4 Days Cairo Short Break Tour – Pyramids, Museums & Hidden Gems

  • Duration4 Days 3 Nights
  • Trip TypePrivate Tours
  • AvailabilityEveryday

A 4 Days Cairo Short Break Tour perfectly introduces Egypt’s captivating capital. In just four days, you’ll stand in awe before the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, discover treasures that have survived for millennia, wander through colorful bazaars filled with the scents and sounds of the Middle East, and sail on the legendary Nile River as the sun sets over this extraordinary city.

With private transportation, expert Egyptologist guides, and carefully selected accommodations, this tour delivers a seamless experience that maximizes your limited time. Whether adding a Cairo stopover to a longer journey or enjoying a dedicated short break, these four days will leave you with memories to last a lifetime—and likely a desire to return and explore more of Egypt’s wonders.

Don’t wait to experience the magic of Cairo. Book your 4-day Cairo Short Break Tour today and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Day Morning Afternoon Evening Meals
Day 1 Arrival at Cairo Airport Hotel check-in and tour briefing Optional: Sound & Light Show Welcome drink
Day 2 Giza Pyramids Saqqara & Memphis Optional: Cairo Dinner Cruise Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Egyptian Museum Citadel of Saladin Khan El Khalili Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Airport transfer & Final Departure     Breakfast

Why book this tour with us?

  • 20+ years of experience in Egyptian tourism
  • Expert Egyptologist guides with perfect English
  • Flexible booking and cancellation policies
  • 24/7 support during your stay in Egypt
  • No hidden fees or surprise charges
  • Customizable itineraries to match your interests

What Makes This 4 Days Cairo Short Break Tour Special

This carefully crafted 4-day itinerary balances Egypt’s iconic landmarks with authentic cultural experiences. You’ll explore the magnificent Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, discover treasures in the Grand Egyptian Museum, wander through ancient Islamic Cairo, and experience the timeless magic of a Nile River cruise. With private transportation, expert Egyptologist guides, and carefully selected accommodations, this tour delivers the perfect Cairo experience without rushing or missing the essentials.

  • Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx
  • Discover King Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Museum
  • Experience authentic Egyptian culture at Khan El Khalili bazaar
  • Explore the ancient Step Pyramid at Saqqara and ruins of Memphis
  • Enjoy a magical sunset felucca ride on the Nile River
  • Visit the impressive Citadel of Saladin and Alabaster Mosque

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Your Day-by-Day 4 Days Cairo Short Break Tour Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Cairo - Welcome to the Land of Pharaohs

Arrival at Cairo International Airport

Your Egyptian adventure begins the moment you land at Cairo International Airport. Our representative will greet you at the arrival hall, assist with visa formalities if needed, and escort you through the bustling airport to your waiting private vehicle. As you drive to your hotel, you’ll get your first glimpse of this fascinating city where ancient history meets modern life.

Hotel Check-in and Tour Briefing

After arriving at your carefully selected hotel, enjoy a smooth check-in process assisted by our team. Once you’re settled, your tour manager will provide a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming adventure, confirming pick-up times and answering any questions you might have. The rest of the evening is yours to relax after your journey or perhaps take a stroll around the neighborhood to begin soaking in Cairo’s unique atmosphere.

Optional Evening Activity:

  • Sound & Light Show at Giza Pyramids: For those not feeling too tired from their travels, I highly recommend the spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids (optional extra). This mesmerizing display brings ancient history to life through dramatic narration, music, and stunning illuminations projected onto the Pyramids and Sphinx. It’s a magical introduction to the wonders you’ll explore up close tomorrow.

 Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Welcome Drink

Day 2Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Tour

Morning: The Great Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your private Egyptologist guide will meet you for the day’s adventures. First stop: the iconic Giza Plateau, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus—massive structures built over 4,500 years ago that continue to baffle engineers and archaeologists alike.

Explore the exterior of these magnificent monuments while your guide shares fascinating insights about their construction and purpose. Next, come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx, the legendary guardian with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. You’ll also visit the Valley Temple, an ancient structure used for mummification processes.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your trip.

Afternoon: Saqqara & Step Pyramid

In the afternoon, your guide will take you to Saqqara, located about 30km south of Cairo. This vast ancient burial ground served the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. The star attraction here is the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, considered the world’s oldest major stone structure and the first true pyramid. Built around 2630 BC, this revolutionary design marked the transition from simple mastaba tombs to the more familiar pyramid shape. Your guide will explain how this architectural innovation changed Egyptian burial practices forever.

You’ll also explore other fascinating tombs at Saqqara, many decorated with intricate reliefs depicting daily life in ancient Egypt. These remarkably preserved scenes offer invaluable insights into how Egyptians lived, worked, and celebrated thousands of years ago.

Midday: Memphis

Next, you’ll visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt and the Old Kingdom. Though little remains of this once-great city, the open-air museum contains some spectacular artifacts, including a massive fallen statue of Ramses II and an impressive alabaster sphinx. Your guide will help bring this ancient capital to life, explaining its historical significance as you walk among remnants of one of the world’s oldest major cities.

After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel to unwind.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3Grand Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo & Khan El Khalili

Morning: Grand Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. The highlight for most visitors is the Treasures Room of King Tutankhamun, featuring the young king’s famous golden mask and sarcophagus. Your expert guide will lead you through the most significant exhibits, bringing ancient history to life with stories and historical context.

Afternoon: Citadel of Saladin & Alabaster Mosque

Make the most of your 4-day tour in Cairo with a visit to the impressive Citadel of Saladin, a medieval Islamic fortification built by Salah ad-Din (Saladin) in the 12th century to protect the city against Crusaders. Perched on a hill overlooking Cairo, the citadel offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, sometimes extending to the Pyramids on clear days.

Within the citadel complex, you’ll visit the magnificent Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its distinctive Ottoman architecture featuring soaring minarets and a massive central dome. The mosque’s interior is equally impressive, with hanging lamps illuminating the vast prayer hall. Your guide will explain the historical and cultural significance of these important Islamic monuments.

Evening: Khan El Khalili Bazaar

As the afternoon cools, you’ll explore the colorful Khan El Khalili bazaar, Cairo’s famous medieval marketplace. Wander through narrow alleys filled with shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to handcrafted jewelry and traditional souvenirs. This is the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills and pick up unique mementos of your Egyptian journey. Your guide can recommend authentic spots for a traditional Egyptian dinner if you wish to dine in this atmospheric setting.

Optional Evening Activity:

  • Evening: Felucca Ride on the Nile: Experience one of Cairo’s most magical activities—a traditional felucca ride on the Nile River. These graceful sailboats have plied the Nile for thousands of years, and there’s no better way to appreciate Cairo’s unique setting. Glide peacefully along the river as the sun sets, offering spectacular views of the city skyline. This relaxing experience provides a perfect contrast to the busy day of exploration and a chance to see Cairo from a different perspective.

 Overnight in Cairo

 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4Final Departure

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Egypt.

Depending on your flight time, you might have an opportunity for some last-minute shopping or a final Egyptian meal before your guide escorts you to Cairo International Airport for your departure. Our representative will assist you with check-in procedures, ensuring a smooth end to your Egyptian adventure.

As you board your flight home, you’ll take with you not just photographs and souvenirs, but a deeper understanding of Egypt’s extraordinary history and culture—all experienced in just four remarkable days.

 Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

  • Meet and Assist at the airport.
  • Our assistance during your stay.
  • All transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo hotel with breakfast.
  • Private guided tours.
  • Local Lunch in a good local restaurant.
  • Entry fees to all sites as per itinerary.
  • Bottled water during trips.
  • All service charges & taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Entry visa to Egypt
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional Activities
  • Tipping

Prices & Accommodations

Your 4 Days Cairo Short Break Tour includes 3 nights of carefully selected accommodation that balances comfort, convenience, and authentic Egyptian atmosphere. We offer several hotel categories to suit different preferences and budgets.

Standard Category (4 Stars)

Accommodation & Price
  • Hotels: Jaz Pyramids Resort – Barceló Cairo Pyramids – Saray Pyramids or Similar
  October – April
Double Room $395
Single Room $680

Prices are per person & Not valid during the Easter, Christmas, and New Year Holidays.

Comfort Category (5 Stars)

Accommodation & Price
  • Hotels: Steigenberger – Hilton Dream – Helnan Dream or Similar
  October – April
Double Room $570
Single Room $895

Prices are per person & Not valid during the Easter, Christmas, and New Year Holidays.

Luxury Category (Ultra Deluxe)

Accommodation & Price
  • Hotels: Hyatt Regency – Sofitel El Gezirah – Kempinski Nile or Similar
  October – April
Double Room $955
Single Room $1650

Prices are per person & Not valid during the Easter, Christmas, and New Year Holidays.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

Price Notes

  • Prices are in US dollars per person per trip and you can pay in any other currency.
  • Prices are subject to change in case of any changes in airport taxes, hotel rates, transportation rates or government taxes.
  • Children under 12 years receive a 50% discount when sharing a room with two adults
  • Special rates available for groups of 4 or more travelers
  • Prices may increase during Egyptian holidays and peak periods
  • Optional activities like the Sound & Light Show can be added for an additional fee

Booking, Cancellation & Children Policy

Booking Confirmation Policy

  • The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within a day of successful booking.
  • We are offering a down payment of just 35% to secure your spaces on tour, including hotel rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flight tickets, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days before your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination to your tour manager, making you’re booking a risk-free investment.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation after confirmation with payment before 30 days of the commencement of the tour: 10% of the value of the tour package.
  • Canceling the tour 30 to 20 days before the commencement of the tour: 25% of the value of the package
  • Canceling 19-15 days before commencing the tour: 50% of the tour cost
  • Canceling 14-11 days before the commencement of the tour: 75% of the tour cost
  • Canceling before 10 days or less before the tour date: No refund for the tour

Tipping in Egypt

Tips are not included in any of our packages and are entirely at the discretion of the traveler. Although they are not mandatory, they are of great importance to the people who are taking care of you while you travel.

Additional Expenses

Additional personal expenses on the trip may include a food tour, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, visa fees, entertainment expenses, and other services not included.

The following items include additional costs during the trip:

  • For visa fees, please review your visa and passport information.
  • Additional transportation you require.
  • Graves to your guide and driver after the trip.
  • In the event of unforeseen events such as bad weather and eventual flight cancellations, you are responsible for additional hotel nights and meals.

Optional Visits and Entrance Tickets:

All our packages and tours in Egypt do not include entrance fees to special archaeological sites such as entering the inside of the pyramids, the mummies’ room in the museum, or entering the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

Essential Information for Your 4 Days Cairo Short Break Tour

Best Time to Visit Cairo

Cairo enjoys a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. For the most comfortable sightseeing experience, I recommend visiting between October and April when temperatures are moderate. December through February offers the coolest weather but can be busy with tourists. May and September can be hot but are less crowded. June through August sees the highest temperatures (often exceeding 95°F/35°C) and is best avoided unless you’re comfortable with extreme heat.

What to Pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring archaeological sites
  • Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees (especially for women)
  • Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Small daypack for carrying water and essentials
  • Camera with extra memory cards for countless photo opportunities
  • Power adapter for Egyptian outlets (Type C and F)
  • Basic medications and first aid supplies

Cultural Etiquette

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative social norms. While Cairo is relatively cosmopolitan, respecting local customs will enhance your experience:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Ask permission before photographing local people
  • Remove shoes when entering mosques
  • Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items
  • During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
  • Learn a few Arabic phrases—locals appreciate the effort

Money Matters

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. While credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments, having cash is essential for markets, small shops, and tips. ATMs are widely available in Cairo. I recommend carrying a mix of Egyptian Pounds and US Dollars or Euros. Tipping (known locally as “baksheesh”) is customary for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant servers—your tour manager will advise on appropriate amounts.

Safety Tips

Cairo is generally safe for tourists, especially when traveling with organized tours. However, standard travel precautions apply:

  • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
  • Drink only bottled water and ensure food is properly cooked
  • Use registered taxis or transportation arranged by your hotel/tour company
  • Keep copies of important documents and emergency contacts
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what’s included – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure, and more.

Read Essential Trip Information
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49
14 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Tomasz Nowak

Group Traveller

I’ve traveled to many countries, but this was my first time in Egypt. I joined with two friends, and we all agreed this was one of our favorite tours ever. The itinerary was well thought out—not just a checklist of tourist spots, but a real cultural experience. We had a knowledgeable guide who answered all our questions, gave us context, and also allowed us time to explore on our own. Cairo is intense, but in the best possible way.

May 20, 2025

Chloe Martin

Family Traveller

This was an excellent experience from start to finish. As a family with teenagers, we found this tour both exciting and educational. The kids especially loved seeing Tutankhamun’s treasures and learning about how the pyramids were built. The driver and guide were punctual, friendly, and professional. Every day had its own highlight. We felt safe and well looked after, and we’re already thinking about returning to see Luxor and Aswan next time.

May 13, 2025

David O’Connell

Couple Traveller

We only had a few days to spend in Cairo before moving on to Luxor, and this tour covered everything we wanted to see. The pyramids were spectacular, but the unexpected highlight for us was the Egyptian Museum—it was massive and filled with treasures. Our guide was efficient, polite, and extremely knowledgeable. The accommodations were better than expected, and the whole experience felt very polished.

May 4, 2025

Bianca Schneider

Group Traveller

My group of university friends and I had been planning this trip for a while, and it lived up to all our expectations. We loved the balance between structured touring and exploration time. The Citadel was surprisingly peaceful, and the bustling energy of the bazaar gave us so many great photo moments. We also appreciated that the guide helped us avoid the tourist traps. If you want a high-quality, educational, and fun trip through Cairo—go for this one.

April 29, 2025

Natalie van Dijk

Family Traveller

Traveling with kids in a city like Cairo can be challenging, but this tour made it smooth and fun. The transportation was clean and air-conditioned (lifesaver in June!), and the guide adapted the pace for our family. We appreciated the mix of historical learning and free time. Seeing my children marvel at the pyramids and try falafel for the first time was unforgettable. I’d definitely recommend this for any family wanting a taste of Egypt’s rich history in a manageable format.

April 21, 2025
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