Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Cairo Itineraries
Suggested Itineraries in Cairo
Cairo Itineraries
The capital city and gateway to Egypt is a contradiction to the sweeping deserts and nomadic lifestyle of the rest of Egypt. Almost as a backdrop to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the city rises from the surrounding sandy plains like a strange kind of desert mirage, albeit cloaked in an ever present haze of heat, smog and sand. Christian churches stand alongside countless mosques, roads are clogged with cars carrying people on their way to nowhere in particular and life goes on at a frantic pace yet much remains unfinished. Whether you are in Cairo for the history or the culture, there is plenty to see and do in this crazy city.
Day 1: Pyramids, Pharaohs and all things ancient
The number 1 attraction in Cairo is quite deservedly the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. Located on the outskirts of the city, these giant structures have fascinated the world for centuries. Every school child in the world knows of the mighty Pharaohs of ancient Egypt and the very mention of the Sphinx conjures up images of a mighty civilization. A morning is sufficient time to visit the only remaining "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" site that stands proudly in Giza allowing you to take your step back into history a little further by combining the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, with Memphis and Sakkara. The famous Stepped Pyramid at Sakkara is the oldest in Egypt and the original version of what we now think of as a pyramid, while Memphis is the ancient capital from where great rulers once ruled Egypt.
If you still have not had your fix of ancient Egyptian history, the Egyptian Museum is waiting for you! The second most visited attraction in Cairo is home to more than 165,000 individual pieces, with another 90,000 or so stashed in the basement below. Due to move to a new much larger site in Giza near the Pyramids in 2010, the current building and its small gardens is a Cairo icon and a mini oasis in the chaos of Cairo. While there is plenty here to keep you enthralled for hours, it's the Tutankhamun display most visitors are here for, so prepare for battle as you join the masses to see the collection, in particular the famous and incredibly beautiful Death Mask.
In the evening take another trip out to Giza and see the Pyramids from a whole new angle. As the sun sets behind the massive structures and the cover of night rolls in, the famous Pyramids Sound and Light Show rolls into action. Using laser projections against the walls of the Pyramids, desert sand and the part lion/part Pharaoh statue himself, hear the Sphinx tell the history of the site with a proud, booming voice.
Day 2: Exploring Cairo
Leaving the Pharaohs in peace, Cairo has more history than just the very ancient. A great way to see 3 of the most popular sites is a Private Tour of the Alabaster Mosque, Sultan Hassan and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Learn everything you need to know about the Islam religion at the Citadel of Salah el-Din with the stunning Alabaster Mosque, as well as the mosque and school of Sultan Hassan. Cultures collide at Khan el-Khalili as you try your bargaining skills in the bazaar which is the oldest in Egypt.
If you are interested in Christianity's role in Cairo's history and modern day life, the Private Tour of Coptic Cairo, The Hanging Church, Abu Serga and Ben Ezra will give you a thorough introduction. For great views over the city, head up Cairo Tower built in the style of a Lotus Flower and enjoy the view all the way to the Pyramids on a clear day. Sunset is a popular visiting time, though the tower is generally open as late as 1am if you prefer a night time view.
In the evening take to the Nile River on a dinner cruise for an evening of entertainment and an introduction into Egypt's culture and cuisine. Alternatively be a little daring and join the locals at a sidewalk restaurant to enjoy a Shish pipe while you shoot the breeze about anything from religion to the latest soccer scores.
Day 3: Excursions
As you will soon find out when you get to Egypt, a trip to Alexandria is almost as essential as a visit to the Pyramids. You will be asked constantly "have you been to Alexandria yet?" and "when are you going to Alexandria?". If you are short on time and don't have a few days spare to stay in Alexandria, an excursion from Cairo is a great option. See the Roman sites of this Mediterranean city which once was home to Egypt's other "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" site, the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
If long days don't put you off and you are not continuing on to Upper Egypt, you can fly to Luxor for a day of sightseeing in the famous city, formerly known as Thebes. The Valley of the Kings holds many of the Pharaohs secrets and the towering columns of Karnak Temples will leave you speechless.
An often neglected site not too far from Cairo lies Fayoum. The watery oasis was the main place of worship of the crocodile god Sobek and the large wooden water wheels at the site are another example of the ancient Egyptians ingenuity and engineering skills.
Salam alekum - Peace be with you
This is just a small insight of what to get up to in Cairo; for more ideas check out Viator's complete list of things to do in Cairo. If you want to extend your trip to other parts of Egypt, it's a country full of history. Head to the Red Sea with a visit to Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh to see what keeps bringing people back year after year. Or follow the Nile River south to Upper Egypt for the grand history of Luxor, and the beautiful scenes and friendly people of Aswan. Make the most of your trip on an 8 day Nile River Cruise which will sail along the most picturesque stretch of the famous river.
Book tours & activities in Egypt's top destinations:
