2-Day Cairo & Giza Tour from Alexandria: Pyramids, Sphinx & Bazaar

Summary

Private Alexandria to Cairo Tour: Pyramids, Museums & Old Cairo

If you want more than just photos of pyramids—if you want real stories, street sounds, and local flavors—this two-day tour from Alexandria lets you dive deep into Egypt’s history and daily life with expert guides who know all the shortcuts and hidden gems.

What’s the experience like?

The sun was barely up when we left Alexandria behind, the city’s salty air fading as our driver steered us toward Cairo. The road was quiet at first—just the hum of tires and a few roadside tea stalls opening for early truckers. By the time we reached Giza, the city had already started to buzz. And then there they were—the pyramids. No photo really prepares you for that first sight of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus rising out of the sand. Our guide, Hossam, pointed out tiny details I’d never noticed in books: weathered stones with ancient graffiti and the way the morning light hits Khufu’s pyramid just right.

Standing in front of the Sphinx felt surreal—its face battered by centuries but still watching over everything. There’s this odd silence around it, even with tourists nearby. We ducked into the Valley Temple next door; it’s cooler inside and smells faintly of old limestone dust. After a quick lunch (I still remember the tangy pickled veggies at Abou Shakra), we drove to Memphis. The colossal statue of Ramses II lies on its back under a simple shelter—locals say it’s too heavy to stand upright now—and there’s an alabaster sphinx that gleams almost white in the afternoon sun.

The next morning started at the Egyptian Museum. It’s easy to lose track of time here—so many rooms packed with gold masks, mummies, and tiny everyday objects from thousands of years ago. Our guide knew exactly where to find Tutankhamun’s treasures (they’re tucked away upstairs). Later at the Citadel, we wandered through the Alabaster Mosque; sunlight filters through colored glass windows and you can hear distant calls to prayer echoing off stone walls.

Coptic Cairo is quieter than I expected. The Hanging Church has this creaky wooden floor that feels like it could tell stories itself; its roof shaped like Noah’s Ark is something you don’t see every day. Ben Ezra Synagogue sits nearby—our guide explained how it once held ancient manuscripts found hidden in a wall. Before heading back north, we squeezed through Khan El Khalili bazaar’s narrow alleys where shopkeepers called out offers for brass lamps and sweet-smelling spices. Honestly, I could’ve spent hours just people-watching here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alexandria to Giza Tour

• Visit Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, Mykerinus
• Explore Great Sphinx and Valley Temple
• See Step Pyramid of Zoser
• Tour Memphis: Statue of Ramses II and alabaster Sphinx

Day 2 — Cairo City Highlights

• Visit Egyptian Museum
• Tour Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque
• See Hanging Church
• Visit Ben Ezra Synagogue
• Shop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar and return to Alexandria

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, all transportation and sites are wheelchair accessible—including entrances and restrooms where available.

What kind of hotel will I stay at in Cairo?

You’ll spend one night at Great Pyramid Inn or a similar category hotel if needed; always clean and comfortable with breakfast included.

Are meals included during the tour?

You get two lunches at local restaurants plus breakfast at your hotel in Cairo—expect classic Egyptian dishes and bottled water throughout.

How long is the drive between Alexandria and Cairo?

The journey usually takes about two hours each way by private air-conditioned vehicle depending on traffic conditions.

What’s included

Your package covers one night in a quality Cairo hotel (with breakfast), private transfers from Alexandria and back, entrance fees to all listed sites, bottled water during trips, two lunches at local spots (think fresh bread and grilled meats), plus your own knowledgeable guide throughout both days. All taxes are taken care of too—you just need to bring your curiosity.