1 day
Cairo, the bustling capital city of Egypt, is a dynamic and vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient history with modernity. One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Giza pyramid complex, where the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stands proudly alongside the enigmatic Sphinx. Visitors can immerse themselves in Egypt's rich history by exploring the numerous museums, such as the Egyptian Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
In addition to its historical significance, Cairo is also a thriving cultural hub, with a vibrant arts scene that includes theaters, galleries, and music venues. The city is home to a diverse population, with neighborhoods like Zamalek known for its trendy cafes and art galleries, and Khan el-Khalili, a bustling marketplace where visitors can shop for souvenirs and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Egyptian life. Cairo's cosmopolitan atmosphere is further enhanced by its diverse culinary scene, with an array of restaurants offering everything from traditional Egyptian cuisine to international fare.
Despite its bustling energy, Cairo also offers moments of tranquility and relaxation, with lush parks and gardens providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Al-Azhar Park, located in the heart of the city, offers stunning views of Cairo's skyline and is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls. Whether exploring its ancient treasures, immersing oneself in its vibrant culture, or simply soaking in its unique atmosphere, Cairo is a city that captivates and inspires visitors from around the world.
Since your tour in Cairo is conducted with a private guide and driver, there is a degree of flexibility! While the itinerary is tightly packed to cover all the highlights of Cairo in a single day, your private guide will be happy to accommodate minor adjustments and prioritize sites within the allotted time, based on what interests you most. Just discuss your preferences with them at the start of the day.
The tour includes pick-up and return services from all hotels within Aswan. If your accommodation is located far outside the city center or in a remote area, we will simply confirm the most convenient and practical meeting point with you beforehand to ensure a punctual and smooth start to your journey.
You are highly encouraged to take photos at all the spectacular outdoor sites, like the Pyramids and the Sphinx, to capture your memories! However, please be aware that photography is generally restricted inside the main halls of the Egyptian Museum, particularly near sensitive exhibits like the Royal Mummies and Tutankhamun's gold. Your guide will clearly inform you of the specific rules at each location to ensure you enjoy all the permitted photo opportunities.
This is a very rewarding, but highly intensive, trip. It involves a 12-hour overnight train journey, a full day of extensive walking and climbing (especially around the Pyramids), and navigating busy city areas. Guests should be in good physical health and comfortable with prolonged activity and travel time. If you or a member of your party has specific mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the feasibility of the itinerary.
Our primary goal is to ensure clear communication and an informative experience. Your professional guide in Cairo will be fluent in English to clearly convey the rich history, context, and logistics of the tour. If you require a guide in another specific language, please notify us well in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your request!
We strongly recommend booking your Cairo Day Trip as far in advance as possible. The reason is the necessity of securing those Vip First Class train tickets, which are limited and often sell out quickly, especially during peak Egyptian travel seasons. To guarantee your spot and ensure the best travel arrangements, booking at least two weeks ahead of your desired date is ideal.
You won't have to navigate the station on your own! You will be warmly greeted immediately upon arrival in Cairo by your private tour guide and driver. They will be clearly holding a sign with your name. They will whisk you away in your private, air-conditioned vehicle to begin your exciting day of sightseeing right away, ensuring a quick and seamless transition from the train to the Pyramids.
You can travel with peace of mind! As this is an intense day trip, your luggage will be safely stored in the private, air-conditioned vehicle that transports you around Cairo. As soon as you meet your guide and driver at the train station, your bags will be secured. You can enjoy your visit to the Pyramids and museums knowing your belongings are close by and secure until you are transferred back to the train in the evening.
Due to the demanding nature of the 12-hour overnight train journey and the packed full day of activity, this tour is generally best suited for older children and adults who are comfortable with long travel periods and a fast-paced itinerary. For specific pricing, please check the booking engine, as child rates (if applicable) often depend on the cost of the reserved Vip First Class train ticket.
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency and is best for small tips and purchases from local vendors. However, many major souvenir shops at sites like Khan El Khalili will readily accept US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR). We highly recommend carrying small denominations of Egyptian Pounds for the most convenience when tipping your guide and driver.
Rest assured, our local team is professional and experienced in managing Egyptian train schedules. We monitor your arrival time closely. Even if there is a delay, your private guide and driver will wait for you at the Cairo train station, regardless of the time, and adjust the day's itinerary dynamically to ensure you see the maximum number of sites possible. Your safety and ability to enjoy the major highlights remain our top priority.
Yes, absolutely! We prioritize your comfort and hydration, especially while you are exploring in the Egyptian climate. Complimentary bottled drinking water will be available throughout the day while you are traveling in your private vehicle in Cairo. Your guide and driver will ensure you have plenty of refreshments to keep you comfortable.
You will receive a comprehensive booking confirmation that outlines your complete itinerary, pickup times, and all necessary contact numbers. Your Vip First Class train tickets will be prepared by our team in advance, and your local representative will efficiently coordinate the handover of these tickets to you during your initial transfer to the Aswan train station.
Cairo generally has hot and dry weather. The summer months (May through September) can be very hot, requiring light clothing and frequent hydration. The cooler months (October through April) offer more pleasant daytime temperatures, though mornings and evenings can be quite cool, especially on the overnight train. We recommend checking the specific forecast before your departure and packing light, breathable clothing layers.
Since the Cairo portion of this experience provides you with a private car and dedicated guide, and the train ticket is a fixed cost, there is often a single traveler supplement. This covers the fixed costs of the private arrangements that would normally be shared by a larger party. Please review the booking platform's pricing details at checkout for the exact rate applicable to solo travelers.
To ensure you can fully immerse yourself in the historical experience, dedicated Wi-Fi is generally not provided on the public train service or in the private sightseeing vehicle. If staying connected is essential, we recommend planning to use your own mobile data plan. However, the private car is equipped with charging ports, so you can keep your devices fully charged throughout the day!
Your safety is our top priority. The Vip First Class train service is a very well-established and secure method of transportation used reliably by tourists and locals alike. You will be traveling in a dedicated, reserved carriage, and the train itself has security staff. This arrangement ensures a safe, restful, and comfortable environment for your overnight journey to and from Cairo.
We understand that sometimes plans must change. Our complete cancellation and refund policy is clearly outlined on the website during the booking process. Since this particular tour involves securing non-refundable Vip First Class train tickets in advance, we strongly recommend reviewing the specific terms outlined when you reserve your date to understand the deadlines for receiving a full or partial refund.
While we always strive to accommodate our guests, due to the high demand and limited availability of the Vip First Class train tickets, last-minute bookings are extremely challenging. We strongly recommend booking at least two weeks in advance. If you have an urgent need to book with short notice, please contact us directly, and we will check the absolute latest train availability for you!
Yes, absolutely! We are happy to accommodate most common dietary restrictions and preferences (such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free) for your included lunch in Cairo. Please make sure to inform us of your specific needs in the comments section when you book your tour, and we will arrange an appropriate meal for you at the local restaurant.
Our Cairo guides are all professional, highly experienced, and licensed Egyptologists. They are passionately dedicated to sharing Egypt's rich history, providing accurate and engaging information that goes beyond a standard commentary, ensuring you get the most depth and educational value from your time at the Pyramids and Museum.
Yes, this is one of the best advantages of booking a private tour! While the overall itinerary is tightly structured, you have a dedicated guide and vehicle. If you wish to spend an extra 30 minutes at the Pyramids complex and sacrifice time at another location, your guide will do their best to safely adjust the schedule to fit your personal interests.
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, for secure and easy online payment of your tour. The specific accepted payment options will be clearly displayed during the final checkout process on the website.
The Vip First Class service ensures you have a dedicated, reserved seat or private compartment designed specifically for comfort during the 12-hour overnight journey. The seating is spacious, features generous recline, and provides a much more restful environment compared to standard coaches, which is essential for maximizing your energy before your day of sightseeing.
Yes, it is highly recommended that you carry a photocopy of your passport and visa (if applicable) for identification purposes, especially when traveling long distances between major Egyptian cities. While your guide handles all the attraction and train tickets, having a copy of your ID on your person is an important safety measure.
Tipping is customary in Egypt and entirely based on your satisfaction with the service. For a long, full-day private tour of this caliber (over 24 hours), a customary amount generally ranges from $15 to $25 USD per person for the guide, and slightly less (e.g., $10 to $15 USD per person) for the driver, given their exceptional dedication and service over the long duration.
Since you are arriving in Cairo in the early morning, your private guide will strategically plan the itinerary to visit the most popular sites, such as the Pyramids, as early as possible. This approach is designed to help you beat both the peak midday crowds and the intense sun, ensuring you have the most enjoyable and least congested viewing experience possible at the major monuments.
The ideal time to take this trip is during the cooler months, generally from October through April. During this period, the weather in Cairo is mild and sunny, making your full day of outdoor sightseeing much more comfortable. While the trip runs year-round, travel during the summer (June-August) will be significantly hotter.
The most reliable and convenient places to exchange currency are usually at ATMs or licensed exchange offices in Aswan, typically found at the major hotels or the airport. We highly recommend exchanging a sufficient amount of Egyptian Pounds (EGP) into small denominations before the trip, as this is essential for tipping and buying items from smaller vendors.
Standard tourist camera equipment is welcome at the sites. However, permission is often required for bulky, professional-grade gear (like large tripods). Importantly, drones are strictly prohibited across all major historical and archaeological sites in Egypt, including the Pyramids. We advise sticking to standard travel photography gear to avoid delays or confiscation.
From Aswan, leap across millennia to Cairo in one incredible day to stand face-to-face with the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, unearth Tutankhamun's gold at the Egyptian Museum, and haggle in the historic Khan el-Khalili Bazaar—all with round-trip VIP train tickets included!