More about: 7 Best Tours and Day Trips in Cairo
Travelling to the land of the pharaohs means discovering one of the world's oldest civilisations: its pyramids and temples, the Nile and its vibrant capital, Cairo. Here are the best tours to explore the city and its surroundings:
1. Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Tour
Accompanied by an Egyptologist guide, this excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum (6-8 hrs, from £109) takes you to Cairo's must-see s ights on a flexible tour.
- Pyramids of Giza: the only one of the 7 ancient wonders still standing. Possible entrance to the interior (additional cost).
- Great Sphinx: 20+ m high, symbol of intelligence and strength.
- Egyptian Museum: key pieces ( Tutankhamun room, mummies), with explanation by the guide and free time.
Itinerary
- 9:00: Departure by private vehicle to the Giza plateau (18 km).
- Guided introduction to the three pyramids.
- Free time to enter one pyramid (guide does not enter).
- Visit to the Sphinx and explanation of main theories.
- Egyptian Museum: tour of essential works and time to explore its 165,000 pieces; highlights include the mask of Tutankhamun.
2. Private tour of Cairo highlights
Ideal for stress-free souk shopping and understanding bargaining with a private guide. Comfortable shoes and casual attire are recommended.
Itinerary
- 8:00: Tour the markets of the old city centre.
- 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 El Mosky Bazaar
Originated in the 14th century: Sultan Djaharks el-Khalili built a caravanserai here on the site of an ancient Fatimid cemetery. Your guide will tell you all about its history as you stroll through its walled alleys.
What to buy in the souks
Perfumes, jewellery, fabrics, handicrafts, lamps, spices and instruments. There are 900+ stalls: the guide takes you to good shops and helps you bargain.
Close the tour with a snack
Tea and typical sweets in cafes in Khan el Khalili. Return to the hotel.
Why do I like this tour?
It makes the market experience easy and enjoyable; you get a better understanding of the history, products and architecture of the area with a local expert.
3. Excursion to Saqqara and Memphis from Cairo
Complete your trip with this half-day private tour of Saqqara and Memphis from the capital ( medium fitness required). Hotel pick-up and private Egyptologist guide.
Itinerary
- 9:00: Memphis, ancient capital and political-religious centre (colossus of Ramses II, Alabaster Sphinx).
- Saqqara, necropolis with the step pyramid of Zoser (c. 2630 BC), origin of the pyramids; walk along the causeway of King Unas, tomb of Kagemni and pyramid of Teti with pyramidal texts.
Why do I like this tour?
It broadens your vision of ancient Egypt and adds a gastronomic twist: falafel and foul included.
4. Private Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo
Discover Egypt's second largest city with this day trip to Alexandria from Cairo (with lunch). Personalized tour with Egyptologist guide.
Itinerary
- 7:00: Departure by minivan to Alexandria.
- Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa (2nd-3rd c.): galleries carved in rock and the hall of Caracalla.
- Pompey's Column (25 m, dedicated to Diocletian).
- Roman amphitheatre, thermal baths and villa of the birds (mosaics).
- Lunch in a Mediterranean restaurant.
- New Library of Alexandria (2002); option of rare books exhibition (additional cost).
5. 4-day Nile cruise Aswan to Luxor and sleeper train round trip
Egypt's classic: cruise the mythical Nile River by 5★ boat (group of 12 travellers). Includes Sleeper night train Cairo ↔ Aswan and full board on the cruise. Entrance fees and some meals not included; optional: Abu Simbel and balloon (additional cost).
Itinerary
- Day 1: Overnight train Cairo → Aswan (overnight on board).
- Day 2: Aswan Dam, Philae Temple by boat and unfinished obelisk (overnight cruise).
- Day 3: Kom Ombo and sailing to Edfu (overnight cruise).
- Day 4: Temple of Horus (Edfu) → Esna Lock → Luxor: Karnak, Luxor and obelisk of Ramses II (overnight on cruise).
- Day 5: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon → night train Luxor → Giza.
- Day 6: Arrival and transfer to hotel in Cairo.
6. Full day excursion to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
A day to combine ancient and modern Egypt: pyramids, Tahrir Square, Khan el Khalili and lunch at local restaurant. Private guide and vehicle.
Itinerary
at the pyramids
- 8:00: Pick up from hotel and transfer to Giza plateau.
- View of the three pyramids; option to enter Khafre (extra).
- Sphinx and Temple of the Valley of Chephren (the only one preserved).
- Explanation of construction mysteries and funerary rites.
Back in Cairo
Egyptian Museum ( **Tutankhamun'**s treasures, mummification), Tahrir Square (political epicentre) and Khan el Khalili souk (900+ stalls; ideal for tea or shisha).
7. Guided tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo with lunch
Private tour (≈5 h, from 9:00) with Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum (next to Tahrir Square). Available in English.
About the Egyptian Museum
Two floors: ground floor with papyri, coins, jewellery, sarcophagi; upper floor with Tutankhamun's treasures (found by Howard Carter in 1922) and royal mummy rooms. Exhibits 136,000+ artefacts (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 traditional lunch: Egyptian koshary (rice, lentils and pasta with tomato sauce).