Cairo Egypt 7 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, 150-200 EGP)
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as the Hotel Longchamps (starts from 500 EGP per night)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha (entry fee: 50 EGP)
  • Explore the Khan el-Khalili market, one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in Egypt
  • Walk around the Islamic Cairo neighborhood, taking in the sights and sounds of the old city

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner at Koshari Abou Tarek (approx. 50 EGP per person)
  • Take a stroll along the Nile River Corniche, enjoying the city lights and river views

Day 2: Pyramids and Saqqara

Morning

  • Take a taxi or Uber to the Giza Plateau ( approx. 30-40 minutes, 100-150 EGP)
  • Visit the Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu (entry fee: 120 EGP)
  • Explore the Solar Boat Museum and the Sphinx

Afternoon

  • Head to Saqqara, a vast ancient burial ground (entry fee: 80 EGP)
  • Visit the Step Pyramid, the oldest stone structure in the world
  • Return to Cairo city in the evening

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Abou El Sid (approx. 100 EGP per person)
  • Explore the Zamalek neighborhood, known for its upscale restaurants and bars

Day 3: Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square

Morning

  • Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (entry fee: 120 EGP)
  • Spend a few hours exploring the museum’s vast collections

Afternoon

  • Head to Tahrir Square, the heart of modern Cairo
  • Visit the Tahrir Square Museum and the Mogamma Building
  • Explore the surrounding streets, taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Cairo

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Felfela (approx. 50 EGP per person)
  • Take a stroll around the Nile River Corniche, enjoying the city lights and river views

Day 4: Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo

Morning

  • Visit the Cairo Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortification (entry fee: 80 EGP)
  • Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha and the Al-Gawhara Palace

Afternoon

  • Head to Old Cairo, a historic area filled with ancient churches and mosques
  • Visit the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Old Cairo

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Azhar Park Restaurant (approx. 50 EGP per person)
  • Take a leisurely walk around Azhar Park, enjoying the gardens and lake views

Day 5: Nile River Cruise

Morning

  • Take a Nile River cruise, offering stunning views of the city from a different perspective
  • Choose from a variety of cruises, such as the Nile Maxim (approx. 500 EGP per person)

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch on board, featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine
  • Relax and take in the sights and sounds of the Nile River

Evening

  • Return to your hotel and freshen up
  • Explore the nearby streets, taking in the local atmosphere

Day 6: Day Trip to Alexandria

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city (approx. 3-4 hours, 500-700 EGP per person)
  • Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, a medieval fortification built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse
  • Explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and museum complex

Afternoon

  • Head to the Corniche, Alexandria’s scenic waterfront promenade
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area (approx. 100 EGP per person)
  • Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a subterranean burial site

Evening

  • Return to Cairo in the evening
  • Enjoy dinner at Kazbek (approx. 50 EGP per person)

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to Cairo International Airport ( approx. 30-40 minutes, 150-200 EGP)
  • Depart from Egypt, bringing back memories of an unforgettable trip!

Things to Know

  • Egypt is a conservative country; dress modestly and respect local customs.
  • Haggling is expected at markets and bazaars; be prepared to negotiate prices.
  • The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency; you can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.
  • Arabic is the official language, but many Egyptians speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available, but be sure to agree on a price before departing.
  • Uber is also available in Cairo.
  • The metro is an affordable and efficient way to get around the city.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in busy areas like Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili market.
  • Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen; the Egyptian sun can be intense.
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “shukraan” (thank you) and “as-salamu alaykum” (hello).

Other Things of Interest

  • The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza
  • A visit to the Pharaonic Village, a theme park showcasing ancient Egyptian life
  • A stroll along the Nile River Corniche, taking in the city lights and river views