Egypt – Travel Advice, Tips, and Itinerary

Welcome to our Egypt itinerary! If you’re looking for well-crafted tips for an unforgettable trip, you’re in the right place. Enjoy and get inspired!

Is your dream to travel around Egypt and see more than just its famous, beautiful pyramids? Would you also like to explore the desert and breathtaking oases? This “Egypt – Travel Advice, Tips, and Itinerary” will not only guide you through the country’s landmarks, but also provide information about visas and transportation.

When should I go?

Do Egypta sa dá cestovať počas celého roka. Otázka je skôr či chcete cestovať počas najväčších horúčav, alebo keď je príjemne.

The best weather is usually from October through February, when temperatures are pleasant throughout the country. In northern Egypt—Cairo, Alexandria, Siwa Oasis, Bahariya Oasis, Suez, and Sinai—daytime temperatures are around 20°C (68°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop as low as 10°C (50°F).

In the south of the country—Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel—temperatures are around 30°C (86°F) during this period. However, in summer, from June through September, temperatures can rise to as high as 50°C (122°F).

Visa

A visa is required for Egypt. However, it is very easy to obtain—either online or directly at any international airport (Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and others) for a fee of $25 USD. You do not need anything else, such as a photo, vaccination certificate, or other supporting documents. The process at Cairo Airport takes about five minutes.

Attention! At Cairo Airport, visas are not purchased from passport control, but at the bank counter. When you see the line of people waiting to have their passports stamped, the visa counter is on the right-hand side.

Flight Connections

Egypt has several international airports: Alexandria, Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm El-Sheikh. Cairo International Airport is the busiest and also has the best connections to the rest of the world.

Low-cost airlines usually fly to Alexandria. The best alternative is Pegasus, with a layover in Istanbul. (Flights were canceled during COVID-19, but they will resume once the situation stabilizes.)

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations are required for Egypt. However, hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. We also recommend consulting your doctor. We recommend Mr. Bakoš from www.inocem.sk, who is one of Slovakia’s leading experts in travel medicine.

Health Issues

Almost everyone has heard of the so-called “Pharaoh’s Revenge.” You could say it happens to those who do not follow basic rules. Egypt has excellent cuisine and a wide selection of street food, but follow the old English rule:

“Eat only what can be cooked or peeled—and still don’t trust it!” That means if you see delicious strawberries at a market, avoid them. Bananas or oranges, which can be peeled, are generally fine. When it comes to restaurants, eat where there are plenty of locals—this applies not only to street restaurants, but also to hotel restaurants.

Those of you with sensitive stomachs should definitely brush your teeth with bottled water. If you have coffee or tea from a street vendor, it should be okay—I didn’t have any problems. To sum it up: if you handled India, this will be a piece of cake.

Safety

Although traveling to Muslim countries may not be popular today, know that Egypt is a safe country.

Egyptians are an open and welcoming people who greet tourists and travelers from all over the world. I recommend following these rules:

• Hand things to people with your right hand.
• If you photograph locals, ask for their permission first.
• Most Muslims do not drink alcohol. Although you may bring alcohol into Egypt, do not drink it publicly on the street or walk around while intoxicated.
• Drink only bottled water.
• Since Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, respect local dress customs in villages—wear long pants, and women should avoid low-cut tops.
• Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and any medications you need.
• Stay hydrated. This is a country with high temperatures, and dehydration can happen very quickly.

How to Behave in Mosques

• When entering a mosque, take off your shoes. Sometimes, you may be allowed to keep your socks on.
• Wear long pants that reach your ankles and a shirt without a low neckline. Women must cover their heads with a scarf. Some mosques also lend scarves at the entrance.

Currency

Egypt is relatively inexpensive today. When I first visited, €1 got me around 8 Egyptian pounds. Today, it gets you 56.77 Egyptian pounds. Below are the most common expenses.

• A train ticket from Cairo to Alexandria (first class; a distance of more than 220 km) costs 70 Egyptian pounds; lower-class tickets cost around 30–40 Egyptian pounds.
• A taxi ride in the city for a distance of 6 kilometers costs 20 Egyptian pounds.
• A street-food lunch—for example, falafel (fried chickpea patties) in flatbread with vegetables—costs 15–20 Egyptian pounds.
• A meal at a good restaurant on the main square costs between 60 and 90 Egyptian pounds.
• Tea at a local tea house costs between 3 and 7 Egyptian pounds.
• Turkish coffee at a local tea house costs around 10 Egyptian pounds.
• 1.5 liters of water – 5 Egyptian pounds.
• Accommodation: A three-star hotel costs around €20–€30 for two people. For example, the Kempinski in downtown Cairo, where we are currently staying, costs €70 for two people (before COVID-19, the price was over $300).
• A tram ticket – 4 Egyptian pounds.

How much do admission tickets to attractions cost?

Admission fees for attractions are a fairly significant expense in this country. If you want to see all its beauty, this is where you will spend the most money after accommodation. Note: At some attractions, there is also an additional fee for photography.

Cairo:

• Bab Zuweila (views of Cairo from the minarets) – 60 Egyptian pounds.
• Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa’i Mosque – 80 Egyptian pounds.
• Egyptian Museum in Cairo – 200 Egyptian pounds.
• Al-Qalawun Islamic Complex – 100 Egyptian pounds.
• Coptic Museum – 100 Egyptian pounds.
• Nilometer (a device used to measure the Nile’s water level) and the adjoining palace – 40 Egyptian pounds.

• Giza – the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the archaeological complex – 200 Egyptian pounds.
• Entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) – 400 Egyptian pounds.
• Dahshur Pyramids – 60 Egyptian pounds.
• Saqqara – Egypt’s first pyramid – 180 Egyptian pounds.

Alexandria:

• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria – 80 Egyptian pounds.
• Qaitbay Citadel – 60 Egyptian pounds.
• The famous Library of Alexandria (the modern version; the original ancient library no longer exists—it was destroyed by fire during the Roman period) – 70 Egyptian pounds.

Southern Egypt:

• Abu Simbel temple complex – 240 Egyptian pounds.
• Karnak Temple – 200 Egyptian pounds.
• Luxor Temple – 160 Egyptian pounds.
• Valley of the Kings, including visits to three tombs (the standard ticket includes three tombs of your choice; the article recommends which ones to see) – 240 Egyptian pounds.
• Tutankhamun’s Tomb in the Valley of the Kings – 300 Egyptian pounds.
• Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – 140 Egyptian pounds.
• Edfu Temple – 180 Egyptian pounds.

Transportation in Egypt

Trains

Egypt is very well connected by African standards. You can travel by train from Alexandria through Cairo all the way to Luxor or Aswan. You could say that the railway lines mainly connect places located near the Nile.

Traveling by train is not only comfortable and fast, but above all very affordable.

The national railway operator is Egyptian National Railways. You can find tickets, schedules, and travel classes on this official website.

Note: To search for and purchase tickets on the website, you need to sign in (it is simple and does not require sensitive information). However, you can also buy tickets at railway stations in major cities, either at the ticket counter or from a ticket machine.

Trains run on time, are rarely significantly delayed, and are among the most reliable ways to travel. While a bus or car may get stuck in traffic, trains keep moving.

Travel Classes

Most trains operated by the national railway company offer these classes.

1. Class – seating arranged in a 2+1 layout, air-conditioned, and with plenty of legroom.
2. Class – seating arranged in a 2+2 layout, air-conditioned, although the air conditioning does not always work.
3. Class – the lowest class, with either wooden “benches” or another type of non-reclining seat. This class is the most crowded.

Note: If you travel in first or second class, the air conditioning is set very high. Always bring a sweatshirt and socks with you.

Overnight Sleeper Trains

They operate on the Cairo–Luxor–Aswan route and are run by the private company Watania. The state railway operator also runs trains between Cairo and Aswan, but only during the day and without sleeping accommodations. You can find the official website here.

Watania, also known as Ernst, offers the most comfortable travel option, although fares differ for locals and foreign visitors. The train is divided into several classes.

• First class – a single bed, private sink, power outlets, clean bedding, two seats, a mirror, adjustable air conditioning, dinner, breakfast, and tea or coffee. The restroom is shared and located in the hallway. Price: $120 USD.

It should be noted that, in terms of value for money, the price is quite excessive. However, anyone looking for privacy will be satisfied.

• Second class – two beds, a private sink, power outlets, clean bedding, two seats, a mirror, adjustable air conditioning, dinner, breakfast, and tea or coffee. The restroom is shared and located in the hallway. Price: $80 USD per person.
• Third class – reclining seats (but they do not fully recline into a sleeping position). Price: $10 USD.

Car rental

When it comes to independent transportation, renting a car is the best option. Rental prices are very low, and road signage is easy to follow. These days, you can download great offline maps, such as Maps.me, to your phone, and they will guide you to a specific destination. Highways connect Cairo with Alexandria, Aswan, Sinai, and other places. Roads away from the highways are also in good condition. If I managed to drive there with only six years of driving experience, you can do it too. However, I do not recommend renting a car in the capital. If your life is lacking stress, then go ahead and rent one for Cairo.

• Car rental starts at around €25 per day.
• The best place to rent a car is at the airport.
• From a cost perspective, it is best to return the car to the same location where you picked it up.
• To rent a car, you only need a Slovak/European driver’s license and an International Driving Permit, which you can obtain at any police department in Slovakia for €6.50. You only need one photograph.
• Driving is on the right, and traffic rules are generally the same as ours.
• Most cars have a manual transmission. If you prefer an automatic, it is often much more expensive, and you should reserve that type of car well in advance.
• Gasoline costs approximately €0.50 per liter.
• Highways have tolls, but the cost is not significant. For example, on the Cairo–Alexandria route (85 km), you will pay approximately €2.
• Parking lots in the city center charge a fee. You can find parking for €2 per 24 hours.
• Traffic in the city is a bit chaotic, and you need to anticipate a lot of things.

Bus

If you want to travel by bus, Egypt is at a high standard by African standards. Buses are relatively punctual, comfortable, and, above all, fast. Their reliability is similar to that in Morocco. The best-known bus companies are Pullman, West Delta, Golden Arrow, Super Jet, East Delta, El Gouna, Upper Egypt Bus Co., and Bedouin Bus.

Taxis

If you want to use taxis in the city and the meter is not running, you need to agree on the fare in advance. If they pretend not to understand you, take out your phone and type in the amount you are willing to pay. Taxis are divided into two categories. Uber also operates in major cities, so if you have a local SIM card with data, you can save a significant amount. For example, a trip from downtown Cairo to the international airport (about 12 km) costs around €5 with Uber. For the same distance, street taxis cost about €7.

Internet, SIM cards, and the electrical grid

There are no major issues with internet access, and Wi‑Fi is available at almost every hotel. If you want to stay in constant contact with home, it is definitely worth buying an Orange SIM card—for example, at the airport. It costs €9 and includes 25 GB of data. Signal coverage is excellent in cities, but if you travel into the desert, do not expect a strong signal.

Electrical outlets are the same as at home, so you do not need an adapter.

Alcohol

Although Egypt is a Muslim country, you can bring alcohol with you and purchase it locally. However, beer and wine are not available everywhere—mainly in specialized shops and better hotels, typically those rated at least four stars. There are bars as well, but they are few and far between. If you enjoy having a beer or a glass of wine while sightseeing in the city, you may be disappointed. Your best option is to go to a hotel and have a drink there. Alcohol prices are much higher than at home in Slovakia. For example, a bottle of local red wine starts at around €13, a local Stella beer in a bar costs from €3, and a gin and tonic from €4. Prices vary considerably depending on where you buy it.

What to see in Egypt

We would divide this topic into two parts: the Nile Valley and the Sahara.

The Nile Valley — from Alexandria to Aswan.

This is where most of Egypt’s historical sites are found—not only the pyramids in Cairo (Giza), but also Luxor and Aswan, including a trip to Abu Simbel. This area is more or less ideal for anyone interested in history and ancient Egypt.

Nile cruises also operate on this route, between Luxor and Aswan. These cruises typically last from four days onward. The usual format is to sail in the evening and stop at individual historical sites during the day, such as Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Prices start at around USD 390 per person and depend on the level of comfort you want and whether you choose full board. You can find cruises on many websites; for example, this site offers a particularly wide selection,

Itinerary for the Nile Valley.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo. From the airport, you can get to the city center—about 12 km away, with the journey taking anywhere from 35 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic—either by:

• Local taxis waiting outside the airport — fares start at 230 Egyptian pounds.
• If you buy a SIM card at the airport and have the Uber app downloaded, fares start at 100 Egyptian pounds.
• Many hotels offer airport transfers. When booking, ask whether they provide the service free of charge or what they charge for it.

Day 2: Visit the pyramids in Giza, a district of Cairo located about 15 km from the city center. You buy tickets at the entrance: admission to the complex, including the pyramids and the Sphinx, costs 200 Egyptian pounds. If you want to go inside any of the pyramids, you need to buy separate tickets.
Allow at least 3–4 hours to explore the entire site. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a scarf or hat for sun protection, and carry water—although you can also buy it from local vendors.

After visiting the pyramids, go and see the world’s first pyramid in Saqqara, as well as the other pyramids in Dahshur, around 20 km from Giza. These pyramids are visited by fewer people. They are definitely worth seeing, as they will give you a more complete picture of that historical period.

Day 3: A full-day tour of Cairo. I would start it like this:

Get dropped off at the Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah Mosque, where the old city begins. It is surrounded by ancient walls, and from there you can continue to other attractions such as:

• The Sultan Qalawun Complex.
• The Al-Azhar Mosque.
• Bab Zuweila — the minarets offer fantastic views for photographing all of Cairo. If you are traveling as a couple, you can take photos of each other from the two minarets, which are about 30 meters apart.
• The Ibn Tulun Mosque — it is the oldest mosque in Africa, and the Gayer-Anderson Museum is right next door.
• The Sultan Hassan Mosque.
• The Citadel of Saladin — another beautiful view of Cairo from the oldest fortress.

You can comfortably cover the whole route on foot (around 10 km), walking through narrow streets, the bazaar, and similar places. I would start in the morning at around 9:00 a.m. A good offline map app is Maps.me.

Day 4: Today, I would suggest visiting the following sights:

• The Egyptian Museum — it houses Tutankhamun’s funerary mask, the mummies of Ramses, and similar artifacts. Plan to spend at least two hours at the museum. Note: Photography requires a separate fee, and this is strictly monitored.
• The Nilometer — a great medieval landmark that few people know about. It is a 10th-century structure that was used to measure the Nile’s water level.
• The Coptic Quarter — a Christian neighborhood with churches and a cemetery.

In the evening, have a drink and enjoy the view of the Nile and illuminated Cairo from the Kempinski Hotel.

Day 5: Depart by train from Ramses Main Station to Alexandria (the journey takes around three hours). For information about traveling by train, see the “Transportation” section.

• Alexandria — the second-largest city in Egypt. If you arrive around noon, visit the following sights:
• The Citadel of Qaitbay — it stands on the site of the former Lighthouse of Alexandria.
• Walk from the citadel along the waterfront to the city center.
• Have a drink at the Spitfire pub — do not expect a traditional pub. However, if you like places where the “artistic” crowd and young people gather, you will love it. Smoking is allowed inside, so it may not be ideal if you dislike smoky spaces.

Day 6: A full-day tour of Alexandria.

• The catacombs — a medieval wonder featuring beautiful underground tombs, mainly from the Roman period. Allow at least an hour for the visit. They are about a 45-minute walk from the city center, or a 10-minute taxi ride (50 Egyptian pounds).
• Pompey’s Pillar.
• The Library of Alexandria.
• Wandering through the streets of the Old Town.

Day 7: Travel to Cairo, then take an overnight train to Aswan in the evening.

Day 8: Aswan, located in the south of the country.

• Elephantine Island.
• The Nubian Museum.
• A cruise on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca.

Day 9: A full-day trip to Abu Simbel, located about 280 kilometers from Aswan. You can get there as follows:

• Arrange with a local taxi driver to take you there and bring you back — prices start at USD 60 per car.
• Rent a car, but it will cost about the same as hiring a taxi driver.
• Through a local travel agency or hotel — from USD 100 per person.

Day 10: Travel by train to Luxor, stopping in Edfu along the way. Leave in the morning and visit Edfu. For your luggage, take a taxi to the temple and leave it in the taxi, or arrange something with a hotel or a vendor near Edfu. Then return to the station and take the next train to Luxor.

Or, you can extend this transfer by taking a Nile cruise instead—see above.

Day 11: Luxor — a place home to incredible monuments from ancient Egypt. On this day, visit:

• Karnak — allow at least two hours for the visit.
• Luxor Temple — allow around one hour for the visit.
• In the evening, take a Nile cruise—you can arrange one along the promenade from about USD 10 per person.

Day 12: Take a full-day trip to the west bank of the Nile. The best option is to hire a taxi—expect to pay from around EGP 400 for the entire day, depending on what you negotiate.

Temple of Hatshepsut — allow at least one hour for the visit.

Valley of the Kings — this is where the tombs of the pharaohs are located. Your admission ticket lets you choose three tombs to visit. There are photos outside each tomb, so you can decide which ones you would like to enter. Your ticket is punched after every visit, allowing the guards to track how many entries you have left. I would recommend the following tombs:

• Ramses IV
• Ramses IX
• Meremptah

Tutankhamun’s tomb, which is sold separately for 300 Egyptian pounds, is more about the feeling and experience. It is not as beautiful as the tombs mentioned above. None of his funerary treasures are inside the tomb (they are in the Cairo Museum); only his mummy is there. What really sells the tomb is the whole story behind it. Many people are disappointed.

Valley of the Queens

Colossi of Memnon

Day 13: Take a local bus to Hurghada (around four hours), then spend as much time by the sea as you like. Hurghada also has an international airport. Alternatively, take a local bus to Cairo (6.5 to 8 hours).

Cost: Assuming you stay in 3-star hotels, take the overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, and include a trip to Abu Simbel, a trip like this will cost around €550 per person, excluding flights, entrance fees, and food. Food is very inexpensive if you mainly eat street food. If you prefer budget travel, use the lowest available class of transportation, and stay in lower-category hotels, the cost will be around €300 per person. If you want to enjoy better hotels, plan on spending more than €700 per person.

Egypt and the desert

Egypt is not just about pyramids—it is also home to the breathtaking Sahara. This itinerary is for those who want to avoid the classic tourist destinations. You can add it to the itinerary above.

Day 1: Rent a car at Cairo Airport (see the “Transportation” section for all car-rental information) and leave as early as possible in the morning. Head toward Siwa Oasis (780 kilometers / 485 miles). It is best to split the drive over two days.

On the way, visit El Alamein and its World War II memorial. One of the largest battles between the Allied forces and German troops led by Rommel took place here. Then continue on to the city of Marsa.

Day 2: From Marsa, it is the final 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) to Siwa along a desert road. Make sure your tank is full, as local gas stations may not have enough fuel. Bring plenty of water and, most importantly, food in case something happens. The entire route is on a good-quality road. Arrive in Siwa.

Day 3: Spend the entire day exploring Siwa Oasis. This is a true travel gem. Be sure to visit:

• Jabel el Mawra
• Mountain of Peace
• Jabal al Dakrour
• Temple of Amun

Day 4: Take a desert excursion through a local travel agency, which can be arranged at any hotel, or simply enjoy the wonderful oasis at your own pace.

Day 5: Travel to Bahariya Oasis. Although Bahariya is only about 360 kilometers from Siwa by the shortest route, this road requires special permits from the secret service, which are not available at the moment. The only way to take this route is through a local travel agency. If you are traveling by car, the only option is to take the same road back toward Cairo and then turn toward Bahariya just before reaching Cairo. The total distance is about 1,100 kilometers (684 miles). I completed it in 12 hours, and you should definitely leave at sunrise. The less you drive in the dark, the better.

Day 6: Bahariya — take a little time to rest after the demanding journey, then simply wander around and enjoy the oasis.

Day 7: Take a trip to the White Desert. Local travel agencies offer this excursion from €80, including an overnight stay in the desert. If you have a car, you will be able to see about 80% of it yourself; you will miss the remaining 20% because a 4×4 vehicle is required. Make sure your tank is full, as there will not be much available along the way.

Take the good highway toward El Farafra. After about 100 kilometers, you will start to see beautiful scenery. Around 20 km before El Farafra, there is a turnoff toward Ain Dalla, where the views become even more spectacular. The road is in good condition, and you do not need to go all the way to Ain Dalla—just drive along the road for about 60 kilometers, then turn back.

If you have a problem with fuel, you can fill up in El Farafra, even though it is a military base. They do not want to let people into the oasis, but if you explain that you are out of gas, they will let you in to refuel.

For this trip:

• Carry your passport with you, just in case.
• A full tank of gas.
• Food and water — there is not much available anywhere along the way.

Day 8: Return to Cairo and return the car.

Cost: The car cost me €220, plus €90 for insurance—do not skimp on insurance. Gas costs about €0.40 per liter, and highway tolls came to €10 in total. Accommodation starts at €20.

• If you do not want to drive yourself, you can get everywhere by local transportation, although it will take more time.
• Night buses run on the Cairo–Siwa route (13 hours), or you can travel via Cairo–Marsa and then Marsa–Siwa.
• There are very frequent connections between Cairo and Bahariya. To visit the White Desert afterward, you will need to book through a local travel agency.

Do you have any questions about the article “Egypt: Travel Advice, Tips, and Itinerary”? Leave them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to help.