Location: Cairo
Top Things to do in Cairo
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What to do and see in Cairo, Cairo Governorate: The Best Cultural Tours
Cairo’s an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis—it’s one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you’re not looking for solitude, Cairo—the City of the Thousand Minarets—is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Restaurants in Cairo
1. Private Full Day Tour: to Alexandria from Cairo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Whilst you are in Cairo why not consider taking a trip to visit the wonderful city of Alexandria. Take in Pompey’s Pillar the only known free standing column.View the ruins of a Roman Temple.You will also have the opportunity to visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa one of the seven wonders of the Middle Ages.Then proceed onto Qaitbay Citadel. End on a visit to Bibliotheca Alexandria.
Inclusions: Picking you up from your starting point and return, All transfers by a modern A/C vehicle, Private Egyptologist Guide, Bottled water provided during your tours and transfers, All service charges & taxes
Exclusions: Entrance fees to sites, Any optional tours, Lunch, Tipping
Reviewed By StarryKozel
This was a top class tour, thoroughly enjoyable and well-organised (after the first day's confusion). Particularly great and highlights of our trip were our 2 guides: Sam (a.k.a. Ahmed) in Cairo and Roshdy along the Nile from arrival at Luxor to departure at Aswan. Both made the trip so enjoyable and we highly recommend them. Nothing was too much trouble for Sam and Roshdy and they did everything to make our trip perfect. Arrival at Cairo airport was a minor problem - apparently the meeter & greeter was inside the terminal before immigration and baggage hall and this was not expected. We waited in the arrivals hall and eventually took a taxi - fortunately, we had asked where we were staying beforehand. The tour company had not provided a detailed itinerary at that stage. A last minute change to the itinerary was notified to us concerning the flight from Cairo to Luxor meaning less time in Cairo on arrival. However, luckily it turned out for the best as we had an extra day in Aswan and we caught up with what we had missed in Cairo on our return. Communication before arrival could be improved. However, these were the only minor issues and everything from that point went beautifully once we had met our guides. They were clearly supported well by Reflections. Accommodation at Mercure Le Sphinx was adequate. Small rooms, rather crowded although early breakfast was provided for early starters like us. The food was OK but nothing special - the staff found it hard to keep up with replenishing food, crockery and cutlery. The day went really well. First visit to Pyramids at Giza (almost next door), the Sphinx and Coptic Cairo. Excellent lunch of Koshari at authentic Abu Tarek restaurant in the city centre. We were tired by this time and opted out of any other planned visits (including the Egyptian Museum, which we did at our leisure after the Nile trip). We idled at the airport and flew to Luxor, arriving mid-evening. We stayed onboard our excellent cruise ship, Semiramis III, and as we had missed dinner, food was left in our well-appointed cabin, more spacious than we had expected. The huge picture window was a highlight. The ship, the staff (especially concierge Zerdan) and the food were all excellent. and we felt very comfortable. Meal times were arranged around trips. Food is included in the fare but not alcohol; local lager beer is good but the wine? No recommendations as we failed to find anything worth drinking. First day saw us at Karnak (a highlight for me) and Luxor temples in the early morning and Valley of the Kings late morning (another highlight). Hatshepsut's temple was an unexpected treat and is now looked back on with pleasure. We called at the imposing Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for a late lunch. We set off upstream mid afternoon allowing a relaxing time on the wonderful open top deck, enjoying the Nile scenery and birding. Next day we visited Edfu temple and in the dark of the evening, Kom-Ombo temple. In the meantime, we enjoyed the gentle cruise upstream. I had awoken during the night at the locks and spent an hour watching our progress through them. Very interesting. We awoke at berth in Aswan, opposite the huge dune of Qubbet. Because of the changed itinerary, we had time to visit Abu Simbel temple - a 3 hour desert journey each way but well worth it - this was an 'extra'. The temple had been moved to its present place on the banks of Nasser Lake at the time of construction of the dam at Aswan by the Soviets. On our return, after siesta and food, we visited a Nubian Village. That was interesting enough, but knowing my interest in birds, we took the backwaters of the Nile to reach the village. Superb! Final day saw local Aswan trips to the Unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam and Philae Temple. I bought 2 tee shirts: bargaining started at $150 each and finished at $10 for both :) Our flight back to Cairo from Aswan was delayed twice, so we arrived back mid-evening and again stayed at Mercure Le Sphinx hotel, but in a better room. Final tour day (but not our final day as we stayed on) saw us visit the Egyptian Museum and we were so glad we had not rushed around it on the first day. We were able to take our time. We lunched again at Abu Tarek for Koshari, now a favourite in our home. After lunch, I went alone with Sam to the Step Pyramid at Saqqara (an 'extra'). Another 'extra' was the Pyramids and Sphinx Sound and Light Show. It was memorable and well worth seeing. In summary, the trip was historically memorable, relaxing during the cruise, excellent value, well-organised and the guides (Sam & Roshdy) made everything perfect. We can highly recommend this trip
2. Egypt Tour 8 nights Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel, Nile Cruise, Air Balloon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
See Egypt with different eyes. Enjoy the main highlights of Luxor. Enjoy the main highlights of Aswan. Visit the fabulous temples of abu simbel. Valley of the Kings and so much more with an Egyptology guide. Take it easy with door-to-door transfers to and from Cairo international airport. Visit the most ancient temples in whole the world. Touch the great Egyptian culture in luxor and Aswan. Experience the great Egyptian river Nile by sailing Nile cruise. Experience the hot air balloon the life trip in luxor. Visit the great and famous 3 pyramids in Giza. Enjoy a worry-free excursion with all accommodation, transportation, and most meals taken care of. Stop at the Abu Simbel, Komombo,Hatsheput, Karnak and Edfu temples; and learn about Egyptian history and culture. Feast on buffet lunches, dinners, and breakfasts on board a 5-star ship. Open your eyes you are in Egypt the land of the great civilization.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, 2 nights at 3 stars hotel in Cairo with breakfast (available to upgrade), 4 nights on 5 stars cruise board with all meals start with lunch end with breakfast last day., all sites which mentioned in program., expert Egyptology tour guide., a/c transportation., motor boat, horse and carriage., taxes and charges., abu simbel trip from Aswan, hot air balloon trip in luxor., return a/c first class seated train tickets(sleeping train tickets available with extra 150$ ), door to door transfers from and to Cairo airport, the great pyramids&valley of the kings and so much more as in itinerary, handling fees, Meet and Assist upon arrival & Departure, west and east banks in luxor, Aswan tours, komombo and edfu temples
Exclusions: entrance fees (90 us dollars per person for all the sites), tipping(optional)
Reviewed By V1131IQnicolew
It’s the first Time we travelled in Egyptia ans especially with your agency we were grateful to have.
3. EGYPT 8 Days Cairo,luxor,Aswan,abu simbel,balloon,Nile Cruise from Cairo airport
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
See all that Egypt has to offer on a week-long private excursion from Cairo. See the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. take a Nile River cruise from luxor to Aswan. stop at the Abu Simbel, Komombo, Karnak and Edfu temples; and learn about Egyptian history and culture. Enjoy a worry-free excursion with all accommodation, transportation, and most meals taken care of. the great pyramids,valley of the kings and so much more with an Egyptology tour guide. Enjoy sun set and sun rise while cruise sail above the river Nile which has many secrets you can be one of a lot who desire to find out some of these secrets. enjoy the highlights of Aswan and Luxor. Feast on buffet lunches, dinners, and breakfasts on board a 5-star ship. Take it easy with door-to-door transfers from and to Cairo airport. visit the fabulous temples of abu simbel. experience the life trip in luxor hot air balloon our target to make sure that you have unforgettable memories during your stay in Egypt
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, a/c transportation , door to door transfers from and to Cairo airport, hot air balloon trip in luxor, the great pyramids&valley of the kings and so much more as in itinerary, 2 nights at 3 stars hotel in Cairo with breakfast (available to upgrade), A/C first class seated train tickets(sleeping train or flight are available upon your request), 3 nights on 5 stars cruise board with all meals start with lunch end with breakfast , horse and carriage, all sites which mentioned in program, handling fees , abu simbel tour from Aswan, Egyptology tour guide, taxes and charges, Shopping tours during the tour, Meet and Assist upon arrival & Departure , Aswan tours, west and east banks of luxor
Exclusions: entrance fees(around 85 us dollars per person for all the sites), tipping
Reviewed By V1131IQnicolew
It’s the first Time we travelled in Egyptia ans especially with your agency we were grateful to have.
4. 10 Day Egypt Experience Tour (Domestic flight)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
10 Day Egypt Experience Tour gives you a chance to discover Egypt, Explore Upper Egypt’s ancient landmarks with 05 stars Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan Solo travellers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travellers booking separately.
Inclusions: 5 nights in 4 star Cairo hotel on bed and breakfast basis , Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, " Cairo Pyramids or Stigenberger or similar", 4 nights on 5 star superior Nile Cruise on Full board basis, " Solaris II or, Nile Quest, Sarah, Semiramis, or Tamr Hena or Radamis II or similar", Guided tours of the Pyramids and the City tour in Cairo, Aswan, Kom-ombo, Edfu and Luxor, Egyptologist English speaking tour guide, 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners, All your tours and excursions are with A/C vans or buses, Free airport meet and greet transfer, Domestic flight Cairo/Luxor - Aswan/Cairo
Exclusions: International flights, Insurance, Egypt Visa "USD 25 per passport", Mandatory Tipping Kitty "USD 15 per person per day", Entrance fees "USD 100 - USD 125 per person for the whole trip" , Personal expenses (Laundry, Sauna, telephones.etc) , Drinks , Meals not mentioned, Any Optional tours
Reviewed By John R
Our was called Egypt Highlights Cairo and Nike cruise with sleeping train 10 Days. It was a fantastic and well organized overview of Egypt.
5. Giza Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Discover Giza Pyramids Tour Visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx, then the older Step Pyramid at Sakkara and Memphis, the first ancient capital of Egypt to Witness the greatest of Ancient Egypt near Cairo all in one day.
Inclusions: Lunch meal will be served in a local restaurant / Bottled water during your trip., All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites / Shopping tours in Cairo.
Exclusions: Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary / Tipping.
Reviewed By 678elbam
Was a beautiful experience, excellent. Mohamed is the best tourist guide. I recommend to all my friends.
6. Full Day Tour to Giza Pyramids with Camel Ride and Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Private full day trip to Giza Pyramids and Sphinx includes Camel Ride around the Great Pyramid then visit Egyptian Museum in Cairo Private Guided day trip Starts at 8:00 am until 16:00 pm includes all Pickup and drop off transfers, Tour guide,water and Snacks The tour could be sharing with others if there other guests booked it on same date
Inclusions: Snacks & bottled water is always included, Qualified Egyptologist guide (optional), All Transfers in Private AC latest model Vehicle , Lunch at Local restaurant (Optional), 30 Minutes Camel Ride at Giza Pyramids is always included, Entry Fees (Optional)
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By ffay005
I booked a private tour to the pyramids to avoid all the hassle, and it was definitely worth it. The tour was prepaid by credit card and I found the price affordable. All my emails were promptly answered, too. I was picked up right on time by a driver and my guide, Nesma, and as traffic was light, the journey from central Cairo to the pyramids took some 20 minutes only. Nesma gave quick briefs at our stops and I had ample time to look around and take photos. She answered all the questions I had and did her best to accommodate my wishes. Her English was excellent. After the pyramids and the sphinx, we made a quick extra stop at a papyrus shop/factory, where they explained the making and history of papyrus. There was no pressure to buy anything, it was a genuine educational stop and an interesting one at that. I can warmly recommend Emotours. I found them reliable, punctual and knowledgeable.
7. Private Tour to Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Egyptian Museum and Bazar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Spend the day visiting Ancient Egypt . Take in the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx before visiting the Egyptian Museum with the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you the whole way.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Qualified Egyptologist guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Private tour, Entry / Admission to the Giza Pyramids , Local Food ( Falafel / Koshri ), Entry/Admission - Pyramids of The Sphinx , Entry/Admission - The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
Exclusions: Gratuities, Entry / Admission to go inside the Great Pyramid $25 to be paid upon your visit, Entry / Admission inside the mummy rooms at the Egyptian museum $10 per person, Entry/Admission - Inside Khafre's Pyramid is $7
Reviewed By Maria S
Thank you for a amazing 2 days in Cairo! Many thanks to manager George who give us a full support during the planning of the trip and asked for all of our questions. We have a perfect private tour in Cairo, Giza and Sakkara with guide Hesham, everything was good and in time. Also you can ask for a hotel reservation (it will be cheaper than bookingcom) Highly recommended! Спасибо за 2 потрясающие дня в Каире! Отдельная благодарность менеджеру Джорджу за поддержку в планировании нашего путешествия и за ответы на множество моих вопросов:) У нас получился идеальный тур по Каиру, Гизе и Саккаре с гидом Хесамом, все прошло хорошо и по таймингу. Так же можно обратиться за помощью с бронированием отелей (экономнее, чем booking) Рекомендую!
8. Full day tour to GIZA PYRAMIDS MEMPHIS CITY AND SAKKARA PYRAMID
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 316 reviews
Cairo full day tour visits Giza Pyramids Sphinx one of Egypt top attractions, Memphis Citythat was the ancient Capital of Egypt Then Visit Sakkara Pyramid that has been considered the first stone structure in the world.Private guided day tour in Giza starts from 8 am to 4 pm includes all Pickup and drop off transfers, tour guide, and Snacks The tour could be sharing with others if there other guests booked it on same date
Inclusions: Snacks, Qualified Egyptologist guide (Optional), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Lunch at Local restaurant (Optional), Entry Fees (Optional)
Exclusions: Gratuities, any Optional tours such as Entry inside any of the Pyramids that requires additional tickets can be bought during the visit.(inside the Great Pyramid 22.50 $, Middle Pyramid 7.50 $, Solar Boat Museum 7.50 $, 1 hour camel ride at Giza Pyramids 20$, 30 Minutes Camel ride 10$, 1 Hour Quad bike at the wide desert of Giza Pyramids 25$
Reviewed By ffay005
I booked a private tour to the pyramids to avoid all the hassle, and it was definitely worth it. The tour was prepaid by credit card and I found the price affordable. All my emails were promptly answered, too. I was picked up right on time by a driver and my guide, Nesma, and as traffic was light, the journey from central Cairo to the pyramids took some 20 minutes only. Nesma gave quick briefs at our stops and I had ample time to look around and take photos. She answered all the questions I had and did her best to accommodate my wishes. Her English was excellent. After the pyramids and the sphinx, we made a quick extra stop at a papyrus shop/factory, where they explained the making and history of papyrus. There was no pressure to buy anything, it was a genuine educational stop and an interesting one at that. I can warmly recommend Emotours. I found them reliable, punctual and knowledgeable.
9. Cairo Private Day Tour to Egyptian Museum Citadel and Khan Khalili Bazaar
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 105 reviews
Enjoy Cairo Day tour to Egyptian Museum where you see Tutankhamun's treasures Then Visit The Citadel of Cairo where you visit the Alabaster mosque of Mohamed Ali then Visit Khan Khalili Bazaar Private guided day tour start from 8 am to 4 pm includes Pickup and drop off transfers, professional expert tour guide (Optional)
Inclusions: Snacks & bottled water is always included, Qualified Egyptologist guide (optional), All Transfers in Private AC latest model Vehicle , Lunch at Local restaurant (Optional), Entry Fees (Optional)
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By ffay005
I booked a private tour to the pyramids to avoid all the hassle, and it was definitely worth it. The tour was prepaid by credit card and I found the price affordable. All my emails were promptly answered, too. I was picked up right on time by a driver and my guide, Nesma, and as traffic was light, the journey from central Cairo to the pyramids took some 20 minutes only. Nesma gave quick briefs at our stops and I had ample time to look around and take photos. She answered all the questions I had and did her best to accommodate my wishes. Her English was excellent. After the pyramids and the sphinx, we made a quick extra stop at a papyrus shop/factory, where they explained the making and history of papyrus. There was no pressure to buy anything, it was a genuine educational stop and an interesting one at that. I can warmly recommend Emotours. I found them reliable, punctual and knowledgeable.
10. 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 457 reviews
On this private Cairo day tour several activities are involved and different periods of ancient history of Egypt are covered as you will visit the pyramids of Giza, namely Great Pyramid of Cheops (khufu), Chephren (Khafre) and Mycerinus (Menkaure), they represent 3 generations dating back to the 4th Dynasty (about 2500 B.C. You will ride a camel for 30 minutes in the Sahara desert around the pyramids as well as the Great Sphinx considered as guardian of the Giza plateau, you will have lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the pyramids. you will have lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the pyramids. Then you will proceed to the Egyptian museum of antiquities in Tahrir square with its treasures that represent ancient Egyptian art along its history from little household tools to massive stone statues , the oriental bazaar of Khan el Khalili, oldest market in Egypt and the whole Middle East, where you will live the experience of bargaining.
Inclusions: Entrance fees , Lunch at a good quality restaurant , 30 minutes camel ride around Giza pyramids, Qualified Egyptologist guide, Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Gratuities, Extra entrance fees (interior of Giza pyramids)
Reviewed By gregorycC6100GF
I very rarely book tours, but knowing that Cairo is a special kind of beast due to the high number of scammers after money, I decided to save myself the headache and book a tour for my Cairo layover. Memo and and the driver Mohammad arrived at the airport on time (probably early) and brought me to a well air conditioned car. Memo has a great amount of knowledge about the sights and gives great advice for travelers. He is enthusiastic and took some great photos of me on my camera (I'm not up for posting photos of myself on TripAdvisor, but he knows exactly the angles to get some great photos). My only piece of advice is that unless you actually think you'll buy something, the aromatherapy store is skippable -- while the papyrus store gives you some knowledge even if you don't plan on making a purchase, the aromatherapy place is largely a sales pitch, albeit one from a very nice woman. The restaurant was nice and since we had a little extra time, Memo helped me obtain a sim card for my phone. Highly recommended and affordable.
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