18-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Egypt
Embark on an 18-day odyssey through the Land of the Pharaohs, specifically designed for families seeking both adventure and comfort. This route prioritizes relaxed mornings, stroller-friendly paths where possible, and engaging activities that will keep children enthralled without exhausting the adults. From the bustling markets of Cairo to the tranquil waters of the Nile in Aswan, every step is curated for ease of movement and cultural immersion.
We have accounted for the necessary travel time between major hubs, utilizing comfortable trains and private transfers to ensure your family remains refreshed. With a budget-conscious yet comfortable approach, you will experience the best of Egypt's history, food, and hospitality while creating lifelong memories with your loved ones.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Nile Sunsets
Arrival at Cairo International Airport
Touch down in the capital. Clear customs and meet your pre-arranged transfer to your hotel in Maadi or Zamalek, which are quieter and greener for families.
Check-in & Refresh
Settle into your family suite. Zamalek offers many boutique options with views of the Nile.
Sunset Felucca Ride
Board a traditional wooden sailing boat (Felucca) for a gentle cruise on the Nile. It is the perfect low-energy introduction to the city.
Family Dinner in Zamalek
Enjoy a relaxed meal at a riverside restaurant. Many spots offer high chairs and kid-friendly pasta alongside Egyptian mezze.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - Giza Pyramid Grandeur
Giza Plateau Exploration
Visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Use the paved roads for easier stroller access around the main viewpoints.
Lunch with a Pyramid View
Eat at the 9 Pyramids Lounge, which offers a comfortable seating area and a spectacular backdrop for family photos.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Visit the children's museum section and marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II in the grand atrium.
Relaxed Evening
Head back to the hotel for some pool time to let the kids burn off energy after a day of history.
Day 3: Cairo, Egypt - Sakkara & Dahshur
Step Pyramid of Djoser
Explore the world's oldest pyramid in Sakkara. The area is less crowded and offers more space for kids to run around safely.
Picnic Lunch in the Shade
Enjoy a packed lunch or visit a local farm-style restaurant nearby for fresh Baladi bread and grilled meats.
Bent and Red Pyramids of Dahshur
A quieter alternative to Giza, these pyramids allow for a more intimate family exploration of the desert landscape.
Dinner in Downtown Cairo
Try Koshary Abou Tarek for Egypt's national dish—fast, delicious, and very affordable.
Day 4: Cairo, Egypt - Islamic Cairo & Al-Azhar Park
Saladin Citadel & Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Explore the medieval fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The mosque courtyard is spacious and impressive.
Al-Azhar Park Lunch
This lush green park is a haven for families. Have lunch at Studio Masr while the kids play on the grass.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Walk through the historic souk. Focus on the main wider streets to avoid getting overwhelmed by the crowds with children.
Wekalet El Ghouri Tannoura Show
Watch a traditional Sufi dance performance. The vibrant colors and spinning dancers are usually a hit with kids.
Day 5: Cairo to Alexandria, Egypt - Coastal Transition
Luxury Train to Alexandria
Board the first-class carriage for a 2.5-hour comfortable ride north. The seats are wide and perfect for families.
Corniche Walk & Seafood Lunch
Walk along the Mediterranean waterfront and enjoy a fresh seafood feast at a local restaurant.
Montaza Palace Gardens
Spend the afternoon in the vast palace gardens, which offer plenty of shade and sea breezes for a relaxed stroll.
Gelato on the Corniche
Grab an ice cream and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean with the locals.
Day 6: Alexandria, Egypt - Ancient Knowledge & Forts
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the modern library. It has a dedicated Children’s Library and Planetarium that are world-class.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Explore this 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Kids love climbing the ramparts.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Descend into the fascinating multi-level tombs where Roman and Egyptian styles blend seamlessly.
Dinner at Trianon
Eat at this historic cafe that feels like a trip back to the early 20th century, offering great pastries and meals.
Day 7: Alexandria to Aswan, Egypt - The Long Journey South
Return Train to Cairo
Take the morning train back to Cairo to catch your southward connection.
Lunch near Cairo Station
Grab a quick, high-quality meal before heading to the airport or train terminal.
Wataneya Sleeper Train
Board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. It’s an adventure for kids to sleep in bunk beds on a moving train.
Dinner on the Train
A simple meal is served in your cabin as you watch the Egyptian countryside roll by.
Day 8: Aswan, Egypt - Nubian Culture & Islands
Arrive in Aswan
Transfer to your hotel. Aswan is noticeably slower and more relaxed than Cairo.
Elephantine Island Walk
Wander through Nubian villages with their brightly painted houses and friendly local vibe.
Philae Temple
Take a short motorboat ride to this island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. The boat ride itself is a highlight for children.
Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel
Enjoy a fancy afternoon tea where Agatha Christie wrote 'Death on the Nile'. It has a beautiful terrace.
Day 9: Aswan, Egypt - Abu Simbel Adventure
Day Trip to Abu Simbel
A long but rewarding day. The massive rock-cut temples of Ramses II are awe-inspiring for all ages.
Return to Aswan
Nap on the drive back to recover from the early start.
Nubian Museum
A well-curated, air-conditioned museum that explains the history of the Nubian people in an accessible way.
Dinner in the Souk
Browse the Aswan market for spices and hand-woven baskets before a local dinner.
Day 10: Aswan to Luxor, Egypt - Traveling the Nile Valley
Train to Luxor
Take a regional train (approx. 3 hours). The route follows the Nile, offering views of farmers and water buffalo.
Check-in Luxor Hotel
Luxor is the 'world's greatest open-air museum'. Settle into your hotel on the East Bank.
Luxor Museum
This museum is smaller and much more manageable for families than the Cairo Museum, with beautifully lit artifacts.
Luxor Temple at Night
Visit the temple when it is illuminated. It is cooler and the atmosphere is magical for kids.
Day 11: Luxor, Egypt - The Grandeur of Karnak
Karnak Temple Complex
Explore the Hypostyle Hall with its massive columns. It's a great place for kids to play 'hide and seek' among the history.
Midday Pool Break
Luxor gets hot. Spend the hottest hours of the day at the hotel pool.
Horse and Carriage Ride
Take a Hantour (carriage) around the city. It's a fun and traditional way to see the sights without walking.
Dinner on a Nile Boat
Many docked boats offer buffet dinners with traditional music.
Day 12: Luxor, Egypt - Valley of the Kings
Crossing to the West Bank
Head out early to beat the heat and crowds. Visit the Valley of the Kings and choose 3 tombs to explore.
Temple of Hatshepsut
The striking architecture of this mortuary temple is built into the cliffs and offers great photo ops.
Colossi of Memnon
A quick stop to see the two massive stone statues—easy to view from the road.
Lunch at a West Bank Garden
Enjoy a quiet meal at a local restaurant overlooking the green fields of the West Bank.
Day 13: Luxor, Egypt - Hidden Gems of the West Bank
Medinet Habu
Often overlooked, this temple of Ramses III has some of the best-preserved color carvings in Egypt.
Valley of the Queens
Visit the tomb of Nefertari (requires an extra ticket but is the most beautiful tomb in Egypt).
Banana Island Trip
Take a boat to 'Gezira el-Moz'. Kids will enjoy seeing how bananas grow and eating the fresh fruit.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up high-quality alabaster or cotton goods in the Luxor markets.
Day 14: Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt - To the Red Sea
Private Transfer to Hurghada
A 4-hour drive across the Eastern Desert. Private transfers are more flexible for family bathroom stops.
Check-in & All-Inclusive Lunch
Hurghada is all about relaxation. Check into a family resort with a private beach.
Beach Time
Let the kids play in the calm, shallow waters of the Red Sea.
Resort Entertainment
Most resorts offer evening shows and kids' clubs to keep the little ones busy.
Day 15: Hurghada, Egypt - Underwater Wonders
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Perfect for families with younger children who aren't ready for snorkeling yet. See the coral reefs without getting wet.
Lunch at the Marina
The Hurghada Marina is modern, clean, and stroller-friendly with many international dining options.
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Visit one of the largest aquariums in Africa, featuring a shark tunnel and a rainforest section.
Sunset Walk on the Beach
Enjoy the cooler evening air with a walk along the shore.
Day 16: Hurghada, Egypt - Relaxation Day
Resort Water Park
Spend the morning at your resort’s water slides and pools.
Buffet Lunch
Enjoy the ease of all-inclusive dining with plenty of options for picky eaters.
Optional Desert Safari
For families with older kids, a gentle Jeep safari into the desert for tea with Bedouins is a great experience.
Last Beach Dinner
A quiet dinner by the sea to celebrate the end of the journey.
Day 17: Hurghada to Cairo, Egypt - Returning North
Morning Flight to Cairo
Save 6 hours of driving by taking a quick 1-hour flight back to the capital.
Check-in near the Airport
Stay near the airport or in Heliopolis for an easy departure tomorrow.
Cairo Festival City Mall
A modern mall with a great fountain show, indoor theme parks (KidZania), and familiar food outlets.
Farewell Egyptian Dinner
One last meal of grilled kebabs and fresh hummus.
Day 18: Cairo, Egypt - Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Pick up some dates or Egyptian sweets at the airport or local bakery.
Travel to Airport
Use the hotel shuttle for the short 5-minute trip to the terminal.
Flight Home
Depart Egypt with a camera full of photos and a heart full of memories.
Arrival Home
Safe travels!
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The ideal time for a family trip to Egypt is during the cooler months from October to April. December and January are the peak seasons with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20-25°C, making it perfect for exploring temples. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, consider the shoulder months of October or March, where the weather is still mild enough for kids to enjoy the Red Sea but the major sites are less congested.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While major hotels and upscale restaurants in Cairo and Hurghada accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most common), Egypt remains a cash-heavy society. You will need small bills for tipping (baksheesh), which is a deep-rooted part of the culture. ATMs are widely available in cities. Always carry some cash when visiting archaeological sites or local markets.
Getting Around Egypt
For intercity travel, the most family-friendly options are domestic flights (Cairo to Aswan/Hurghada) and the first-class or sleeper trains (Cairo to Luxor/Aswan). Within cities, Uber is highly recommended in Cairo and Alexandria as it provides fixed pricing and GPS tracking. For historical sites in Luxor and Aswan, hiring a private air-conditioned van and driver through your hotel or a reputable agency is the most comfortable and efficient way to move a family with strollers and gear.
