Southern Red Sea (Marsa Alam) & Luxor
Spot sea turtles and dolphins in the southern Red Sea, then cross the Eastern Desert to Luxor, balancing beaches and ancient ruins within a week.
Spend four nights in quiet Marsa Alam, arranging snorkeling, boat trips, and a visit to the Wadi El Gemal National Park. Then, take a private transfer to Luxor for a two-night stay to explore the main sights on both banks. This one-way route departs from Luxor Airport, saving much more energy than a same-day round trip. Bypassing Cairo and Aswan, it is perfect for couples and families seeking a relaxed vacation pace.
Temperatures can exceed 38°C from May to September, making it unsuitable for families traveling with toddlers.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival in Marsa Alam
Drive south from the airport to Marsa Alam town (approx. 1 hour). Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
Stay: Marsa Alam Town
Day 2 · Wadi El Gemal National Park
Marsa Alam（Sharm El Luli、Wadi El Gemal National Park）
Take a private car south (approx. 1.5 hours), stopping at Sharm El Luli beach (approx. 7 hours total).
Stay: Marsa Alam Town
Day 3 · Dolphin Watching at Samadai Reef
Marsa Alam（Samadai Reef (Dolphin House)）
Take a boat from the marina (approx. 1 hour) to snorkel in the reef area, returning in the afternoon (approx. 7 hours total).
The Dolphin House has a daily visitor limit; book well in advance.
Stay: Marsa Alam Town
Day 4 · North to Abu Dabbab
Marsa Alam（Marsa Shagra、Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam）
Drive north along the coast (approx. 45 minutes). Check into your new accommodation and snorkel right off the bay beach.
The sea is calmest between 08:00 and 10:00, making it the best time to spot sea turtles.
Stay: Abu Dabbab
Day 5 · Through the Eastern Desert to Luxor
Luxor（Luxor Temple、Luxor Souk）
Take a private car to Luxor via Safaga and Qena (approx. 5 hours). Visit Luxor Temple at dusk.
Stay: Luxor Temple and Nile Corniche
Day 6 · Hot Air Balloon & West Bank
Luxor（Luxor Hot Air Balloon、Valley of the Kings、Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut、Colossi of Memnon）
Cross the river in the early morning for a 1-hour hot air balloon ride, followed by a 5-hour private tour of the West Bank.
Hot air balloon rides are weather-dependent; confirm the flight status the day before.
Stay: Luxor Temple and Nile Corniche
Day 7 · Karnak Temple & Departure
Take a taxi to Karnak Temple in the morning (approx. 10 minutes), then head to Luxor Airport (approx. 30 minutes).