2 week Egypt itinerary: our honest 15-day route

Cairo & Giza, days 1 to 3

You will most likely fly into Cairo first. Yes it is busy and a little chaotic, but it is fascinating and the best introduction to the country. Stay out near the pyramids in Giza so you can watch the sun set over them, then do the Great Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili markets.

Where to stay in Cairo or Giza

We stayed in an Airbnb with pyramid views, which made our first few days feel incredibly special. If you want to be among the energy, museums and restaurants of central Cairo, Swiss Hotel Cairo Downtown is the option we would compare. If waking up near the pyramids matters more, The Stay Pyramids Inn would be our Giza choice. We have not stayed at either property, but both fitted what we look for on location, guest feedback and value when we researched them. Click either photo to check your dates and current price.

Still deciding between the city and the pyramid views? Our first-hand Cairo or Giza comparison explains who each base suits and the two-night split we would book. Our complete pyramid, museum and market plan is inside the 15 day Egypt guide.

The Siwa Oasis, days 4 to 6

From Giza we booked a private driver to Siwa, a remote, palm-filled oasis deep in the desert. The drive is long (8 to 9 hours) but so worth it. Float in the Salt Lakes, swim in Cleopatra's Spring and watch the sunset from the Mountain of the Dead. Our Siwa Oasis itinerary from Cairo shows exactly what fitted into our two-night visit and why we would stay three nights next time.

Where we stayed in Siwa: Hotel Talid

We stayed at Hotel Talid and loved it. This is a first-hand recommendation. It is a boutique-style stay close to the restaurants and main sights, breakfast was included, and the lovely team helped organise our day around the Salt Lakes, Mountain of the Dead and Cleopatra's Spring. We even booked a private dinner at the hotel one evening, which was such a memorable part of Siwa.

Luxor, days 7 to 11

Luxor, the old capital of Ancient Egypt on the Nile, is a must if you want to really understand the history. The Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and Karnak are all here. We stayed on the West Bank, which put us closer to the temples and Valley of the Kings while still making it easy to cross the Nile by boat. If you are deciding how long to stay, our guide to how many days in Luxor breaks down what realistically fits into one, two, three or four days.

Where to stay in Luxor

Our West Bank Airbnb had two bedrooms, a shared pool and breakfast, and we loved having more space here. If you prefer to book through Booking.com, Winter House is the researched option we would compare. We have not stayed there ourselves, but the Nile setting, guest feedback and value stood out when we checked it. It is a good fit if you want the calmer West Bank feeling that we enjoyed.

Hurghada, days 11 to 13

From Luxor it is around four hours to Hurghada, the perfect place to slow down on the Red Sea. Snorkelling, dolphin tours and the Blue Lagoon boat trip are all worth doing, and the water is unreal. If you are choosing your coastal stop, read our first-hand Dahab or Hurghada comparison.

Where to stay in Hurghada

We booked an Airbnb with an ocean view because we wanted a little home normality and the option to make some of our own meals. If you would rather book a hotel, Redcon Suites is the researched option we would compare. We have not stayed there, but its huge volume of strong guest feedback, central location and sea-view terrace make it a convincing value option without pushing into luxury-resort prices.

Dahab, days 13 to 15

Dahab completely stole our hearts. After weeks of go-go-go, this laid-back diving town on the Red Sea was exactly what we needed. Snorkel or dive the famous Blue Hole, float in the Blue Lagoon, and learn to dive if you never have. It is the perfect place to end the trip.

Where to stay in Dahab

We stayed in a central Airbnb with friends. It was spacious, had separate bathrooms, and we could walk to the gym, cafés and restaurants. Our friends loved Dahab so much that they extended after we left. Skyrock Dahab is the researched Booking.com option we would compare now. We have not stayed there, but its waterfront setting and apartment-style feel suit the relaxed Dahab experience we loved.