Family-Friendly 9-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Cairo

An amazing 9-day family holiday to Cairo and the surrounding area will show you how to experience Egypt's ancient history, culture and stunning desert landscape in a relaxed and realistic way. Over the course of 9 days you will have no pressure to see too much as there are plenty of breaks for lunch, living museums and trips to the beach and nature reserves.

You will explore ancient Giza Plateau, castles, royal museums and bustling bazaars. Plus you will have a whole day to explore the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, Fayoum Oasis and exciting culture parks. Below shows you exactly what your family will experience on each day to create a perfect balance of experiences to make the most of your week plus in the Egyptian capital.

Day 1: Arrival & Check into Hotel + Pyramids at Sunset

Your family will arrive at Cairo International Airport and be taken to your hotel either with scenic views of the Nile or close to the Giza Plateau.

A. Settle In

After check-in your family will have an easy afternoon to settle in, unpack and try some local Egyptian food like fresh flat bread, hummus & grilled kebabs. Your children will have time to get used to the busy environment and weather.

B. Giza Plateau at Sunset

As it starts to get late your family will head to a viewing point with amazing views of the desert. You will get to see the amazing Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre & Menkaure against the setting sun. To finish the evening you will have a welcome meal at a rooftop restaurant with views of the glowing pyramids.

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza & Great Sphinx

A. Great Pyramids & Camel Ride

To make the most of the cooler morning temperatures your family will head to the archaeological site of Giza. Your children will be amazed by the huge size of the limestone blocks that make up the Great Pyramids. If you have adventurous family members they will love getting inside an ancient tunnel. You will also have a short camel or horse carriage ride across the sandy plateau.

B. Great Sphinx & Lunch

Next your family will head down to the base of the Great Sphinx. Your children will love learning about the fascinating stories behind this mythical creature with the body of a lion. To finish the morning you will have a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant with views of the plateau. You can try some warm flat breads and mild Egyptian dips.

C. Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show

In the evening your family will return to the plateau to enjoy the amazing Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show. This uses bright lights and storytelling to really bring the story of the pharaohs to life!

Day 3: Saqqara, Dahshur & Pyramids Origins

Today your family will travel south into the peaceful desert countryside to learn about how ancient Egyptians perfected pyramid building.

A. Saqqara & Step Pyramid of Djoser

Your morning will start with a visit to Saqqara, the huge ancient cemetery of Memphis. Here you can see the Step Pyramid of Djoser which was designed by royal architect Imhotep. This is the worlds first massive stone structure! Your children will love exploring the surrounding stone courtyards and heading underground into beautiful decorated tombs of noblemen. These include the Tomb of Ti or Mereruka. Inside you will see beautifully carved relief scenes showing animals that would have been kept as pets, hippos in the Nile and ancient farmers.

B. Dahshur, Bent & Red Pyramids

A short drive away your family will visit Dahshur. Here you can see two unusual pyramids designed by King Sneferu. Your children will love seeing the difference between the sharp angles of the Bent Pyramid and the smooth sloping sides of the Red Pyramid. Older adventurous children will love heading underground into the Red Pyramid to explore the stone chambers using the wooden ramps. After a lovely lunch in the countryside your family will head back to Cairo to relax.

Day 4: Day Trip to Alexandria

Today your family will enjoy an easy private day trip to the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. This will take you across the Nile Delta.

A. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa & Pompey's Pillar

Once in Alexandria your family will visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. This amazing underground attraction shows the unique mix of Pharaonic, Greek & Roman artefacts. This includes Anubis wearing roman armour. A short drive away you will visit Pompey's Pillar. This is a huge red granite column and your children will love running around in the open air park. They can also see ancient granite sphinxes.

B. Citadel of Qaitbay & Beach Walk

After a fresh seafood lunch with views of the blue Mediterranean sea your family will visit the Citadel of Qaitbay. This is a sea fortress built atop the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. Your children will love exploring the stone walls, look out towers & fortress walls. To finish the day your family will enjoy a refreshing walk along the Alexandrian corniche and then head back to Cairo.

Day 5: Royal Museum, Bazaars & Al-Azhar Park

Today your family will visit world class museums, historic bazaars and beautiful green areas.

A. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Your morning will start with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum close to Giza. This massive museum has a special children's museum with lots of interactive displays. Your children will be fascinated by the huge statue of Ramesses II in the atrium, the ancient preserved sun boats and thousands of royal artefacts displayed using modern interactive technology.

B. Medieval Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

In the afternoon your family will head to historic medieval Cairo. You will walk along Al-Muizz Street which has amazing towering stone gates, medieval schools & beautiful fountains. This leads you straight into the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This is a fantastic place for your children. You can walk along the twisting lanes filled with glowing stained glass lamps, fragrant spices & copper items.

C. Al-Azhar Park at Sunset

In the late afternoon you will head to Al-Azhar Park to escape the busy city. This 74 acre park has amazing views of the skyline. Your children will love running around on the open lawns and playing in the playground areas. To finish the evening you will enjoy a panoramic sunset meal in the park with views of the glowing city spires.

Day 6: Day Trip to Fayoum Oasis & Wadi El-Hitan

Today your family will go on an amazing desert adventure to the Fayoum Oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi El-Hitan.

A. Valley of Whales (Wadi El-Hitan)

Your family will travel in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle to the desert. Once there you will visit Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of Whales). Your children will be shocked to see hundreds of ancient whale fossils with legs stuck in the golden sands. This proves that this area of desert used to be an ancient ocean millions of years ago! There is also an eco museum on site which has interactive displays about the evolution of sea life.

B. Magic Lake & Wadi El-Rayan Waterfalls

Next your family will visit the natural lakes and waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan. Your children will watch sandboarders zoom down the desert dunes. They can also take photos by the Magic Lake. You can enjoy a traditional Bedouin style lunch in the shade of a tent. In the evening your family will return to Cairo.

Day 7: Citadel Fortress & Coptic Cairo

Today your family will visit ancient stone castles and sacred early Christian sites.

A. Citadel of Saladin

Your morning will start with a visit to the Citadel of Saladin. This is an ancient stone castle located on a hill with amazing views of the skyline. Your children will love exploring the castle walls, defence towers & beautiful Mosque of Muhammad Ali. This has amazing high domes & large central courtyard with incredible views of the sprawling city.

B. Coptic Cairo

In the afternoon your family will visit Coptic Cairo. This is a peaceful pedestrian area. You will see the Hanging Church which was built on top of ancient roman gateway towers. You will also visit the Church of St. Sergius which has an amazing underground crypt where the Holy Family are thought to have stayed.

Day 8: Pharaonic Village Island & Nile Felucca

Today your family will enjoy an interactive history experience and relaxing on the Nile.

A. Pharaonic Village Island

Your morning will start with a visit to The Pharaonic Village. This amazing interactive living history island is perfect for families and children. As you float past in safe wooden boats you will see actors dressed in costume showing ancient farming, pottery making, boat building & temple rituals. The park also has a replica of King Tutankhamun's tomb and children's art workshops.

B. Nile Felucca at Sunset

In the late afternoon your family will head to the banks of the river to enjoy a traditional wooden felucca sailboat. With the gentle breeze your family will cruise along the Nile. This is a great chance to relax, enjoy some music and watch the Cairo skyline glow.

Day 9: Workshop & Farewell Meal

Today your family will enjoy a visit to some workshops and have a celebratory meal.

A. Workshop Visit

In the morning your family will visit local workshops. Watch papyrus makers show you how they make paper the ancient way. Your children can choose some personalised souvenirs like hand carved stone scarabs, alabaster vases or silver cartouche necklaces with their name carved in hieroglyphics.

B. Farewell Meal

Your 9 day Cairo holiday will end with a celebratory meal. Enjoy some local favourites like koshary (lentils, rice, pasta & spiced tomato sauce) and sizzling kofta. Finish with some sweet Egyptian desserts like basbousa & kunafa. Your family will then be taken back to Cairo International Airport in your private transportation.