5 Day Tour of Cairo – Explore Cairo Like a Local

Welcome to Cairo, the beating heart of Egypt! As you step off your flight, I’ll be waiting to greet you with a warm smile. Together, we’ll navigate the airport and head to your hotel in Cairo or Giza. On the way, I’ll share stories of the city’s timeless character — where ancient pyramids stand beside bustling modern streets.

Tonight is for rest. Sip your welcome drink, breathe in the Cairo air, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Welcome Drink

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll set out in a private A/C vehicle to meet the giants of history: the Pyramids of Giza.

• Imagine standing in the shadow of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus — colossal monuments that have guarded Egypt for over 4,500 years.
• At the Great Sphinx, I’ll explain the mysteries scholars still debate — was it a guardian, a symbol of kingship, or something more?

After savoring lunch at a traditional restaurant, we’ll journey to Memphis, the first capital of a united Egypt, and Saqqara, home to the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser. Here, I’ll show you how this “stairway to the heavens” forever changed the course of architecture.

Optional: Return in the evening for the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids — an unforgettable experience beneath the stars.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today we journey into the story of Egypt at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) — the country’s most modern museum dedicated to showcasing the full span of Egyptian history, from prehistoric times through the modern era.

• Walk through galleries that highlight 6,000 years of civilization, from the dawn of agriculture to today’s cultural traditions.
• Stand in awe inside the Royal Mummies Hall, where the preserved kings and queens of ancient Egypt now rest, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut.
• Learn how Egypt’s past shapes its present, with exhibits blending archaeology, art, and daily life.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Old Cairo, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.

• Step inside the Hanging Church, a 4th-century masterpiece built atop Roman ruins.
• Visit the Church of Abu Serga, believed to be a refuge for the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt.
• Explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue, with its deep roots in Cairo’s Jewish history.

Optional evening: Set sail on the Nile for a dinner cruise, complete with music, folkloric dance, and the glittering skyline of Cairo by night.

Optional Evening: 2-hour Nile Cruise dinner with a folk dance show

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning, we’ll ascend to the Citadel of Salah El-Din, Cairo’s fortress on the hill. I’ll show you the majestic Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali, gleaming white against the skyline, and explain how this site once defended Egypt for centuries.

After a hearty lunch, we’ll wander the enchanting Moez Street, often called the world’s “open-air museum of Islamic architecture.” Imagine minarets rising overhead, markets bustling with life, and courtyards echoing with history.

Our day concludes in the legendary Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Over a cup of mint tea or a puff of shisha, I’ll share with you the stories of merchants, poets, and travelers who have gathered here for centuries.

After a full day of cultural immersion, return to your hotel.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Our journey together draws to a close. After breakfast, I’ll accompany you to the airport for your flight home. As you leave Cairo, you’ll carry with you not only photographs, but stories and memories that connect you to Egypt’s eternal past.

If time allows, we can add a final touch of magic:

• Sail the Nile on a felucca boat, just as Egyptians have for millennia.
• Or climb the Cairo Tower for panoramic views of the city we’ve come to know.

Meals: Breakfast

Tipping is not included in your package — but it’s an important part of Egyptian hospitality. While not mandatory, it is appreciated by drivers, guides, cruise staff, and service workers.

Suggested Guidelines:

• Guide: $10–15 per day per traveler
• Driver: $3–5 per day
• Cruise Crew (shared tip box): ~$5–10/day

We’ll provide a detailed tipping guide in your welcome packet to make it stress-free.

Not included but available on request:

• Entry to special sites: Inside the Great Pyramid, Tomb of Tutankhamun, Mummies Room at Egyptian Museum.
• Optional upgrades: Hot air balloon ride, Nubian village visit, sound & light shows, spa treatments.
• Alcoholic beverages, personal snacks, souvenirs.
• Extra accommodation due to unforeseen weather or flight delays (rare, but not covered).

💡 Ask your tour manager to help arrange optional experiences locally.

We understand plans change. Here’s our straightforward cancellation structure:

💡 Need to cancel due to emergencies? We’re happy to provide documentation for your travel insurance claim.

👶 Children Policy

• 0–2 years: FREE
• 2–5 years: 25% of adult price
• 6–11 years: 50% of adult price
• 12+ years: Full adult price

Note: Children rates apply when sharing a room with parents (max 1 child per room). Additional charges may apply for child airfare.

🧥 Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
• Long sleeves and loose trousers or skirts for modesty
• A light jacket or scarf for cooler nights and conservative sites
• Modest swimwear for hotels or cruise pools

👟 Footwear:

• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for ruins and temples
• Sandals for relaxing or short strolls
• Consider water shoes if you plan to swim in the Nile or Red Sea

🧢 Essentials:

• Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat or scarf for sun protection
• SPF 50+ sunscreen (Egyptian sun is intense!)
• Travel-sized hand sanitizer and tissue packs
• A refillable water bottle or hydration pack
• Daypack for carrying snacks, camera, documents

🎒 Bonus: Bring a universal adapter, a power bank, and copies of your passport and travel insurance.

Egyptians are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors who show cultural awareness are always appreciated. Here’s how to engage respectfully:

Dress Modestly (Especially for Women):

• At mosques and rural areas, cover shoulders and knees.
• Avoid revealing tops, shorts, or tight clothes — especially in Upper Egypt.
• Men should avoid going shirtless except at beaches.

Greetings & Communication:

• A warm “Salam Alaikum” (Peace be upon you) is a respectful hello.
• Right hand is preferred for handshakes and giving/taking items.
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon.

Photography:

• Always ask before photographing locals, especially women.
• Respect signs at historic sites — some areas prohibit photography or require an extra ticket.
• Be mindful of children, military areas, and security zones.

Tipping Culture (“Baksheesh”):

• Tipping is customary and appreciated — not pushy.
• Small tips ($1–$5) for hotel porters, drivers, waiters, and bathroom attendants go a long way.
• Guides and cruise staff appreciate end-of-tour gratuities. We’ll provide a full tipping guide in your welcome pack.

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and tourist shops, cash is often preferred for small purchases.

Tips to Manage Money Wisely:

• Exchange some USD or EUR at the airport or use a currency exchange with good rates.
• Keep small denominations on hand for tipping, taxis, and snacks.
• ATMs are easy to find in cities — especially near hotels and banks.
• Avoid exchanging money on the street or with unofficial vendors.
• Major cards (Visa/MasterCard) are accepted — Amex less so.

💳 Tip: Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in guided or private tours. Here’s how to stay healthy and comfortable:

Health Tips:

• Water: Always drink bottled or sealed water. Avoid tap water even in hotels.
• Food: Choose restaurants with good hygiene standards. We’ll guide you to the best spots.
• Street Food: Stick to hot, freshly cooked items (e.g., falafel, koshari). Avoid raw salads or ice from unknown sources.
• Medications: Bring your own — pharmacies exist but may not stock familiar brands.

Personal Safety:

• Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes when available.
• Avoid political discussions and large public demonstrations.
• Be polite but firm when declining street vendors — “La, shukran” (No, thank you) works well.

Transportation Safety:

• Use private cars, Uber, or taxis arranged by your hotel or guide.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis or touts offering rides in tourist hotspots.
• Public buses and microbuses are not recommended for travelers on a schedule.

🚨 Emergency tip: Save your tour manager’s number and the local emergency hotline (122 for police, 123 for medical help).

International flights and the Egypt entry visa (around $25 on arrival) are not included. We’ll provide step-by-step guidance to make this process easy.

Depending on your package, you’ll stay in 4★, 5★, or deluxe 5★ hotels in Cairo or Giza, carefully selected for comfort, cleanliness, and location. Nile-view rooms are available in the Platinum Package.

Tipping is not included, but we provide a clear tipping guide to help. On average, guests budget around $10–15/day for guides and $3–5/day for drivers.

Absolutely. Tourism is a major industry in Egypt, and security at major sites is strong. You’ll also have private transport and a local guide with you throughout.

Yes! This is a private tour, which means we can adjust pacing, add optional experiences (like a Nile Dinner Cruise), or extend your stay with trips to Luxor, Aswan, or Alexandria.