Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
On arrival at Cairo airport you will be welcomed by our local representative holding a sign with your name. They will also help arrange your visa on arrival and guide you through the busy airport, so you can relax after your journey knowing everything is being taken care of. From there, you will head to your transfer and be driven to your hotel nearby. You’ll be staying in the relaxed Zamalek district in the heart of the city, with tree-lined streets and plenty of cafes and restaurants just a short walk away. From your hotel, you can also walk to Tahrir Square, where locals gather and city life unfolds around you. Here, you will find the original Egyptian Museum, a beautiful building home to a huge collection of ancient artefacts collected over generations. Although some features have moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, if you have time it is still well worth a visit for both the building itself and impressive collection of statues, mummies and treasures on display.
Day 2 – The Pyramids of Giza
This morning, after breakfast, you will be visiting the infamous Pyramids of Giza. You have seen them countless times in textbooks, films and documentaries, but nothing quite prepares you for the moment they appear on the horizon. You’ll likely have so many questions about these mysterious structures and this is where your guide is on hand to bring it all to life. You’ll be joined by a local expert who will take you through the history behind why they were built, the mysteries of their construction and the stories that still surround them today. There is also the option to step inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops, for an additional fee (around £20), where you can walk through a series of narrow passageways and steep wooden walkways towards the heart of the pyramids and ending in the granite burial chamber. It’s warm, a little claustrophobic and undeniably memorable. You’ll feel like an archaeologist uncovering ancient secrets.
Entrance fees are arranged locally and are not included in the price.
Onto the Sphinx and Saqqara
From the pyramids, you’ll continue on foot towards the legendary Sphinx. It may be a little smaller than many people imagine, but standing face-to-face with this mysterious guardian of the desert is still a special moment. With the pyramids rising behind it, it’s one of those classic Egypt scenes that feels familiar, but even more impressive in real life.
Together with your guide, you can decide how much time you’d like to spend exploring Giza before continuing onto Saqqara, home to Egypt’s oldest pyramids. Far fewer visitors make it here, as most tours stop after Giza, which is exactly what makes it so special. The atmosphere feels quieter and more authentic, giving you space to properly take in the scale and history of the site without the crowds.
At Saqqara, you’ll explore the famous Step Pyramid, considered the earliest large-scale stone structure ever built and the blueprint for the pyramids that followed. This vast archaeological site was once an important burial ground for wealth Egyptians and even sacred animals. To this day, archaeologists are still uncovering new discoveries beneath the desert sands, adding to the mystery of the area.
Dahshur
Your final stop today is Dahshur, a royal necropolis and UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels wonderfully off the beaten track. Here, you’ll find several pyramids, including the unusual Bent Pyramid, named after its distinctive change in angle halfway up – thought to be the result of an engineering rethink. At the end of the day, your driver will take you back to your hotel where you can relax and reflect on your first deep dive into ancient Egypt.
Day 3 – Departure from Cairo
If you have time, we’d really recommend adding an extra night in Cairo. The city has so much to offer beyond the pyramids, and an additional day gives you time to explore at a more relaxed pace. You could visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, wander through the atmospheric streets of Old Cairo or explore the Citadel with its panoramic views over the city. Cairo can feel busy and chaotic at first, but once you settle in, it’s a fascinating place full of stories, flavours and surprises. From Cairo, there are several ways to continue your Egyptian adventure. Heath south and you’ll discover quieter temples, tombs and Nile-side towns in Middle Egypt that many travellers skip. You can catch a domestic flight or overnight train to Luxor, where ancient highlights like the Valley of the Kings and the great temples of Luxor await. You could also travel further south to Aswan, or head straight to the Red Sea to slow down the pace.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum with a guide
If you’re interested in diving further into Egypt’s ancient past, then a visit to Cairo’s impressive new Grand Egyptian Museum is a must. Located just a few kilometres from the pyramids of Giza, this huge museum combines thousands of years of Egyptian history with striking modern design. As you wander through the halls with huge glass windows, you’ll catch glimpses of the pyramids in the distance. Inside, there is plenty to be discovered from towering statues and beautifully carved sarcophagi to delicate jewellery, papyri and everyday objects. One of the highlights of the museum is the chance to see the treasures of Tutankhamun up close, including his famous golden mask and beautifully crafted sarcophagus.
We can also combine the Grand Egyptian Museum with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, just speak to your travel specialist for more information.
Cairo - Food tour
A food tour is one of the best ways to get to know a city. It’s not just about the food (although there is plenty of that), but also about discovering the local atmosphere, neighbourhoods and everyday life. Together with a guide, you’ll wander through the city, stopping at a mix of small restaurants, cafes and local food spots to sample dishes that are typical of the region. Many of the places you will visit are the kind you would walk past on your own, tucked away family-run cafes, buzzing street food spots or long-standing local favourites. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the city, local traditions and the dishes you’re tasting, as well as the people behind them.
Cairo - Islamic Quarter, Khan el-Khalili and Citadel
Cairo is one of those places that is best explored with someone who knows it well. That’s why we will arrange a private guide to take you beyond the big sights and discover the stories, hidden corners and local atmosphere that make the city so captivating. Starting at the Citadel, perched high above Cairo and offering panoramic views across the endless city skyline. Within the citadel walls, you’ll visit the grand Mohammed Ali Mosque, instantly recognisable by its elegant domes and soaring minarets. From here, you’ll head into the narrow lanes of Islamic Cairo, where daily life unfolds in a maze of bustling streets, old mosques and hidden courtyards. Together with your guide, you’ll explore both by car and on foot, giving you time to soak up the energy of the city and spot details you’d otherwise miss. The day ends at the famous Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East. Wander through its lively alleyways filled with spices, lanterns, jewellery and handmade souvenirs.
Cairo - Accommodation upgrade
If you’d like to stay in a resort with a swimming pool while in Cairo, we can arrange this for you. Located close to the Pyramids of Giza, often with views of the iconic site, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with a relaxed atmosphere and a swimming pool where you can unwind after a day of sightseeing. The same excursions are included as above, just with a little more luxurious accommodation.