Overview
Cairo, Alexandria & El Minya – A Journey Through Ancient and Classical Wonders
This 7-day itinerary is a perfectly curated journey that blends Egypt’s most iconic sites with hidden archaeological gems, spanning thousands of years of history. From the grandeur of the Giza Pyramids and the timeless treasures of Cairo’s museums to the Greco-Roman legacy of Alexandria and the lesser-known yet fascinating tombs of El Minya, this tour offers a deep and immersive exploration of Egypt’s ancient civilization, cultural diversity, and architectural genius.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a history enthusiast, this program provides the ideal combination of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern Egyptian heritage — all wrapped in the unmatched atmosphere of the Nile Valley.
🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Cairo & Old Cairo Exploration
Your journey begins upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, the afternoon takes you into the heart of Old Cairo, where three monotheistic religions converge in one historic district. You’ll visit the Hanging Church, Abu Serga Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, all built atop ancient Roman ruins.
The evening includes a stroll through the vibrant alleys of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous marketplace, where you can enjoy traditional tea at a local café and shop for souvenirs. Optional: dinner aboard a Nile dinner cruise featuring live folkloric music and a Tanoura dance performance.
🗿 Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Dahshur
Prepare for one of the most iconic days of your tour: a deep dive into ancient Egyptian architecture and burial traditions.
Start at the Giza Plateau, home to the majestic Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, as well as the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Optional activities include a camel ride across the sands or entry into the inner chambers of the pyramids.
Continue to Saqqara, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt’s first stone structure, showcases early pyramid innovation. End the day at Dahshur, home to the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, where you’ll see the evolution from stepped to smooth-sided pyramid forms.
🏛️ Day 3: Egyptian Museum & NMEC – Cairo’s Cultural Treasures
Today, explore Cairo’s most celebrated museums. Begin at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, a treasure trove of over 120,000 artifacts including the spectacular golden mask, jewelry, and chariots from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
In the afternoon, head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat. The highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall, where you’ll come face to face with the preserved remains of legendary pharaohs such as Ramses II, Hatshepsut, and Seti I. The museum’s chronological exhibits also provide a powerful overview of Egyptian civilization from prehistoric to modern times.
🌊 Day 4: Full-Day Trip to Alexandria
An early departure takes you north to Alexandria, Egypt’s pearl of the Mediterranean. Begin at the haunting Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a multi-level underground necropolis blending Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman funerary art. Continue to the towering Pompey’s Pillar, a triumphal Roman column near the ruins of the Serapeum.
Next, visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Kom El-Dikka, the only one of its kind in Egypt, followed by a scenic lunch by the sea. Your afternoon includes a tour of the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built atop the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
End your day at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a futuristic reincarnation of the ancient Great Library, featuring vast reading halls, museums, and cultural exhibits. Return to Cairo for an overnight stay.
⛰️ Day 5: Travel to El Minya – Beni Hassan Tombs
Leave Cairo in the early morning for a scenic drive south to El Minya, a city nestled along the Nile’s lush banks and surrounded by limestone cliffs. After check-in at your hotel or guesthouse, head to the Beni Hassan Tombs, a lesser-known archaeological marvel from the Middle Kingdom.
Carved into cliffs high above the Nile, the tombs belonged to local governors and showcase some of the most vivid and well-preserved wall paintings in Egypt. Explore the famous Tomb of Khnumhotep, known for its depiction of foreign traders from the Levant, and the Tomb of Amenemhat, which features lively scenes of farming, wrestling, and daily life activities.
The remote, peaceful setting and stunning views over the valley below make Beni Hassan a highlight for archaeology lovers.
🏜️ Day 6: Tell El-Amarna & Tuna El-Gebel
This day offers a deeper dive into Egypt’s spiritual and artistic evolution. Begin at Tell El-Amarna, the short-lived capital city built by the revolutionary Pharaoh Akhenaten, who introduced monotheism through the worship of the Aten. Walk through the Northern and Southern Tombs, where high officials recorded scenes of royal worship, and explore the ruins of Akhenaten’s palace and temples, imagining what once was a religious capital of radical change.
In the afternoon, continue to Tuna El-Gebel, the necropolis of Hermopolis Magna, dedicated to Thoth, god of wisdom. Visit the beautifully decorated Tomb of Petosiris, where Greek and Egyptian art harmoniously coexist, and the moving Tomb of Isadora, a Roman-Egyptian woman whose love story still resonates. Don’t miss the animal catacombs, where thousands of ibises and baboons were buried in devotion to Thoth.
Return to Cairo in the evening.
✈️ Day 7: Free Time & Departure
On your final day, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or optional visits to Al-Azhar Park, Coptic Cairo, or a modern shopping mall like City Stars. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
