The Ultimate 5-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Giza Pyramids, and Siwa Oasis

As someone that travels quite a bit, I really hate to admit that it’s gotten a lot harder to feel that hit of dopamine from visiting a new place or country (like I used to get every time I landed in Europe). I know this is seriously the most first world problem ever but I’m someone that craves new experiences, learning, and culture when I travel. Which is why I was completely shocked when this 5 day Egypt itinerary left me speechless.

If Egypt (or the Middle East in general) has been popping up all over your social media like it has mine, I promise you there’s a good reason. This 5-day Egypt itinerary is proof that now is definitely the time to go (before it becomes the next Rome or Kyoto).

To make planning a trip to Egypt easy for you, I pulled together a 5 day Egypt itinerary that covers all the magic without the chaos. Just so you know, this 5 day Egypt itinerary is a little bit different than your typical tourist route, but I promise it still has all the magic and madness of Egypt. Just imagine the lively madness of Cairo, the jaw-dropping pyramids of Giza, the clear turquoise waters near Marsa Matrouh, and the otherworldly salt lakes and palm-covered charm of Siwa Oasis.

This 5 day Egypt itinerary includes everything you need to know, from the best time to visit Egypt, how to get around, where to stay, what not to do, and more. And you can feel better knowing that this is the exact 5 day Egypt itinerary my girlfriend and I followed!

So if you’re craving something beautiful, unique, and a little off the beaten path, this 5 day Egypt itinerary is it. So let’s get into it 👇

This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 Day Egypt Itinerary at a Glance

The best part about planning a 5 day Egypt itinerary is that it’s an extremely affordable country for five-star luxury hotels. So I definitely recommending splurging on accommodation when you’re here, although I included one budget hotel option that gives you a good view of the pyramids:

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels for your 5 day Egypt itinerary:

• Le Méridien Cairo Airport (Cairo Airport) – A sleek, convenient hotel directly connected to the airport, ideal for travelers needing a restful layover or early flight, with modern rooms and a rooftop pool to unwind.
• Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (Cairo) – A luxurious riverside retreat with panoramic Nile views, impeccable service, and elegant interiors, perfect for those wanting a high-end stay in central Cairo.
• Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah (Cairo) – A stylish, French-inspired hotel on a private island in the Nile, offering sweeping views, an infinity pool, and a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city.
• King Khafren View Inn (Giza Pyramids) – A budget-friendly guesthouse with unbeatable pyramid views, great for travelers who want a simple, local stay with sunrise access to one of the world’s wonders.
• Marriott Mena House Cairo (Giza Pyramids) – A historic and upscale hotel set in lush gardens at the base of the Giza pyramids complex, combining old-world charm with resort-style comfort and unforgettable scenery.

Is 5 days in Egypt Enough?

If you’ve read my other blog posts, you’ll know that I often include this question in my posts. And 99% of the time the answer is YES. And I can’t believe I’m saying this but I actually think 5 days is slightly too little time in Egypt. BUT if you’re like me (and maybe like the majority of the population), and have limited PTO, then I still think visiting Egypt for 5 days is better than not visiting at all.

With that being said, this 5-day Egypt itinerary is more than enough time to wander through Cairo’s busy markets, spend a full day at the pyramids, explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, enjoy dinner/drinks along the Nile, relax at the beaches of Marsa Matrouh, float in Siwa Oasis, and so much more. It’s definitely enough to get a solid taste of what Egypt has to offer.

Do I Need a Visa for Egypt?

If you’re traveling from the states, then yes you will need a visa to visit Egypt. The good news is that i’s super easy. You can apply for an e-visa online before your trip, or get a visa on arrival. I used this website for my visa and it was approved within ~72 hours and costs me $30 USD. The funny thing is that NO ONE even checked our visas when we landed.

Everyone on Instagram was also telling me that we could’ve gotten a visa directly at the airport once we arrived. I hear that’s really easy too, just make sure to bring $25 USD in cash for a smoother process.

Best Time to Visit Egypt

This is probably an obvious statement but Egypt can get hot. I mean, the Sahara Desert literally runs through the entire country so you can already assume the temperatures will be crazy. But don’t worry, if you’re planning a 5 day Egypt itinerary, there’s a pretty long window where the weather is actually perfect. My friend and I visited in early April and it was wonderful. We were actually expecting pool weather but it barely passed 70°F each day. So keep reading for more details on the best time to visit Egypt!

Visiting Egypt in Fall/Winter

This is hands-down the sweet spot. Egypt fall hits that perfect balance with temps hovering around 75–80°F (24–27°C) during the day, making it ideal for pyramids, museums, and rooftop dinners along the Nile. Winter cools down a bit more with daytime highs around 65–70°F (18–21°C) and chillier evenings in the 50s (10–15°C). It’s still sunny, still beautiful, and way less crowded. If you’re wondering about the best month to visit Egypt, November is definitely a top contender. You’ll get great weather and miss out on the hoards of holiday travelers.

Visiting Egypt in Spring/Summer

Egypt spring is pretty magical. Although we definitely wanted some pool time, we were more than okay settling for mid 70s weather during our entire trip. March and April in Egypt feel warm but manageable, averaging around 78–82°F (25–28°C). But once May hits, things ramp up fast. From June through August, you’re in full-blown oven mode. Expect 100–104°F (38–40°C) in places like Cairo, Luxor, etc. If you’re doing a 5-day Egypt itinerary during this time, you’ll probably want to head east towards Hurghada or north towards Alexandria (or just wait until the fall).

How to Get Around During Your 5 Day Egypt Itinerary

There are technically a bunch of ways to get around Egypt, but after our visit, I’d only recommend these two ways of transportation around Egypt. They’re the safest, easiest, and least likely to get you ripped off.

The first is to hire a private guide. As two young(er) females traveling alone, we chose to hire private transportation for our entire time in Egypt. In Cairo, a lot my former flight attendant friends recommended Hisham Tour Guide to me so we booked him for the whole day in Cairo and had the best time ever. While Hisham wasn’t technically the one to take us around, we had one of his guides Ramy, and a driver with us the whole day. Ramy was seriously so fantastic. He was kind, knowledgeable, and shared so much insight about Egyptian history with us.

Since we hired a guide, nobody hassled us or bothered us either. Which I know is a huge issue in Egypt. So I 1000000% recommend booking a tour guide. You can reach out to Hisham and his team directly via Instagram and tell him Discover Over There sent you 🙂

The second way to travel around Egypt is by using uber. Again, taxi scams in Egypt are quite common so uber is definitely a recommended way to get around Egypt safely.

Suggested 5 Day Egypt Itinerary

Here’s my suggested 5-day Egypt itinerary since it’s the exact one my friend and I did, but feel free to tweak it! You’ll start in Cairo, explore the pyramids of Giza, and have dinner and drinks along the Nile. Then you’ll head to Marsa Matruh for some beach time, float in salt lakes in Siwa Oasis, and go 4x4ing through the Sahara desert before making your way back to Cairo for some well-deserved R&R.

It’s the perfect mix of ancient Egyptian history, Instagrammable moments, crazy Cairo energy, and off-the-grid desert adventures…all packed into just five days!

Day 1: Exploring the Ancient Pyramids of Giza

Morning

You’re going to start your first full day in Egypt visiting the Giza Pyramids. I mean…you traveled this far already. There’s no way you’re missing one of the only remaining ancient wonders of the world right? We luckily stayed at the Marriott Mena House which is the closest hotel to the pyramids so I definitely recommend splurging for a night on this hotel to save on time.

And if you’re unfamiliar, the Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt’s top attractions and iconic landmarks. Built over 4,500 years ago, they served as royal tombs for the pharaohs and are the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. The site includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx nearby.

Prior to seeing the pyramids up close, I actually had pretty low expectations. I wasn’t sure if I’d be underwhelmed once I actually got to see them up close but it’s safe to say that the sheer height and size of these freakin’ pyramids absolutely blew my mind 🤯

PRO TIP: I strongly suggest hiring a guide for the day and/or for your entire 5 day Egypt itinerary. A lot of people have complained about having a bad experience in Egypt due to the hassling, but having a guide with you makes so much of a difference. I highly recommend booking with Hisham Tour Guide or with a private tour via GetYourGuide.

Afternoon

After you’ve spent the morning wandering around the entire Giza Pyramid Complex, you’ll want to head to Khufu’s Restaurant at The King Khufu Center for lunch. You know I’m a sucker for finding bars and restaurants from the World’s 50 Best and Khufu’s Restaurant recently won the best restaurant in all of Egypt. We ordered the baba ghanoush, steak skewers, homemade bread, and more. The food was absolutely delicious and the views were unbeatable. It felt surreal to be enjoying a meal while witnessing the wonders of the world in the background.

Evening

After lunch, you’ll want to make your way to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum — and yes, it actually lives up to the hype. The Grand Egyptian Museum (aka GEM) is Egypt’s shiny new pride and joy. Located right near the Giza Pyramids, this massive complex is one of the largest archaeological museum in the world. It’s taken decades for them to build this thing and it finally opened in October 2024. And they’re still working on adding more and more artifacts to it everyday.

Inside, you’ll find over 100,000 artifacts, including the entire Tutankhamun collection, most of which has never been displayed all in one place before. We’re talking jewelry, chariots, weapons, and even his bed. There aren’t any mummies in this museum though which honestly I was okay with haha. The museum is ultra-modern with huge open galleries, crazy architecture, and climate-controlled rooms to preserve the ancient goods. Again, I highly recommend hiring a guide during your 5 day Egypt itinerary to walk with you throughout the museum to make sense of what you’re looking at. We LOVED having Ramy explain everything to us from the story of Ra to the Judgment of Osiris ⚖️

After a day of exploring, you should head to the Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah for dinner and drinks with a view. This luxurious hotel offers several dining options along the Nile. At La Palmeraie, you can enjoy Moroccan cuisine like fragrant tagines and couscous on a private riverside terrace. For a more relaxed setting, visit the Window On The Nile Lounge & Bar, where you can sip cocktails or tea while watching feluccas drift by (which is what we did). We made it to the Sofitel just in time for sunset and got to enjoy a few glasses of wine with dinner along the nile. It was the perfect end to our first day in Egypt!

Day 2: Relaxing Beachside Lunch and Journey to Siwa

Morning

Rise and shine! Today’s going to be a long day. As part of our 5 day Egypt itinerary, we’re making the trek to the magical desert oasis of Siwa, which is about an 8-hour drive from Cairo. We booked our 3 day 2 night Cairo to Siwa group tour through GetYourGuide, but lucked out with a completely private tour. Our driver picked us up from the Marriott Mena House at 5am, coffee in hand (obviously), and we hit the road toward the coast. A few hours in, we stopped in Marsa Matrouh, a stunning beach town along the Mediterranean. It’s known for its turquoise water and chill vibes, and it made for a nice pitstop before heading further south to Siwa.

Afternoon

We rolled into Siwa Oasis around ~2pm and checked into Ghaliet Ecolodge Siwa, a laid-back eco lodge. You know I’m all about the luxury hotels but there aren’t really any sort of luxury accommodations in Siwa since it’s not really built up for tourists (yet). After putting our bags down, we stopped at Cleopatra’s Pool, a natural spring surrounded by date palms and legends. Rumor has it that Queen Cleopatra herself used to bathe here but our guide told us that was just a ploy to get more tourists to visit and that there’s no proof she actually bathed in Siwa haha 😂

We ultimately decided to skip the swim but enjoyed a relaxing afternoon souvenir shopping, watching the local kids jump in, and eating some of the best chicken couscous of our lives 🍛

Evening

After a full day on the road, we kept it mellow and our guide took us to Fatnas Island for sunset. This tiny palm-covered island sits on the edge of Birket Siwa (Siwa Lake) and is one of the best sunset spots in the area. The reflections off the still water and the colors over the desert horizon were stunning. It actually reminded me a little bit of Utah or Arizona. There’s even a small café where you can sip on fresh juice while taking in the view. The fruit juices in Egypt are seriously next level haha. We also happened to be visiting Ramadan so it was cool to see everyone (including our guide) break their fast with yogurt, juice, and dates around us. We stayed until the last bit of sun dipped below the horizon, then made our way back to the hotel and crashed early.

Day 3: Floating in Siwa Salt Lakes & Sahara Desert Adventures

Morning

Day 3 was our first full day in Siwa. We kicked things off with a traditional Egyptian breakfast at Ghaliet Ecolodge Siwa, complete with hummus, warm bread, dates, eggs, and even French fries. (They were clearly catering to the Americans haha). After breakfast, our guide picked us up for a full morning of exploring Siwa’s most iconic historical sites. Keep in mind, Siwa is still pretty small so there’s only a handful of main landmarks which makes it nice and easy to cover during a short 5 day Egypt itinerary.

We started at Shali Fortress, a centuries-old mud-brick citadel built in the 13th century. It was once the heart of Siwa and still offers stunning views of the town from the top. Then we visited the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, where it’s said Alexander the Great once came to seek guidance before his conquest of Persia. The ruins are quiet, mysterious, and definitely worth a stop.

Next was the Mountain of the Dead, a hill dotted with ancient tombs carved into the rock. Some still have colorful wall paintings inside, dating back to Roman and Ptolemaic times. We also made stops at Dakrur Mountain, known for its healing hot sands, and the Museum of Siwa, which gave us a deeper look into the local Amazigh (Berber) culture and traditions.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, we finally visited the #1 reason I wanted to come to Siwa in the first place, the Siwa Salt Lakes. These natural salt pools are scattered around the oasis and vary in shades of turquoise and blue. There are a bunch of different salt pools scattered around so I recommend driving around until you find a good one. Some of the best ones are just a few minutes beyond the main entrance. The high salt concentration in these lakes are crazy, and are what make you float effortlessly in the water. (People say it’s similar to floating in the Dead Sea).

Our guide drove us to several of the most beautiful lakes before we ended up spending most of our time at the one pictured above. If you don’t have a guide, no worries. You can easily hire a tuk tuk from the main town and they will take you to the best spots and wait while you swim or relax.

The salt lakes are open for tourists to visit between 8.30am – 5.30pm and there’s currently no fee to enter. (This might change soon as more and more tourists are visiting Egypt so all the more reason to start building your 5 day Egypt itinerary NOW).

Also, just a heads up that while the salt lakes look absolutely magical (and they seriously are), they’re actually part of a working salt mine. That means you might spot trucks, diggers, and workers nearby. It can be a bit of an Instagram vs. reality moment if you’re expecting a completely untouched oasis. That said, the area is still stunning, and with a guide or a tuk tuk, you can easily find quieter lakes tucked away from the action.

Evening

After rinsing off from the salt lakes, we checked into our second hotel of the trip, Dream Lodge Hotel Siwa, to freshen up before heading straight into the Sahara Desert. Our guide took us dune bashing across the golden sand, which felt like a rollercoaster with no tracks. After flying up and down dunes, we stopped to try sandboarding, then chilled with some mint tea and local snacks while watching the sunset over the Sahara Desert. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

Fun fact: Siwa is one of Egypt’s top producers of dates, thanks to its dry climate and thousands of palm trees scattered across the oasis 🌴

To wrap up the day, we had dinner at a local spot called Ali Alewa Restaurant. (Arabic name: مطعم علي عليوة للمشويات) Their signature dish is slow-cooked meat buried under the sand, and the result was an insanely tender chicken thigh, flavorful rice, and a whole mix of spices. Definitely a memorable way to end a packed day before zonking out at Dream Lodge Hotel Siwa.

Day 4: Breakfast in Siwa & the Road Back to Cairo

Morning

For our last day in Siwa, we woke up super early and hit the road. We wanted to make it back to Cairo with enough time to just relax and hangout at a 5-star hotel. Our driver picked us up at 5am, and we were off on the 8 hour journey back to Cairo. Honestly, we didn’t get to sleep in once this entire trip but we knew what we signed up for with our whirlwind 5 day Egypt itinerary. Just a heads-up though that this was not a relaxing vacation by any means haha. We keep referring to it as a “cultural trip” because that’s basically what it was.

Afternoon

We got back into Cairo around 1pm and checked into Le Meridien Cairo Airport. Luxury hotels in Egypt are surprisingly affordable, and while we would’ve happily splurged on the Four Seasons, we had a 5am flight back to the US the following day. And Le Meridien Cairo Airport is literally connected to the terminal, so we picked convenience this time around. It was 100% the right call for a short 5 day Egypt itinerary.

Evening

After hours on the road, we kept things super chill. We booked body scrubs at the Le Meridien Cairo Airport hotel spa (which felt like heaven after all of the traveling) and followed it up with wine and dinner at the hotel restaurant. Honestly, it felt amazing to be back in a comfy bed with robes and slippers, after three days in the dusty desert.

Day 5: Final Cairo Sightseeing

Morning

It was our last full day in Egypt, so we wanted to squeeze in a few final sights in Cairo. We grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel and headed out with our guide for one last adventure around the city. We started off by exploring downtown Cairo starting with Khan Al-Khalili, the city’s most famous souk. It’s been around since the 14th century and is packed with narrow alleys, colorful stalls, spices, lamps, and handcrafted souvenirs. You’ll also find tiny cafes tucked away where you can sip on mint tea and people-watch.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, we visited some of Cairo’s most beautiful Islamic landmarks. Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest universities in the world and still functions as a place of worship and learning. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, located in the Citadel, offers panoramic views of Cairo and is probably the most photographed mosque in the city. We also stopped by Sultan Hassan Mosque, which was built in the 1300s and has some seriously impressive architecture. Having a guide made all the difference here since they helped bring the history to life and kept us from wandering aimlessly. (Also no one tried to harass us or scam us so that was a huge plus).

Evening

By the time we got back to the hotel, we were so done. We ordered room service from Le Meridien Cairo Airport and called it an early night since our flight to Frankfurt (and eventually back to San Francisco) left at 5am. Not the most exciting ending, but honestly, after cramming Egypt into 5 days, all we wanted was sleep.

Overall, the entire five days in Egypt flew by and honestly, it was one of the most fast-paced trips I’ve ever done…and that’s saying a lot. But I had the best time. We learned so much and I’m already dreaming about my next visit. That said, there are definitely a few things I’d do differently. Keep reading for a quick list so you can avoid the mistakes I made.

Things I Would Do Differently Next Time

If you actually made it through this entire 5 day Egypt tour, you probably noticed there was quite a bit of travel involved. This trip was technically supposed to be a solo adventure, so I didn’t mind the long drives. But when my friend joined last minute, everything was already booked.

If we had planned it together from the beginning, we definitely would’ve spent more time up north and broken up the Siwa journey a bit better. So here are two things I’d do differently next time:

• I’d definitely extend the trip. Five days in Egypt just isn’t enough but I get it. I don’t have unlimited PTO either. I usually think that’s plenty of time for most places, but not for Egypt. If you want to include highlights like Aswan, Luxor, the Abu Simbel temples, etc then you’ll need a longer itinerary than a 5 day Egypt tour allows.
• I’d add a stop up north in Alexandria. Spending a couple of nights in Alexandria or Marsa Matrouh would’ve helped break up the long drive to Siwa and added some relaxing beach time to this 5 day Egypt tour.

Egypt FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions for first time visitors to Egypt 🐪

What currency is used in Egypt?

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Egypt is definitely a country where cash is still king. You’ll need it for everything, from purchasing food to tipping and paying for entry tickets at attractions. I would recommend bringing some cash and exchanging it directly at the airport or your hotel because you’ll likely need to tip your driver as soon as you step out of the airport.

What’s the official language in Egypt?

The official language in Egypt is Arabic. While many Egyptians working in the tourism industry speak English, knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can help enrich your experience and create a stronger connection with locals. Our favorite phrase that we learned from our guides was “يلا بينا (Yalla Bina)” which meant let’s gooooo! (As we were cruising through the insane dunes of the Sahara Desert)

What’s the main religion in Egypt?

Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt, with the majority of Egyptians being Sunni Muslims. The country also has small Christian communities, primarily Coptic Christians, and religious sites, like mosques and churches, are an important part of Egypt’s cultural heritage.

What’s the best month to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April when the weather is cooler and more comfortable, especially for sightseeing. As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I definitely think November and March are probably the best months for a 5 day Egypt itinerary.

What’s the best way to get around Egypt?

I still think hiring a guide and/or uber are the the best ways to get around Egypt. With Uber, the price is agreed upon beforehand and there’s a history of your interaction. And if you hire a guide, they can handle all of the logistics and provide you with valuable insights into Egypt’s rich history, making your experience a lot more educational (which I love) and hassle-free.

Should I hire a guide in Egypt?

YES ❤️ Seriously, hiring a guide in Egypt is a great idea, especially when you’re following this 5 day Egypt itinerary. My friend and I seriously wish we did this in Morocco. We probably would’ve had a way different (and better) experience if we had done so. Guides offer an in-depth understanding of the country’s historical sites and can help navigate the local culture. They’ll ensure you don’t miss important details at landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza or the Valley of the Kings. Plus, they can manage the logistics, allowing you to relax and really experience the moment.

We hired a guide through Hisham Tour Guide and loved every second of it.

How much should I tip in Egypt?

Tipping is definitely customary in Egypt, and it’s appreciated (and sometimes expected) by service workers. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is common, though smaller amounts can be given to hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides. Our rule of thumb was that we tipped about $1-2 USD for most service workers, and tipped our tour guides extra. We also tipped our driver who tirelessly drove us from Cairo to Siwa and back a decent amount. Tipping is definitely something to keep in mind when planning your 5 day Egypt itinerary.

Is Egypt cheap?

Yes, a 5 day Egypt itinerary is considered quite affordable for tourists (especially Americans). Accommodation, food, and transport are generally budget-friendly compared to many other travel destinations. However, if you want to splurge (like we did), you still can without breaking the bank.

Is Egypt safe for tourists?

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Cairo, Luxor, Siwa, Aswan, and Sharm El Sheikh. However, it’s always wise to stay updated on safety advice, avoid certain regions near conflict zones, and follow the guidance of local authorities or tour operators.

5 Days in Egypt: Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on our 5 day Egypt itinerary! To say this was the fastest-paced trip I’ve ever done would be an understatement, but holy moly was it incredible. From diving deep into the history of Tutankhamun and Egyptian goddess mythology to floating in the salt lakes of Siwa and eating way too many dates for a human being, spending 5 days in Egypt with my girlfriend was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I seriously don’t say this about many places, but I’m already dying to go back. Next time, I can’t wait to explore Luxor, Aswan, and even spend a few nights cruising on the Nile, not to mention checking out the east coast of Hurghada. With all your support reading this blog, maybe I’ll get to return sooner than I think — and you can bet I’ll write all about it when I do! If you’re considering your own 5-day Egypt itinerary, I highly recommend it!

Did you get a chance to follow this 5 day Egypt itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting other parts of Egypt?

Check out my other travel guides on Egypt here.

Visiting other parts of Africa?

Check out my other travel guides on Africa here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!