Giza
Cairo: 2 Day Itinerary
Cairo is the vibrant Egyptian metropolis where modern energy and historical history mix. The city is renowned for its ancient art, striking architecture (including the Pyramids and Islamic landmarks) and contemporary buildings like the Cairo Tower. One must-do culinary tour offers both traditional and international Egyptian cuisine. In its fashion, interior design, and urban planning, Cairo blends the modern and traditional to create a colorful cultural fabric. The main sites we recommend you see are covered in our two-day luxury itinerary.
Luxe Cairo Absolute Musts
Dahshur - Venture inside the Red Pyramid and explore it's chambers for an unforgettable experience.
Kebabgy Oriental - Grilled meats and mediterranean bites in an idillic setting on the Nile.
Bellies en Route - Explore the environs of Cairo while tasting local street food - part history lesson, part food tour.
Luxe Cairo Itinerary & Map
Navigate your way through Cairo with our recommended itinerary and map. View Google Maps with color-coded areas in interactive mode and access our scheduled list of spots.
Map Key
Daily Plan Summary
Marriott Mena House, Cairo
Stay
Day 1
Visit
Giza Necropolis
Lunch
Saqqara Country Club
Tour
Dahshur, Memphis & Saqqara
Dine
Moghul Room
Visit
Giza Sound & Light Show
Day 2
Visit
The Grand Egyptian Museum GEM
Explore
Islamic Cairo
Tour
Bellies en Route
Relax
Saray Spa
Cruise
Felucca
Dine
Kebabgy Oriental Grill
Traveling in Cairo
This itinerary covers Cairo plus a day trip to Dashur, Memphis and Saqqara. Although short in duration, Luxe suggests using a private tour company to help organize your plans. We had our own private vehicle, driver, security guard and guide and travel specialist Mo Swefy, owner of Cairo Trips. He provided great advice while we planned and arranged everything to our satisfaction. Contact Mo to talk about your particular requirements and costs.
Cairo Day 1: Giza, Dashur, Memphis & Saqqara
Memphis Ruins
Nestled against the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, the Marriott Mena House provides a singular fusion of contemporary luxury and historical grandeur. Guests are fully immersed in Egypt's rich history at this legendary hotel, which offers lavish accommodations, and unmatched views of the pyramids. Steps from historic wonders, it offers a remarkable stay with top-notch facilities like a spa, pool, and a variety of eating options.
On the Giza Plateau rise the Giza Pyramids, a symbol of ancient Egyptian culture. Together with the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the mysterious Sphinx, this architectural trio—which includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu—represents the pinnacle of pyramid building and captivates tourists from all over the world. Get there by 8am to avoid the crowds and enjoy a camel ride around the ruins. You'll need a few hours to explore, and definitely go inside if you're not claustrophobic!
After you finish at Gize, make your way to the Saqqara Country Club, where you can have lunch in a nice setting. There aren't too many dining options in the area, so keep this in mind as you visit.
Explore the wonders of Egypt's ancient marvels with a visit to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid in Dahshur. At the Red Pyramid, ascend its exterior and venture through a narrow entryway to uncover its secrets. Inside, navigate a labyrinth of stairs, leading you to the higher tunnels accessed by climbing a staircase. Moving on to the Bent Pyramid, you'll find a similarly narrow entrance, accompanied by the eerie presence of bats.
Next, embark on a journey through history at Memphis, an open-air museum boasting the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Marvel at the majestic alabaster sphinx and the colossal statue of Ramesses II. Your visit should last about 20-minutes.
Continue your expedition to Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, crafted by the renowned architect Imhotep around 2650 BCE. This monumental stone structure stands as a testament to Egypt's rich history, offering a glimpse into the evolving funeral customs and beliefs of ancient Egyptians across dynasties. Saqqara's vast archaeological site encompasses not only pyramids but also mastabas and tombs, including the tomb of Idut and the Pyramid of Unas, providing insights into the civilization's past.
After your excursion, relax in the pool at the hotel and then grab some food at the Moghul Room. It's Indian with a flare and quiet good. Alternatively, there are other restaurant options at the hotel to choose as you see fit.
If you're feeling awake, venture over to the pyramid complex and see the Sound Y& Light Show. It's a bit dramatic, but in a good way. But don't go out of your way to see it. Shows are at 8:30 pm in English, and 9:30 pm in Spanish.
Cairo Day 2: Cairo
Kebabgy Oriental Grill
Standing next to the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is destined to become one of the biggest museums in the world devoted only to the treasures of a single culture. Including the complete Tutankhamun collection, which will be on show for the first time, this architectural wonder is intended to store approximately 100,000 objects. The museum is meant to present a thorough account of Egyptian history from primordial to Greco-Roman eras. Visit the website to view the most recent anticipated opening date.
Packed with history and culture, Islamic Cairo presents a fascinating tapestry for visitors to discover. There is a wealth to see, from the famous Citadel of Saladin, which provides expansive views of the city, to the magnificent Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world. Explore the bright mementos and handicrafts that abound in the busy Khan El Khalili bazaar. Explore Islamic art and architecture at the Museum of Islamic Art. Islamic Cairo delivers an amazing trip through time with its winding lanes and historic sites.
Through guided food tours, Bellies en Route invites visitors to experience the rich tapestry of Egyptian cuisine in a singular gourmet encounter. Through navigating Cairo's busy streets and lesser-known treasures, these trips let visitors enjoy regional specialties, street food favorites, and traditional cuisine while fully immersed in the Egyptian way of life. For foodies keen to explore Cairo's thriving culinary scene, Bellies en Route—which is led by professional guides—offers not just the tastes of Egypt but also the histories and personalities behind these culinary marvels.
A haven of tranquilly, Saray Spa at Mena House Cairo is tucked away beneath the Great Pyramids. Providing a selection of luxury treatments influenced by ancient Egyptian ceremonies, the spa welcomes visitors to relax in sumptuous surroundings. Every service, from facials to massages, promises peace and renewal among amazing historical beauty.
An idyllic diversion from the bustle of Cairo is provided by felucca sailing. Afloat on the soft currents of the Nile, the skyline of the city and historic sites framing you. Savour the classic beauty of Egypt's most famous river, feel the wind on your skin, and hear the water lap.
The Cairo restaurant Kebabgy Oriental Grill provides a delectable tour through Egyptian food. Every meal there is an homage to culinary skill, with its aromatic spices and succulent meats. Every mouthful of the delectable kebabs, aromatic rice, and crisp salads is a sensory and tactile symphonium. Savor the core of Egyptian cuisine and become lost in the lively atmosphere of Kebabgy Oriental Grill.
Luxe Cairo Extensions
At every turn, Luxor, a timeless monument to the architectural mastery of ancient Egypt, offers stunning design. See the enormous columns and complex hieroglyphs of the Karnak Temple Complex. Visitors are enthralled by the eternal charm of the Valley of the Kings and the elegant symmetry of the Luxor Temple.
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