During this 6-day trip, you'll learn about the ancient history of Cairo and Alexandria as well as visit the old beach town of Hurghada, located on the coast of the Red Sea. Get to know Cairo's old streets with historic churches and the Khan El Khalili old market, and spend a day seeing the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza. Wander through Alexandria to see ancient artifacts and the Roman Amphitheater, and transfer to Hurghada for diving, a desert safari, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • See the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza
  • Explore Old Cairo and its many historic landmarks
  • Visit Alexandria to soak in ancient treasures at Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Scuba dive and/or snorkel off the coast of Hurghada
  • Take a desert safari by camel or quad

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo & Visit the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza Cairo
Day 2 Full-Day Tour of Alexandria Cairo
Day 3 Explore the Historic Streets of Cairo Cairo
Day 4 Transfer to Beach Resort of Hurghada & Relax Hurghada
Day 5 Desert Safari Adventure & the Dead Sea Hurghada
Day 6 Hurghada to Cairo, Head Home  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo & Visit the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza

Welcome to Egypt! Arrive in Cairo and hit the ground running by touring the Egyptian Museum.The finest museum of Egyptian antiques in the world, it contains pharaohs' treasures dating back more than 5,000 years. The building is rectangular with a large rotunda on the ground floor containing massive exhibits, including colossal statues of Ramses II — get the best views by looking down from the upper galleries. The gold and alabaster trappings from the tomb of Tutankhamun (Tut) always draw crowds, too. Many of the Tutankhamun tomb treasures have been on display in museums around the world — including the golden mask — yet this one exhibit has always remained in Cairo. 

Next, make your way to the famous pyramids in Giza. Start by visiting the pyramid of Cheops, which is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was built as a tomb, with the shape intended to help the spirit of the dead pharaoh rise to heaven. Next, visit the pyramid of Chephren. The best preserved of the three main Giza pyramids, the top portion still retains the original face of smoothly finished stone, offering an idea of how the pyramids would originally have appeared. Beside Chephren is the great Sphinx, which is carved out of natural rock. Then stop by Mykerinos, the smallest of the three pyramids. Following the tour in Giza, enjoy a meal at a local Egyptian restaurant nearby. Then head back to the city to enjoy the evening in Cairo at your leisure.

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Alexandria

Stanley Bridge Alexandria
Stanley Bridge in Alexandria

Make your way to Alexandria, where a local Egyptologist will guide you through the city's history and major sites. Tour the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites in Egypt, and the Roman Amphitheater. In the 1960s, this place was discovered by accident. The only Roman amphitheater in Egypt, it consists of a lower-level stage surrounded by thirteen marble seats with room for up to 800 people. Check out the Alexandria National Museum, displaying more than 1,800 artifacts from Egypt's history in the former palace of businessman Asaad Bassili. 

Head to Bibliotheca Alexandrina to learn about one of the most significant intellectual centers of the ancient world. Then visit the 15th-century defensive fortress known as the Citadel of Qaitbay, commissioned by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the grounds of the summer palace for Khedive Abbas Hilmy — the last Ottoman viceroy of Egypt and Sudan — at the Montazah Palace Gardens. 

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Day 3: Explore the Historic Streets of Cairo

El Moez Street
El Moez Street

Explore the streets of Cairo, starting at the massive medieval Salah El-din Citadel and its enclosed Mohamed Ali alabaster mosque, once a stronghold against the Crusaders. The brilliant domed ceilings, suspended lights, and views of the city from this ancient fortress are sure to captivate. Keep going to the churches of Old Cairo and the Khan El Khalili old market to browse before you retire for the night.

Day 4: Transfer to Beach Resort of Hurghada & Relax

Diving in the Red Sea near Hurghada

Today you'll switch gears from ancient Egyptian history to the great outdoors, transferring to Hurghada by car. This resort town on the coast of the Red Sea is known for its long sandy beach and an old town, El Dahar, where you can dine on traditional Egyptian cuisine and shop in colorful souks. The region is also a hot spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. One popular place for diving is the SS Thistlegorm Wreck, a famous shipwreck dive site with lionfish, stonefish, and sea turtles swimming alongside the ruins of the sea vessel. The afternoon is free for exploring and relaxing by the sea.

Day 5: Desert Safari Adventure & the Dead Sea

Camels waiting for passengers in the desert near Hurghada

Go for a long walk on the beach in the morning. Then you're off for a desert safari adventure in the afternoon, choosing between a 4x4 vehicle, ATV, or camel. Whichever option you choose, you'll enjoy getting a lift as you explore Bedouin villages and enjoy sweeping mountain and desert views. You'll be back in Hurghada in time for a dip in the Red Sea, if you wish, and one last dinner before the trip comes to a close.

Day 6: Hurghada to Cairo, Head Home

The turquoise waters of the Red Sea near Hurghada, Egypt 

After breakfast, travel from Hurghada to Cairo to catch a flight out. Safe travels! 

More Great Egypt Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other Egypt itineraries, with Nile River cruises, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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