Cairo, Giza & Alexandria: Pyramids, Catacombs & Nile Dinner Cruise

Summary

Egypt’s timeless wonders pyramids to the sea with local stories

You’ll stand before Giza’s pyramids with a local guide, taste charcoal-grilled lunch after climbing ancient stones, wander Alexandria’s catacombs, and end your day floating past Cairo’s skyline on a Nile dinner cruise. Every moment feels close-up—sometimes chaotic, sometimes peaceful—but always real.

What’s the experience like?

Our driver was already waving from across the hotel lobby—he remembered my name (not sure how he managed with my accent). We set off through Cairo’s early morning haze, windows cracked just enough to catch that dusty city smell. At the Giza Plateau, our guide Hossam handed me a piece of limestone—rougher than I expected—and pointed out where the sun hit Khafre’s pyramid just right. The camel ride around the pyramids was both hilarious and slightly nerve-wracking; I nearly lost a shoe but Hossam just grinned and said, “Welcome to Egypt.” Lunch after all that sand tasted like a reward—chicken grilled over charcoal and something green I still can’t pronounce.

The next day felt different—cooler air near the river as we wandered Old Cairo. The Hanging Church surprised me; I didn’t expect such quiet inside, or the faint scent of incense clinging to old wood. Our guide told stories about families who’d lived here for centuries. At Khan el-Khalili bazaar, I tried bargaining for spices but gave up after three minutes—the shopkeeper winked and tossed in extra cardamom anyway. It was noisy and bright and honestly kind of overwhelming, but in a good way. That evening on the Nile dinner cruise, Cairo’s lights blurred in the river’s reflection while someone played oud music below deck. It felt almost unreal for a second.

Alexandria started with sea air and a long drive north—lots of sleepy fields flashing by. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa were colder than I thought they’d be; you could hear your own footsteps echoing down there. Our guide explained carvings mixing Egyptian gods with Roman helmets—I never would’ve noticed that on my own. Lunch was fresh fish by the harbor (I dropped a fork and nobody cared), then we walked along Qaitbay Citadel where kids were flying kites in the wind. On the way back to Cairo, our group fell asleep one by one except for Hossam humming quietly up front.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Giza pyramids, Saqqara & Dahshour

• Pick up by private guide at 8:00 AM
• Explore Great Pyramid of Giza
• Visit Pyramid of Khafre and funeral temple
• See Pyramid of Menkaura and Queen’s Pyramids
• View the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple
• Take photos at panoramic pyramid viewpoint
• Enjoy traditional lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara
• Explore tomb of high official and Pyramid of King Titi
• See Pyramid of King Unas and inscriptions
• Discover Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid at Dahshur
• Return to hotel

Day 2 — Cairo city tour

• Visit Grand Egyptian Museum
• See Treasures of King Tutankhamun
• Tour Hanging Church in Old Cairo
• Descend to crypt under Church of Abu Serga
• Visit Ben Ezra Synagogue
• Explore Citadel of Salah El-Din
• Visit Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant
• Shop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar
• Return to hotel

Day 3 — Alexandria day

• Travel to Alexandria by air-conditioned vehicle
• Visit Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
• See Pompey’s Pillar
• Explore Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Enjoy seafood lunch with Mediterranean view
• Visit Qaitbay Citadel
• Return to Cairo
• Enjoy Nile dinner cruise with city views

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way by air-conditioned vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup from your Cairo hotel is included throughout the tour.

Do I need to pay entrance fees separately?

If you select the all-inclusive price option, entrance fees are covered.

Is lunch provided every day?

Lunch is included if you choose the all-inclusive option; seafood lunch is served in Alexandria.

Are there vegetarian options for meals?

The reference mentions traditional Egyptian food; specific dietary requests should be confirmed when booking.

What languages do guides speak?

The tour includes a qualified guide; language options should be checked during booking.

Is there time for shopping at Khan el-Khalili?

Yes, you’ll have time to explore Khan el-Khalili bazaar during your Cairo city tour day.

How physically demanding is this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and steps at sites like Saqqara and Kom el Shoqafa.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees if you select all-inclusive pricing, bottled water along the way, traditional lunches (with fresh seafood in Alexandria), a camel ride around Giza’s pyramids if chosen, skip-the-line access at major sites, plus a Nile dinner cruise on your last evening before heading back to your hotel each night.