Family-Friendly 5-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Cairo

Cairo has an amazing variety of historical monuments, interactive cultural experiences and exciting attractions. With a five-day trip to Cairo, your family can visit some of the most iconic pyramids, historic sites, world-class museums and royal parks. Combine visiting some ancient sites in the mornings with relaxing activities on the Nile and cultural excursions in the afternoons to make a truly unforgettable trip to Egypt.

Day 1: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx & Nile Cruise

Your family adventure begins with visiting the Pyramids of Giza located on the Giza Plateau.

A. Great Pyramids of Giza & Camel Ride

Start your trip with an early start to avoid the midday heat. The children and adults will be amazed by the sight of giant limestone blocks that make up the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Take the family for a short guided camel ride or horse carriage ride across the golden sands to get a wide panoramic view of the area. This makes for a perfect family photo!

B. Great Sphinx & Lunch

Once you've taken some photos take your family down to the Great Sphinx. Children will love learning about the myths around this lion body guardian made from one ridge of living limestone. Finish your morning off by enjoying some relaxing lunch at a nearby restaurant which overlooks the Giza Plateau. Enjoy some delicious Egyptian flatbread, grilled skewers and mild dips such as hummus and sesame.

C. Felucca Nile Cruise

After checking in to your hotel and having a relaxing time in the pool, head down to the river side as the sun begins to set. Your family will enjoy a relaxing cruise on a traditional wooden sail boat called a Felucca. As you sail along the Nile you'll enjoy the gentle breeze whilst listening to some traditional music.

Day 2: Saqqara & Dahshur

Head further south into the peaceful desert to learn about how the ancient Egyptians perfected building pyramids.

A. Step Pyramid of Djoser

Begin your day at Saqqara, the huge necropolis of Memphis. Here you'll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the worlds first ever monumental stone structure. Designed by the royal architect Imhotep. The children will love exploring the stone areas surrounding the pyramid and heading underground to some beautifully decorated noble tombs such as the Tomb of Ti or Mereruka. The walls are beautifully carved with bright reliefs showing images of the families pets, hippos in the Nile and ancient farmers.

B. Bent Pyramid & Red Pyramid

Drive for a short time to Dahshur to visit two unusual pyramids built by King Sneferu. The children will love comparing the difference in angles between the bent pyramid and the smooth upward pyramids. Older adventurous children can head underground and climb down the wooden ramps inside the Red Pyramid to explore the underground stone chambers. Enjoy a delicious country lunch in the palm trees and head back to Cairo for a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Grand Egyptian Museum & Medieval Bazaars

Visit Cairo's top archaeological site and experience the vibrant colours of medieval Egypt.

A. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Begin your morning by visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, located close to the Pyramids of Giza. This huge museum has a children's museum with many interactive augmented reality exhibitions. The children will be fascinated by the giant statue of Ramesses II that guards the entrance to the atrium, preserved ancient solar boats and thousands of royal artefacts using modern interactive technology.

B. Medieval Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

In the afternoon visit the historical city of medieval Cairo. Walk along Al-Muizz Street which has huge stone gates, medieval schools and ornate fountains. Follow the walkway into the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. The children will love this place! Follow the winding alleyways of the bazaar filled with glowing stained glass lanterns, wonderful smells and traditional copper items. Stop for a refreshing drink of mint tea or hibiscus juice (karkadeh).

Day 4: Coptic Culture, Citadel & Al-Azhar Park

Visit some historical castles, ancient Christian areas and beautiful green parks overlooking the city.

A. Citadel of Saladin & Hanging Church

Begin your morning at the Citadel of Saladin, a large medieval castle located on a hill overlooking Cairo. The children can explore the castle towers, walls and the beautiful Mosque of Muhammed Ali with high domes and stunning central courtyard. Next visit Coptic Cairo, a peaceful historic area. The highlights include the Hanging Church built on top of ancient roman gate towers. The Church of St Sergius also has a underground crypt that is thought to have been where the holy family stayed.

B. Al-Azhar Park

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Al-Azhar Park. This beautiful park covers 74 acres of lush green hill right in the centre of Cairo. The children can run around on the open grassy areas, explore the fountains and play areas. Parents can relax at a shady café. Finish your day with a panoramic sunset meal inside the park watching the lights on the Citadel.

Day 5: Pharaonic Village, Souvenir Making & Saying Goodbye

Experience some interactive history and relax whilst making souvenirs.

A. Pharaonic Village

Begin your morning at The Pharaonic Village. An interactive history island located on the Nile River. The actors are dressed in authentic ancient clothing and demonstrate how the ancient Egyptians farmed, made pottery, built papyrus boats and mummified the royalty. There is also a full size replica of King Tutankhamun's tomb so the children can have lots of fun revising what they have learnt throughout the week.

B. Souvenir Making

In the afternoon visit some local artisan workshops. Watch the papyrus makers demonstrate how they make paper using ancient methods. The children can choose their own personalised souvenirs such as stone scarab's, alabaster vases and silver cartouches with their name in hieroglyphics.

To finish your 5-day trip enjoy a celebratory meal of some national dishes such as koshary (lentils, rice, pasta & spicy tomato sauce), sizzling kofta and delicious Egyptian desserts such as basbousa & kunafa. Your family will then be taken to Cairo International Airport in private transport for your departure flight.