Family-Friendly 4-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Luxor and Cairo

Combine Cairo and Luxor into a 4-day trip so that you can visit the best Egyptian highlights. You’ll see the famous Pyramids of Giza, see royal collections and enjoy the fascinating underground tombs and impressive temples of Upper Egypt. Efficient transport is key to visiting both cities within 4 days. A 1 hour domestic flight between Cairo and Luxor ensures your kids never get tired from long travel times. Below is a breakdown of what you could do each day:

Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo, Pyramids of Giza, Sunset Felucca Trip

A. Great Pyramids of Giza + Camel Ride
Start your trip early to beat the heat. Your kids will be absolutely awe-struck by the huge limestone blocks that make up these famous pyramids. Get your kids onto a short camel or horse-drawn carriage ride whilst enjoying views of the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
B. Great Sphinx + Panoramic Lunch
Snap some desert photos before heading to the base of the Great Sphinx. Your kids will love learning about the legends behind this mighty lion-shaped guardian. Finish the morning with a relaxed lunch at a nearby restaurant. Enjoy eating some delicious Egyptian flat breads, grilled skewers and mild dips such as hummus and sesame.
C. Felucca Nile River Cruise
After a relaxing few hours checking in to your hotel and enjoying a swim in the hotel pool, head down to the riverbank for a sunset cruise. A traditional wooden boat will glide you along the Nile powered by the soft breeze. Sit back and relax with your kids, enjoying some traditional music.

Day 2 – Tutankhamun Treasures, Medieval City & Flight to Luxor

See some of the best museum collections in Cairo!
A. Grand Egyptian Museum / Tahrir Museum
Enjoy some world class archaeology museums. See the legendary golden mask, treasures and ancient board games used by royal children thousands of years ago. See the preserved mummies and delicate jewellery. Interesting local guides will entertain your kids with exciting tales of young Pharaohs, sacred animal mummies and hidden treasures from the tombs.
B. Medieval Cairo + Flight to Luxor
Head to the medieval city of Cairo in the afternoon. Walk along the famous Al-Muizz Street. Discover the famous Khan el-Khalili market. Your kids will love wandering around the alleyways full of glowing stained glass lamps, amazing smells of spices and traditional copper products. Enjoy a cool glass of fresh mint tea or Hibiscus juice (Karkadeh).
Later in the afternoon, you’ll be driven to your hotel by private transfer. After a short 1 hour flight to Luxor, you’ll be taken to your hotel by a private driver. Your hotel is located by the river on the East Bank of the Nile.

Day 3 – West Bank – Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut

Wake up in Upper Egypt and cross the Nile early in the morning to visit the West Bank.
A. Valley of the Kings
Take the kids on a fun little open-top electric train from the visitor centre to the entrance to the tombs. Explore the fascinating underground tombs of Ramesses III or Ramesses IV, or Merenptah. Walk through the beautifully painted passageways to see the stone coffins. The kids will be amazed to see how well-preserved the walls are. The colour is vibrant with blue, yellow and red paintings of stars, protective gods and ancient spells from the Book of the Dead.
B. Temple of Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon
Next, visit the striking Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This incredible 3-tiered temple was carved straight out of the limestone rock face to honour one of ancient Egypt’s most famous Queens. Your kids will love learning about Hatshepsut as she ruled as King. They’ll see the stories carved into the walls showing her wearing her royal clothes. On the way back towards the river, stop off at the magnificent Colossi of Memnon. These two 18m tall stone statues of Amenhotep III stand in silence throughout the plain and would make a great photo opportunity!
C. Felucca River Cruise to Banana Island
In the late afternoon take a traditional wooden boat out on the Nile. The boat will glide upriver to Banana Island (Geziret el-Moz) as the warm breeze gently pushes it along. Walk around the shaded banana plantation. Taste some delicious ripe bananas and enjoy watching the peaceful sunset over the Nile.

Day 4 – East Bank Highlights, Luxor Temple & Farewell

Visit some impressive state temples on the East Bank of Luxor.
A. Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak Temple
Start your day early and visit the incredible Karnak Temple Complex. This is the largest temple ever built by humans! The temple was mainly dedicated to Amun-Ra and was the main state temple during the New Kingdom. Your kids will be absolutely awe-struck by the Great Hypostyle Hall. This is a massive hall filled with 134 sandstone columns. The columns are beautifully carved with deep hieroglyphics. Stop by the sacred Scarab Beetle statue by the Sacred Lake. Local legend says if you walk around it 3 times you will receive good luck!
B. Luxor Temple & Souvenirs
In the afternoon visit Luxor Temple. Walk underneath the towering papyrus columns and giant seated statues of Ramesses II. Afterward, spend some time browsing the covered souk (market) of Luxor. Your kids can buy some unique souvenirs such as carved stone scarabs, mini papyrus paintings and silver Cartouche necklaces with their name written in hieroglyphics.
C. Farewell
After an enjoyable early evening meal, you’ll be driven to Luxor International airport (or back to Cairo if you have onward international flights). You’ll create lasting memories as a family visiting the pyramids, Pharaohs and river cruises.