Cairo & Giza: Pyramids, GEM, Bazaars & Private 2-Day Tour

Summary

Walk ancient stones in Giza then lose yourself in Cairo’s markets and mosques

You’ll feel history under your fingertips as you walk Giza’s pyramids with your Egyptologist guide, taste street food in Cairo, wander through ancient churches or vibrant bazaars, and stand in silent awe inside grand mosques—all with hotel pickup and private transport smoothing out the chaos.

What’s the experience like?

“Do you want to try the bread?” our guide Amira grinned, already tearing off a piece before I could answer. We’d just left Memphis—dusty sunlight on old stones and that massive statue of Ramses II (his feet alone were bigger than my backpack). The drive from Cairo was quick but somehow felt like crossing centuries. Saqqara came next, where the step pyramid looked almost soft in the morning haze. I remember running my hand along one of those old limestone blocks—warm from the sun and a little gritty. Amira told us stories about Zoser and tombs; I tried to imagine what this place sounded like thousands of years ago. Probably quieter, less car horns.

The Giza Pyramids are exactly as huge as you expect and somehow still stranger up close. Camels plodded by with bells clinking, and vendors called out in every language. We took a hundred photos with the Sphinx (it really does look like it’s judging you), but what stuck with me was standing at the base and realizing how tiny I felt. There’s an extra ticket if you want to crawl inside—I chickened out, honestly. Lunch was simple falafel and tahini at a roadside spot where locals seemed amused by our attempts at Arabic. “Shukran,” I said, and got a thumbs-up.

The second day started early again—Cairo never really sleeps, but mornings are softer somehow. The Grand Egyptian Museum is enormous; Amira moved us past crowds straight to Tutankhamun’s mask (even shinier than I imagined). She knew all these little facts about each artifact—like how some pigments are still bright after thousands of years. Later we wandered through Coptic Cairo’s narrow lanes or, if you want more bustle, Khan el-Khalili bazaar is chaos in technicolor: copper lamps everywhere, shopkeepers singing prices, thick coffee smells mixing with shisha smoke. I bought a tiny scarab for luck—no idea if it works yet.

There was this moment at the Mosque of Muhammad Ali when sunlight hit all that white alabaster just right—it went quiet for a second despite all the city noise outside. Amira explained why people touch certain pillars for blessings; I watched an old man do it so gently it made me pause too. Hard to explain but that stuck with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Giza pyramids, Saqqara and Memphis tour

• Meet guide at hotel lobby 8 AM
• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza
• See the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple
• Drive to Saqqara, see Step Pyramid
• Explore Nobels tombs at Saqqara
• Visit Memphis City and statues
• Lunch at local Egyptian restaurant

Day 2 — Grand Egyptian Museum and city tour

• Pick up at 8 AM
• Visit Grand Egyptian Museum
• Tour Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque
• Choose Khan el Khalili Bazaar or Coptic Cairo

Top questions

How long is the private Cairo & Giza tour?

The tour lasts two full days with daily hotel pickup around 8 am.

Is entry to the Pyramids included?

Entry to the Giza Plateau is included; entering inside individual pyramids costs extra.

Does this tour include lunch?

A traditional Egyptian lunch is included during your tour days.

Are hotel transfers provided?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included both days.

Can I visit both Khan el-Khalili bazaar and Coptic Cairo?

You can choose between Khan el-Khalili bazaar or Coptic Cairo on day two.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

A qualified Egyptologist guide leads your private tour throughout both days.

What should I wear on this tour?

The dress code is smart casual; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup and drop-off each morning and evening, entry fees to main sites (if you select the all-inclusive option), guidance from a qualified Egyptologist who brings every stop alive with stories, plus time for tasting traditional Egyptian food along the way before heading back to your hotel each night.