Cross-season pricing on request
Independent City Stay
4 Days ex Cairo
Departs daily
Cairo City Area (3)
Cairo is a vibrant, exhilarating, and welcoming city and this short tour encapsulates the best that this ancient land has to offer. Home to some of the best Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic sights in Egypt, this city is where you never know what incredible ancient sites you may experience. Discover Giza’s famed pyramids, visit the capital's medieval markets by Khan El-Khalili, or simply sit at a café terrace while watching the life of the city whirl past as it has done for eons.
For those with fewer time constraints this Cairo stopover makes a wonderful additional tour as you travel through the Middle East.
Highlights:
- 24/7 service and full backup from our local Egypt representative
- A warm welcome with a personal meet and assist inside immigration, together with your Egyptian visa on arrival, followed by express immigration assistance
- Marvel at the wondrous Pyramids from the earliest Step Pyramid of Sakkara to the monumental Great Pyramid of Giza.
- Wonder at the origins of the enigmatic Sphinx whose face was once used for target practice by Napoleon’s soldiers.
- Explore the millennia old treasures that abound in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Cairo
Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be welcomed by our local Airport representative PRIOR to immigration who will assist you with your included Egyptian Visa. Your special fast track immigration service ensures priority access. After immigration clearance, you will be assisted with your luggage collection and customs control by our local team, then transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the Cairo downtown city area. You will be assisted with your hotel check-in then have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Cairo.
Optional Excursion (surcharge applies): Enhance your first day in Egypt with the optional Sound and Light Show at the pyramids.
Day 2: Cairo (B)
A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on a fascinating tour of the Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara.
Begin your day with a visit to the impressive site of the Pyramids whose construction began in 2690 BC. The Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops.
Optional (supplement applies): Take a Camel Ride across the sands of the desert with the Pyramids in the background
A reservation is included for lunch (own expense) at the 9 Pyramids Lounge with stunning views overlooking the ancient Pyramids of Giza. This is a unique dining experience, unlike anything else in the world (payment for lunch to be made locally at the restaurant). View the 9 Pyramids Lounge Facebook Page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/9PyramidsLounge
After regathering your thoughts travel with your driver cross country to the ancient capital of Memphis, then continue to visit the original pyramids at Sakkara – the oldest surviving Egyptian pyramid. This most ancient of pyramids was the first to be built in ancient Egypt, preceding those at Giza by many centuries. Essentially a sequence of decreasingly sized mastaba placed atop each other, this architectural advance of raising tombs closer to the heavens ultimately led to the creation of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: Cairo (B)
Meet your private Egyptologist-Guide after breakfast and depart on another full day of exploring Cairo.
This morning visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest and most comprehensive archaeological museum dedicated to one civilization, located near the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Spanning over seven millennia of Egyptian history, the GEM houses over 100,000 exhibits illuminating the legacy of Egypt’s ancient civilization. Upon entering, see the colossal statue of Ramses II, a commanding presence that once stood in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and now presides proudly over the museum’s grand atrium. From here, ascend the Grand Staircase, an architectural masterpiece that rises through time itself—each level thoughtfully curated to reflect a distinct era of Egypt’s rich past. At the top, view the Pyramids through a sweeping panoramic window. To the right lies the Tutankhamun Gallery, home to the legendary treasures of the Boy King. This remarkable exhibit, a recreation of his tomb, displays over 5,000 artifacts—many unveiled for the first time. Continue through the galleries showcasing artifacts, from prehistoric times and early dynasties to stories of pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of one of the world's oldest cultures, along with the rhythm, of daily life along the Nile. Conclude your visit with time to browse the museum’s elegant shopping arcade or relax in one of its cafes. Overnight Cairo.
Continue to the Citadel which dominates Cairo’s skyline and visit the Mohammed Ali Mosque commissioned by Mohammed Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848. Your tour ends later today with a visit to the 14th century bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar where many bargains may be found. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 4: Cairo (B)
This morning you will be transferred to Cairo airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Cairo
- Fast Track meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
- Egyptian visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK passport holders
Airport departure assistance - Private transfers Cairo Airport/Hotel/Cairo Airport in air-conditioned transportation
- 3 nights’ accommodation in hotels specified with private facilities (Cairo downtown area)
- Breakfast Daily
- Private sightseeing in Cairo (2 full day tours) with English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees
- Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Egyptian Visa for non-US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Cairo City
First Class: Steigenberger Tahrir (Standard City View Room)
Deluxe Class: Cairo Marriott Hotel (Run of House Room)
Super Deluxe Class: Sofitel El Gezirah (Premium Partial Nile View Room)
Sightseeing (non cruise)
All sightseeing unless specified is on a private basis with a driver and guide. Sightseeing generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day ie. early morning or late afternoon therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat
Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
