Highlights
- Explore the three great pyramids of Giza
- Marvel at treasures like King Tut's tomb
- Learn about the Bibliotecha Alexandrina's significance in the ancient world
- Discover the "Great Sand Sea" in Siwa on a safari tour
- Enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner in a desert oasis
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 2 | Visit Egyptian Museum & Islamic Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 3 | See the Pyramids Of Giza & Memphis | Cairo |
| Day 4 | Tour Alexandria's Catacombs, Roman Amphitheater & National Museum | Alexandria |
| Day 5 | Sightsee at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay & Montaza Gardens | Alexandria |
| Day 6 | Travel Overland to Siwa Desert | Siwa |
| Day 7 | Explore Siwa Oasis' Mountain of the Dead & More | Siwa |
| Day 8 | Go on a Safari Tour & Enjoy a Bedouin Dinner | Siwa |
| Day 9 | Transfer from Siwa to Cairo & Dine in the City | Cairo |
| Day 10 | Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! After arriving in Cairo—one of the largest cities in Africa and in the Middle East—you'll head to your hotel. You'll be free to relax and rest in time before the tour begins. You could also start exploring the city, venturing out to try some local cuisine in one of many excellent restaurants.
Day 2: Visit Egyptian Museum & Islamic Cairo
Meet your guide, who will accompany you on your day exploring the city and its sites. Today's activities include the Egyptian Museum, which has a substantial collection of ancient treasures, including the tomb of King Tut. Then learn about Islamic Cairo at the Citadel of Saladin See, an important example of military architecture from the Middle Ages, and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, a monumental mosque that was built during the Mamluk period of the 1300s. Finally, hunt for treasures in Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a souk in the historical center of Islamic Cairo, where you can shop for lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more.
Day 3: See the Pyramids Of Giza & Memphis
Today you'll travel to Giza, located outside of Cairo, where you will see the three major pyramids at its necropolis complex. Your guide will explain the history of the construction of the Pyramids of Giza: the Great Pyramid of Giza, Cheops, and the smaller Chephren and Mykerinos. Next, you'll head to Memphis, an ancient Egyptian capital, to see the Pyramid of Saqqara and the Pyramid of Djoser.
Day 4: Tour Alexandria's Catacombs, Roman Amphitheater & National Museum
Make your way to Alexandria, where a local Egyptologist will guide you through the city's history and major sites. Tour the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites in Egypt, and the Roman Amphitheater. In the 1960s, this place was discovered by accident. The only Roman amphitheater in Egypt, consists of a lower-level stage surrounded by thirteen marble seats with room for up to 800 people. End the day at the Alexandria National Museum, displaying more than 1,800 artifacts from Egypt's history in the former palace of businessman Asaad Bassili.
Day 5: Sightsee at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay & Montaza Gardens
Head to Bibliotheca Alexandrina to learn about one of the most significant intellectual centers of the ancient world. Then visit the 15th-century defensive fortress known as the Citadel of Qaitbay, commissioned by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. After enjoying lunch at an Egyptian restaurant, explore the grounds of the summer palace for Khedive Abbas Hilmy — the last Ottoman viceroy of Egypt and Sudan —at the Montazah Palace Gardens.
Day 6: Travel Overland to Siwa Desert
Travel from Alexandria through the western desert of Egypt to reach Siwa. You'll be on the road for many hours today, so there's not a lot on the schedule. But one highlight is at El Alamein, where you'll visit a war museum and cemetery dedicated to the battles of El Alamein (1942) and World War II. Relax in Siwa, where you'll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 7: Explore Siwa Oasis' Mountain of the Dead & More
Explore Siwa Oasis and its Berber settlements as you journey further into the Egyptian desert. Your guide will lead you through some of the area's major sites, including Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta), with tombs that date from the 26th dynasty, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods. At the Cleopatra Bath, you can take a dip in one of the area's oasis springs. Visit a 26th-dynasty temple, Oracle Temple, built in the 6th century BCE, and the Siwan House, a museum set in a historic house, to learn more about regional traditions and culture. Side-trip to Fatnas Island to watch the sunset before returning to Siwa for the night.
Day 8: Go on a Safari Tour & Enjoy a Bedouin Dinner
Continue your exploration of the Siwa Oasis area today with a visit to the Shali Fortress, exploring the ruins of a 13th-century mud-brick fortress. Once home to hundreds of people, it offers glorious oasis views. Then embark on a safari adventure, traveling through the desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Venture into petrified forests, see fossilized seashells, explore sand dunes, and swim in lakes and springs. You'll end the day with a traditional Bedouin dinner and sleep in Siwa.
Day 9: Transfer from Siwa to Cairo & Dine in the City
Today you'll make your way back to Cairo from Siwa, with a few stops along the way, depending on your interests. After check-in at your hotel in the capital city, you can explore the city once more, taking time to visit museums, go shopping, sample Egyptian cuisine, or simply enjoy sunset views over the Nile River on your last night in the country.
Day 10: Depart
After breakfast, you'll make your way to Cairo International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
More Great 10-Day Egypt Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other 10-day Egypt itineraries, with Nile River cruises, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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