Cairo-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Cairo’s Ancient Wonders

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Sahara Hotel & Casino, a great place to fuel up for the day.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take a guided tour and learn about its history and construction.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the Great Sphinx, a giant limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Koshari Abou Tarek, a local favorite serving delicious traditional Egyptian cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. See mummies, sarcophagi, and other treasures on display.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Abou El Sid, a popular restaurant serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
  • 8:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Nile River and enjoy the sunset views.
  • 10:00 PM: Head back to your hotel for some rest after a busy day.

Accommodations

  • Stay at Mena House Hotel, a historic hotel located near the Pyramids of Giza, offering comfortable rooms and great service.

Day 2: Cairo’s Islamic Heritage

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Sahara Hotel & Casino again!
  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, a beautiful mosque built in the early 19th century.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Citadel of Cairo, a historic Islamic fortification built by the Mamluks.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Zahran Restaurant, serving traditional Egyptian cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Egyptian National Museum of Modern Art, showcasing contemporary Egyptian art.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the bustling Khan el-Khalili Market, a historic bazaar selling everything from spices to souvenirs.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Abou El Sid again!
  • 8:00 PM: Take a final stroll along the Nile River and reflect on your time in Cairo.
  • 10:00 PM: Depart for the airport or next destination.

Transportation

  • Use Uber or Taxi to get around Cairo, as traffic can be heavy.
  • Consider purchasing a City Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions and transportation.

Tips & Things to Know

  • Respect local customs when visiting mosques and other Islamic sites.
  • Bargain at markets and bazaars – it’s all part of the fun!
  • Stay hydrated in Cairo’s hot desert climate.
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “hello” (marhaba) and “thank you” (shukraan).
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.

Other Interests

  • Take a Nile River cruise to see Cairo from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Egyptian Red Crescent Hospital, which offers tours and educational programs.
  • Explore the city’s many parks and gardens, such as Al-Azhar Park or the American University in Cairo’s campus.