Cairo and Desert Safari Egypt Tour Itinerary

After enjoying a delightful open-buffet breakfast at your hotel, your expert tour guide will meet you for an unforgettable Cairo day tour to explore the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis.

Begin your journey at the legendary Giza Pyramids, where you'll be awestruck by these monumental structures, built over 4,500 years ago during Egypt’s Old Kingdom. These pyramids are a testament to the incredible achievements of ancient Egypt, made possible by the life-giving Nile River. Stand in wonder before the Great Pyramid of King Cheops (Khufu), constructed from over 2.3 million limestone blocks, reaching an impressive height of 146 meters. This massive structure was built as an eternal resting place for the king, designed to help him ascend to the heavens.

Continue your tour with a panoramic view of the three great pyramids: Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus. Learn about King Chephren, the son of Cheops, who built his slightly smaller pyramid, standing at 136 meters, along with remnants of the original outer casing at the top. You will also visit the queen pyramids, constructed for Queen Hetepheres, the mother of Cheops, and Queen Merite, his beloved wife.

Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx, the enigmatic statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man, thought to have been built by King Chephren. Explore the Valley Temple, where the intricate process of mummifying the king was carried out.

Your next destination is Memphis, Egypt’s ancient capital, now an open-air museum in Mit Rahina. Here, you will see the impressive alabaster Sphinx, the second-largest of its kind, and the colossal statue of King Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful rulers from the New Kingdom.

The tour continues to Saqqara, home to the world’s first stone pyramid, the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. This groundbreaking structure, consisting of six stacked layers, marked a key development in pyramid construction. You’ll also explore the pyramid of King Teti from the 6th dynasty and enter the tomb of Kagemni, a noble and vizier married to King Teti’s daughter, Nebtynubkhet Sesheshet.

End your day with a gourmet lunch at a high-quality restaurant with stunning views of the Giza pyramids before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and set off for an enlightening tour of Old Cairo, starting with a fascinating exploration of Coptic Cairo. Visit the renowned Hanging Church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary, built atop the ruins of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. Continue to the Church of St. Sergius, also known as the Cavern Church, which was believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt. Explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue, originally a Coptic church before it was converted into a Jewish synagogue in 882 A.D.

Afterward, relax and enjoy a delicious lunch at a quality restaurant before resuming your Cairo day tour at the Egyptian Museum. Marvel at its vast collection of ancient artifacts, including treasures from Egypt’s rich history, housed in this iconic institution that opened its doors in 1902.

End the day with an elegant shopping experience at the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can find a variety of souvenirs, spices, jewelry, and traditional crafts.

After your shopping excursion, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, meet your knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide and embark on a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo as part of your Egypt tour itinerary. You’ll travel in comfort, with a 2.5-hour drive in an air-conditioned vehicle, including a brief stop along the way.

Arrive in Alexandria, the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" and Egypt’s second capital, named after its founder, Alexander the Great, who conquered Egypt in 332 B.C.

Your tour begins at the famous Pompey’s Pillar, erected in 297 A.D. to commemorate the victory of Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled Rome and Egypt from 284 to 305 A.D. after quelling a revolt in Alexandria. From there, head to the Catacombs of Kom El Shokkafa, an enormous Roman burial site renowned for its unique blend of Egyptian and Roman art and architecture.

Next, enjoy a scenic drive along the coastline to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The citadel commands a strategic position on a narrow strip of land stretching into the Eastern Harbor.

Visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a grand restoration inspired by the ancient library, which once held the world’s largest collection of knowledge. Built facing the Mediterranean, the original library was established by Ptolemy I in the early 3rd century B.C.

Savor a tasty seafood lunch made from the freshest local fish before checking in at your hotel in Alexandria. In the evening, unwind with a leisurely walk along the Corniche, breathing in the refreshing sea breeze as you take in the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we embark on a scenic 7-hour drive from Cairo to the tranquil Siwa Oasis. Along the way, we will stop at the historic Alamein Military Museum and the Commonwealth Alamein Cemetery, where you’ll explore army models and learn about the significant World War II battle that took place in El Alamein.

Afterward, we’ll continue to the coastal town of Marsa Matrouh, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a unique restaurant, providing a refreshing break before resuming the road trip to Siwa Oasis. Upon arrival in Siwa, we’ll check in at an eco-lodge, where you can leave your baggage and prepare for an incredible experience.

Next, unwind at one of Siwa’s natural hot springs, where you can soak in the soothing waters to relax your muscles after the long journey.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay, ready for the adventures ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the eco-lodge, continue your Siwa Oasis adventure. Start by exploring the ancient ruins of the old town of Shali, a historic area rich with the unique architectural style of Siwa. Next, head to the Temple of Alexander the Great, also known as the Temple of the Oracle, located in Aghurmi village, dating back to the 26th dynasty. Then, visit the Temple of Amun Ra, also known as the Temple of Um Ubeyda, a significant site in Siwan history.

Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the region by visiting the Siwa House Museum, where you can experience the traditional Siwan way of life. Enjoy lunch at the famous Abdo restaurant, located in the main square with a view of the ruins of Shali.

In the afternoon, visit the Mountain of the Dead (Jabal el Mawta), where you’ll explore the remarkable tombs of ancient rulers from the 26th dynasty, including the tombs of Si Amun, MSW Isis, and the Crocodile Tomb.

For a relaxing break, visit Cleopatra’s Spring (Ein Guba), where you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. End the day with a breathtaking sunset at Fitnas Island, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view of the sun setting over the desert oasis.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, then prepare for an exhilarating Siwa Desert Safari adventure. On this second day, your guide will take you on a thrilling four-wheel drive journey deep into the Great Sand Sea.

Your Egypt Desert Safari begins as you traverse the golden dunes, eventually arriving at the fossils area where you’ll witness ancient rocky coral reefs dating back to the Cambrian era. This remarkable site offers a glimpse into the prehistoric life that once thrived in the desert.

Next, head to a stunning hidden gem in the Great Sand Sea—a serene lake nestled in the middle of the desert. If you're lucky, you may even spot graceful flamingo birds. Take a dip in the cool, refreshing waters of the lake, basking in the peaceful desert surroundings and relaxing atmosphere.

Afterward, we’ll pass by the towering Dakrour Mountain before diving into a fun-filled sandboarding experience. While not as fast-paced as snowboarding, with the right amount of bee wax, you’ll zoom down the massive sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea, experiencing a rush of excitement.

Once your sandboarding adventure wraps up, it’s time to unwind in the famous hot spring of Bir Wahid. The soothing, warm waters will help you relax and rejuvenate after an action-packed day. Finally, cap off your desert safari by watching a mesmerizing sunset over the Great Sand Sea while enjoying Bedouin tea amidst the rolling dunes.

Overnight in Siwa.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred back to Cairo and check in to your hotel. If you arrive before sunset, you can enjoy the Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids, a Cairo by Night Tour, a Cairo Shopping Tour to the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, or simply relax at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

We hope you enjoyed our Egypt Day Tours and the program tailored to your 9-day schedule. We hope you were able to see most of the sights of Egypt. You will be taken to Cairo International Airport to catch your journey home.

Meals: Breakfast