Cultural sightseeing meets a beach vacation on this week-long Egyptian getaway. Starting in Cairo, you'll explore the ancient world with tours of the Great Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and Alexandria. Then switch gears and head for the coast, where you can unwind in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh—sunbathing, swimming, and scuba diving along the Sinai Peninsula.

Highlights

  • Walk in the footsteps of pharaohs at the Great Pyramids of Giza
  • Board an unforgettable dinner cruise on the Nile
  • Explore the catacombs & citadel of ancient Alexandria
  • Relax & recharge at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Cairo! Cairo
Day 2 The Great Pyramids, Egyptian Museum & Dinner Cruise Cairo
Day 3 Day Trip to Alexandria: Catacombs & Citadel Cairo
Day 4 Fly to Sharm El Sheikh & the Red Sea Sharm El Sheikh
Day 5 Scuba Diving Excursion Sharm El Sheikh
Day 6 Relax by the Red Sea Sharm El Sheikh
Day 7 Fly to Cairo, Tour Old Cairo & Departure Cairo

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Cairo!

Ancient meets modern in Cairo
Ancient meets modern in Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo's airport, you'll be met by your guide who will assist you through customs and arrange a transfer to your hotel. Get settled in and rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 2: The Great Pyramids, Egyptian Museum & Dinner Cruise

Giza Pyramids
Walk in the footsteps of pharaohs at the Great Pyramids of Giza

After breakfast, embark on a memorable excursion to Egypt's most iconic wonders. Start at the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, before continuing to the oldest known monumental sculpture and largest monolith statue in the world—the towering Sphinx. You'll also discover the Valley Temple, attributed to the 26th-century BCE King Chefren and used for part of the mummification process. Finally, you'll pay a visit to the Egyptian Museum where you can see the collection of Tutankhamen among other splendid pharaonic artifacts. 

In the evening, board a memorable dinner cruise, sailing along the Nile River for two hours while you enjoy an Egyptian-style dinner and live entertainment. Watch a spectacular Nile sunset before transferring back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Day Trip to Alexandria: Catacombs & Citadel

Stanley Bridge Alexandria
Alexandria's Stanley Bridge

Today you'll meet your knowledgeable Egyptologist guide and drive 3.5 hours to the Mediterranean port of Alexandria

Embark on a whirlwind tour of Alexandria's highlights, starting with the Catacombs of Kom El Shoukafa. Descend underground to discover a world of ornate carvings and paintings and a mixture of Roman and Egyptian designs. Dating from the second century CE, it is the largest Roman funerary complex in Egypt and includes a warren of tombs on three levels.

Continue to the harbor to see the Citadel of Qaitbey, a defensive fort that stands on the original site of the Pharos, Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse. Built in 279 CE, the legendary wonder of the ancient world stood guard over the harbor of Alexandria for over 1600 years and was topped with a towering statue of Poseidon. Although Pharos was restored at various times, it had finally crumbled by the time the original fort was built here in the 15th century CE. 

After a leisurely lunch, you'll visit the beautiful Morsi Abu Alabas Mosque and the reborn Library of Alexandria before transferring back to Cairo for the evening.

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Day 4: Fly to Sharm El Sheikh & the Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh
Blue skies over the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh

Today you'll fly to the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Located between the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, this area is known for its beautiful beaches and offshore coral reefs surrounded by clear water. Walk on the beach, go swimming in the ocean, or check out Ras Muhammad National Park, a diving destination that's rich with marine life. In the evening, beachfront restaurants and bars are great places to try fresh seafood prepared Egyptian-style, and surround yourself with a local crowd.

Day 5: Scuba Diving Excursion

Boats moored in the Sharm El Sheikh harbor

Head down to the harbor today to board a boat for a full-day scuba diving excursion. With warm, crystal clear waters, incredible coral formations, and well-preserved wrecks, the Red Sea around Sharm El Sheikh is considered one of the top diving destinations in the country.

Day 6: Relax by the Red Sea

Red Sea
Relax on the Red Sea beaches of Sharm El Sheikh

Take it easy today with a free beach day by the Red Sea. Walk along the pedestrian promenade in laid-back Naama Bay, book a snorkeling trip to Yolanda Reef, or just have lunch in a beachfront café and relax by the water. Another option is to stop at St. Catherine's Monastery. Located at the foot of Mt. Sinai, it's the place where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

Day 7: Fly to Cairo, Tour Old Cairo & Departure

Cairo's historic El Moez Street

This morning you'll bid the Red Sea farewell and fly back to Cairo. Upon arrival you'll be picked up by your guide and embark on a tour of Cairo's historic city streets, starting at the massive medieval Salah El-din Citadel and its enclosed Mohamed Ali alabaster mosque, once a stronghold against the Crusaders. The brilliant domed ceilings, suspended lights, and views of the city from this ancient fortress are sure to captivate. Continue to the churches of Old Cairo and the Khan El Khalili old market to browse and pick up some last minutes souvenirs, then it's time to head to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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