5 Day Cairo & Alexandria Tour

5 Days
  • 1

Overview:

Across Egypt, this 5-day private tour pairs Cairo’s ancient monuments and historic quarters with a full-day excursion to Mediterranean Alexandria. Based in a 5-star hotel in Cairo or Giza, you visit the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, then continue to Saqqara Necropolis and Memphis for a broader look at Egypt’s early royal centers.

Guided by a private English-speaking Egyptologist, the route also covers the Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel, and the religious landmarks of Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. In Alexandria, you explore Greco-Roman remains, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Mediterranean Corniche before returning to Cairo. Private airport transfers, air-conditioned touring, daily breakfast, selected lunches, entrance fees, bottled water during tours, and local taxes are included, giving the trip a clear structure without taking away the flexibility of private travel.

Highlights:

  • Stand before the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx
  • Explore Saqqara Necropolis and ancient Memphis with your guide
  • View royal treasures inside the Egyptian Museum
  • Visit Saladin Citadel and historic Islamic Cairo
  • Walk through Coptic Cairo’s churches and synagogue
  • See the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue
  • Tour Alexandria’s Greco-Roman sites and Pompey’s Pillar
  • Stroll along Alexandria’s Mediterranean Corniche

Tour Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrival in Cairo

    Welcome to Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a signboard bearing your name. After a warm meet-and-greet, you will be transferred in a private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Giza. Your representative will assist with a smooth check-in and take a few minutes to review your 5-day itinerary, confirm daily pick-up times, and answer any questions you may have about the days ahead.

    The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest after your flight. If you are feeling energetic, you may wish to step out for a short walk near the hotel, enjoy a welcome drink, or try a traditional Egyptian dinner at a nearby restaurant. Many of our guests enjoy their first glimpse of the Giza Plateau from a rooftop café as the sun sets behind the pyramids. Overnight in Cairo.

  • Day
    2

    Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis

    After an early breakfast at your hotel, around 8:00 AM meet your private Egyptologist guide to begin a full day exploring the ancient wonders of the Old Kingdom. Your first stop is the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the Pyramids of Giza. Stand before the Great Pyramid of Cheops, built over 4,500 years ago, with the option to enter its inner chambers. Continue to the Pyramid of Chephren and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure, then visit the iconic Great Sphinx and the adjacent Valley Temple.

    Next, drive approximately 40 minutes to the Saqqara Necropolis, site of the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first stone pyramid ever built. Explore one of the beautifully decorated nobles' tombs with vivid scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the area, then continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where you will see the open-air museum featuring the colossal statue of Ramses II. By late afternoon, return to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

  • Day
    3

    Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel & Coptic Cairo

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then around 8:30 AM meet your guide for a full day exploring the cultural and spiritual heart of Cairo. Begin at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world, including the dazzling treasures of Tutankhamun displayed across two floors.

    Continue to the Saladin Citadel, which served as the seat of Egyptian government for centuries. Visit the magnificent Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a striking example of Ottoman architecture in Egypt, and enjoy panoramic views over the minarets and domes of Islamic Cairo. After a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, head to Coptic Cairo to see the Roman fortress of Babylon and the famous Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, built above the fortress towers. Visit the Church of St. Sergius, said to shelter the site where the Holy Family rested, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, traditionally believed to mark the spot where baby Moses was found.

    End your day with a visit to the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can browse spices, copperware, and handmade crafts along medieval alleyways. Return to your hotel by early evening. Overnight in Cairo.

  • Day
    4

    Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo

    After an early breakfast, around 7:00 AM meet your private guide and driver for the scenic drive to Alexandria, Egypt's Mediterranean jewel and second capital. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours along the desert highway, with a short rest stop along the way. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria offers a completely different atmosphere from Cairo, with sea breezes, Greco-Roman heritage, and elegant waterfront promenades.

    Begin your sightseeing at Pompey's Pillar, a towering granite column erected in 297 AD to commemorate the victory of the Roman emperor Diocletian. Continue to the remarkable Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites ever discovered, with underground chambers blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles. Next, visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a stunning architectural tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was once the greatest center of learning in the classical world.

    No visit to Alexandria is complete without a seafood lunch -- enjoy freshly caught Mediterranean specialties at a well-known local restaurant overlooking the sea. In the late afternoon, depart for the return drive to Cairo, arriving at your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Cairo.

  • Day
    5

    Departure from Cairo

    Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a relaxing morning. At the appropriate time, check out from your hotel and meet your representative in the lobby for your private transfer to Cairo International Airport, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour away depending on traffic. Our team will assist you with departure formalities before bidding you farewell. End of tour services.

Inclusions:

  • 4-Night Stay at a 5-Star Hotel in Cairo/Giza
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • 3 lunches at carefully selected local restaurants
  • Private airport transfers with meet & greet service
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
  • Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
  • All entrance fees to sites and monuments as per itinerary
  • Full-day private excursion to Alexandria from Cairo
  • Bottled water during tours
  • Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Egypt entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Drinks during meals (except water)
  • Entrance inside the Great Pyramid (optional, extra fee)
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

FAQs:

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. Many travelers can obtain an e-Visa online before arrival or a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport for a fee of approximately USD 25. Please check the latest requirements for your nationality before traveling.

Is it safe to visit the Pyramids and Cairo?

Yes, the main tourist sites in Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, and Alexandria are well-patrolled and safe for visitors. Your private guide and driver will be with you throughout the tour, and all vehicles meet tourism safety standards.

Can I go inside the pyramids?

Yes, you have the option to enter the Great Pyramid of Cheops or one of the smaller pyramids for an additional fee paid at the site. Note that the interior passages are narrow, low, and hot, so this is not recommended for visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

What kind of hotel will I stay in?

Our standard package includes a 5-star hotel in the Giza area, typically with views of the Pyramids or a central pool setting. Upgrades to 5-star properties such as the Marriott Mena House or Kempinski Nile are available on request.

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

The drive from Cairo to Alexandria takes approximately 2.5 hours each way along the desert highway. We depart early in the morning to maximize sightseeing time, and include a short rest stop along the route.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The private format is ideal for families, as the pace and content can be adjusted for younger travelers. Children are often fascinated by the Pyramids, Sphinx, and mummies at the Egyptian Museum. Child-friendly meal options are available at all restaurants.

What is the best time of year to visit Egypt?

October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, with warm sunny days and cool evenings. May to September is hotter, especially in Cairo and Giza, but tours are still enjoyable with early morning starts and proper sun protection.

How much should I tip the guide and driver?

Tipping is customary in Egypt and appreciated for good service. A general guideline is USD 8-10 per day for your guide and USD 5 per day for your driver, per traveler. Small tips (5-10 EGP) are also customary at restrooms and for local assistants at sites.