Detailed 3-day Cairo & Giza itinerary for first-time visitors
A well-planned 3 day cairo itinerary package helps first-time visitors experience Egypt’s most famous ancient landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and cultural attractions without rushing between locations. With three days available, travelers can explore the Pyramids of Giza, discover Cairo’s historic center, visit world-class museums, and enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine with the support of experienced local guides
Schedule:
Daily
Tour Highlights:
Discover Cairo on an all-inclusive 3-day itinerary. On Day 1, explore the capital's historic landmarks, including the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Alabaster Mosque), the Citadel of Saladin, the Hanging Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Day 2 features a comprehensive ancient necropolis tour covering the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, and the colossal statue of Ramesses II in ancient Memphis. Day 3 concludes your journey with private airport departure transfers following breakfast. Includes two nights' accommodation in Cairo, all private transfers, entrance tickets, and expert Egyptologist guiding.
Hotel Accommodations Note
Please note that hotel star classifications in Egypt differ from North American and European standards. For the highest levels of comfort and service quality, we always recommend selecting Luxury or Ultra-Luxury accommodation plans.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – The Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will greet you holding a "Ramasside" sign and transfer you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to begin your tour at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in central Cairo.
The museum houses a rare collection spanning 5,000 years of civilization and is considered one of the largest and most valuable displays of ancient art in the world. Among more than 250,000 authentic artifacts, view the world-famous golden funerary treasures of King Tutankhamun, which remained sealed in his tomb for over 3,500 years until their discovery in the 1920s.
Continue to the medieval Citadel of Saladin and tour the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Head into Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo) to explore the Hanging Church, the Church of Abu Serga (Saints Sergius and Bacchus), and Ben Ezra Synagogue before transferring to your hotel for check-in.
(Note: If your flight arrives too late in the day to complete this sightseeing, the tour can be rescheduled to your final day prior to departure).
(Optional: 2-Hour evening Nile dinner cruise featuring authentic Egyptian folkloric entertainment).
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara & Ancient Memphis
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your Egyptologist guide in the lobby and depart for the Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids: Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mykerinos).
Next, visit the Great Sphinx—the colossal monolithic lion with the head of Pharaoh Khafre—and explore the Valley Temple of Khafre used for royal mummification rites.
Journey south to Saqqara to tour the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's earliest major stone structure, built during the Third Dynasty (c. 2630 BC) by the architect Imhotep.
Proceed to Memphis, Egypt's first capital during the Old Kingdom founded by King Menes. For over 3,000 years, Memphis was a vital center of power and culture; here you will view the colossal limestone statue of Ramesses II. Return to your hotel.
(Optional: Evening Sound and Light Show on the Giza Plateau).
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet our airport representative for your private transfer to Cairo International Airport with full departure and check-in assistance.
What's Included:
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Cairo (daily breakfast included)
- Full-day tour to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara Step Pyramid, and Ancient Memphis
- Full-day tour to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Saladin Citadel, and Old Cairo
- All ground transfers in private, modern air-conditioned vehicles in Cairo
- Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide
- All entrance tickets to mentioned archaeological sites, monuments, and museums
- All service charges and government taxes
Excludes:
- International flights
- Entry visa to Egypt (available on arrival upon request)
- Personal expenses and beverages during meals
- Gratuities (tipping)
- Optional excursions
Tour Accommodation Categories & Rates
Plan (A) 5-Star Standard
- Cairo: Le Méridien Pyramids / Steigenberger Pyramids / Ramses Hilton / Helnan / Barceló Cairo Pyramids / Pyramisa
Plan (B) Luxury
- Cairo: Kempinski Nile Hotel / Fairmont Nile City / Conrad Cairo / Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino / Hilton Pyramids Golf
Plan (C) Ultra-Luxury
- Cairo: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or First Residence / Marriott Mena House / Kempinski Nile Deluxe / Fairmont Nile Premium / Hyatt Regency
Travel Notes: 3-Day Cairo Tour Package
Upgrade to a Luxury Vehicle for Extra Comfort:
Upgrade to an executive vehicle for maximum comfort during your city tours and airport transfers. Our luxury vehicles feature extra legroom, high-performance climate control, complimentary refreshments, and generous luggage capacity.
Professional Photographer Service:
Hire a professional photographer to accompany your tour at the Giza Pyramids or Old Cairo. Studio photographers capture portrait-grade photos and candid memories at top scenic locations for an additional $50 USD per day.
Booking & Operational Policies
Hotel Standards in Egypt:
Hotel star classifications in Egypt differ from North American and European standards. Standard 5-star properties may feel closer to 3 or 4-star properties abroad. We strongly suggest selecting Luxury or Ultra-Luxury accommodation plans for travelers expecting international 5-star luxury standards.
Visa Support on Arrival:
Avoid airport queues. Send us your passport copy in advance, and our representative will arrange your entry visa on arrival. (Eligible travelers holding valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can obtain visa-on-arrival support regardless of nationality).
Night Sleeper Trains (Not Recommended):
We advise against overnight sleeper trains due to extended journey times (15–18 hours), noise levels, and compact sleeping berths. We strongly recommend domestic flights instead. A one-way domestic flight upgrade with an additional 5-star hotel night starts from $150 USD per person.
Travel Insurance (AIG Travel Guard):
Protect your holiday with optional coverage through AIG: $25 USD per person per week, or $50 USD per person for itineraries exceeding one week.
Domestic Flight Upgrades to Business Class:
Special Offer: Upgrade domestic flight sectors to Business Class for $50 USD per person per flight sector to enjoy wider seating, priority handling, and extra legroom.
Domestic Flights Policy:
Itinerary rates factor in average seasonal domestic airfares. Peak holiday periods, late bookings, or specific schedule requests may result in fare adjustments.
Payment Policy:
Secure payments are accepted via Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and direct bank wire transfers.
Pricing & Currency:
Tour packages are priced in USD, with payments accepted in EUR or GBP based on current exchange rates. Semi-private small group departures and fully private VIP itineraries are arranged upon request.
Private VIP Tour with Dr. Zahi Hawass:
Ramasside Tours offers exclusive private visits to the Great Pyramid and Giza Plateau accompanied by world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, featuring private after-hours access between the paws of the Sphinx and inside restricted chambers. Contact us for private scheduling.
Child Policy:
0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (airfare supplements apply if flights are included)
2 – 5.99 years: 25% of adult tour price (50% if flights are included)
6 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour price
12+ years: Standard adult rate
Special Archaeological Site Tickets:
Standard entrance passes exclude restricted special chambers, such as the burial chamber inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu or the Tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. Entry to these specific chambers can be added upon request for an additional fee.
Essential Packing:
Comfortable, closed walking shoes are recommended for stone ruins and archaeological grounds. Pack comfortable slip-on shoes or sandals for felucca and cruise decks.
Peak Travel Seasons:
Christmas & New Year: December 15 – January 7
Easter: March 20 – April 20
Mid-Term Holidays: October 20 – October 31
Standard Hotel Times:
Check-in at 14:00 | Check-out at 12:00
Customer Support:
For reservations and inquiries, contact: [email protected]
