Hurghada to Cairo: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum Day Trip

Summary

Fly from Hurghada for a day exploring pyramids sphinx museum bazaar

You’ll fly from Hurghada for a full day exploring Cairo’s icons—the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, plus lunch and time wandering Khan el-Khalili bazaar. With a local guide sharing stories along the way, expect sensory overload (in a good way) and moments that stick with you long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about flying from Hurghada to Cairo just for a day trip. It sounded packed—and it was—but somehow it didn’t feel rushed. The flight itself was quick (I barely had time to finish my coffee), and then we met our guide in Cairo. He greeted us with this easy smile and immediately started telling stories about his childhood in the city. It made everything less intimidating, you know?

The first time I saw the Giza Pyramids up close, I just stood there blinking at the size of them. The air smelled dusty but sweet, like old stone warming in the sun. Our guide pointed out tiny details on the stones that I’d never have noticed—there’s something about hearing those facts right where it all happened that sticks with you more than any documentary ever could. We wandered around the Sphinx too; it’s smaller than I pictured but somehow more mysterious in person.

Lunch was in this local spot—nothing fancy, but the bread was warm and soft and I still think about that tahini dip sometimes. After eating we headed to the Egyptian Museum. There’s so much gold everywhere (Tutankhamun’s mask is way shinier than I expected). The museum was busy but not overwhelming; maybe because our guide kept weaving us through crowds like he’d done it a thousand times. He taught me how to say “thank you” in Arabic—I probably butchered it, but he laughed and said I tried.

Khan el-Khalili bazaar was a blur of color and voices—someone tried to sell me spices by waving a handful under my nose (I sneezed). If you want to do the Nile cruise add-on, bring some cash; we skipped it this time because my feet were already tired. By late afternoon, Cairo felt both huge and strangely familiar. Flying back to Hurghada that evening, I realized how much one day can actually hold if you let yourself get swept up in it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hurghada to Cairo sightseeing tour

• Fly from Hurghada to Cairo
• Visit the Pyramids of Giza
• See the Sphinx
• Tour the Egyptian Museum
• Explore the old city of Cairo
• Shop at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
• Enjoy optional Nile River cruise
• Return flight to Hurghada

Top questions

How long does the Hurghada to Cairo day trip take?

The tour lasts one full day including flights between Hurghada and Cairo.

Are flights included in the price of this tour?

Yes, round-trip flights from Hurghada to Cairo are included.

Is lunch provided during the Cairo day trip?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your tour experience.

Can I visit Khan el-Khalili bazaar during Ramadan?

No, visiting Khan el-Khalili bazaar is not permitted during Ramadan.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Hurghada is included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all transportation options and areas are wheelchair accessible.

Are infant seats or strollers allowed on this trip?

Infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult's lap; specialized seats are available.

What attractions are visited on this day trip?

You’ll see the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, old city of Cairo (on request), and Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

Is there an extra cost for the Nile River cruise?

The optional Nile River cruise costs an additional 10 euros per person.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip flights between Hurghada and Cairo, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, entry tickets for all main attractions (Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum), guided city touring including old Cairo and its mosque (on request), time at Khan el-Khalili bazaar when possible (not during Ramadan), plus lunch before returning by evening flight.