Cairo Egypt 7 Day Itinerary

Cairo 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Arrive at Cairo International Airport.
  • Check-in at your hotel in Downtown Cairo (recommended: The Semiramis InterContinental).
  • Freshen up and have lunch at Koshary Abou Tarek, a local favorite for Egyptian street food.
  • Visit the Egyptian Museum to explore over 120,000 artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s treasures.
  • Dinner at El Fishawy, one of the oldest cafes in Cairo, offering traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.
  • Things to know: Egypt uses EGP as currency. Always carry small bills as change can be an issue.

Day 2: Pyramids & Sphinx

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Explore the Solar Boat Museum nearby.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant near the pyramids, such as Alaa El Din or Gold Pyramid Restaurant.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara.
  • Return to Downtown Cairo for dinner and relaxation.
  • Tips: Hire a licensed guide at the pyramids for an enriching experience.

Day 3: Islamic Cairo

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Egypt, followed by the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As, the first mosque built in Egypt.
  • Explore Khan El Khalili Bazaar for shopping souvenirs, spices, and traditional Egyptian items.
  • Lunch at a restaurant within the bazaar, such as El Fishawy or El Sarni.
  • In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo.
  • Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views over Khan El Khalili, like Dar el-Ghouri Restaurant.

Day 4: Egyptian Antiquities Museum & Coptic Cairo

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Return to the Egyptian Antiquities Museum to explore its vast collection in more depth.
  • Lunch at a restaurant near the museum, such as Al Moez or El Fishawy 2.
  • In the afternoon, continue exploring Coptic Cairo, visiting churches like St. Sergius Church and the Church of St. Barbara.
  • Dinner at a local favorite, such as Cairo Kitchen or El Tahrir Nile Front Restaurant.

Day 5: The Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit the historic Citadel of Saladin, home to museums like the Egyptian Military Museum and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali.
  • Lunch at a restaurant near the citadel, such as Al-Gawish or El Fishawy 3.
  • In the afternoon, explore Cairo Tower for panoramic views of the city.
  • Dinner at a riverside restaurant, like 1001 Nights Boat or Kkoon Restaurant & Art Gallery.

Day 6: Day Trip to Alexandria

  • Early breakfast and take a train or bus to Alexandria (approx. 2 hours).
  • Visit the Alexandria Library, Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Qaitbey Citadel.
  • Lunch at a restaurant in Alexandria, such as Fish Market Alexandria or Ramses III Restaurant.
  • Return to Cairo by train or bus for dinner and relaxation.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Spend the morning exploring any remaining sights or shopping for souvenirs.
  • Check out of your hotel and depart from Cairo International Airport.

Transportation: Taxis, metro, trains, and buses are convenient ways to get around Cairo. Always agree on prices before getting into a taxi.