The Ultimate Egypt Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Trips for 2026

Egypt is a land that requires more than one visit, but if you only have one trip, these are the experiences that define the “Mother of the World.” Updated for 2026, here are the top 10 trips you simply cannot miss.

1. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) & Giza Pyramids

In 2026, the GEM is the undisputed star of Cairo. Spend your morning exploring the full Tutankhamun collection in this state-of-the-art facility, then head to the Giza Plateau for a private sunset camel ride around the Great Sphinx.

• Why now: 2026 is the first full year the GEM’s main galleries are completely open.

2. Hot Air Balloon Over Luxor

There is no sight on earth like the “World’s Largest Open-Air Museum” from 2,000 feet up. Watch the sun rise over the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon as the Nile glows below you.

• Pro-Tip: Book this for your first morning in Luxor; if it’s canceled due to wind, you’ll have a “backup” morning.

3. Island Hopping to “The Egyptian Caribbean” (Hurghada)

Giftun Island and Orange Bay are Hurghada’s crown jewels. Crystal-clear turquoise water and powdery white sand make this the ultimate relaxation day.

• Activities: Snorkeling at two different reefs, buffet lunch on the boat, and “banana boat” rides.

4. A 5-Star Nile Cruise (Aswan to Luxor)

Slow down and sail through history. A 3- or 4-night cruise is the most iconic way to see the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo while enjoying sunset cocktails on the deck.

• 2026 Trend: “Dahabiya” cruises (smaller, private sailing boats) are the preferred luxury choice this year.

5. The “Dolphin House” Reef (Marsa Alam or Hurghada)

Swim with wild spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. This isn’t a “park”—it’s an ethical, open-ocean encounter at Sataya or Samadai Reef.

6. Mount Sinai Sunrise Trek & St. Catherine’s

For the adventurers: A midnight hike up the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Watch the sunrise over the jagged peaks of the Sinai before visiting the world’s oldest working monastery.

7. The White Desert & Bahariya Oasis Safari

Swap the blue water for white sand. The White Desert looks like an alien planet with its chalk-white mushroom rock formations. Camp under the clearest stars you’ve ever seen.

8. Abu Simbel: The Great Temples of Ramses II

Located deep in the south near the Sudanese border, these massive rock-cut temples are a marvel of ancient engineering.

• How to go: Most travelers take a 5:00 AM bus from Aswan or a quick 45-minute flight.

9. The “Blue Hole” Snorkel (Dahab)

Experience the thrill of the world’s most famous sinkhole. Dahab’s Blue Hole offers world-class shore snorkeling where the reef drops off into a deep, sapphire-blue abyss.

10. Old Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Food Tour

Lose yourself in the 14th-century alleys of Islamic Cairo. This is the place to buy your spices, gold, and lanterns, but the real highlight is the street food—try the Koshary and fresh Hibiscus tea.

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