From Pyramids to the Sea
Four days pairing the monuments of Cairo and Giza with a day on the Mediterranean at Alexandria.
Overview
Short on days but rich in range, this break pairs the founding monuments of the Old Kingdom with the Mediterranean cosmopolis of Alexandria. You start with the Egyptian Museum, spend a full day among Alexandria's catacombs and citadel, then give Giza and Saqqara the morning light they deserve before closing in the lanes of Islamic Cairo. Ideal as a stand-alone trip or the front half of a longer Egypt itinerary.
Itinerary
Arrival & the Egyptian Museum
- Private airport welcome and hotel transfer
- Afternoon at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir
- Welcome dinner recommendations from your guide
Alexandria day trip
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Citadel of Qaitbay and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Pompey's Pillar and a seafront seafood lunch
Giza & Saqqara
- Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
- Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
- Memphis, first capital of a united Egypt
Islamic Cairo & departure
- Saladin Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar
- Private transfer to the airport
Included & not included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout
- 3 nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Lunch on each touring day
- Private air-conditioned transfers
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Bottled water every day
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa
- Tipping (gratuities)
- Personal expenses
- Optional extras — Abu Simbel, camel rides, dinner cruise, drinks
Good to know
Is four days enough for Cairo and Alexandria?
Yes — this itinerary is built to cover the essentials of both without rushing, with one full day given to Alexandria and a full morning to the Giza plateau.
Can I add Luxor or a Nile cruise?
Easily. This break makes a natural first half; we add a flight or sleeper train to Luxor and Aswan whenever you have more days.
How long is the drive to Alexandria?
About two and a half to three hours each way on the desert road, in a private air-conditioned vehicle with your guide.
Is this journey right for you?
- Travellers who prefer a private, guided experience
- Those with a deep interest in ancient history and culture
- Visitors who want a curated itinerary rather than self-guided travel
- Anyone seeking high-quality, professionally managed logistics
- Travellers seeking large group or coach tours
- Budget-focused independent backpackers
- Visitors looking primarily for nightlife or beach holidays
Preparation reading
Guides to help you prepare for this journey.
Egypt Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt — visa requirements, the best time to go, getting around, top destinations, culture and practical essentials.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt's best travel season is October to April, when Nile Valley temperatures are mild and monuments are comfortable to explore. Here is what to expect season by season and destination by destination.
Getting Around Egypt
How to travel between Egypt's cities and sites — domestic flights, high-speed trains, Nile cruises, the Cairo Metro, taxis and private transfers explained.
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