The Perfect Egypt Itinerary: A Bucket List Trip

Arrive in Sharm El Sheikh, where a driver will pick you up directly from the airport and take you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon settling in—explore the property, discover its restaurants and spa, and take some time to get familiar with your surroundings.

If you did not book before arrival, spend some time speaking with the concierge to plan and schedule your adventures. You can also follow the rest of this itinerary for inspiration and suggested timing.

Many hotels in Sharm El Sheikh offer all-inclusive options, so depending on your stay, you can end the day with dinner right on the property. Try a different restaurant each night to experience a variety of flavors without ever leaving the resort. If you’re staying at the Park Regency, or simply in the mood to venture over, I highly recommend Sala Thai—it’s the perfect place to kick off your vacation with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.

Another great option for the evening is Farsha Café, a unique cliffside spot built into the mountains overlooking the sea. It’s a relaxed nighttime hangout with drinks, hookah, and Mediterranean-style food, offering one of the best views in Sharm. Arrive around sunset to experience it at its most magical.

Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel pool or beach. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on the property before heading out for your first excursion of the trip. This afternoon, I recommend booking a snorkeling tour with pick-up directly from your hotel. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try scuba diving—Sharm El Sheikh is world-famous for its dive sites.

During your excursion, you’ll see some of the most colorful coral reefs and an incredible variety of fish in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a school of dolphins gliding by on the horizon. Whether you snorkel, dive, or simply relax on the boat, soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning contrast of turquoise water against the desert mountains.

Today starts early with an exciting journey into the desert side of Sharm El Sheikh. There are plenty of ways to explore the desert—from hiking and biking, to ATV rides and camel treks. I highly recommend booking an ATV tour, which can easily be arranged through your hotel concierge. Most tours include hotel pickup, a local guide, and ATVs for your group to ride across the desert.

If you’re an adrenaline seeker like me, consider booking a private tour so you can set your own pace and speed through the sand dunes. For a more relaxed experience, you can also add on a short camel ride or guided hike to round out your desert adventure.

A quick tip—you’ll definitely get dusty, so wear old shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

After your excursion, head back to your hotel to unwind by the pool or beach. Take the evening to relax, recharge, and maybe enjoy a quiet dinner on the property after your day of adventure.

Today is your last day in Sharm El Sheikh, so take full advantage of the resort and soak up the beauty around you. Spend the morning lounging by the pool or private beach, enjoy the views, and let yourself fully unwind.

If you’re in the mood for some extra pampering, schedule a spa treatment or spend the afternoon at one of the poolside bars. This is your chance to slow down, savor the sunshine, and enjoy your last day in paradise before heading to Cairo.

If you’re planning a shorter stay, three days in Sharm El Sheikh is plenty to experience the highlights. However, I highly recommend spending this extra day relaxing—it’s the perfect way to recharge before the next leg of your Egyptian adventure.

Today, it’s time to head to Cairo! The flight from Sharm El Sheikh is short, so you can choose to take an early flight to make the most of your day in Cairo, or a later flight if you’d prefer to enjoy one last morning at your resort.

If you arrive in Cairo early, schedule a car pickup from the airport and head straight to the Egyptian Museum. I recommend booking a guided tour to truly appreciate the incredible artifacts and history housed there. The museum is conveniently located near the airport and makes for the perfect stop before continuing on to your hotel in Giza.

If your flight arrives later in the day, no worries—you can always visit the museum the next day after your pyramid tour. It’s one of Egypt’s must-see attractions and well worth the visit.

In the evening, unwind with a dinner cruise on the Nile River. You’ll enjoy local cuisine, traditional entertainment, and beautiful views along one of the most historic rivers in the world. There are plenty of cruise options and departure times available to fit your schedule.

Start your day early with a guided tour and driver to take you to the sites. Your hotel can help arrange pickup so you can maximize your time and avoid the crowds.

Your first stop is the Pyramids of Giza, arriving before it gets too hot or crowded. You can even climb inside one of the pyramids, but be warned—it’s hot, tight, and not ideal for those who are claustrophobic.

After exploring the pyramids, your guide will take you to other Giza highlights, including the Great Sphinx, various tombs, and a local lunch. If you didn’t visit the Egyptian Museum the day before, this is a perfect opportunity to include it. For a unique perspective, consider scheduling a camel ride across the desert with a humane touring company. It’s a fun way to see the pyramids from above while soaking in the stunning desert landscape.

In the evening, I suggest staying local at your hotel for dinner. Use this time to relax, pack, and prepare for your journey home the following day.