook dinner under the night sky. Pack plenty of warm clothing since desert temperatures can drop to 5-9°C (41-48°F) during winter nights.

    
  • Day 2

    Black Desert to White Desert

    After breakfast at camp explore El-Marssos Mountain in the Black Desert. Next visit El-Hez village to see its ancient cold spring. Bring water shoes because the rocks can get slippery. Continue on to Crystal Mountain for a quick look then spend more time at the impressive Agabat area. Stop for lunch at the Green Spring Roman site before entering White Desert National Park. A recent visitor described it perfectly: "The white desert is a fitting finale to the trip. The sky is ridiculously clear and free of light pollution... At nightfall we had a hearty dinner that our guide made for us, then joined other groups around campfires listening to Bedouin music."

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Cairo

    Take your time with breakfast before starting the journey back. You'll stop at Bahariya Oasis to shower and freshen up at either Qasr el Bawity hotel or a desert camp depending on what's available. The 4-hour drive back to Cairo means you should plan afternoon activities with some flexibility.

    

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• 3 Day Nile Cruise Itinerary, incl. Aswan and Luxor

  This Nile cruise stops at Kom Ombo's dual temple, Edfu's Ptolemaic complex, and navigates through Esna Lock. Three major cities - Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor - unfold while enjoying full board meals and professional Egyptologist guidance throughout the 133-kilometer route.

  

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  • Day 1

    Aswan to Kom Ombo

    Get to your Aswan hotel pickup point by 10:40 AM for an 11:10 AM departure. After check-in and settling into your cabin, the ship sets sail at 1 PM. Head to the upper deck to watch the river scenes unfold. One traveler shared: "Watching Aswan's islands pass by while sailing between small fishing boats and seeing local Nubian villages was one of the best memories of my whole life." Stock up on water in Aswan before boarding since drinks on the ship are expensive. The afternoon sail gives you great shots of traditional felucca boats and riverside farms. You'll reach Kom Ombo temple around sunset. Remember comfortable shoes and a light jacket for the cooler evening air.

    
  • Day 2

    Edfu to Luxor

    Wake up at 5 AM for the Edfu Temple visit. A horse-drawn carriage takes you to the temple but expect persistent vendors along the route. A recent visitor noted: "The temple is less crowded if you wait until the first wave of tours leaves - usually by 7 AM." The ship continues to Esna where you'll pass through the famous lock before reaching Luxor around 5 PM.

    
  • Day 3

    Luxor Departure

    Enjoy breakfast before leaving the ship. If you're planning to see Luxor's sites like the Valley of the Kings start early to beat the heat. One traveler recommends: "Get your Luxor sightseeing started early - the archaeological sites get very hot by mid-morning."

    

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