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Tour Cairo

6 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour | Giza & GEM | Discovery Tours

Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara, plus a full day in Alexandria, with private transfers, an Egyptologist guide and listed entrance fees

At a glance

Length
6 days · 5 nights
Departs
Daily

The short answer

6 Days Cairo and Alexandria vacation is a 6-day multi-day tour covering Giza, Saqqara, Alexandria, Old Cairo, Islamic Cairo, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
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Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Travel style
Private Guided Multi-Day Tour
Accommodation
5 Nights in Cairo Hotel
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Cairo · Giza Pyramids Complex · Saqqara · Alexandria · Old Cairo · Islamic Cairo
Includes
Accommodation in Cairo for 5 nights · Private air-conditioned transfers · Expert Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees to listed sites · Lunch during tours · All taxes and service charges
Best for
First-time visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers wanting private transfers
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are usually milder and walking conditions are better for outdoor sites such as Giza and Saqqara. May to September is hotter, especially at midday, so earlier starts are preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic patterns may change, so planning with extra time is recommended.

  • Licensed by Egyptian Tourism Authority
  • Discovery Tours Egypt
  • Private guided touring with an Egyptologist
  • Entrance fees included for listed sites
  • Private air-conditioned transfers throughout
  • Daily departures available

02 Overview

A first look

By 7 am the limestone of the Giza Plateau is still cool underfoot and Khufu's silhouette reads plainly against the pale Cairo sky. Walk close to the Great Sphinx, then pause where the plateau opens and the scale becomes a practical, audible thing rather than an abstract fact.

We arrange private, air-conditioned transfers and time visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara and Alexandria to avoid the busiest windows; unlike coach-style group transfers, private vehicles give flexibility on pickup times and pacing. Our Egyptologists guide each visit and will meet you at hotel pickup to explain the day and the archaeology in plain terms.

Background

The facts

This 6-day Egypt tour is centered in Cairo and includes a full-day overland excursion to Alexandria. The itinerary covers major Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Islamic-era monuments, with overnight stays in Cairo for the full duration. Transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour includes an Egyptologist guide throughout.

On Day 2, the route includes the Giza Pyramids Complex, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the only surviving structure from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, along with the Pyramid of Khafre, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. The day also includes the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and Saqqara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis, where Djoser’s Step Pyramid dates to the 27th century BCE and is widely regarded as the earliest large-scale stone building complex in Egypt.

The Alexandria excursion typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way from Cairo by road, depending on traffic. Sites commonly visited there include Qaitbay Citadel on the Mediterranean waterfront, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Back in Cairo, the itinerary also includes the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Khan el Khalili, the Citadel of Salah El Din, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Al-Muizz Street.

Entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included, while international flights, the Egypt entry visa, tipping, and personal expenses are excluded. The tour is suitable for travelers who want a structured overview of Cairo’s most important historical districts with one day devoted to Alexandria.

Named in this entry

Giza Pyramids Complex · Great Pyramid of Khufu · Pyramid of Khafre · Great Sphinx · Valley Temple · Grand Egyptian Museum · Saqqara · Step Pyramid of Djoser · Alexandria · Qaitbay Citadel · Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa · Roman Amphitheatre · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Egyptian Museum · Khan el Khalili · Citadel of Salah El Din · Mosque of Muhammad Ali · Al-Muizz Street · Hanging Church · Ben Ezra Synagogue

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This tour suits first-time visitors, history-focused couples, and adult travelers who want a balanced mix of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Islamic Cairo sites. It is also appropriate for families with older children who can manage full sightseeing days and road travel to Alexandria.

What lingers

  • 01 Stand at the Giza Pyramids Complex and view the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Great Sphinx
  • 02 Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and Saqqara to see Djoser’s Step Pyramid
  • 03 Full-day excursion to Alexandria: Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • 04 Explore the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) and wander Khan el Khalili bazaar
  • 05 Tour Islamic Cairo, including the Citadel of Salah El Din and Al-Muizz Street

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a simple Cairo city break, this itinerary adds a full day in Alexandria and combines Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and medieval Islamic sites in one program. Compared with large coach departures, it uses private air-conditioned transfers and an Egyptologist guide, which allows more flexible pickup timing and pacing at each site. It is also more comprehensive than a single-day Giza excursion because it includes museums, necropolis sites, and historic Cairo districts.

Day by day

Detailed itinerary

6 Days / 5 Nights · Cairo · Giza Pyramids Complex · Saqqara · Alexandria · Old Cairo · Islamic Cairo

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  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

Choose your comfort level

Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation. Prefer to arrange your own hotels? See the land-only option below.

Comfort

from £1,193 pp
High season (Oct–Apr) from £1,446Low season (May–Sep) from £1,193
Cairo
Barcelo Pyramids · AZAL Pyramids · Pyramids Park · Pyramisa

You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.

Classic

from £1,375 pp
High season (Oct–Apr) from £1,722Low season (May–Sep) from £1,375
Cairo
Novotel 6 October · Helnan Dream · Steigenberger Pyramids · Concorde El Salam

You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.

Prestige

from £1,817 pp
High season (Oct–Apr) from £2,094Low season (May–Sep) from £1,817
Cairo
Sofitel El Gezirah · Hyatt Regency · Triumph Luxury · Hilton 6 October

You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.

Luxury

from £3,958 pp
High season (Oct–Apr) from £4,811Low season (May–Sep) from £3,958
Cairo
Fairmont Nile · Four Seasons Nile Plaza · St Regis · Marriott Mena House

You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.

Land only — no accommodationfrom £885 pp
High season (Oct–Apr) from £980Low season (May–Sep) from £885

Tour, transfers and guiding only; you arrange your own hotels and the Nile cruise.

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Bundled in

  • All entry tickets
  • Private Egyptologist
  • Breakfast
  • Airport transfer
  • Private transfer

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Five nights' accommodation in Cairo
  • Entrance fees for all sites shown in the itinerary
  • All transfers using a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • An expert Egyptologist to accompany you during guided sightseeing
  • Lunch provided on touring days
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Egypt entry visa
  • Tipping and gratuities
  • Personal expenses, and drinks not included with the provided lunches

Tailor it

Make it yours

The itinerary can be adjusted as a private tour with flexible pacing, additional photo stops, or more time at selected museums and bazaar areas. Optional upgrades may include different hotel categories, extra nights in Cairo, or changes to the Alexandria sightseeing sequence. Meal arrangements can also be adapted if special dietary needs are provided in advance.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This itinerary involves moderate physical activity and is not suitable for travellers who cannot walk short distances or climb stairs. Expect cobblestones, uneven ancient stone, sandy areas at Saqqara and the Giza Plateau, and low or high steps at museums and historic sites. Transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle; vehicles are standard minibuses or saloon cars, not wheelchair lifts. Many historic sites, including the Citadel of Salah El Din, Al-Muizz Street and Qaitbay Citadel, have stairs and limited ramp access. The Grand Egyptian Museum and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina have step-free entrances and accessible toilets, but accessibility varies between third-party sites and can change without notice. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we can arrange meet-and-assist at the airport or extra staff support if informed before booking, however final decisions about access are made by each site’s management. If you require a wheelchair, walking frame, or other mobility assistance, tell us at enquiry so we can advise on practicality and plan door-to-door assistance where feasible.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

  • Valid passport and a photocopy kept separately
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • Sunscreen SPF30+ and lip balm
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle (we can refill on request)
  • Light rain jacket for winter months (Nov–Feb)
  • Any personal medication, plus a small first-aid kit
  • UK power-adapter for type C and F sockets

What to wear

  • Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing
  • Covered shoulders and knees for mosques and some historic sites
  • Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
  • A light layer for cooler evenings (Nov–Feb)
  • Broad-brim hat and UV-protective sunglasses
  • Modest swimwear only where appropriate, not for mosque visits

Children & families

Children are welcome, we recommend a minimum age of five for a comfortable experience given the walking distances and daytime heat. Child rates apply when sharing a room with two adults; specific pricing and eligibility vary by hotel and travel dates so please ask at enquiry. Strollers can be used, but they are not practical at most archaeological sites due to steps and uneven ground; a lightweight stroller is preferable. High chairs are not guaranteed in the restaurants we use on tours; request one when booking and we will arrange where possible. Please tell us each child’s age and any special needs when you book so we can advise and adapt the itinerary.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Cairo International Airport (CAI) — Arrivals Hall Map

On the ground

Your route

1Cairo2Alexandria3Giza

Responsible travel

How we travel here

We use private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and sightseeing, typically Toyota or Mercedes minibuses for small groups to reduce the number of vehicles in use. We contract licensed local Egyptologists and drivers and pay suppliers directly, which helps keep tourism revenue in local communities. Lunches on tour are arranged with nearby restaurants, often family-run establishments in Cairo and Alexandria. Where possible we use electronic tickets and digital route packs to avoid printed materials. We avoid running large coach groups through central historic areas and we stagger site timings to reduce crowd pressure at sensitive monuments. We do not operate hotels or attractions; we choose third-party suppliers based on reliability and demonstrated local benefit rather than convenience alone.

  • Licensed local Egyptologists

    ETAA-credentialed, on payroll

  • Fair wages on the ground

    Drivers + guides paid above market

  • Site preservation

    We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols

  • Carbon-aware itineraries

    Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical

· In summary

This 6-day tour includes 5 nights in Cairo, private airport transfers, private air-conditioned transport, and an Egyptologist guide throughout. It visits the Giza Pyramids Complex, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Alexandria sites including Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Egyptian Museum, Khan el Khalili, the Citadel of Salah El Din, and Al-Muizz Street. Entrance fees listed in the itinerary and lunch during tours are included.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 How long is the 6 Days Cairo and Alexandria vacation and what is the daily pace?
    This holiday spans six days, combining full and half sightseeing days. You can expect 6–8 hours of guided activity on full days, including walking, vehicle transfers, and museum visits. The pace is moderate, with mornings typically starting between 08:00 and 09:00, allowing for lunch and occasional breaks.
  2. 02 What time and where is hotel pickup on each day?
    Pickup times are arranged the day before and generally fall between 07:30 and 09:00. We use private air-conditioned vehicles for flexibility, avoiding coach-style group transfers. The exact time depends on your Cairo hotel location and the day's itinerary; we confirm this with you when you book.
  3. 03 Which entrance fees are included and are any site extras excluded?
    Standard site entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included. However, tickets for pyramid interiors, premium tombs like Tutankhamun's, and special-permit areas are excluded unless explicitly stated. If you wish to enter the Khufu Pyramid, we can arrange the ticket separately for you.
  4. 04 Is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) included and are there photography restrictions?
    A visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is included as part of your itinerary. Photography policies can vary; casual handheld photography in public galleries is usually permitted, but flash, tripods, and professional equipment may be restricted. We advise checking with your guide on the day.
  5. 05 Is this trip suitable for children or family groups?
    Families with children can certainly enjoy this tour, though it involves a fair amount of walking and some early starts. Children under 12 require close supervision at sites with steep steps, high platforms, and busy roads. We recommend planning rest time and discussing any specific needs when booking.
  6. 06 What level of fitness and mobility does this itinerary require?
    This itinerary requires moderate fitness due to extended walking, standing in museums, and navigating uneven ancient stone and steps. Sites like the Giza Plateau and Saqqara have uneven surfaces and sand. If you have limited mobility, please inform us in advance so we can adjust transfers as needed.
  7. 07 What should I bring and what is appropriate to wear during the tour?
    Bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, along with sturdy walking shoes and a refillable water bottle. Temples and mosques require modest dress, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Comfortable, breathable fabrics are best, especially in warmer months.
  8. 08 Are meals and drinks included throughout the trip?
    Lunches during tours are included as specified in your inclusions. Drinks, snacks outside the included lunches, and any meals not detailed in the itinerary are not covered. Bottled water is widely available. Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance so we can arrange suitable lunch options.
  9. 09 When is the best time of year to take this Cairo and Alexandria itinerary?
    The most comfortable months are October to April, when average daytime temperatures in Cairo range from 18–28°C. Summer, from June to August, often exceeds 35°C, making outdoor sightseeing more strenuous. Alexandria is cooler but windier, with infrequent rain most likely between December and February.
  10. 10 Who runs the guiding and transfers on this tour and what languages do guides speak?
    We provide an expert Egyptologist guide and private air-conditioned transfers, arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Our Egyptologists primarily speak English. Guides fluent in other languages can be arranged upon request at the time of booking, subject to availability.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days
50% refund
Within 14 days
No refund – date changes considered case by case

Last updated 2 July 2026 Product ID: TOU-CAI-247209