Cairo, Egypt-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Islamic Cairo

Morning

  • Arrive at Cairo International Airport
  • Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in Islamic Cairo ( approx. 30-40 minutes, EGP 100-150)
  • Check-in at Hotel Longchamps or similar (EGP 800-1200 per night)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha (free admission), a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Islamic Cairo, discovering hidden gems like Al-Azhar Mosque and Khan el-Khalili bazaar
  • Try some traditional Egyptian street food like falafel or shawarma at Abou Tarek (EGP 20-50 per person)

Evening

  • Enjoy a warm welcome dinner at Koshari Abou El Fadl (EGP 50-100 per person), serving Egypt’s national dish, koshari
  • Take a stroll along the Nile River Corniche, enjoying the city lights and sounds

Things to Know

  • Islamic Cairo can be overwhelming, so take your time and stay hydrated
  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and respect local customs
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara

Morning

  • Take a taxi or Uber to the Pyramids of Giza (approx. 30-40 minutes, EGP 100-150)
  • Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (EGP 120 per person)
  • Explore the surrounding area, including the Solar Boat Museum and Panoramic Viewpoint

Afternoon

  • Head to Saqqara Necropolis (approx. 1 hour, EGP 200-300), a vast ancient burial ground
  • Marvel at the Step Pyramid, the oldest stone structure in the world
  • Take a break and enjoy some traditional Egyptian tea at a local café

Evening

  • Return to your hotel and freshen up
  • Enjoy dinner at Felfela (EGP 100-200 per person), serving delicious Middle Eastern cuisine

Transportation

  • Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem
  • Agree on the fare beforehand, especially when using traditional taxis

Day 3: Egyptian Museum and Downtown Cairo

Morning

  • Visit the Egyptian Museum (EGP 120 per person), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts
  • Spend a few hours exploring the museum’s vast exhibits, including mummies and sarcophagi

Afternoon

  • Head to Downtown Cairo, a bustling area filled with colonial-era buildings and modern amenities
  • Visit Tahrir Square, the heart of Cairo’s political and cultural scene
  • Grab lunch at KFC or similar (EGP 50-100 per person), a popular fast food chain in Egypt

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Abou El Sid (EGP 150-300 per person), serving traditional Egyptian cuisine with a modern twist
  • Take a stroll around the downtown area, exploring its vibrant atmosphere

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Respect local customs and traditions when interacting with locals
  • Always carry small change in EGP for incidentals and tips

Day 4: Nile River Cruise and Khan el-Khalili

Morning

  • Take a Nile River Cruise (EGP 500-1000 per person), offering stunning views of the city
  • Enjoy lunch on board while listening to traditional Egyptian music and watching folk dance performances

Afternoon

  • Visit Khan el-Khalili, one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in the Middle East
  • Explore the labyrinthine alleys, discovering hidden gems like Al-Azhar Mosque and Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha
  • Try some traditional Egyptian coffee or tea at a local café

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Naguib Mahfouz Café (EGP 100-200 per person), located in the heart of Khan el-Khalili
  • Take a leisurely walk around the bazaar, soaking up its vibrant atmosphere

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for aggressive vendors and touts in Khan el-Khalili
  • Respect local customs and traditions when interacting with locals
  • Always carry small change in EGP for incidentals and tips

Day 5: Coptic Cairo and Hanging Church

Morning

  • Visit Coptic Cairo, a historic area filled with ancient churches and monasteries
  • Explore the Hanging Church, one of the oldest and most famous Coptic churches in Egypt (free admission)
  • Discover other hidden gems like Church of St. Sergius and Ben Ezra Synagogue

Afternoon

  • Head to Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (EGP 120 per person), featuring a vast collection of ancient artifacts
  • Spend a few hours exploring the museum’s exhibits, including mummies and sarcophagi

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Andrea (EGP 150-300 per person), serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine
  • Take a stroll around Coptic Cairo, soaking up its historic atmosphere

Transportation

  • Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem
  • Agree on the fare beforehand, especially when using traditional taxis

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning at leisure, relaxing at your hotel or exploring nearby attractions
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to Cairo International Airport (approx. 30-40 minutes, EGP 100-150)

Departure

  • Catch your flight back home, bringing back memories of an unforgettable trip to Cairo, Egypt