Egypt for 7 Days - Help! Cairo , Luxor and Diving!

That's quite a lot to pack into a week! The travelling around might scupper you a little! Two days Cairo and two days Luxor is probably fine, just getting to the beach after that and having some time to relax might be a little challenging. We did two weeks with time in Cairo, Luxor and Dahab. Hurghhada obviously a bit closer that Sinai peninsula though (cant help you with beach advice though)

Are you flying between Cairo and Luxor? If you're getting the train, I'd maybe suggest getting it overnight on day one after the pyramids, as its a little way to go. Then you can do Karnak and Luxor on Day 2. Museum In Cairo interesting, but not a must see. (You may not get a fellucca ride depending on the wind - I got quite disappointed by this, so thought I'd warn you!)

We caught the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan - and it was delayed so we didn't arrive until midday. Fortunately we'd allowed for this possibility and it didn't ruin our plans but others on the train were a bit upset. Despite what they might tell you, the hot air balloons probalby won't go over the Valley of the Kings. You are more likely to go over the Nile, the town and some fields. Very nice, but not the Valley.

Hi,

it's been a few years, and I really hope it hasn't changed too much, but Dahab was a brilliant place to dive and chill out. It was less developed that most of the other options, has spectacular scenery and some amazing shore dives. You don't have to spend a long time on a boat so it is great if you are leaving someone behind while you dive. It is not the easiest place to fit into your plans, but it is worth consideration.

Enjoy

In one week my wife and I traveled to Hurghada and a couple of days in Luxor and it was not enough time. Staying the whole time at beach area is a waste too, so we were glad to see both places..First time I went to Egypt was 81.. when I went back in 2002, Luxor had changed a lot but when I went back in 2004, it had changed more..tearing down old Market and transport was disorder

Okay well my girlfriend and I have spent a lot of time in Egypt and I think you will be able to do what you are planning. The first tip i could give you would be DONT PLAN SO MUCH. One of the best parts about egypt is the experiences you can have with the local people if you give them time to treat you. Have some room for spontaneity. Your budget is very high so it will put you in the top budget range. We lived on approximately $50 / day and we were quite comortable. I guess if you're going to do hot air balloons then you will need the extra cash. If your planning on seeing beaches then you should head east towards the Sinai. The beaches north of Cairo can be quite chilly in January. The diving in Dahab is unmatched anywhere else! The blue hole and Thistlegorm are ESSENTIAL DIVES for anyone coming here. A diver who visits Egypt and misses the Red Sea is like a historian missing the pyramids. Head EAST and dive the Red Sea!
For more on diving in Egypt see this article about Diving In Dahab
For everything you need to know about Egypt including costs, accommodation, weather and off the beaten path secrets see this Budget Backpacking Guide To Egypt
For a secret path in Luxor that will give you better views than the hot air balloon see our Luxor Blog
For Safety while travelling in Egypt see our article: Is Egypt Safe To Travel?
For info on the western desert, the northern shores, sailing the Nile and more check out our Egypt Blogs

Hope this Helps! Enjoy your travels in Egypt, it's one of the most amazing places on the planet!
Goats On The Road

Hi Everyone! Thanks a lot for your help.

This my (almost) final itenerary. I might be spending a bit more time than i would like in Cairo and Luxor, but i think it will be more comfortable for the flight timings etc.

• Day 0. (19th)- Arrive and Relax in the evening - whirling dervishes and boat restaurant

Day 0 Night in Cairo

•Day 1. (20th) Pyramids - Casual_Cairo's pyramids tour
Day 1 Night: Cairo
•Day 2. (21st) Egypt Museum
<<Fly to Luxor at 4:30, arrive at 5:30pm>>

Day 2 Continued in Luxor. Fellucia ride and Karnak temple at night

Day 2 Night: Luxor

•Day 3. (22nd) West Bank + Hot air balloon

Day 3 Night: Luxor

•Day 4 (23rd). Luxor temple / Karnak again if wanted/ Hot air balloon if not possible before

<<bus/taxi to Hurghada at noon>>

Day 4 continued in Hurghada. Relax.

Day 4 Night: Hurghada

•Day 5 (24th). Hurghada, Dive and sleep and relax
Day 5 Night: Hurghada

•Day 6(25th). Hurghada, Snorkel and sleep and relax

<<Fly back to Cairo at 6:30 in the evening>>

Day 6 Night: Cairo

•Day 7(26th). Cairo. Relax. Flight back in the afternoon.

I have booked the inter city flights, and will now be looking at hotels in all the places, as well as a better itenerary for my time in Luxor.

Any suggestions would be welcome!

Cheers