Meet your driver at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Cairo or Giza; allow 45–75 minutes depending on traffic. This avoids immediate sightseeing fatigue and gets you settled quickly.
Check in, freshen up, and review tomorrow's pickup time and documents with the hotel concierge. Many hotels offer late check-in; confirm wake-up/transfer times with reception.
If you want a relaxed first-night meal, dine at your hotel restaurant for convenience; if staying central, Sequoia on Zamalek offers Nile views and Mediterranean cuisine, open late. Both let you ease into Cairo time and enjoy local flavors.
Hearty breakfast at the hotel to fuel a full day of outdoor walking; many hotels serve from 6:30–10:00am. Aim to be on the road shortly after to beat crowds and midday heat.
Drive to the Giza Plateau (about 20–40 minutes from downtown depending on traffic) arriving early to minimize crowds. Pyramids opening hours typically 8:00am–5:00pm; check for any special closures.
Explore the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and enjoy panoramic viewpoints — a must-see that captures ancient Egypt's scale and engineering. Entry to the Giza Plateau is typically available 8:00am–5:00pm; interior pyramid entry costs extra and is optional.
Walk to the Great Sphinx and the adjacent Valley Temple to see well-preserved statues and learn about the funerary landscape of the pyramids. The area is included in the plateau visit and is best viewed with a guide for historical context.
Enjoy lunch with classic Egyptian and international dishes at the historic Mena House hotel — known for its direct views of the Pyramids and a convenient location next to the plateau. The restaurant is generally open midday, perfect for a relaxed break.
Short transfer (approx. 30–45 minutes) to the open-air museum of ancient Memphis to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and collections of artifacts. Memphis typically opens 9:00am–4:00pm; aim to arrive earlier in the afternoon while sites are still open.
Tour the ruins and monuments of ancient Memphis, the old capital that provides insight into early pharaonic administration and art. It's compact but rich in iconic pieces, so allow 45–60 minutes.
Visit Saqqara to see Djoser’s Step Pyramid and surrounding tombs and reliefs, which show the evolution of pyramid-building. Saqqara hours typically 8:00am–4:00pm; plan this for late afternoon but ensure arrivals before closing.
Dine at Abou El Sid for authentic Egyptian cuisine in a cozy setting — popular for classics like molokhia and stuffed pigeon. The restaurant typically opens for dinner and is a favorite for trying local dishes in a comfortable atmosphere.
Slow morning with a relaxed hotel breakfast; check pool opening hours (many hotel pools open 7:00–10:00 and reopen in late afternoon) and reserve towels/bed if needed.
Spend the morning lounging by the pool, enjoying the spa, or taking advantage of hotel amenities — great for relaxation after sightseeing. Pools are typically open all day but confirm with the hotel desk.
Have a light lunch poolside at your hotel or try Zooba for modern Egyptian street food (open late morning to night). Both options are convenient and casual for a leisure day.
Book a short massage or explore the immediate neighborhood (nearby cafés or a short museum visit) if you want a gentle afternoon outing. Confirm spa hours in advance for guaranteed service.
For a refined dinner choose Sequoia with Nile views (Zamalek) or Cairo Kitchen for home-style Egyptian dishes; both are great for tasting varied local flavors. Sequoia is usually open until late evening and offers reservations.
Early breakfast so you can reach the Egyptian Museum right when it opens; the museum typically opens around 9:00am but check ahead for any weekday closures or special hours. Arrive early for the best viewing.
Explore the extensive collection of pharaonic artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures and monumental statuary. Typical opening hours are 9:00am–5:00pm; some museums are closed one weekday, so confirm if your day falls on a closure day.
Head to Khan el-Khalili for lunch at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant to enjoy traditional Egyptian dishes in a historic setting within the bazaar. The restaurant and bazaar are generally open midday; expect lively atmosphere.
Visit the Citadel for panoramic city views and the 19th-century Muhammad Ali Mosque; the Citadel is usually open 8:00am–5:00pm. Allow time for walking between terraces and admiring the skyline of Cairo.
Stroll the historic Khan el-Khalili bazaar for handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs; the market is lively and open well into the evening (often until 10:00–11:00pm). Bargaining is expected for many purchases.
Dine inside the bazaar at a rooftop venue for an atmospheric meal and views over the souk; Fishawi's is a famous cafe in Khan el-Khalili (open late) and good for tea/coffee and light meals. Rooftop restaurants serve fuller dinners and allow you to soak in the market ambiance.
Leisurely breakfast and late checkout planning if you have evening plans; confirm felucca pickup time with your hotel or driver. Morning is yours to relax by the pool or stroll nearby.
Spend the morning enjoying the hotel pool or a spa treatment; alternatively, take a short city walk or visit a nearby cafe. Pool hours vary by hotel; check the front desk if you want a guaranteed sunbed.
Have lunch in Zamalek at Sequoia for Mediterranean dishes with Nile views, or Pier 88 for seafood and a modern vibe. Both venues are popular and generally open through the afternoon.
Drive to the felucca boarding point (Zamalek or near the Corniche) for your sunset sail; allow 20–40 minutes for traffic and boarding. Coordinate pickup time with the boat operator — felucca rides typically start late afternoon for sunset runs.
Enjoy a private 2-hour felucca ride for a peaceful cruise along the Nile as the sun sets over Cairo — a relaxing, photogenic experience. Felucca operators usually run up to and past sunset; typical private 2-hour fares vary but plan ahead to confirm exact pickup time.
Return to your hotel to change and rest before dinner; use this time to charge cameras and review photos from the felucca. Most hotels are happy to assist with onward transport arrangements.
Try Cairo Kitchen for friendly, authentic Egyptian home-style cooking, or pick a rooftop restaurant with city views for a relaxed final evening meal. Both options serve well into the evening.
Early breakfast and depart for Coptic Cairo to make the most of daylight; many churches and museums open around 9:00am but check individual schedules. Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) for church visits.
Visit the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary), a famed Coptic church known for its elevated wooden nave and historic icons; typical visiting hours are around 9:00am–4:00pm. It's central to Coptic Cairo and offers insight into Christian history in Egypt.
See the Church of St. Sergius, said to shelter the Holy Family, and visit the Coptic Museum to view early Christian art and artifacts. The Coptic Museum usually opens around 9:00am–5:00pm; allow 1–1.5 hours for the museum.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a nearby café offering Egyptian and Levantine dishes — convenient and close to the churches. Many cafés around Old Cairo serve until mid-afternoon.
Visit the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue and walk the narrow lanes of Old Cairo, taking in Coptic icons, carved wooden screens and centuries-old architecture. Ben Ezra may have visiting hours and small admission or donation requests.
Head back to your hotel to rest and prepare for dinner; this is a low-key afternoon after several days of touring. Use the time to organize photos and souvenirs from the trip.
Have dinner at Abou El Sid or a reputable downtown spot for traditional Egyptian dishes in a warm atmosphere. Reservations recommended for popular restaurants in the evening.
Breakfast and depart for the Pharaonic Village; the attraction typically opens around 9:00am so aim for a comfortable arrival close to opening to enjoy the full experience. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through outdoor sets.
Explore the Pharaonic Village, an interactive recreation of ancient Egyptian life with actors, reconstructions, and live demonstrations that help bring daily Pharaonic activities to life. Opening hours are usually 9:00am–5:00pm; plan 2–3 hours for a full visit.
Eat at the on-site cafe or at a nearby restaurant for convenience; menus usually include both Egyptian and international options. This saves time and keeps the day relaxed and family-friendly.
You can extend the day with a short visit to nearby smaller museums or return to the hotel to rest and pack. Use the afternoon to prepare for departure logistics the next day.
Celebrate your last full evening in Cairo with a Nile-view dinner — choose a tranquil spot in Zamalek or along the Corniche for seafood or Egyptian specialties. Book a table for a pleasant end to the trip.
Have an early breakfast, finish packing, and confirm your airport transfer and flight details with the hotel. Many hotels provide early breakfast and express check-out for departing guests.
Complete check-out formalities and hand over luggage to the transfer driver; allow time for any last-minute payments or tips. Confirm flight check-in time and allow generous buffer for Cairo traffic.
Private transfer to Cairo International Airport (typically 45–75 minutes depending on traffic); arrive at the airport at least 2–3 hours before international departures. Confirm terminal with your airline and hotel prior to departure.