Morning: Arrive at Cairo International Airport. Check into your hotel (recommendations: Ramses Hilton, Marriott Mena House, or Steigenberger Pyramids Alleee).
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Explore the complex with a guide to learn about their history and mysteries.
Evening: Enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant like Koshary Abou Tarek or Shehrazad, try dishes such as Koshary (Egypt’s national dish), Falafel, or Shawarma.
Things to Know: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; haggling is common in markets and taxis don’t always use meters.
Day 2: Egyptian Museum & Khan el Khalili Bazaar
Morning: Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including the famous Tutankhamun collection.
Afternoon: Head to Khan el Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East, for shopping and experiencing Cairo’s vibrant atmosphere.
Evening: Dine at Al-Fishawy, the city’s oldest coffeehouse, or El Fishawi Restaurant, established in 1773.
Day 3: Coptic Cairo & Islamic Cairo
Morning: Discover Coptic Cairo, home to ancient Christian churches such as the Hanging Church and Abu Serga.
Afternoon: Explore Islamic Cairo, visit Mosques like the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Al-Azhar Mosque, and wander through the streets of this historic area.
Evening: Relax at El Fishawy Coffee Shop or try local street food such as Molokhia (an Egyptian dish made from leafy green jute), Kebab, or Feteer Baladi (traditional Egyptian pastry).
Day 4: Saqqara & Memphis
Morning: Visit the archaeological site of Saqqara and the ancient city of Memphis. Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the oldest stone structures in Egypt, and learn about the history of the first unified Egyptian Kingdom.
Afternoon: Return to Cairo and spend some time at the Gezeirah Sporting Club or Garden City for a taste of colonial-era Cairo.
Evening: Dine at La Maison de Naguib Mahfouz, a restaurant inspired by Egypt’s famous Nobel laureate.
Day 5: Cruise on the Nile & Departure
Morning: Embark on a scenic cruise along the Nile River. Watch the sunset while enjoying traditional Egyptian music and food on board.
Evening: Bid farewell to Cairo as you head to the airport for your departure.
Tips: Carry small bills (LE1 and LE5), bottled water, and a good map or GPS; also consider visiting the Citadel of Saladin or the Pharaonic Village for additional cultural experiences.