Where does the day begin and end?

In Alexandria. You are collected from your hotel or the cruise terminal at 06:30 and returned to the same place in the evening, at about 19:30.

I am on a cruise. Can I do this trip?

Possibly, if your ship stays in Alexandria until late. Please give us your ship's name and the all-aboard time when you book, and we will tell you honestly whether the day fits. We cannot guarantee a return time to the ship, as traffic on the road to Cairo varies.

How is the fare worked out?

The trip is private and priced per person. The fare per person falls as the party grows, because the vehicle and guide are shared between more people. The price shown for your party size is the one you pay online.

How should I dress for the churches?

Dress modestly in the Coptic churches, with shoulders and knees covered. Light cotton trousers or a long skirt are comfortable in the heat, and a scarf is useful for women.

Can we go inside a pyramid?

Going inside the pyramids is not included and costs extra on the day. The passages are narrow and low, and your guide can tell you whether it is worth it for your party.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Give us more than 72 hours' notice and you can keep 100% as credit towards a future holiday or have 100% refunded, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours beforehand, keep 100% as credit or have 50% back. Within 24 hours, or if you don't turn up, nothing can be refunded or credited. Should we have to cancel, you won't lose a penny.

ExcursionAlexandria

Giza Pyramids and Coptic Cairo in a Day from Alexandria: Private, Port or Hotel Pick-up

About 13 hours, private vehicle and Egyptologist guide, Giza, the Sphinx, Coptic Cairo and lunch.

At a glance

Departs: Daily

The short answer

A private 13-hour road trip from Alexandria or its cruise terminal to the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and Coptic Cairo, with an Egyptologist guide, a private vehicle and lunch.

New
Private

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations: Alexandria · Giza · Pyramids of Giza · Great Sphinx · Coptic Cairo · Hanging Church · Ben Ezra Synagogue
Includes: Private pick-up and drop-off at your Alexandria hotel or the cruise terminal · An air-conditioned vehicle and driver for your party only · A private English-speaking Egyptologist guide · Admission to the Giza Plateau · Lunch in a local restaurant
Guide languages: English

Best time to go

October to April is the most comfortable time at Giza. In summer the plateau is very hot by late morning.

Licensed Egyptian tour operator
Offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh

02Overview

A first look

Alexandria and the Pyramids are about three hours apart by road, which makes a day trip possible if you start early. Your driver collects you at 06:30 from your hotel or the cruise terminal, and you reach Giza by mid-morning. After the pyramids and the Sphinx you stop for lunch, then spend the afternoon in Coptic Cairo, where some of the oldest churches in Egypt stand close together. The drive back leaves at about 16:30. Because the vehicle and guide are yours alone, the pace follows your party rather than a group timetable.

Background

The facts

Giza lies on the western edge of Cairo, about three hours by road from Alexandria. Coptic Cairo is in the old part of the city, a short drive from the Nile.

Named in this entry

Giza Plateau·Great Pyramid of Khufu·Great Sphinx of Giza·Church of St Sergius

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

Travellers and cruise passengers in Alexandria who want to see the Pyramids and Coptic Cairo in one long day.

Maybe not, if

Not ideal for small children, wheelchair users, or anyone who cannot spend about six hours in a vehicle.

What lingers

01The Great Pyramid, Khafre and Menkaure from the Giza Plateau
02The panorama point, where all three pyramids sit in one view
03The Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple beside it
04The Coptic quarter of Old Cairo, with the Hanging Church, St Sergius and the Ben Ezra Synagogue
05An English-speaking private Egyptologist guide
06Lunch in a local restaurant, with your own air-conditioned vehicle

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

Pyramids, Sphinx and Coptic Cairo from Alexandria in one day
Private vehicle and guide, with no group timetable
Lunch and the Giza ticket are included

Things to Consider

A 06:30 start and about six hours on the road
Going inside the pyramids is extra

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

Private pick-up and drop-off at your Alexandria hotel or the cruise terminal
An air-conditioned vehicle and driver for your party only
A private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Admission to the Giza Plateau
Lunch in a local restaurant
Bottled water during the day

Not included

Gratuities for your guide and driver
What you drink with lunch
Anything you buy for yourself
Going inside the pyramids
Rides on camels or horses

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

01
Rest on the morning drive so you have energy for Coptic Cairo
02
Keep small notes to hand for tips and optional tickets

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children are welcome and count towards your party size. The day has about six hours of driving and a good deal of walking, so it suits children who travel well. Please tell us their ages when you book.

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

On the ground

Your route

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01Where does the day begin and end?
In Alexandria. You are collected from your hotel or the cruise terminal at 06:30 and returned to the same place in the evening, at about 19:30.
02I am on a cruise. Can I do this trip?
Possibly, if your ship stays in Alexandria until late. Please give us your ship's name and the all-aboard time when you book, and we will tell you honestly whether the day fits. We cannot guarantee a return time to the ship, as traffic on the road to Cairo varies.
03How is the fare worked out?
The trip is private and priced per person. The fare per person falls as the party grows, because the vehicle and guide are shared between more people. The price shown for your party size is the one you pay online.
04How should I dress for the churches?
Dress modestly in the Coptic churches, with shoulders and knees covered. Light cotton trousers or a long skirt are comfortable in the heat, and a scarf is useful for women.
05Can we go inside a pyramid?
Going inside the pyramids is not included and costs extra on the day. The passages are narrow and low, and your guide can tell you whether it is worth it for your party.
06What happens if I need to cancel?
Give us more than 72 hours' notice and you can keep 100% as credit towards a future holiday or have 100% refunded, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours beforehand, keep 100% as credit or have 50% back. Within 24 hours, or if you don't turn up, nothing can be refunded or credited. Should we have to cancel, you won't lose a penny.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

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