On this weeklong tour of Egypt, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Tour ancient Egyptian landmarks in Cairo, behold the grand pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza, and see Roman ruins in Alexandria. Then you'll fly to the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh, venture out on a grand safari around Dahab, and relax by the Red Sea before circling back to the capital city.

Highlights

  • See the iconic pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza
  • Tour markets and mosques in the oldest part of Cairo
  • Explore the Roman ruins, catacombs, and citadel in Alexandria

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo Cairo
Day 2 Day Trip to the Pyramids & Dinner Cruise Cairo
Day 3 See the Antiquities of Alexandria Cairo
Day 4 Transfer to the Resort of Sharm El Sheikh Sharm El Sheikh
Day 5 Safari at Dahab Sharm El Sheikh
Day 6 Enjoy a Beach Day by the Red Sea Sharm El Sheikh
Day 7 Depart Egypt - End of Trip Cairo

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo

Cairo Nile
A view of the Nile in Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! After arriving at the Cairo airport, you'll transfer to your hotel in the capital city. You'll be free to relax and rest before your exciting week begins. You could also start exploring the city, venturing out to try some local cuisine in one of many excellent restaurants.

Day 2: Day Trip to the Pyramids & Dinner Cruise

Giza Pyramids
The pyramids of Giza

After breakfast, you will meet your guide, who will accompany you on your day exploring the city and its sites. Today's activities include a visit to the Egyptian Museum, which has a substantial collection of ancient treasures, including the tomb of King Tut. You'll also travel to Giza, located outside of Cairo, where you will see the Sphinx and the three major pyramids at its necropolis complex. Your guide will explain the history of the construction of the Pyramids of Giza: the Great Pyramid of Giza, Cheops, and the smaller Chephren and Mykerinos. At night, you'll enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Nile.

Day 3: See the Antiquities of Alexandria

Stanley Bridge Alexandria
Stanley Bridge in Alexandria

Early in the morning, you'll head out on a trip to Alexandria, traveling along desert roads. Begin with one of the highlights of the day, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoukafa, an underground world of ornate carvings and paintings. With a mixture of Roman and Egyptian designs, it's the largest Roman funerary complex in Egypt.

Next, visit the Citadel of Fort Qaitbey, which is located on the original site of the Pharos, Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse. Although Pharos was restored at various times, it finally crumbled by the time the original fort was built here in the 1480s. Then, you'll visit Morsi Abu Alabas Mosque and the Library of Alexandria, which was re-established in October 2002, reclaiming the mantle of its ancient namesake. The vast complex is an institution of the arts, history, philosophy, and science, as well as a place for open discussion, dialogue, and understanding. Return to Cairo in the evening.

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Day 4: Transfer to the Resort of Sharm El Sheikh 

Sharm El Sheikh
Cheerful landscaping in Sharm El Sheikh

Today you'll fly to the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Located between the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, the area is known for its beautiful beaches and offshore coral reefs surrounded by clear water. Walk on the beach, go swimming in the ocean, or check out Ras Muhammad National Park, a diving destination that's rich with marine life. In the evening, beachfront restaurants and bars are great places to try fresh seafood, prepared Egyptian-style, and surround yourself with a local crowd.

Day 5: Take a Safari at Dahab

Ride camels in Abu Galum
Ride camels in Aby Galum

Today's itinerary features a grand safari trip to Dahab, a former Bedouin fishing spot that's now one of Egypt's top spots for diving. It's located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula. During the day's journey, you'll visit Abu Galum, a protected zone in the mountains with excellent birdwatching, and go snorkeling in Blue Hole, a submarine sinkhole that's popular with divers. Finish the adventure with a camel ride, then return to Dahab to have dinner in a local restaurant. You'll return to Sharm El Sheikh for the night.

Day 6: Enjoy a Beach Day by the Red Sea

Red Sea
Enjoy a beach day at the Red Sea

Take it easy today: you'll have a free beach day by the Red Sea. Walk along the pedestrian promenade in laid-back Naama Bay, book a snorkeling trip to Yolanda Reef, or just have lunch in a beachfront café and relax by the water. Another option is to stop at St. Catherine's Monastery. Located at the foot of Mt. Sinai, it's the place where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

Day 7: Depart Egypt - End of Trip

The coastline of Sharm El Sheikh

The trip comes to an end today. You'll head to the airport to catch your flight out. Safe travels!

More Great Egypt Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other 7-day Egypt itineraries, with Nile River cruises, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.

Map

Map of Highlights of Egypt: Cairo & Sharm El Sheikh  - 7 Days
Map of Highlights of Egypt: Cairo & Sharm El Sheikh - 7 Days