Cairo 6 Day Itinerary
Cairo Travel Itinerary: 6 Days of Ancient Wonders
Day 1: Arrival and Islamic Cairo Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Cairo International Airport. Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in Islamic Cairo.
- Hotel: Stay at the historic Windsor Hotel or similar.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast at Abu El Sid, a cozy café serving shakshuka and falafel.
- Visit:
- Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.
- Wander through the narrow streets of Islamic Cairo, discovering hidden mosques and madrasas.
- Lunch: Savor Egyptian cuisine at Koshari Abou Tarek, a local favorite.
- Evening: Take a stroll along the Nile River Corniche, enjoying the sunset and city lights.
Day 2: Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
- Morning: Visit the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take a guided tour to learn about their history and construction.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the pyramids or try some local street food.
- Visit:
- Explore the Saqqara Necropolis, a vast ancient burial ground featuring the Step Pyramid.
- Stop by the Solar Boat Museum to see an incredibly preserved ancient boat.
- Evening: Return to your hotel and relax, or explore the nearby Khan el-Khalili market for some evening shopping.
Day 3: Egyptian Museum and Nile Dinner Cruise
- Morning: Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
- Lunch: Grab a bite at Felfela, a popular spot for Egyptian sandwiches and salads.
- Evening:
- Embark on a Nile Maxim Dinner Cruise to enjoy stunning city views while savoring international cuisine.
- Take in the vibrant atmosphere and live music performances.
Day 4: Coptic Cairo and Hanging Church
- Morning: Explore Coptic Cairo, a historic area featuring ancient Christian churches and monasteries.
- Visit:
- The Hanging Church, one of the oldest and most famous Coptic churches in Egypt.
- The Ben Ezra Synagogue, a beautifully restored Jewish temple.
- Lunch: Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine at Maison Thomas.
- Evening: Return to your hotel and relax, or explore the nearby Zamalek neighborhood for some evening entertainment.
Day 5: Cairo Citadel and Khan el-Khalili Market
- Morning: Visit the Cairo Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortification with stunning city views.
- Visit:
- The Mosque of Sultan Hassan, a magnificent example of Mamluk architecture.
- The Khan el-Khalili Market, one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in the Middle East. Haggle for souvenirs and spices!
- Lunch: Savor Egyptian street food at Ta’ameyya.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian coffee or shisha at a local café.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local neighborhood.
- Departure: Take a taxi or Uber to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight.
Things to Know
- Visa: Check if you need a visa to enter Egypt. Some nationalities can obtain an e-visa online.
- Currency: The Egyptian pound is the local currency, although USD and EUR are widely accepted.
- Language: Arabic is the official language, but many Egyptians speak English, especially in tourist areas.
- Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting mosques and churches. Remove your shoes before entering religious sites.
- Safety: Take necessary precautions to stay safe in crowded areas and markets.
Transportation
- Taxis: Use reputable taxi companies like Careem or Uber.
- Metro: Cairo has an efficient metro system, but it can be crowded during peak hours.
- Walking: Explore the city on foot, but be mindful of traffic and pedestrian safety.
Tips
- Haggle: Expect to haggle when shopping at markets, as it’s part of the local culture.
- Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes before entering religious sites, and dress modestly.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during hot summer days.
- Learn Some Arabic: Greet locals with “As-salamu alaykum” (hello) and “Shukraan” (thank you).
Other Things to Consider
- Weather: Cairo can be very hot during the summer months. Plan accordingly and stay hydrated.
- Health and Vaccinations: Consult your doctor or a travel clinic about necessary vaccinations before traveling to Egypt.
- Power Adapters: Egypt uses Type E/F power sockets, which are compatible with European plugs.
Enjoy your trip to Cairo!