15 days in Giza, Nile River Valley & Cairo Itinerary

Situated on the Nile riverfront, the city of Giza remains best known for its pyramid complex.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Musee de la Barque Solaire and Bent Pyramid. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Giza: Saqqara (Step Pyramid of Djoser & Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids). Next up on the itinerary: delve into the distant past at Pyramids of Giza, take in the exciting artwork at Sondos Papyrus, appreciate the history behind Statue of Ramses II, and contemplate the long history of Great Sphinx.

To see maps, photos, and more tourist information, use the Giza route maker.

Newark, USA to Giza is an approximately 16.5-hour combination of car and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Newark to Giza is 7 hours. Traveling from Newark in January, things will get much hotter in Giza: highs are around 65°F and lows about 50°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to travel to Luxor.

A monumental number of archaeological relics from ancient Egypt remain evident in Luxor, the former capital of the New Kingdom.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Tomb of Queen Nefertari and Valley of the Artisans (Deir el-Medina). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Temple of Karnak, explore the ancient world of Valley of the Nobles, get advice or help at ACE - Animal Care in Egypt, and look for gifts at Gaddis & Co..

To find more things to do, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Luxor trip maker site.

Fly from Giza to Luxor in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Giza in January, expect nights in Luxor to be little chillier, around 45°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 72°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) early enough to drive to Aswan.

Plan an Aswan holiday and treat yourself to ancient wonders of the past along the Nile River.

On the 15th (Wed), head off the coast to Elephantine Island, then take an in-depth tour of Nubian Museum, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Archangel Michael’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the natural beauty at Kitchner's Island and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Philae Temple.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Aswan trip itinerary planning website.

You can drive from Luxor to Aswan in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In January in Aswan, expect temperatures between 73°F during the day and 50°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can travel to Cairo.

More than 20 million people call Cairo their home and, as soon as you set foot in the sprawling metropolis, it's evident they make it crowded and chaotic, but also exuberant and charming.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Walking tours and Cairo Citadel. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, contemplate the waterfront views at Nile River, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Al Rifai Mosque, and stroll around Al-Azhar Park.

For photos, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Cairo vacation maker site.

You can fly from Aswan to Cairo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Aswan in January, you will find days in Cairo are a bit cooler (65°F), and nights are about the same (50°F). Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 20th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.