Cairo, Egypt-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

  • Arrive at Cairo International Airport
  • Transfer to hotel (recommended to be close to the city center)
    • Hotel suggestion: Mena House or similar (approx. $100-150 USD per night)
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing and getting acclimated to the local time zone
  • Visit the nearby Pyramid of Khufu (optional) for a quick glimpse at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ($20-$30 USD for tickets)

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx

  • Start the day with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure
    • Tickets: $15-20 USD per person (depending on time of day and season)
    • Tip: Book tickets in advance through GetYourGuide or Viator for a hassle-free experience
  • Visit the Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human
  • Lunch at Koshari Abou Tarek, a famous restaurant serving traditional Egyptian cuisine (approx. $10-15 USD per person)
  • Explore the nearby Solar Boat Museum, home to a remarkably well-preserved solar boat that dates back over 4,500 years

Day 3: Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo

  • Visit the Egyptian Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (tickets: $15-20 USD per person)
    • Tip: Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the museum to get a good feel for the history and culture
  • Explore the nearby Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha and its beautiful courtyard gardens
  • Lunch at Abu Tarek, another popular spot serving traditional Egyptian cuisine (approx. $10-15 USD per person)
  • Wander through the charming streets of Islamic Cairo, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this historic neighborhood

Day 4: Khan el-Khalili and Citadel

  • Spend the morning exploring the bustling souks (markets) of Khan el-Khalili, one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East
    • Tip: Be prepared to haggle and barter with vendors for the best prices
  • Visit the nearby Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha (also accessible from the souk)
  • Lunch at Abu Tarek’s Koshari, a cozy restaurant serving delicious koshari (approx. $10-15 USD per person)
  • Visit the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic fortification that offers stunning views of the city

Day 5: Day Trip to Saqqara and Dahshur

  • Take a day trip to the ancient sites of Saqqara and Dahshur
    • Tickets: $20-30 USD per person (depending on time of day and season)
    • Tip: Book tickets in advance through GetYourGuide or Viator for a hassle-free experience
  • Explore the Step Pyramid, the oldest stone structure in the world, at Saqqara
  • Visit the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid at Dahshur

Day 6: Egyptian Village and Felucca Ride

  • Spend the morning visiting an Egyptian Village, where you can learn about traditional village life and see ancient farming techniques (tickets: $20-30 USD per person)
    • Tip: Book tickets in advance through GetYourGuide or Viator for a hassle-free experience
  • Take a relaxing Felucca Ride on the Nile River, enjoying the views of the city from a different perspective

Day 7: Last Day in Cairo

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights (such as the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art)
  • Lunch at Abu Tarek’s Koshari, a cozy restaurant serving delicious koshari (approx. $10-15 USD per person)
  • Transfer to the airport for your departure

Transportation:

  • Cairo International Airport is easily accessible by taxi or metro
  • For short trips within the city, use taxis or ride-sharing services (such as Uber or Careem)
  • Use public transportation, such as buses and metro lines, for longer journeys
  • Tip: Consider hiring a private driver or guide for a day to explore the city

Tips and Essentials:

  • Weather: Cairo has hot summers and mild winters; be prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites; avoid revealing clothing in public areas
  • Health: Consult your doctor before traveling to Egypt, especially if you have any health concerns
  • Respect Local Customs: Learn about local customs and traditions; be respectful of cultural differences

Budget Breakdown:

  • Accommodation (avg. $100-150 USD per night): $700-1,050 USD for 7 nights
  • Food and drink (avg. $10-15 USD per meal): $300-420 USD for 7 days
  • Transportation (taxis, metro, buses): $20-50 USD per day
  • Activities and entrance fees: $200-300 USD per person
  • Total estimated cost for 7-day trip: $1,220-2,120 USD per person

Note: Prices are estimates and may vary depending on individual preferences, exchange rates, and other factors.