Family-Friendly 12-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Cairo

A 12-day Cairo and surrounds family tour gives you the ultimate relaxed itinerary to explore all that Northern Egypt has to offer. With plenty of time to relax by the hotel pool, enjoy leisurely meals and wonderful Nile views, your kids will have plenty of energy to explore all that Egypt has to offer. This exciting itinerary includes visits to world class museums, amazing pyramids, historical Islamic monuments, early Christian sites and 5 full day excursions to explore the surrounding deserts, Nile Delta, coastal cities and resorts along the Mediterranean and Red Sea. As you can see from our detailed day-by-day breakdown below, you can create a wonderful balanced 12-day family itinerary to explore Cairo.

Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation to the Pyramids

You will arrive at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel with private transfers. Your hotel will either have amazing Nile River views or be located close to the Giza Plateau.

A. Relax & Settle In

Once you are settled into your hotel, you will have a relaxed afternoon to unwind from your travels, get settled into your room and sample some local Egyptian cuisine with fresh flat breads, hummus and delicious grilled kebabs. Your children can settle into their new surrounds and get used to the vibrant atmosphere and weather.

B. Giza Plateau Sunset Views

In the late afternoon you will head to one of the best viewpoints over the Giza Plateau. Watching the incredible Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure in the golden sunset will give your family an amazing first taste of Egypt! You will enjoy a welcome dinner with amazing views of the glowing monuments from one of the rooftop restaurants.

Day 2 – Pyramids of Giza & Great Sphinx

Today you will explore the iconic landmarks of Giza.

A. Great Pyramids & Camel Safaris

Start your day early so you can make the most of the cool morning temperatures. Enter into the archaeological site of Giza. Your children will be amazed by the monumental size of these pyramids made from huge limestone blocks. Those wanting to get adventurous can enter into one of the ancient stone tunnels. Take a short camel or horse carriage ride across the golden plateau.

B. Great Sphinx & Lunch with Views

Next you will head down to the base of the Great Sphinx. Your children will love listening to the stories of this legendary guardian with a lions body. Finish your morning with a relaxing lunch at one of the local restaurants with amazing views of the plateau. Enjoy some tasty flat breads and mild Egyptian dips.

C. Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show

In the evening you will return to the plateau to enjoy the Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show. Watch the incredible stories of the pharaohs come alive with bright lighting.

Day 3 – Saqqara & Dahshur – Birth of the Pyramids

Today you will head south to explore how the ancient Egyptian architects perfected the art of building pyramids.

A. Saqqara – Step Pyramid of Djoser

Start your day at Saqqara, the huge ancient necropolis of Memphis. Here you will visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser which was designed by the royal architect Imhotep. This is the worlds first ever monumental stone structure! Explore the surrounding stone courtyards and enter into the beautifully decorated tombs of the nobles. Visit the Tomb of Ti or Mereruka and your children can enjoy the colourful carvings on the walls showing pets, hippos in the Nile and ancient farmers.

B. Dahshur – Bent & Red Pyramids

Drive a short distance south to visit the unique pyramids built by King Sneferu. Your children will enjoy comparing the unique angle change of the Bent Pyramid to the elegant slope of the Red Pyramid. Older children wanting to get adventurous can enter into the Red Pyramid and climb down the wooden ramps to explore the underground stone chambers. Have a lovely lunch in the country followed by a relaxing evening back in Cairo.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Alexandria

Today you will enjoy a comfortable private day trip north across the Nile Delta to visit the beautiful coastal city of Alexandria.

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

On arrival you will visit the incredible Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. These underground catacombs include a unique blend of Pharaonic, Greek & Roman art. Your children will love seeing Anubis wearing Roman armour. Drive a short distance to Pompey’s Pillar. This stunning red granite pillar will have your children running around the outside of the pillar in the open air park. They can enjoy seeing the ancient granite Sphinxes.

B. Citadel of Qaitbay

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with amazing views over the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Next visit the Citadel of Qaitbay. This impressive sea fortress was built directly on top of the old Pharos Lighthouse. Your children will enjoy exploring the stone walls, look outs and defence walls. Finish your day with a lovely breezy 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 Cairo’s world class museums, historical markets and beautiful parks.

A. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

In the morning you will visit the Grand Egyptian Museum close to Giza. This amazing museum has a whole section dedicated for children to explore. Your children will be in awe of the gigantic statue of Ramesses II guarding the entrance, ancient solar boats and thousands of royal artefacts displayed with modern interactive technology.

B. Medieval Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

In the afternoon you will visit historical medieval Cairo. Walk along Al-Muizz Street lined with large stone gates, medieval schools and pretty fountains. This will lead you straight into the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This is a sensory overload for your children. Wander around the maze of alley ways with glowing glass lamps, fragrant spices and copper items.

C. Al-Azhar Park Sunset

In the late afternoon you will head to Al-Azhar Park. This 74 acre park has amazing views over the city skyline. Your children can run around on the open grassy areas and enjoy the playground facilities. Sit back and relax as the sun sets with a panoramic dinner in the park.

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

Today you will have an amazing adventure to the Fayoum Oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi El-Hitan.

A. Valley of Whales (Wadi El-Hitan)

Drive to Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of Whales) in your comfortable 4x4. Your children will be amazed to see hundreds of fossilised whale skeletons with legs buried in the golden sands. This proves that this area was once an ancient ocean millions of years ago! There is an eco-museum onsite with interactive displays to learn about the evolution of sea life.

B. Magic Lake & Wadi El-Rayan Waterfalls

Next you will visit the natural lakes and waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan. Your children can watch sandboarders ride down the dunes, take some photos by the Magic Lake and enjoy a traditional Bedouin style lunch in a shaded tent. Return back to Cairo in the evening.

Day 7 – Citadel Fortress & Coptic Cairo

Today you will visit some amazing medieval stone structures and early Christian sites.

A. Citadel of Saladin

Start your day visiting the Citadel of Saladin. This ancient stone fortress sits on a hill overlooking the city skyline. Your children will love exploring the stone walls, defence towers and the amazing Mosque of Muhammad Ali with tall domes and stunning central courtyard. Enjoy panoramic views across the city.

B. Coptic Cairo

In the afternoon you will visit Coptic Cairo. This peaceful area is perfect for walking. Some highlights include the Hanging Church which was built over ancient Roman gate towers and the Church of St Sergius which has an amazing underground crypt where the Holy Family are believed to have stayed.

Day 8 – Day Trip to Ancient Tanis & San el-Hagar

Today your adventurous family will enjoy an off the beaten track day trip to San el-Hagar in the Nile Delta.

A. Ancient Tanis

Tanis is famous for being the royal capital of the 21st & 22nd Dynasties. This site has huge open air temples with amazing statues of Ramesses II, toppled obelisks and stone gates. Your children will feel like real archaeologists exploring the peaceful stone fields. They will enjoy seeing the stone royal tombs where the golden treasures were found intact.

B. Return to Cairo

Enjoy a relaxed lunch locally. Then enjoy a scenic drive back through the lush green farmland of the Nile Delta. Return back to Cairo in the evening.

Day 9 – Day Trip to Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea

Today you will enjoy a change of scenery by taking a day trip to Ain Sokhna on the Gulf of Suez.

A. Red Sea Beach

Ain Sokhna is just a 2 hour drive from Cairo with a smooth drive along the highway. This beach has clean sands and warm waters. Rent a day use beach chalet at one of the beach hotels. Your children can enjoy swimming in the Red Sea, building sandcastles and hunting for shells whilst you relax under the beach umbrellas.

B. Return to Cairo

Enjoy a beach lunch with fresh grilled fish, calamari and local salads. Finish your day with a walk along the marina in the late afternoon and return back to Cairo in time for dinner.

Day 10 – Pharaonic Village Island & Nile Felucca Cruise

Today you will enjoy some interactive historical experiences and relaxing on the Nile.

A. Pharaonic Village Island

In the morning you will visit The Pharaonic Village. This incredible island is specifically designed for families and children to learn about ancient Egypt. Whilst floating past in your safe wooden barges you will watch actors dressed in period costumes demonstrate ancient farming, pottery making, boat building and temple rituals. The park also has a replica of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and children friendly art workshops.

B. Nile Felucca Cruise

In the late afternoon you will head to the river banks and board a traditional wooden felucca boat. With the gentle breeze the boat will glide along the Nile. Sit back, relax and enjoy some music whilst watching the Cairo skyline sparkle.

Day 11 – National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) & Royal Mummies

Today you will visit Cairo’s latest world class cultural attraction.

A. NMEC & Royal Mummies Hall

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is located in the historic Fustat area. This stunning museum takes you on a journey through ancient Egypt with amazing displays from the prehistoric, Pharaonic, Coptic & Islamic eras. The highlight of this museum for families is the Royal Mummies Hall. This state of the art hall has 22 ancient kings and queens including Hatshepsut, Ramesses II and Seti I. These mummies are displayed in specially designed temperature controlled cases telling their story with dignity.

B. Free Afternoon

You will have a free afternoon to relax by the hotel pool, enjoy a walk through some local gardens or pack your bags.

Day 12 – Craft Workshops & Farewell Meal

On your last day you will enjoy creating some personal souvenirs and a celebratory meal.

A. Craft Workshops

In the morning you will visit some local craft workshops. Watch the papyrus makers demonstrate the ancient craft. Your children can choose some personal souvenirs such as hand carved stone scarabs, alabaster vases or silver cartouches with their name engraved in hieroglyphics.

B. Farewell Meal

Your 12-day Cairo itinerary will finish with a celebratory meal. Enjoy some of the national dishes including koshary (lentils, rice, pasta & spiced tomato sauce), sizzled kofta and delicious sweet Egyptian desserts such as basbousa & kunafa. Transfer back to Cairo International Airport with private transfers.