Family-Friendly 7-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Cairo

Take your family on an amazing 7 day trip around Cairo to get a real taste of the history, culture and natural beauty of the Egyptian capital. Your slow paced and comfortable family trip will allow you to fully experience everything Cairo has to offer. You'll see the famous Giza Plateau, incredible pyramids of Saqqara and Dahshur, incredible museums, medieval castles and bustling historical markets. Two days of full day excursions will take you to the coastal city of Alexandria and desert oasis of Fayoum. With plenty of evenings free to relax on a cruise along the Nile, visit parks and taste authentic Egyptian food. Below is a breakdown of what your family can do each day to ensure they have a balanced and exciting week in Cairo.

Day 1 – Welcome to Cairo and the Pyramids

Your family will arrive at Cairo International Airport and be driven to your hotel which will either have a view of the Nile or be close to the Giza Plateau.

A. Settle In

Once checked in enjoy a relaxed morning or afternoon. Your family will have some time to relax and adjust to the new climate and enjoy some great local street food like fresh Egyptian bread, hummus and grills. Children can also unpack.

B. Giza Plateau Sunset

In the late afternoon you'll be taken to a fantastic spot to see a panoramic view of the desert. Watching the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure against the beautiful orange sunset is a stunning way to introduce your children to Egypt. Enjoy a welcome meal at a rooftop restaurant with views of the glowing pyramids. Then enjoy an early night's sleep.

Day 2 – Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Today is all about experiencing the iconic pyramids of Giza.

A. Great Pyramids and Camel Ride

Head to the archaeology site of Giza early in the morning to take advantage of the cool temperatures. Children will be in awe of the huge stones that make up the Great Pyramids. If your family are feeling adventurous you can buy tickets to enter an ancient tunnel. Children can enjoy a short camel or horse drawn carriage ride across the plateau.

B. Great Sphinx

Head down to the base of the Great Sphinx. Children will love learning fascinating stories about this mythical creature with a lions body. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant with views of the plateau. Children can enjoy warm breads and light Egyptian dips.

C. Felucca Cruise

Enjoy the warm afternoon by relaxing by the hotel pool. Head down to the banks of the river to enjoy a traditional felucca sailboat ride. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Nile as the gentle breeze blows you along. Parents and children can enjoy relaxing whilst listening to traditional music and watching the glowing skyline of Cairo.

Day 3 – Saqqara and Dahshur

Today take a journey to the peaceful desert landscape to learn how ancient Egyptians mastered pyramid building.

A. Saqqara

Start your day at Saqqara which is the huge necropolis of Memphis. This is where you'll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser which was designed by the royal architect Imhotep. It is the first ever monumental stone structure in the world. Children can explore the stone courtyards and enter beautifully decorated tombs of the noble class such as Tomb of Ti or Mereruka. Inside you'll find beautifully carved walls showing images of their pets, hippos in the Nile and ancient farmers.

B. Dahshur

Drive a short distance to Dahshur to see two unique pyramids designed by king Sneferu. Children will love seeing how the angle has changed on the Bent Pyramid compared to the smooth rise of the Red Pyramid. If your older children are feeling adventurous they can climb down the wooden ramps to explore the underground stone chambers. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the countryside under the palm trees. Return to Cairo for a relaxing evening.

Day 4 – Alexandria Day Trip

Today take a comfortable private day trip to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria.

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

On arrival head to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Children will love seeing the amazing mix of Pharaonic, Greek and Roman art. They will be amazed to see Anubis wearing Roman armour. Drive a short distance to see Pompey's Pillar which is a huge red granite column. Children can run around in the open air park and see ancient granite sphinxes.

B. Citadel of Qaitbay

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with views of the blue Mediterranean waters. Head to the Citadel of Qaitbay which is a sea fortress built on the actual foundation stones of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. Children will love exploring the stone walls, look out towers and fortress walls. Finish your day with a breezy walk along the Alexandrian corniche. Return to Cairo.

Day 5 – Museums, Markets and Al-Azhar Park

Today will be spent exploring some of the world class museums, historical markets and beautiful green spaces.

A. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Start your day with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This huge museum is close to Giza and has its own children's museum. Children will be in awe of the huge statue of Ramesses II which guards the entrance. They will also love seeing the ancient sun boats and thousands of royal artefacts. The modern technology makes the artefacts come to life.

B. Medieval Cairo and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

In the afternoon head to the historical medieval Cairo. Explore the ancient street of Al-Muizz which is lined with huge stone archways, ancient schools and beautiful fountains. This leads directly into the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Children will love exploring this sensory heaven. Walk down the twisting alleyways with glowing stained glass lamps, fragrant spices and copper crafts.

C. Al-Azhar Park

In the late afternoon head to Al-Azhar Park to escape the busy city. This 74 acre park has a beautiful green hill with views across the city. Children can run around on the open lawns and play in the playground areas. Parents can relax. End your day with a panoramic sunset meal inside the park with views of the glowing city spires.

Day 6 – Fayoum Oasis and Wadi El-Hitan

Today is an incredible day out in the desert to the beautiful Fayoum Oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi El-Hitan.

A. Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of Whales)

Drive comfortably in a 4x4 vehicle to the beautiful desert. Arrive at the Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of Whales). Children will be in awe to see hundreds of ancient whale bones in the golden sands. This shows that this area used to be an ocean millions of years ago. There is an eco-museum onsite with interactive displays showing how life in the ocean evolved.

B. Wadi El-Rayan

Head to the natural lakes and waterfalls of the Wadi El-Rayan. Children can watch sandboarders slide down the sandy dunes. Take some photos around the Magic Lake. Enjoy a traditional Bedouin style meal in a shaded tent. Return to Cairo in the evening.

Day 7 – Citadel, Coptic Cairo and Say Goodbye

Today is a mixture of experiencing medieval castles, religious sites and shopping.

A. Citadel of Saladin and Coptic Cairo

Start your day by visiting the Citadel of Saladin which is a medieval castle made from stone located on a hill. Children will love exploring the stone castle walls, fortress towers and the amazing Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its high domes. Next visit Coptic Cairo to explore the Hanging Church which is built over ancient Roman gate towers. See the underground crypt of the Church of St. Sergius.

B. Local Workshops and Say Goodbye

In the afternoon visit some local workshops. Watch the papyrus makers show traditional methods of creating paper. Children can choose their own personalised souvenirs such as stone scarabs, alabaster pots or silver cartouche necklaces with their name carved into them in hieroglyphics.

End your week with a celebratory meal of national dishes. This includes koshary (lentils, rice, pasta and spicy tomato sauce), sizzling kofta and delicious sweet Egyptian desserts such as basbousa and kunafa. Then be driven back to Cairo International Airport.