Best of Cairo & Alexandria - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, Explore Egypt's Capital 

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt's sprawling capital! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. Stay in and fight off your jet lag or venture out to explore the "City of a Thousand Minarets" on your own. A good place to start is Al-Azhar Park for a leisurely walk among the meticulously designed gardens, tranquil water features, and shaded walkways. Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and its iconic landmarks, then stop at one of the on-site cafés for a refreshing drink.

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art next to peruse the impressive collection of artifacts spanning over 1,400 years of history. You'll see intricate calligraphy, ornate textiles, delicate ceramics, and detailed metalwork, each piece reflecting the artistic achievements of different Islamic cultures. As darkness falls, head to a local restaurant to try Egypt's national dish, koshari, made with rice, lentils, pasta, and a spiced tomato sauce. For dessert, indulge in basbousa, a sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup, before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Visit Memphis, the Saqqara Necropolis & Giza Pyramid Complex

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Cairo's ancient surroundings, starting in Memphis, the first unified capital of ancient Egypt. Start with a one-hour transfer, then wander through the remains of this once-thriving city. Highlights of the site include the Colossus of Ramesses II, a massive limestone statue, and the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis. Continue to the Saqqara Necropolis, just 20 minutes away, to explore the royal burial ground and the world's oldest stone pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser. Marvel at the six distinct tiers before stepping inside to discover the network of tunnels and chambers. 

Your next stop, the three iconic pyramids of Giza, is 50 minutes away on the Giza Plateau. Start at the largest of the three, aptly named the Great Pyramid of Giza. Then, head to the best-preserved pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre. Last but not least is the smallest of the three, the Pyramid of Menkaure. Admire the pyramids from the outside or pay an additional fee to discover the sacred chambers and dimly lit passageways within. Don't miss the Great Sphinx off to the side guarding the pyramids before transferring back to your hotel in Cairo.

Day 3: Transfer to Alexandria, Guided City Tour

Say goodbye to Cairo for now as you set off on a 2.5-hour transfer to the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, this ancient city blends history with vibrant modern culture. Learn more about this rich history as you visit landmarks like the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, dating back to the second century CE. The catacombs feature elaborate frescoes, reliefs, and sculptures depicting both Egyptian and Greek mythology and everyday scenes. Another surviving structure is Qaitbay Fort, strategically located on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Look up at the robust stone walls and towering battlements, then discover the well-preserved interior, including the original defensive structures. Climb to the top of the fort for panoramic views of the coastline and bustling harbor before ending the tour at Montaza Palace, built in the 19th century for the Egyptian royal family. Although you can't enter the palace, you can explore its opulent garden, featuring diverse plant species, serene water features, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. After an action-packed day of exploring, check into your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Visit the Sidi Morsi Abu al-Abbas Mosque, Transfer to Cairo

Spend your last few hours in Alexandria exploring the Sidi Morsi Abu al-Abbas Mosque, dedicated to the revered Andalusian Sufi saint of the same name. Admire the opulent facade adorned with intricate arabesque designs and towering minarets that dominate the skyline. Then, step inside the serene and spacious prayer hall, illuminated by the soft light filtering through the stained glass windows. As you explore more of the mosque, you can admire the detailed woodwork, marble columns, and domed ceilings that characterize traditional Islamic architecture. 

When you're done at the mosque, meet your driver for a 2.5-hour transfer back to Cairo. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You could head to the upscale Zamalek district on Gezira Island, known for its vibrant art scene, charming cafés, and diverse restaurants. Stroll down the tree-lined streets, passing landmarks like the Cairo Opera House and the iconic Cairo Tower, which provides panoramic views of the city and the Nile River from its observation deck. Once you've worked up an appetite, choose from an array of international and local restaurants for dinner.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Coptic & Islamic Cairo, Nile River Dinner Cruise

Start your action-packed day at the Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of over 120,000 artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb, like his famous gold mask. Then, follow your guide through the streets of Coptic Cairo to get to the Fortress of Babylon, dating back to the Roman period. Stop at the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus within the fortress, believed to have provided refuge to the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Continue to Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, suspended above the fortress, earning it the nickname the "Hanging Church."

Day 6: Day Trip to Faiyum: Waterfalls, Bird-Watching & Pottery School

Leave Cairo behind for the day as you transfer 1.5 hours to Faiyum, a picturesque oasis within the Libyan Desert. Start with some bird-watching at Qarun Lake, as you can find over 150 species here, especially during migratory periods. Look out for flamingoes, pelicans, herons, and kingfishers flying above or bathing in the water. Then, head to Wadi el-Rayan, a protected area known for its picturesque waterfalls. Admire one of the few natural waterfalls in the country, plunging over the rugged cliffs, before continuing to the charming village of Tunis.

Wander through the village to see the traditional mud-brick houses adorned with colorful pottery and intricate tilework, looking out for more birds like cattle egrets. Make your way to the Fayoum Pottery School, where you can observe skilled artisans shaping and decorating their pieces using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Before you leave and transfer back to Cairo, visit the on-site shop to peruse the collection of handmade bowls, vases, and tiles that make the perfect souvenir or gift.

Day 7: Depart Cairo

After a whirlwind week in Egypt, your adventure comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, continue exploring the capital with one final tour. Head to Khan el-Khalili, a bustling market dating back to the 14th century. Wander past stalls selling everything from intricate brassware and colorful textiles to traditional spices and handcrafted jewelry. Shop for souvenirs or indulge in local delights like kebabs, shawarma, or ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel). After the four-hour tour, transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!