Cairo rewards the patient traveller. Beyond the Pyramids that dominate every brochure, the city's Islamic and Coptic quarters hold 1,400 years of layered history. A Cairo excursion takes you into that depth – a private Egyptologist walks you past the queues, decodes the hieroglyphs, and steers you through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar so you head home with proper finds rather than airport tat.
Excursions from Cairo
Cairo Excursions
The Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili in one day
LengthFull & half day
FromOn request
PickupHotel included
GuideEgyptologist
The best excursion in Cairo is the one you don't have to organise yourself. We've been arranging them, in this country, since 1988.Discovery Tours Egypt · since 1988
What you'll see
Cairo, in the order that makes sense
A full day comfortably covers two or three of the stops below – your guide tailors the mix to your pace, interests and the season.
01
The Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
The only surviving wonder of the ancient world, and the reason most people come to Egypt. Go early: you'll have the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and the panorama point before the coaches arrive. Interior access and a camel walk are optional add-ons.
02
The Grand Egyptian Museum
The largest archaeological museum on earth, on the Giza plateau – and the only place to see Tutankhamun's complete 5,000-piece collection together. It pairs naturally with the Pyramids next door, so most full days take in both.
03
Islamic & Coptic Cairo
The Citadel of Saladin and the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali crown the skyline; below, the Hanging Church and the lanes of Coptic Cairo hold the city's Christian story. A quieter, human-scale counterpoint to the plateau.
04
Saqqara & Memphis
Egypt's very first pyramid – the Step Pyramid of Djoser – and the open-air remains of Memphis, the country's first capital, half an hour south of Giza. The standout add-on for travellers with the appetite for a longer day.
05
Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Trading since the 1380s – copper, spice, perfume oils and proper Egyptian coffee. Your guide steers you to the makers rather than the markups, and to El Fishawy, the café that has barely closed in 250 years. A relaxed finish to the day.
06
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Home to the Royal Mummies Hall – 22 kings and queens, including Ramesses II and Hatshepsut, moved here in the 2021 Golden Parade. A hushed, purpose-built gallery in Old Cairo, and the quiet counterpoint to the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Every Cairo excursions
Ways to spend the day
Every private, fully-guided excursion we run here – hotel or Nile-cruise pickup included, priced in GBP, all-in.
Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis & Grand Egyptian Museum
This private full-day tour covers the Giza Plateau (Khufu Pyramid exterior), the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, ancient Memphis and the Grand Egyptian Museum. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologist accompanies every departure. We offer the Khufu Pyramid interior as an optional extra rather than including it by default. Unlike large coach excursions, we schedule longer stops at Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum for meaningful viewing time. Expect security checks, museum queueing at peak times, crowded viewpoints at the Giza Plateau, and uneven ancient stone underfoot. Hotel pick-up in Cairo is included; travel to Giza is typically 30–45 minutes (20–25 km) depending on traffic.
On request
Saqqara & Memphis Half-Day Tour
This private half-day visits Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser and the open-air museum at Mit Rahina (Memphis), departing from central Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Cairo-based Egyptologists accompany every departure. Typical drive time from central Cairo is 40–60 minutes depending on traffic; we collect from central hotels. Site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded and can be added on request. We run this as a private car tour, not a large-coach excursion, so you set the pace at each site. Note: limited shade and uneven ancient stone mean sensible shoes and sun protection are necessary.
On request
Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis – Day Tour
Visit the Giza Pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure), the Great Sphinx, Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser and the open‑air museum at Memphis in one day. We run this as a private day tour in a chauffeur‑driven car rather than a large coach, which gives flexible time at each site. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists explain inscriptions, funerary architecture and the UNESCO‑listed Memphis and Necropolis complex. Standard site entrances are included; pyramid interior tickets (Khufu/Khafre), premium tombs and gratuities are excluded. Expect limited shade on the Giza Plateau and uneven stone underfoot at Saqqara.
On request
Coptic Cairo Half-Day Tour: Hanging Church & Ben Ezra Synagogue
This private half-day introduces Coptic Cairo’s principal sites with a Cairo-based Egyptologist and an air-conditioned private car. Stops: Saint Virgin Mary's (the Hanging Church), Abu Serga (St Sergius), Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum. We run this as a private tour; we do not mix guests on coaches. Unlike typical cruise-ship shore calls, our half-day includes time inside the Coptic Museum and the churches rather than a drive-by. Expect narrow lanes, low church ceilings, and limited shade at midday; modest dress is required for religious sites. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Standard entrance fees are included; optional donations and gratuities are not.
On request
Islamic & Coptic Cairo Tour
This is a private full-day tour of Cairo’s Islamic and Coptic districts led by one of our Egyptologists. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate with a private car and guided walking sections rather than large coach groups. Unlike typical cruise-ship or coach excursions, we plan visits to reduce time in the busiest parts of Khan al-Khalili and to enter quieter churches during off-peak hours. You will see the Mosque‑Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, Ibn Tulun, the Coptic Museum, Saint Virgin Mary’s (the Hanging Church), the Church of St Sergius (Abu Serga) and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Expect narrow lanes, uneven cobbles and market noise; modest dress and site opening hours apply. Site entrance fees are included.
On request
Cairo: Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan el‑Khalili
A private, guided visit connecting the Egyptian Museum, key monuments of Islamic Cairo and Khan el‑Khalili bazaar in central Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Cairo‑based Egyptologist leads the museum visit and a local-knowledge guide conducts the Islamic Cairo walk. Unlike larger coach tours, we do not run group-bus rotations and use a private air‑conditioned car so you set the pace. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are not part of this programme. Note: expect uneven cobbles, narrow streets and market noise during the bazaar section.
On request
Salah El Din Citadel Half-day Tour, Cairo
Visit the Salah El Din Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali on a focused half-day tour from central Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate this as a private or small-group visit. Unlike large coach tours, we reserve early- or late-afternoon slots to avoid peak heat and the busiest periods. Standard entrance fees are included; mosque entry requires modest dress and women should carry a headscarf. Expect uneven stone, steps and limited shade on the Citadel terraces; midday visits can be hot. Pick-up from central Cairo hotels; the visit typically lasts about three to four hours including transfers.
On request
Grand Egyptian Museum Half‑Day Tour, Cairo
Spend a focused half-day at Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum with one of our Egyptologists; museum entrance, audio headset and private transfers from central Giza hotels are included. The museum is built to display the Tutankhamun collection and thousands of archaeological objects. We do not attempt to include the Giza Plateau on this half-day because that compresses both experiences; guests who want both should pick a full-day option. Unlike standard coach tours, we use a private car so you spend time in the galleries rather than waiting at transfers. Expect thorough security screening, bag checks and 30–45 minutes of walking inside the galleries. Khufu pyramid interior visits are excluded. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
On request
National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Cairo
Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Fustat, Cairo, for a chronological overview of Egypt from prehistory to the modern era. The museum includes the Royal Mummies Hall (mummies transferred in 2021) and specialist galleries covering archaeology, Coptic, Islamic and contemporary collections. We schedule private, timed visits with one of our Egyptologists; unlike mass tours, we avoid the museum’s peak rotation times. Allow 2–3 hours for a focused visit; mornings reduce the likelihood of encountering school groups. Standard entrance fees are included; private transfers, gratuities and special access are extra. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and issue timed tickets on your behalf.
On request
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & Egyptian Museum Tahrir Day Tour
Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) in one full day with a private Egyptologist and private transfers. Standard museum entrance fees are included; premium or temporary exhibition surcharges are extra. Unlike coach-based museum runs, we operate this as a private visit so you have time with key displays and the Royal Mummies Gallery at NMEC. Our Egyptologists explain provenance, conservation and display context, and we arrange the car, driver and a relaxed lunch stop in central Cairo. Trade-offs: the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) can be crowded and has older cases and queues during peak hours. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
On request
Egyptian Museum Half Day Tour
A four-hour guided visit to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo, with a private Egyptologist and air-conditioned vehicle. The standard visit covers the main galleries including the Tutankhamun collections; the Mummies Room is excluded unless requested as an add-on. We arrange hotel pickup and drop-off within central Cairo, and the guide focuses on artefacts from the Old Kingdom through the New Kingdom. Unlike large coach tours, this is a private, paced visit that lets you ask detailed questions and skip queues where possible.
On request
Free Day – Leisure Day in Cairo
Spend a free day in Cairo with flexible arrangements from our team, including private cars, optional Egyptologist time, and pre-booked restaurant reservations. We can arrange private cars, airport transfers and restaurant bookings. We don't run group bus tours; our free days are genuinely unscheduled and never include compulsory shopping stops. Unlike most hotel-concierge suggestions, we supply a tailored options list and can dispatch an Egyptologist for a half-day to accompany museum visits or the Giza Plateau. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we handle logistics and supplier bookings for any optional excursions. Base rate covers support only; activities, site entrance fees and gratuities are extra.
On request
Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum – Cairo Day Tour
See Khufu's Pyramid, the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir on a single, curated day in Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists guide each visit. We don't run group bus tours; unlike typical coach programmes, we keep visits unhurried and arrange private transfers between sites. Standard entry fees are included where applicable; pyramid-interior access (Khufu or Khafre) and premium museum requests are extra. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday–good physical mobility and sun protection are essential. We arrange museum-timed entries to avoid the busiest windows when possible.
On request
Pyramids, Sphinx & Grand Egyptian Museum – Full-Day Cairo Tour
Discover Cairo’s most iconic treasures in one day. Visit the Giza Plateau to admire the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Sphinx, then explore the state‑of‑the‑art Grand Egyptian Museum with its world‑class Tutankhamun collection and thousands of ancient artifacts. Enjoy expert commentary from a licensed Egyptologist, convenient hotel transfers and a relaxed pace for photos and discovery.
On request
Alexandria & Wadi Natrun – Day tour from Cairo
A full-day tour from Cairo linking Alexandria's coastal antiquities with the Coptic monasteries of Wadi Natrun. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologist accompanies the tour. We operate this as a private-car itinerary rather than a shared coach, which gives more time at each site. Unlike shore excursions run from Alexandria's port, this itinerary includes inland monastic visits away from the coast. Expect a long 12–14 hour day with approximately 220 km driving each way between Cairo and Alexandria and substantial time in the vehicle. Modest dress is required at monasteries (shoulders and knees covered; women should carry a scarf). Standard site entrance fees are included; optional donations and photography permits are not.
On request
Nile Dinner Cruise & Evening Show, Cairo
A three‑hour Nile dinner cruise in central Cairo runs typically from 19:00 to 22:30, with table service and a folkloric Tanoura show. We arrange private, air‑conditioned hotel transfers rather than sending coach groups; dining is restaurant‑style at reserved tables rather than buffet seating. Expect a set menu (vegetarian options available on request), an evening finish around 22:30–23:00, and a return time that can be 30–60 minutes in heavy Cairo traffic. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all local logistics on your behalf.
On request
Pyramids & Sphinx Half‑Day Private Tour (Giza Plateau)
This private half‑day visits the Giza Plateau to view Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure pyramids plus the Great Sphinx. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide a licensed Egyptologist, a private air‑conditioned car and hotel pickup in Cairo. Typical duration is three to four hours with flexible morning or afternoon starts to avoid heat and crowds. We do not include the Khufu pyramid interior by default; the interior ticket is optional and at extra cost because the crawl inside is narrow and not suitable for everyone. Unlike large coach runs, our private format keeps walking focused and gives you direct return to your hotel. Cons: limited shade, uneven ancient stone and possible peak‑hour traffic.
On request
Pyramids Sound & Light Show, Giza Plateau
The Pyramids Sound & Light Show at the Giza Plateau projects narration and lighting onto Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange hotel pickup in a private car, reserved seating and an optional pre-show briefing by one of our Egyptologists. The production runs approximately 60 minutes with Arabic and English narration; additional languages vary by evening. We do not bundle pyramid interior visits with the show because pyramid interiors close earlier in the evening. Expect outdoor stone terraces and limited legroom; late-evening Cairo traffic noise can be audible, and we can reserve seats closer to the commentary speaker on request.
On request
Know before you go
The practical bits
What to wear
Cover shoulders and knees for mosques and churches. Closed, comfortable shoes – you'll cross uneven stone and sand.
Tipping
Around £2–4 a day for your guide is standard, and a little for the driver. Never obligatory – your excursion price is complete.
Heat & water
Carry 1.5L minimum. Sites are in full sun by 10am – the early start isn't just about crowds, it's about comfort.
Cameras & fees
A few sites charge a separate camera fee at the gate; some interiors are extra. Standard site entry is always included.
Questions we hear most
Cairo excursions, answered
- Can I see the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum in one day?
- Yes – it's our most popular Cairo day tour. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum are minutes apart on the Giza plateau, so a full private day (8–10 hours) comfortably covers both with a licensed Egyptologist. Add Saqqara and Memphis if you want a longer day.
- How many days do you need in Cairo?
- Two full days covers the essentials: one for Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, and one for Islamic and Coptic Cairo plus the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. A third day lets you add Saqqara, Memphis and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (home to the Royal Mummies).
- How much does a Cairo excursion cost?
- Pricing depends on the itinerary, group size and season – tell us your dates and we'll send an exact, all-in quote. Every Discovery Tours Egypt excursion is private and all-inclusive: a licensed Egyptologist guide, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all listed entry fees. There are no hidden add-ons at the sites.
- Are your Cairo excursions private?
- Yes. Every excursion we run is fully private – just your party, your own Egyptologist guide and your own driver. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace, stops and timing are tailored to you on the day.
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your Cairo hotel (or Nile cruise dock, where relevant) are included at no extra cost. Your guide meets you in the lobby; if your plans change, the local office that arranged the excursion can adjust it on the day.
- When is the best time to visit Cairo?
- October to April is the most comfortable season, with warm days and cool evenings ideal for sightseeing. May to September is hotter, so excursions start early to beat the midday heat – and you'll often find fewer crowds and lower prices. We run excursions in Cairo year-round.
- Is it safe, and are families welcome?
- Yes on both counts. We've operated in Egypt since 1988 from offices nationwide, with 24/7 in-country support, and excursions run with our own vetted guides and drivers. Families are very welcome – guides adjust the pace and content for children, and we can arrange car seats and shorter itineraries.
Plan your day in Cairo Tell us your dates.
Tell us your dates.
We'll build the day.
Private Egyptologist guide, hotel pickup, clear pricing in GBP. We've arranged Egypt excursions for British travellers since 1988, with 24/7 in-country support from offices.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup* · we reply within 30 minutes in Cairo office hours
*Excludes trips with pre-issued flight or train tickets.