After a 9-day escape to Hurghada and a whirlwind day trip to Cairo, I returned home obsessed with Egypt. Ten days, so many sights—and somehow… even more left unseen. The FOMO haunted me.
So, naturally, I started planning the next trip the moment I unpacked. But this time, no tourist agencies, no rigid schedules. Just history, chaos, and us. The trip vibe will be completely different. For example, fewer beaches, more temples. Fewer buffets, more baklava. And a Nile cruise.
Therefore, after some research and budgeting, I created a rough draft.
🗓 12-Day Itinerary:
- Drive to Budapest, fly to Cairo, arrive in the evening, stay overnight
- Morning bus to Alexandria (2 nights in Alexandria to explore)
- Back to Cairo by morning train, stay overnight
- More Cairo & Night train to Aswan
- Aswan, then Board a 4-day Nile Cruise to Luxor – full board
- Dock in Luxor, spend the night
- Fly back to Cairo
- Fly back to Budapest
- Drive home
Initially, the plan was to fly to Alexandria, but there are no direct flights from nearby airports. As a result, the most convenient and cheapest option is to fly from Budapest to Cairo for around €250 per person with EgyptAir. However, it’s an afternoon flight, so we’d arrive in the evening and stay overnight in Cairo. Then, in the morning, head to Alexandria by bus—around 3 hours and just €5 per person.
Alexandria – Mediterranean Vibes, Activated
Day 2: Check-in and rest a little
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina – €10 pp
- Qaitbay Citadel – €3.5
- Sunset stroll across Stanley Bridge
Day 3:
- Morning at the beach
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – €3.5
- Pompey’s Pillar – €3.5
The adrenaline that hits me when we arrive at a new destination doesn’t allow for rest. Quick shower, and off we go. Alexandria once held the ancient world’s greatest library—so naturally, I want to see its modern tribute ASAP. With books, museums, and exhibitions, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a must. Next, the Qaitbay Citadel, built from the ruins of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria. Finish the day with a sunset over Stanley Bridge.
After a good night’s sleep, the following day is reserved for underground exploration at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Roman, Greek, and Egyptian styles… creepy in the best way. Round it off with Pompey’s Pillar and dinner on the Corniche.
Cairo – Pyramids & Chaos (The Good Kind)
Day 4:
- Morning bus back to Cairo (~3 hrs) – €5 pp
- Check into a hotel with pyramid views – €100 for 2 nights
- Afternoon: mint tea in Islamic Cairo, stroll down Al-Muizz Street, maybe a little spice shopping
- Evening: Sound & Light Show at the pyramids
Day 5:
- 🏜 Giza Plateau at sunrise – private tour €70 for two
- 🏛 Grand Egyptian Museum – guided tour €60 for two
- 🛌 Sleeper train to Aswan – €250 for two (includes breakfast & dinner)
The morning bus from Alexandria to Cairo is about 3 hours—perfect for snacks and window-staring. Most importantly, I’d book a hotel with pyramid views. Luckily, there are plenty of good options for about €100 for two nights with breakfast included. I know it’s tacky, but I really want to enjoy the pyramids over breakfast—and catch the Sound & Light Show with dinner.
Early next morning: the Giza Plateau. Although I’ve already seen the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, it was a rushed tour bus schedule with time limits. This time, I want to savor it. A sunrise tour with horse/camel riding, breakfast, and a guide sounds perfect.
Then, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Bigger, newer, better than the old one I visited. Sadly, the tour of the old museum left a lot to be desired. Firstly, the earplugs that didn’t work, a bored guide, and general chaos. This time, I want to explore differently—maybe there’s an app or audio guide like the Louvre in Abu Dhabi? TBD.
Before we head to the station, we’ll probably stop for a Mint tea in Islamic Cairo or a walk along Al-Muizz Street. The sleeper train to Aswan leaves at 19:45 and takes about 10 hours. I’d, of course, book a private cabin for comfort.
Aswan to Luxor – Nile Cruise Edition
Day 6: Morning arrival in Aswan
Firstly, I’d visit the colorful Nubian Village or check out the local souk for spices and scarves. Hotels here are also very affordable—many great options at €50 per night for two, if we decide to stay the night. I also found a 4-day Nile cruise for €350 per person (full board, including all excursions).
Days 6–9: Cruise Time
Above all, this is the part I’ve been dreaming of—a slow float through time, history, and temples that rise out of the desert like mirages with better structural integrity.
Aswan, Kom Ombo Temple & Edfu
The journey begins in Aswan, where we’ll visit the impressive Aswan High Dam and the dreamy Philae Temple—dedicated to the goddess Isis and saved from a watery grave when it was moved stone by stone to its current island. After a night onboard in Aswan, we’ll continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, still attached to its quarry bed like a giant 1,000-ton “oops,”.
Further along, a road trip to Abu Simbel, where colossal statues of Ramses II guard the temples like ancient bouncers. Back on the boat, we’ll cruise to Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple devoted to Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god.
Finally, after an overnight sail to Edfu, we’ll hop into a horse-drawn carriage at sunrise to visit the Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt and a solid contender for “Most Dramatic Columns.”
Luxor East Bank
By afternoon, we’ll be gliding into Luxor, ready to explore the East Bank—home to Karnak Temple, a colossal complex of stone pillars, obelisks, and intricate carvings that once echoed with offerings to Amun. Interestingly, it’s the second-largest temple complex in the world, right after Angkor Wat, and for over 2,000 years—starting around 2000 BC—some 30 pharaohs contributed temples, monuments, and expansions to its ever-growing sprawl.
And, of course, the beautifully lit Luxor Temple, where pharaohs and Roman emperors alike left their mark.
Luxor West Bank
Finally, on the last day of the cruise we’ll arrive at the West Bank, a true archaeological playground: we’ll descend into the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings (Ramses VI is a must, Tutankhamun if you’re feeling curious), marvel at the cliff-carved Temple of Hatshepsut—a queen who ruled like a king—and stand in the shadow of the Colossi of Memnon, two statues that have been silently judging tourists for over 3,000 years.
Certainly, if we can wake up early enough, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over these ancient wonders would be the cherry on top. This cruise isn’t just a bucket list experience—it’s four days of living inside a history book, only with better food and fewer exams.
All Attractions on the Cruise:
- Aswan High Dam
- Philae Temple
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Abu Simbel
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Edfu Temple (carriage ride at sunrise)
- Karnak Temple & Museum
- Luxor Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- 🌅 Optional: Hot air balloon ride over the West Bank
Fly Back & Unwind
- Fly from Luxor to Cairo (optional: stay near the airport)
- Fly to Budapest
- Drive home
Budget Breakdown
Transportation:
- Drive to Budapest and back: €150 (car fuel + tolls)
- Parking in Budapest: €45
- Flights Budapest – Cairo – Budapest: €250 pp
- Domestic flight Luxor – Cairo: €100 pp
- Buses Cairo – Alexandria – Cairo: €10 pp
Combo (transport, accommodation, food)
- Sleeper train Cairo – Aswan: €250 for two
- 4-day Nile cruise (Aswan to Luxor): €350 pp (includes full board, entrance tickets, tour guide)
Accommodation:
- 1 night in Cairo: €30 for two (with breakfast)
- 2 nights in Alexandria: €130 for two (with breakfast)
- 2 nights in Cairo: €100 for two (with breakfast)
- 1 night in Aswan: €50 for two
- 1 night in Luxor, Cairo or Budapest- optional
Attractions & Extras:
- Alexandria sights: €50 for two
- Cairo sights & tours: €150 for two
- Luxor hot air balloon (optional): €150 for two
In conclusion, planning this trip was a deep dive into logistics, legends, and dusty dreams. However, the budget it requires is not so budget-friendly. There are definitely cheaper and more expensive options for accommodations, cruises, and transportation. Additionally, my plan includes private tours and tour guides for most attractions. I tried to strike a balance by saving in some areas so we could splurge a little more than usual in others.
While the itinerary might still shift, one thing’s certain: this trip would be a dream come true—and a major bucket list check-off.
Let me know: Have you done a Nile cruise or visited Alexandria? Any underrated spots I should add to the list?
If you’re interested in why I’m going back to Egypt, check out the articles from Hurghada and Cairo!
Such high-quality writing. I’m grateful for the insights shared
here.
Thank you! I’m happy it was helpful 😀