Overview
This 7-day journey offers the perfect introduction to Egypt’s most captivating destinations. You’ll start in Cairo, home to ancient wonders and vibrant city life. A day trip to Alexandria lets you explore Greco-Roman heritage along the Mediterranean coast. Then you’ll unwind in Hurghada, a Red Sea paradise known for crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and desert adventures. With a seamless blend of culture and leisure, this itinerary caters to both explorers and sunseekers.
🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to Egypt
Your Egyptian adventure begins with your arrival at Cairo International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax after your flight or choose to explore nearby areas.
Optional evening activity: A Nile Dinner Cruise featuring live music, whirling dervish shows, belly dancing, and a buffet meal with views of Cairo by night.
Overnight in Cairo.
🏜️ Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara
After breakfast, set off for a full day on the Giza Plateau, where Egypt’s most iconic monuments await. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Explore the nearby Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and walk down to the Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the face of a king—likely Pharaoh Khafre.
Continue to the Valley Temple, once used for royal mummification ceremonies. After lunch, head south to Saqqara, home of the Step Pyramid of Djoser—the world’s first large-scale stone structure and the precursor to later pyramids. Explore ancient tombs with beautifully preserved carvings and gain insight into Egypt’s early dynastic period.
Overnight in Cairo.
🏛️ Day 3: Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo & Islamic Cairo
Today begins with a visit to the world-famous Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to an enormous collection of artifacts spanning over 5,000 years. Marvel at the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, ancient mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and daily life items from pharaonic times.
Next, head to Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo), where Christianity flourished in ancient Egypt. Visit the Hanging Church, built above a Roman gate; the Abu Serga Church, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family; and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt’s oldest Jewish landmarks.
In the afternoon, step into Islamic Cairo and admire the grandeur of the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture. Just beside it, the Al-Rifa’i Mosque serves as the resting place of Egypt’s last royal family and the Shah of Iran. Conclude the day with a stroll through Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a centuries-old souk where you can shop for spices, brass lanterns, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs.
Overnight in Cairo.
🌊 Day 4: Day Trip to Alexandria – Greco-Roman Treasures
After an early breakfast, embark on a day trip to Alexandria (approx. 2.5–3 hours by car). Founded by Alexander the Great, this Mediterranean city offers a fascinating blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences.
Your first stop is the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an extraordinary underground burial complex dating to the 2nd century AD. Carved into rock, the catacombs feature a mix of Roman and Egyptian decorative styles.
Next, visit Pompey’s Pillar, a towering Roman column that stands on the ruins of the Serapeum Temple. Then explore the beautifully designed Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its impressive architecture and vast collections make it a hub of global learning.
End the visit with a scenic stop at the Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Return to Cairo in the evening.
Overnight in Cairo.
🏖️ Day 5: Travel to Hurghada – Red Sea Escape
After breakfast, say farewell to the city as you journey to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada, either by private car (approx. 5–6 hours) or a short domestic flight (~1 hour). Upon arrival, check into your seaside hotel or resort.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, or enjoying your hotel’s pool and amenities. Hurghada offers a much-needed break from the historical intensity of Cairo, making it ideal for rest and leisure.
Overnight in Hurghada.
🐠 Day 6: Red Sea Adventures – Optional Activities
Enjoy a full day at your own pace. Hurghada is famous for its marine life, coral reefs, and desert safaris. Choose from optional activities such as:
A snorkeling or diving trip to Giftun or Paradise Island
A glass-bottom boat ride or banana boat for family fun
A quad bike or 4×4 desert safari with camel rides and Bedouin tea
A spa day or beachside massage for total relaxation
Alternatively, simply spend the day enjoying the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
Overnight in Hurghada.
✈️ Day 7: Return to Cairo & Departure
After breakfast, return to Cairo by road or air, depending on your international departure time. If your schedule allows, you can visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) to see the Royal Mummies Hall, featuring the mummified remains of great pharaohs like Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut.
Finally, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of ancient monuments, vibrant bazaars, and Red Sea sunsets.
