Family-Friendly 11-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Cairo
This 11 day family break to Cairo and the surrounding areas will give you and your family the best leisurely tour of Northern Egypt. By extending to 11 days you can take your time to see all that Cairo has to offer, from ancient Pharaonic culture to fascinating medieval Islamic forts and early Christian sights.
With extra time you can take a full day trip to visit 4 different locations outside of the city. This includes the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, a visit to the fascinating FAYOUm OASIS, the ancient Delta city of TANIS and the coastal Red Sea resort of Ain Sokhna. With plenty of free time in the afternoons to relax in hotels with poolside relaxation, boat trips and interactive living history sites, you'll keep your children engaged and excited.
Day 1: Arrival and First Look at the Pyramids
You will arrive at Cairo International Airport and be taken to your hotel with either a view of the Nile or close to the Giza Plateau.
A. Relaxation
After settling into your hotel you can relax and take your time to get used to the climate and enjoy some fresh Egyptian breads, Hummus and grilled skewers. Your children will also enjoy unpacking and swimming.
B. Giza Plateau Sunset
As it gets towards the end of the afternoon you will head to a fantastic spot with beautiful views across the desert. You can enjoy watching the stunning Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure against the beautiful sunset. To finish your day you can enjoy a welcome meal in a rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the lit up Pyramids.
Day 2: Close up look at the Pyramids and Great Sphinx
Today you will enjoy getting up close to some of the world's most iconic landmarks.
A. Pyramids of Giza and Camel Ride
You will start your day early to get there nice and cool. Enter the archaeological park of Giza, you children can enjoy looking at the sheer size of the huge limestone blocks that make up the Great Pyramids. For the more adventurous members of your family you can book tickets to enter an ancient stone tunnel. Whilst here you can enjoy a short camel/horse carriage ride across the sands of the plateau.
B. Great Sphinx
You will then head down to the base of the Great Sphinx. Children will love hearing the myths behind this mythical lion bodied figure. To finish the morning you can enjoy a relaxing meal in a local restaurant with beautiful views across the plateau. Enjoy some warm breads and mild Egyptian dips.
C. Sound and Light Show
In the evening you can return to the plateau to enjoy the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show. With lots of bright lighting and storytelling you can learn all about the history of the Pharaohs.
Day 3: Saqqara & Dahshur - Birth of the Pyramids
Today you will head south to discover how ancient Egyptian architecture perfected the art of building Pyramids.
A. Saqqara – Step Pyramid of Djoser
Start your day off at Saqqara – the huge ancient Necropolis of Memphis. Here you can find the Step Pyramid of Djoser designed by the royal architect Imhotep. This is the worlds very first stone monument. Your children can enjoy exploring the stone courtyards around the pyramid and head underground to visit beautifully decorated tombs of the nobles. This includes the Tomb of Ti or Mereruka with beautifully carved reliefs on the walls showing what life was like for these people. Including house pets, hippos in the Nile and ancient farmers.
B. Dahshur – Bent and Red Pyramids
Head a short drive south to Dahshur. You can visit 2 unique Pyramids designed by King Sneferu. Children will love comparing the unique angle change in the Bent Pyramid compared to the smooth lines of the Red Pyramid. Older children can enjoy heading underground in the Red Pyramid and exploring the stone chambers using the wooden ramps. Have a lovely lunch in the countryside surrounded by palm trees and head back to Cairo to relax in the evening.
Day 4: Day Trip to Alexandria
Today you will enjoy a comfortable private day trip north across the Nile Delta to the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria.
A. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa & Pompey's Pillar
Arrive in Alexandria and explore the amazing Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Children will love seeing the fascinating mix of Pharaonic, Greek and Roman styles. This includes seeing Anubis wearing Roman armour. Head a short drive away to see Pompey's Pillar – a tall red granite pillar. Children can run around in the outdoor park and see ancient granite Sphinxes.
B. Citadel of Qaitbay
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with beautiful views over the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay – an amazing sea fortress built on top of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. Children will love exploring the stone walls, lookouts and defence walls. Finish your day with a refreshing walk along the Alexandrian corniche and return to Cairo.
Day 5: Royal Treasures, Medieval Markets & Al-Azhar Park
Today you will enjoy visiting some of Cairos world class museums, historical markets and beautiful green spaces.
A. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Start your day off by visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum close to Giza. This large museum has a whole section for the children with lots of interactive displays. Children will be amazed by the huge statue of Ramesses II guarding the entrance, ancient solar boats and thousands of royal artefacts with interactive modern technology.
B. Medieval Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Market
In the afternoon you will visit historical medieval Cairo. Walk along Al-Muizz Street lined with huge stone gates, medieval schools and pretty fountains. This leads straight into the famous Khan el Khalili market. Children will love exploring this amazing place. Wander through the twisting alleyways filled with glowing stained glass lanterns, fragrant spices and copper items.
C. Al-Azhar Park Sunset
In the late afternoon you will head to Al-Azhar Park. This amazing 74 acre green hill gives you beautiful views across the city. Children can enjoy running around on the open lawns and playing in the playgrounds. Parents can relax. Finish your day with a sunset meal with beautiful views across the city.
Day 6: Day Trip to Fayoum Oasis & Wadi El-Hitan
Today you will enjoy an amazing adventure to the Fayoum Oasis and UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi El-Hitan.
A. Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of Whales)
You will head off in your comfortable 4x4 vehicle into the desert. Arrive at Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of Whales). Children will be amazed to see hundreds of fossilised whale skeletons buried in the golden sands of the desert. This proves that millions of years ago this area was a prehistoric ocean. There is an eco-museum onsite with interactive displays showing how marine life evolved.
B. Magic Lake & Falls of Wadi El-Rayan
Head to the natural lakes and falls of Wadi El-Rayan. Children can watch sand-boarders sliding down the desert dunes, take pictures near the Magic Lake and enjoy a traditional Bedouin style lunch in a shady tent. Return to Cairo in the evening.
Day 7: Citadel Fortress & Coptic Cairo
Today you will enjoy visiting some amazing medieval stone fortresses and early Christian history.
A. Citadel of Saladin
Start your day off by visiting the Citadel of Saladin. This amazing medieval stone fortress sits on a hill with beautiful views across the city. Children will love exploring the stone walls, defence towers and stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali with huge domes and impressive central courtyard.
B. Coptic Cairo
In the afternoon you will visit Coptic Cairo. This peaceful area is great for walking. Highlights include the Hanging Church built on top of ancient Roman gate towers and the Church of St Sergius with a hidden crypt where the Holy Family are believed to have stayed during their travels in Egypt.
Day 8: Day Trip to Ancient Tanis & San el-Hagar
Today adventurous families will enjoy an off the beaten track day trip to San el-Hagar – home to Ancient Tanis.
A. Ancient Tanis
Tanis is famous for being the royal capital of the 21st & 22nd Dynasties. It has huge open air ruins with huge broken statues of Ramesses II, fallen Obelisks and stone gates. Children will feel like real archaeologists exploring the peaceful and rarely crowded stone fields. They can also enjoy seeing the stone tombs of the Royals where they found golden treasures untouched.
B. Return Through the Delta
Have a relaxed lunch locally and enjoy a scenic drive back through the lush green farmland of the Nile Delta. Return to Cairo in the evening.
Day 9: Day Trip to Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea
Today you will enjoy a relaxing change of scene with a day trip East through the Eastern Desert to the resort town of Ain Sokhna on the Gulf of Suez.
A. Red Sea Beach
Ain Sokhna is only a 2 hour drive from Cairo with easy highway access. You can enjoy clean beaches and warm sea waters. Rent a day use chalet in one of the beach side resorts. Children can enjoy swimming in the Red Sea, building sand castles and searching for shells.
B. Return
Enjoy a tasty beach side lunch with fresh grilled fish, Calamari and local salads. Take a late afternoon walk along the marina and return to Cairo in time for dinner.
Day 10: Pharaonic Village Island & Nile Felucca
Today you will enjoy some interactive history and relaxing on the Nile.
A. Pharaonic Village Island
Start your day off by visiting The Pharaonic Village. This interactive living history island on the Nile is perfect for families and younger children. Watch actors in costume demonstrating ancient farming, pottery making, boat building & temple rituals as you float past in safe wooden barges. The park also has a replica of King Tutankhamuns tomb and art workshops for children.
B. Nile Felucca
In the late afternoon you will head to the river banks to board a traditional wooden felucca. The gentle breeze will push you along the Nile as you relax and enjoy some music. Watch the city skyline light up.
Day 11: Souvenir Workshops & Farewell Meal
Today you can enjoy some personalised souvenir making and a celebratory meal.
A. Local Artisan Workshops
In the morning you can visit local artisan workshops. Watch papyrus makers demonstrating how to make paper like they did in ancient times. Children can choose some personalised souvenirs. This could include hand carved stone scarabs, Alabaster vases or Cartouche necklaces made from silver with their name engraved in hieroglyphics.
B. Farewell Meal
Your 11 day Cairo itinerary will end with a celebratory meal with some of the nations favourite dishes. This includes Koshary (Lentils, Rice, Pasta & Spiced Tomato Sauce), Sizzled Kofta and sweet Egyptian desserts including Basbousa & Kunafa. You will then be taken to Cairo International Airport in your private transport.
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