More about: 7 Best Tours and Day Trips in Cairo
Traveling to the land of the pharaohs means discovering one of the world’s oldest civilizations: its pyramids and temples, the Nile, and its vibrant capital, Cairo. These are the best tours for exploring the city and its surroundings:
1. Excursion to the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum
Accompanied by an Egyptologist guide, on this excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum (6–8 hours, starting at $170), you’ll visit Cairo’s must-see sights on a flexible tour.
- Pyramids of Giza: the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Entry inside is possible (additional cost).
- Great Sphinx: Over 20 meters tall, a symbol of intelligence and strength.
- Egyptian Museum: key exhibits ( Tutankhamun Hall, mummies), with commentary from the guide and free time.
Itinerary
- 9:00 a.m.: Departure by private vehicle to the Giza Plateau (18 km).
- Guided introduction to the three pyramids.
- Free time to enter a pyramid (the guide does not enter).
- Visit to the Sphinx and explanation of the main theories.
- Egyptian Museum: tour of key exhibits and time to explore its 165,000 artifacts; highlights include Tutankhamun’s mask.
2. Private tour of Cairo’s highlights
Ideal for stress-free shopping in the souks and learning about haggling with a private guide. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and casual clothing.
Itinerary
- 8:00 a.m.: Tour of the markets in the Old City.
- El Ghorya (Fatimid Cairo), Gamalia Street, Bab Zuwayla, Bab al-Fatah, and Bab el-Nasr gates.
- Light lunch (sandwiches and drinks) included.
- El Mosky and grand finale at Khan el-Khalili.
About the El Mosky Bazaar
Dating back to the 14th century: Sultan Djaharks el-Jalili built a caravanserai here on the site of an ancient Fatimid cemetery. Your guide will share its history as you stroll through its walled alleyways.
What to Buy in the Souks
Perfumes, jewelry, fabrics, handicrafts, lamps, spices, and musical instruments. There are over 900 stalls: your guide will take you to the best shops and help you haggle.
End the tour with a snack
Tea and traditional sweets at cafés in Khan el-Khalili. Return to the hotel.
Why do I like this tour?
It makes exploring the markets easy and enjoyable; you’ll get the most out of the area’s history, products, and architecture with a local expert.
3. Day Trip to Saqqara and Memphis from Cairo
Round out your trip with this half-day private tour of Saqqara and Memphis from the capital ( moderate physical fitness required). Hotel pickup and a private Egyptologist guide.
Itinerary
- 9:00 a.m.: Memphis, the ancient capital and political-religious center (Colossus of Ramses II, Alabaster Sphinx).
- Saqqara, necropolis featuring the Step Pyramid of Djoser (c. 2630 B.C.), the origin of the pyramids; tour of King Unas’s causeway, the tomb of Kagemni, and the Pyramid of Teti with its Pyramid Texts.
Why do I like this tour?
It broadens your perspective on ancient Egypt and adds a culinary touch: falafel and foul are included.
4. Private Day Trip to Alexandria from Cairo
Discover Egypt’s second-largest city with this day trip to Alexandria from Cairo (with lunch). Customized tour with an Egyptologist guide.
Itinerary
- 7:00 a.m.: Departure by minivan for Alexandria.
- Kom ash-Shuqqafa Catacombs (2nd–3rd centuries): rock-cut galleries and the Hall of Caracalla.
- Pompey’s Pillar (25 m, dedicated to Diocletian).
- Roman amphitheater, thermal baths, and Villa of the Birds (mosaics).
- Lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant.
- New Library of Alexandria (2002); optional rare book exhibition (additional cost).
5. 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor and round-trip sleeper train
The Classic Egypt Tour: Cruise along the legendary Nile River on a 5★ ship (group of 12 travelers). Includes the Cairo–Aswan overnight sleeper train and full board on the cruise. Admission fees and some meals not included; optional: Abu Simbel and hot air balloon ride (additional cost).
Itinerary
- Day 1: Overnight train from Cairo to Aswan (night on board).
- Day 2: Aswan Dam, Philae Temple by boat, and the unfinished obelisk (night on the cruise ship).
- Day 3: Kom Ombo and cruise to Edfu (overnight on the cruise ship).
- Day 4: Temple of Horus (Edfu) → Esna Lock → Luxor: Karnak, Luxor, and the Obelisk of Ramses II (overnight on the cruise ship).
- Day 5: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon → overnight train from Luxor to Giza.
- Day 6: Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Cairo.
6. Full-day excursion to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
A day combining ancient and modern Egypt: pyramids, Tahrir Square, Khan el-Khalili, and lunch at a local restaurant. Private guide and vehicle.
Itinerary
At the Pyramids
- 8:00 a.m.: Pickup at your hotel and transfer to the Giza Plateau.
- View of the three pyramids; option to enter Khafre’s pyramid (extra).
- Sphinx and Khafre’s Valley Temple (the only one still standing).
- Explanation of the mysteries of their construction and funeral rites.
Back in Cairo
Egyptian Museum (Treasures of Tutankhamun, mummification), Tahrir Square (political epicenter), and Khan el-Khalili Souk (over 900 stalls; ideal for tea or shisha).
7. Guided tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo with lunch
Private tour (≈5 hours, starting at 9:00 a.m.) with an Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum (next to Tahrir Square). Available in Spanish.
About the Egyptian Museum
Two floors: ground floor featuring papyri, coins, jewelry, and sarcophagi; upper floor housing the treasures of Tutankhamun (discovered by Howard Carter in 1922) and the royal mummy galleries. It displays over 136,000 artifacts (total collection ~150,000). The future Grand Egyptian Museum will complement the collection.
Why do I like this tour?
It offers in-depth context and culminates with a traditional lunch: Egyptian koshary (rice, lentils, and pasta with tomato sauce).