Family-Friendly 8-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Cairo
An 8-day family tour of Cairo and its surrounding area is the perfect way to experience the ancient history, vibrant culture and stunning dessert scenery of Egypt. This family friendly itinerary has been planned to last 8 days so there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy your family sightseeing experiences with plenty of breaks at lunchtime. Interactive historical sites, beach trips and nature reserves. Parents and children will get to explore the famous Giza Plateau, medieval castles, royal museums and bustling bazaars. With two full days to explore Alexandria and the beautiful desert scenery of Fayoum. By looking at this detailed itinerary you can see how you can have a balanced and memorable family holiday of over a week in the Egyptian capital.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation with the Pyramids
You will begin your day when you arrive at Cairo International Airport and be driven to your hotel. Either located with beautiful views of the Nile River or close to the Giza Plateau.
A. Settle in
Once settled into your hotel you will enjoy a relaxing afternoon. You can unpack and enjoy some delicious Egyptian food such as freshly baked bread, hummus and grilled kebabs. Children can get used to the busy environment and weather.
B. Giza Plateau Sunset
As it gets to later the afternoon you will head to a viewpoint overlooking the Giza Plateau. It is truly breathtaking to see the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure in the setting sun. Enjoy an evening meal to welcome you to the country at one of the rooftop restaurants with beautiful views of the pyramids.
Day 2: Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx
On day 2 you will get the chance to learn more about these world famous landmarks.
A. Great Pyramids of Giza and Camel Ride
You will head to the Giza Archaeological Zone early in the morning to take advantage of the cool temperature. Children will love seeing just how big the limestone blocks are that make up the Great Pyramids. If you have any adventurous family members they can go inside the ancient tunnel. You will then have a short camel or horse carriage ride around the sandy plateau to give you and your children an authentic and unforgettable experience.
B. Great Sphinx and Lunch
From here you will head down to the base of the Great Sphinx. Children will love finding out amazing stories about the magical lion man. You will have a relaxing lunch at one of the local restaurants with beautiful views of the plateau. Enjoy some warm flatbreads and mild Egyptian dips.
C. Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show
In the evening you will return to the plateau to enjoy the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show. The bright lights and story telling will bring the history of the Pharaoh’s to life.
Day 3: Saqqara, Dahshur and Pyramids Beginnings
On day 3 you will head south to explore how the ancient Egyptians improved their pyramid building skills.
A. Saqqara and Step Pyramid of Djoser
You will begin your day at Saqqara, the huge ancient Necropolis of Memphis. Here you will find the Step Pyramid of Djoser which was designed by the royal architect Imhotep. This is the worlds first large stone monument. Children can explore the stone courtyards and go inside the beautifully decorated tombs of the nobles such as the Tomb of Ti or Mereruka. These tombs have beautiful carvings on the walls showing what the ancient Egyptians had in their homes including pets, hippos in the Nile and farmers.
B. Dahshur, Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid
You will drive a short distance south to Dahshur. From here you will visit two unique pyramids built by King Sneferu. Children will love seeing the difference in the angle of the Bent Pyramid compared to the smooth angled Red Pyramid. Older children can go inside the Red Pyramid and explore the underground stone rooms by climbing down the wooden ramps. After enjoying a countryside lunch in the palm trees you will head back to Cairo to relax.
Day 4: Day Trip to Alexandria
On day 4 you will have a relaxing private day trip north to the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria.
A. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Pompey’s Pillar
Once in Alexandria you will visit the amazing Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. You will be amazed by the unique combination of Pharaonic, Greek and Roman art such as Anubis wearing Roman armour. After a short drive you will visit Pompey’s Pillar which is a tall red granite column. Children can run around in the open air park and see the ancient granite Sphinx.
B. Citadel of Qaitbay and Corniche
After fresh seafood lunch with views over the blue waters of the Mediterranean you will visit the Citadel of Qaitbay. This sea fortress is built on top of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. Children will love exploring the stone walls, towers and defence walls. To finish the day you will enjoy a breezy walk along the Alexandrian Corniche before heading back to Cairo.
Day 5: Royal Museum, Medieval Bazaars and Al-Azhar Park
On day 5 you will get to explore Cairo’s world class museums, historical markets and beautiful parks.
A. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
You will begin your day by visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum close to Giza. This huge museum has a children’s section with lots of interactive exhibits. Children will be blown away by the huge statue of Ramesses II that guards the entrance, the ancient sun boats and thousands of royal artefacts with modern interactive displays.
B. Medieval Cairo and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
In the afternoon you will visit the historical medieval city. You will stroll along Al-Muizz Street with huge stone gates, ancient schools and beautiful fountains. This will lead you to the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Children will love exploring this amazing place. You can explore the winding alleys filled with sparkling glass lamps, wonderful smells of spices and copper crafts.
C. Al-Azhar Park Sunset
In the late afternoon you will visit Al-Azhar Park to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is a huge 74 acre park with beautiful views over the city skyline. Children can run around on the open lawns and enjoy the play areas. Parents can relax whilst enjoying a panoramic sunset meal inside the park with views of the city lights.
Day 6: Day Trip to Fayoum Oasis and Wadi El-Hitan
On day 6 you will have an amazing desert adventure to the Fayoum Oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi El-Hitan.
A. Valley of Whales (Wadi El-Hitan)
You will head off into the desert in a comfortable 4x4 to reach Wadi El-Hitan (The Valley of Whales). Children will be amazed to see hundreds of ancient legged whales fossilised in the golden sands. This proves that millions of years ago this area was an ancient ocean. There is also an Eco Museum to show interactive displays about how marine life evolved.
B. Magic Lake and Wadi El-Rayan Waterfalls
You will then visit the natural desert lakes and waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan. Children can watch sandboarders ride down the desert dunes. You can take some photos around the Magic Lake and enjoy a traditional Bedouin style lunch in a shady tent. In the evening you will head back to Cairo.
Day 7: Pharaonic Village and Nile Felucca
On day 7 you will enjoy some interactive historical experiences and relaxing on the Nile.
A. Pharaonic Village
You will begin your day at The Pharaonic Village which is an interactive historical island located on the Nile River. Families can float past the village in safe wooden boats. You will watch actors in historical costumes demonstrating how the ancient Egyptians farmed, made pottery, built boats and performed rituals in their temples. There is also a replica of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and child friendly art activities.
B. Nile Felucca Sunset
In the late afternoon you will head to the banks of the Nile to enjoy a traditional wooden Felucca sailing boat ride. You will relax as you glide along the Nile with the gentle breeze. Parents and children can enjoy some music and watching the city skyline light up.
Day 8: Citadel, Coptic Cairo and Departure
On your final day you will enjoy some medieval castles, religious history and shopping.
A. Citadel of Saladin and Coptic Cairo
You will start your day at the Citadel of Saladin a medieval stone castle located on the hill overlooking the city. Children will love exploring the castle walls, defence towers and the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its beautiful tall domes. From here you will visit Coptic Cairo. Children will love exploring the Hanging Church built on top of ancient Roman gate towers. You can also explore the underground crypt of the Church of St Sergius.
B. Shopping and Farewell Meal
In the afternoon you will visit local artisans to see how they make Papyrus. Children can choose their own personalised souvenirs such as carved stone Scarabs, alabaster vases and silver Cartouche necklaces with their name in hieroglyphics.
To finish your 8-day tour of Cairo you will enjoy a celebratory meal with some national dishes such as Koshary (Lentils, Rice, Pasta and Spicy tomato sauce), Sizzling Kofta and some delicious sweet Egyptian desserts such as Basbousa and Kunafa. You will then be driven to Cairo International Airport to depart.
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