A Week in Alexandria and Cairo: Family-Friendly Adventure
Tuesday, October 24: Arrival in Alexandria
Welcome to Alexandria! Start your adventure by visiting the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina in the morning. Explore its impressive collection of books and enjoy the stunning architectural design. In the afternoon, head to the Montaza Palace and Gardens. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and relax by the beach. In the evening, take a walk along the Corniche and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Montaza Palace and Gardens: Estimated Cost: Free (entrance fee for palace), Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Corniche: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: Evening
Wednesday, October 25: Exploring Alexandria
Spend the morning exploring the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an impressive underground burial site. In the afternoon, visit the Alexandria National Museum to learn about the city's rich history and culture. End the day by watching a mesmerizing sunset at the Citadel of Qaitbay, a historic fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Estimated Cost: USD 5 (entrance fee), Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Alexandria National Museum: Estimated Cost: USD 2 (entrance fee), Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Citadel of Qaitbay: Estimated Cost: USD 4 (entrance fee), Estimated Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Abou Tarek, known for their traditional Egyptian dish, koshary. Average cost for a meal is about 30 EGP per person.
For lunch, head to Mo'men, a popular fast food chain offering a variety of sandwiches and Egyptian street food. Average cost for a meal is about 50 EGP per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Sequoia, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views of the Nile River. Enjoy their Mediterranean and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 EGP per person.
Thursday, October 26: Travel to Cairo
Start your journey to Cairo in the morning. Take a comfortable train ride or book a domestic flight for a convenient transfer. After arriving in Cairo, settle into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, visit the Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient artifacts including the famous treasures of Tutankhamun. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner while being entertained by a mesmerizing belly dance performance.
Dinner with Belly Dance Show: Estimated Cost: USD 20 per person, Estimated Time Spent: Evening
Friday, October 27: Exploring Ancient Cairo
In the morning, visit the awe-inspiring Giza Plateau to see the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the iconic Sphinx. Marvel at these ancient wonders and learn about their history. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Islamic Cairo district, home to several historic mosques, such as the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience the hustle and bustle of a traditional Egyptian marketplace.
Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Estimated Cost: USD 10 (entrance fee), Estimated Time Spent: 4-6 hours
Sultan Hassan Mosque: Estimated Cost: USD 5 (entrance fee), Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Estimated Cost: Variable (shopping), Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast at Felfela, a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Cairo. Feast on falafel, ful medames, and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about 50 EGP per person.
For a refreshing lunch, head to Abou El Sid in Zamalek. Indulge in authentic Egyptian cuisine, including dishes like koshari and stuffed pigeon. Average cost for a meal is about 120 EGP per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Andrea El Mariouteya in Alexandria. This seafood restaurant offers a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea, and serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 EGP per person.
Saturday, October 28: Nile River Cruise
Embark on a fascinating Nile River cruise in the morning. Enjoy breathtaking views of Cairo's skyline and landmarks as you glide along the river. Visit the enchanting Temple of Philae and explore its ancient ruins. As the sun sets, indulge in a delicious dinner on board the cruise, complete with traditional music and dance performances.
Nile River Cruise: Estimated Cost: USD 50 per person, Estimated Time Spent: Half-day
Temple of Philae: Estimated Cost: USD 10 (entrance fee), Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, October 29: Islamic and Coptic Cairo
Start the day by exploring the stunning Coptic Cairo district. Visit the Hanging Church, also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary, and immerse yourself in the history of Christianity in Egypt. In the afternoon, explore the Islamic Cairo district further by visiting the stunning Al-Azhar Mosque and the medieval market of Al-Muizz Street. End the day with a peaceful stroll along the Nile Corniche.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Qahwa Alexandria. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, pastries, and traditional Egyptian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Fish Market Restaurant. Located by the Mediterranean Sea, this seafood restaurant offers a wide selection of freshly caught fish and seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Islamic Cairo, this iconic restaurant serves authentic Egyptian cuisine in a traditional setting. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday, October 30: Relaxation and Departure
Spend the morning relaxing and soaking in the charm of Cairo. Take a leisurely stroll in one of Cairo's beautiful parks, such as Al-Azhar Park or Al-Andalus Park. In the afternoon, visit the bustling Khan El Khalili Market once more for some last-minute shopping. Bid farewell to Cairo as you depart for your next destination.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Estimated Cost: Variable (shopping), Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider paying a visit to the Baron Palace in Heliopolis, a stunning architectural masterpiece. You can also explore the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, where you can see the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. For a unique experience, take a felucca ride on the Nile River and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Lastly, don't miss out on trying local Egyptian street food like koshari and ful medames, which can truly enrich your culinary journey.