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. 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, from RM695), you’ll visit Cairo’s must-see attractions on a flexible tour.
- Pyramids of Giza: the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Entry to the interior is possible (additional cost).
- Great Sphinx: over 20 metres tall, a symbol of intelligence and strength.
- Egyptian Museum: key exhibits ( Tutankhamun room, mummies), with commentary from the guide and free time.
Itinerary
- 9.00 am: Departure by private vehicle to the Giza Plateau (18 km).
- Guided introduction to the three pyramids.
- Free time to go inside a pyramid (the guide does not enter).
- Visit to the Sphinx and an explanation of the main theories.
- Egyptian Museum: a tour of the key exhibits and time to explore its 165,000 artefacts; 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 am: Tour of the markets in 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 a grand finale at Khan el-Khalili.
About the 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 tell you its story as you stroll through its walled alleyways.
What to buy in the souks
Perfumes, jewellery, 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.
Round off the tour with an afternoon snack
Tea and traditional sweets in the cafés of Khan el-Khalili. Return to the hotel.
Why do I like this tour?
It makes exploring the markets an easy and enjoyable experience; 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 off your trip with this half-day private tour of Saqqara and Memphis from the capital ( moderate fitness required). Hotel pick-up and private Egyptologist guide.
Itinerary
- 9.00 am: Memphis, the ancient capital and political and religious centre (Colossus of Ramses II, Alabaster Sphinx).
- Saqqara, the necropolis featuring the Step Pyramid of Djoser (c. 2630 BC), the origin of the pyramids; a walk along 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 understanding of 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 (including lunch). Tailor-made tour with an Egyptologist guide.
Itinerary
- 7.00 am: 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 amphitheatre, thermal baths and the Villa of the Birds (mosaics).
- Lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant.
- New Library of Alexandria (2002); optional tour of the rare books exhibition (additional cost).
5. 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor and return sleeper train
The classic Egyptian tour: cruise along the legendary River Nile on a 5★ boat (group of 12 travellers). Includes the Cairo–Aswan overnight sleeper train and full board on the cruise. Entrance fees and some meals not included; optional extras: Abu Simbel and hot-air balloon ride (additional cost).
Itinerary
- Day 1: Overnight train Cairo → Aswan (night on board).
- Day 2: Aswan Dam, Philae Temple by boat and the unfinished obelisk (night on the cruise).
- 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).
- 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 hotel in Cairo.
6. Full-day excursion to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
A day combining ancient and modern Egypt: the pyramids, Tahrir Square, Khan el-Khalili and lunch at a local restaurant. Private guide and vehicle.
Itinerary
At the pyramids
- 08:00: Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the Giza Plateau.
- View of the three pyramids; option to visit Khafre’s pyramid (extra).
- The Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Khafre (the only one still standing).
- Explanation of the architectural mysteries and funeral rites.
Back in Cairo
Egyptian Museum (treasures of Tutankhamun, mummification), Tahrir Square (political epicentre) 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, from 9.00 am) 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, jewellery 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 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 in a traditional lunch: Egyptian koshary (rice, lentils and pasta with tomato sauce).