Written by Sarah Mitchell

Egypt Travel Specialist with 12+ years experience. Licensed Egyptologist and founder of UK Egypt Travel. Personally guided 500+ travellers through Egypt's wonders.

🗿 Ancient Wonders

• Great Pyramid of Giza
• Sphinx Monument
• Valley of the Kings
• Karnak Temple Complex
• Luxor Temple

🏛️ Cultural Experiences

• Egyptian Museum
• Islamic Cairo exploration
• Traditional felucca sailing
• Local bazaar shopping
• Authentic Egyptian cuisine

🚕 Cairo Taxis

Use Uber or Careem for reliable, metered rides. Traditional taxis require negotiation before departure.

🏛️ Site Transport

Many hotels offer organised tours including transportation to major attractions - often more convenient than independent travel.

🚶‍♂️ Walking Areas

Islamic Cairo and Luxor's East Bank are pedestrian-friendly, but always carry water and wear comfortable shoes.

🌳 Zamalek (Upscale)

Best for: Luxury seekers, first-time visitors

Price range: £80-200 per night

Advantages: Quiet island location, excellent restaurants, easy museum access

Recommended: Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Marriott Cairo

🏛️ Downtown Cairo (Historic)

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, budget travelers

Price range: £20-80 per night

Advantages: Walking distance to Islamic Cairo, authentic atmosphere

Recommended: Steigenberger El Tahrir, Villa Belle Époque

🏜️ Giza (Pyramid Views)

Best for: Pyramid enthusiasts, unique experiences

Price range: £60-300 per night

Advantages: Direct pyramid views, early morning access

Recommended: Marriott Mena House, Pyramids View Inn

🌊 East Bank Luxury

Best for: Comfort seekers, central location

Price range: £100-400 per night

Advantages: Nile views, walking distance to Luxor Temple

Recommended: Winter Palace, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

🏺 West Bank Heritage

Best for: Archaeological enthusiasts, authentic experience

Price range: £30-100 per night

Advantages: Close to Valley of Kings, local village atmosphere

Recommended: Al Moudira Hotel, Nour El Balad

🗿 Giza Pyramids Private Tour

Duration: 8 hours | Price: £120-200 per person

Expert Egyptologist guide, Great Pyramid interior access, camel ride, traditional lunch included. Avoid crowds with early morning start and professional photography assistance.

🎈 Luxor Hot Air Balloon

Duration: 4 hours | Price: £70-120 per person

Sunrise flight over Valley of the Kings, professional safety standards, hotel transfers included. Unforgettable aerial perspectives of ancient temples and the Nile River.

🏛️ Valley of Kings VIP Tour

Duration: 6 hours | Price: £100-180 per person

Access to 4 royal tombs including Tutankhamun, Temple of Hatshepsut visit, professional photography, luxury air-conditioned transport with refreshments.

🛥️ Nile River Dinner Cruise

Duration: 3 hours | Price: £40-80 per person

Authentic Egyptian cuisine, traditional music and dance performances, illuminated temple views, romantic atmosphere perfect for couples or cultural immersion.

🍽️ Cooking Classes

Learn traditional Egyptian cuisine with local families. Includes market visit, hands-on cooking, and authentic meal sharing.

£45-70 per person

🧿 Handicraft Workshops

Traditional pottery, jewelry making, or papyrus painting with master artisans. Take home unique handmade souvenirs.

£30-60 per person

🎭 Cultural Performances

Traditional music and dance shows at historic venues. Experience authentic Egyptian entertainment in atmospheric settings.

£25-50 per person

🏛️ Site Passes

Buy combined tickets for multiple attractions. Cairo Pass saves 20-30% on major sites.

🍽️ Local Eateries

Street food and local restaurants offer authentic meals for £3-8. Hotel restaurants charge 3-4x more.

💳 Payment Methods

Cash payments often receive discounts. Negotiate group rates for tours and transport.

📅 Timing

Travel in shoulder seasons (March-April, September-October) for 30-40% savings on accommodation.

UK citizens can obtain visa-on-arrival for $25 USD (cash only). Alternatively, apply for e-visa online through official portal before travel.

Bring USD cash for best exchange rates. ATMs are widely available but may have daily limits. Credit cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants.

Pack layers for temperature variations. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and comfortable walking shoes with good grip for uneven ancient surfaces.

Drink only bottled water, avoid raw vegetables, and pack basic medications. Consider travel insurance covering medical evacuation. Check NHS travel health advice.

Modest clothing required for religious sites. Shoulders and knees covered. Lightweight, breathable fabrics recommended for comfort in hot climate.

Purchase local SIM card at airport for data and calls. WiFi widely available in hotels and restaurants. Download offline maps before arrival.

Book special tomb entries online in advance. Photography tickets required for cameras inside sites. Early morning visits avoid crowds and heat.

Learn basic Arabic greetings. Bargaining expected in markets. Remove shoes when entering mosques. Photography permissions vary by location.

Stick to tourist areas, use official guides, and keep copies of documents. Tourist police present at major sites. Follow FCO travel advice.

Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) provides best lighting for monuments. Respect photography restrictions. Ask permission before photographing people.

Start bargaining at 30-40% of asking price. Quality varies significantly. Authentic papyrus feels different from banana leaf imitations.

Build buffer time between activities. Egyptian punctuality differs from UK standards. Confirm tour pickup times the evening before.

Power adapter (Type C), portable charger, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, small backpack for day trips, and comfortable walking sandals.

Expect significant walking on uneven surfaces. Build stamina before travel. Many sites have stairs and narrow passages.

Scan passport, visa, and travel insurance documents to email. Keep physical copies separate from originals. Hotel safes recommended for valuables.

The Problem: UK-Egypt flights can increase by £300-500 per person when booked less than 4 weeks before travel, especially during peak season (December-March).

The Solution: Book international flights 8-12 weeks in advance, and domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor) at least 3 weeks ahead for optimal pricing.

The Problem: Many travelers arrive unprepared for Egypt's intense sun and dry climate, leading to dehydration, sunburn, and exhaustion that ruins entire days.

The Solution: Start activities at 7 AM, take midday breaks, carry 2+ liters of water daily, and wear long sleeves with UVA/UVB protection.

The Problem: "Friendly" strangers offering discounted tours, "special" papyrus shops, or "once-in-a-lifetime" deals often lead to overpriced, poor-quality experiences.

The Solution: Book tours through reputable companies only, ignore street touts, and research prices beforehand. Trust your hotel concierge for recommendations.

The Problem: Attempting to see "everything" leads to rushed visits, travel fatigue, and missing the magic of truly experiencing ancient wonders.

The Solution: Focus on 2-3 major sites per day maximum. Allow time for spontaneous discoveries, cultural interactions, and proper appreciation of each location.

The Problem: Many sites charge separate fees for entry, photography, and special areas. Costs can easily reach £50+ per person per site without proper planning.

The Solution: Research exact fee structures beforehand, bring sufficient Egyptian pounds in small denominations, and budget £200-300 total for all site entries.

The Problem: Staying far from main attractions or in inappropriate neighborhoods adds hours of daily travel time and increases transport costs significantly.

The Solution: Choose Cairo accommodations in Zamalek or Downtown areas, and Luxor hotels on the East Bank near the Corniche for optimal access.

The Problem: Basic travel insurance often excludes adventure activities, extreme heat-related issues, or adequate medical evacuation coverage needed in Egypt.

The Solution: Purchase comprehensive coverage including activities like hot air ballooning, camel riding, and minimum £1M medical evacuation through specialists like FCO-recommended providers.

The Problem: Inappropriate dress, behavior, or photography can lead to denied access, uncomfortable situations, or offense to local communities.

The Solution: Learn basic Islamic customs, dress modestly at all religious sites, ask permission before photographing people, and respect local traditions during prayer times.

The Problem: Hotel restaurants typically charge 300-400% more than local establishments while offering less authentic Egyptian cuisine experiences.

The Solution: Research reputable local restaurants, try street food from busy vendors (high turnover ensures freshness), and ask locals for recommendations.

The Problem: Weather, site closures, transport delays, or health issues can derail rigid itineraries, causing stress and missed opportunities.

The Solution: Build flexibility into your schedule, have alternative indoor activities ready, and maintain positive attitude when plans change - often leading to unexpected discoveries.

🤔 What can you see in Egypt in 5 days?

In 5 days, you can comfortably experience Egypt's most iconic highlights: the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, plus either Luxor's major temples and Valley of the Kings, or Alexandria's Mediterranean coastline. This itinerary covers approximately 70% of most travelers' Egypt bucket list while allowing time for cultural immersion and authentic experiences.

✈️ Should I fly or take the train between Cairo and Luxor?

For a 5-day itinerary, flying is strongly recommended. The 1.5-hour flight saves 10+ hours compared to overland travel, costs only £50-80 more, and allows you to maximize sightseeing time. Overnight trains can be uncomfortable and unreliable, while the saved time is invaluable for such a short trip.

💰 How much should I budget for a 5-day Egypt trip?

Budget travelers can manage with £800-1,200 per person including flights from the UK, while mid-range comfort requires £1,500-2,500. Luxury experiences range from £3,000-5,000+. The biggest variables are accommodation choice, tour types, and dining preferences. Entry fees for major sites alone cost £150-250 per person.

🌡️ When is the best time to visit Egypt?

October through April offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. December-February is peak season with higher prices but perfect weather. May and September are good shoulder seasons with fewer crowds. Avoid June-August when temperatures can exceed 45°C, making outdoor exploration dangerous.

🏛️ Can I enter the Great Pyramid?

Yes, you can enter the Great Pyramid for an additional fee (approximately £15-20). Only 300 visitors per day are allowed inside, so book in advance. The experience involves crawling through narrow passages to reach the King's Chamber - it's claustrophobic but genuinely life-changing. The climb is strenuous and not suitable for those with mobility issues.

📋 Do UK citizens need a visa for Egypt?

Yes, UK passport holders need a visa for Egypt. You can obtain a visa-on-arrival at Cairo Airport for $25 USD (cash only), or apply for an e-visa online before travel for $25 USD plus processing fees. The e-visa is recommended to avoid airport queues. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days with single or multiple entry options.

🥘 Is Egyptian food safe for UK travelers?

Egyptian cuisine is generally safe when you follow basic precautions: choose busy restaurants with high turnover, avoid raw vegetables and tap water, and opt for hot, freshly cooked meals. Street food from popular vendors is often safer than hotel buffets. Stick to bottled water and be cautious with dairy products. Most travelers experience no issues when using common sense.

📱 Will my UK phone work in Egypt?

UK phones work in Egypt, but roaming charges can be expensive (£4-8 per day). Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for £10-15 with generous data allowances. Major networks include Vodafone Egypt, Orange, and Etisalat. WiFi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes in tourist areas.

🚕 How do I get around safely in Egypt?

Use Uber or Careem in Cairo for reliable, metered transportation. Official taxis are safe but require price negotiation beforehand. Hotel-arranged transfers are more expensive but hassle-free. For intercity travel, stick to reputable tour companies or domestic flights. Tourist police are present at major sites and are helpful for directions or assistance.

🎈 Is the hot air balloon ride in Luxor worth it?

Absolutely! The sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor's West Bank offers unparalleled views of the Valley of the Kings, temples, and Nile River. It costs £70-120 per person but provides perspective impossible to achieve any other way. Safety standards are generally good with reputable operators. Book through your hotel or established tour companies only.

🛍️ What should I buy as souvenirs in Egypt?

Authentic Egyptian souvenirs include papyrus artwork (ensure it's real papyrus, not banana leaf), spices from Khan el-Khalili bazaar, handmade jewelry, cotton textiles, and traditional crafts. Avoid mass-produced "ancient" artifacts. Quality items include perfume oils, mother-of-pearl boxes, and handwoven carpets. Always bargain - start at 30-40% of the asking price.

👗 What clothes should I pack for Egypt?

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover arms and legs for cultural respect and sun protection. Essential items include: wide-brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, modest tops, light jacket for air-conditioned spaces, and swimwear for hotels. Avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites.

🏥 What vaccinations do I need for Egypt?

No special vaccinations are required for Egypt unless traveling from yellow fever areas. However, ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, flu, COVID-19) are current. Consider hepatitis A/B vaccines if staying longer or eating adventurously. Consult your GP or travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure. The NHS travel health website provides current recommendations.

📸 Are there photography restrictions in Egypt?

Photography rules vary by site. Many locations charge additional fees for cameras (£5-15). Inside pyramids and tombs, photography often requires special tickets. Flash photography is usually prohibited to preserve ancient artwork. Military installations, bridges, and government buildings are strictly off-limits. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women.

⏰ What time do archaeological sites open?

Most major sites open at 8:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM in winter (4:00 PM in summer). The Pyramids open at 8:00 AM with last entry at 4:00 PM. Valley of the Kings opens at 6:00 AM during peak season. Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat. Some sites offer special evening openings during peak season - check current schedules as they change seasonally.

"Five days in Egypt will give you memories to last a lifetime – but it will also leave you planning your return trip before you've even departed!"

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