City trip Cairo

Day 1 : Departure to Cairo

Today you will fly to Cairo where you will be met by a private driver to take you to your hotel. You'll stay at hotel Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, an oasis of luxury and tranquility in the heart of the bustling capital. The hotel is located on the tip of El Gezirah Island in the middle of the Nile River. Zamalek is a quiet neighborhood with plenty of nice restaurants and a relief after spending a day in the busy center of Cairo. If you prefer to stay in another location, this is of course also possible.

Day 2: Cairo

This morning you will visit the plateau of Giza. You've probably seen them in photos before but the iconic pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus never cease to amaze. Fascinating how small you feel standing at the foot of these 4,500-year-old pyramids. Your private guide will be happy to tell you all about it. It gets even better when you visit the tombs inside like a real archaeologist. An experience not to be missed. You must also have seen the Sphinx that stands in front of the Pyramid of Cheops. A mythological creature with the head of a man and the body of a lion, it keeps watch in front of the entrance to the pharaoh's tomb complex. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. The museum contains more than 100,000 artifacts that reflect Egypt's past. One of the most impressive exhibits is that of the boy-king Tutankhamun with more than 5,000 items found from his tomb, including his golden mask.

Day 3: Cairo

Your guide will take you today for a visit to the citadel, which towers high above the city. The medieval fortress was built to protect the city from the Crusaders. Today the complex houses several museums and mosques. By the way, from here you have a wonderful view of the city of Cairo. Still on the program is a visit to the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, one of the most beautiful in Egypt due to its grand, towering architecture and rich decorations. In the afternoon visit the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, known as the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Wander the labyrinth of narrow streets and find workshops and stalls where they sell everything from woodwork and glassware to leather goods and perfumes.

Day 4: Alexandria

You leave Cairo and drive to Alexandria, once the capital of Egypt and a city with a rich history. You'll visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa, the largest Roman cemetery discovered so far in Egypt, and the Roman Amphitheater recently excavated during the construction of a new apartment complex. The well-preserved theater once had thirteen semicircular floors of white marble and contains galleries, mosaic floors and marble seating for 800 spectators. You will also visit the National Museum and the Library of Alexandria, once one of the most important places on earth. You end the day with a visit to the Qait Bay fortress, which long ago protected Alexandria's port.

Day 5: Fayoum

Today you'll see a different side of Egyptian life. Your private guide will take you to Fayoum, Egypt's largest oasis. This "Garden of Egypt" is known for its agriculture of citrus fruits, nuts, olives and vegetables. At Lake Qaroun, Egypt's largest saltwater lake, people settled thousands of years ago. Don't forget the iconic water wheels, which have been lifting water as part of the irrigation system since the 3rd century. In the afternoon, a short drive will take you to the incredible desert valley of Wadi Rayan, where the arid landscape is punctuated by beautiful waterfalls and tree-lined pools. The perfect place for a short relaxing stop in the vast desert.

Day 6: Return home

Your vacation is unfortunately over. Your private driver will transfer you to the Cairo airport for your flight back home.

Frequently asked questions about this Cairo city trip

Is Cairo a safe city to visit?

Yes. During visits and day trips you travel with a local guide and a private driver. Tourist areas such as Zamalek and the main sights are well supervised.

How intensive is this trip?

Most visits take place on foot or with short transfers. Between visits there is time to explore the city on your own. The excursions to Alexandria and Fayoum take longer, but you stay in the same hotel every night.

What is the best time to visit Cairo?

The most pleasant period runs from October to April. Temperatures are milder then, which makes visiting the pyramids, the city and the desert more comfortable.