Cairo Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh

This trip is a full dive into ancient history! You will get to explore the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus), stand in awe of the Great Sphinx, and visit the Valley Temple. We then immerse ourselves in the wonders of the Egyptian Museum, where you'll see the precious treasures of Tutankhamun. The day concludes with a fun stop for shopping at the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

We've arranged the most convenient way to travel—by air! Your tour package includes round-trip domestic flight tickets from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo and back, ensuring you have the maximum amount of time in Cairo for sightseeing. All ground transfers in both cities are also covered by a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

he tour is designed to be hassle-free! The price includes your flight tickets, all transfers, the services of a professional Egyptologist guide, all entrance fees to the main historical sites, a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo, and all taxes and service charges.

You should budget separately for voluntary tipping for your guide and driver, personal spending on souvenirs, and any optional activities you might choose to do inside the sites.

Absolutely! You will be accompanied by a certified, professional Egyptologist guide for the entire day in Cairo. They are experts in Egyptian history and culture and will bring the Pyramids and the Museum to life with fascinating stories and facts.

ou don't need to worry about packing lunch! A satisfying lunch meal at a quality local restaurant in Cairo is included in your tour. This gives you a chance to enjoy local cuisine and recharge before the afternoon’s activities.

This is a very full and rewarding day! Because we rely on flights to maximize your sightseeing time, the day typically starts very early in the morning (we'll notify you of the exact pickup time) and concludes late in the evening upon your return to Sharm El Sheikh. Expect a long day, but it is the best way to see the wonders of Cairo in just one day.

We make it easy for you! Your trip includes complimentary pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. Our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby or designated area to transfer you to the airport. Upon your return flight, your transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you straight back to your hotel.

Yes, absolutely! We dedicate time for you to explore the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, which is the perfect place to shop for authentic souvenirs and gifts. While most major vendors accept credit cards, we highly recommend carrying Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for smaller purchases and transactions, though U.S. Dollars are often accepted as well.

This is a crucial detail! Even though it's a domestic flight, you must bring your passport for airport security and boarding.

More importantly, your flight is to Cairo (mainland Egypt), so the free 15-day "Sinai Only" stamp (if you entered Sharm with one) is not sufficient. You must obtain the full Egyptian tourist visa (the USD 25 sticker visa) on arrival at Sharm El Sheikh airport to be legally permitted to travel to Cairo.

We recommend dressing for comfort, heat, and cultural respect!

• Clothing: Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. While the Pyramids are outdoors, Cairo is a conservative city, so we advise modesty—covering your shoulders and knees is appreciated for both men and women. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
• Footwear: Choose comfortable, durable walking shoes or trainers. You will be walking on uneven cobblestones and dusty, sandy ground at the Giza Plateau, making open sandals impractical.

While we welcome all travelers, be aware that the historical sites in Cairo present natural challenges. The Pyramids are on uneven, dusty, and sandy terrain. The Egyptian Museum has multiple floors and limited modern accessibility.

We recommend this tour for those who can comfortably handle long periods of walking and standing. If you have concerns, please contact us! Our guides are excellent at adjusting the pace and planning the most accessible route possible to ensure you still have a wonderful experience.

A day trip to Cairo is generally safe, especially with a professional guide and driver, but certain common-sense precautions are advised:

• Scams and Haggling: Be prepared for persistent touts, especially at the Pyramids. Your guide will help shield you, but if approached, a polite but firm "La'a, shukran" (No, thank you) is usually effective. Be cautious of common scams like offers for "free" gifts that later require payment.
• Petty Crime: As in any major city, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Keep cash and valuables secured (e.g., in a crossbody bag or money belt).
• Health and Hydration: Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled water (which should be provided by your tour) for drinking and even brushing your teeth. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
• Traffic: Cairo traffic is chaotic. Be extremely vigilant when crossing streets or walking near busy roads.

Photography rules have become much more relaxed in Egypt for tourists in recent years, but there are still key restrictions to follow:

• General Rule: Non-commercial photography using mobile phones and digital cameras is generally permitted and free at the Pyramids and inside museums.
• Flash Photography: Flash is strictly prohibited inside the Egyptian Museum (and any indoor museum/tomb) to protect the artifacts.
• Prohibited Areas: At the Egyptian Museum (in Tahrir Square), photography is typically prohibited inside the King Tutankhamun's gold mask and sarcophagi display and the Royal Mummies Room. Your guide will alert you to these areas.
• Equipment: The use of large, professional equipment like tripods and monopods is generally restricted for non-commercial use, or may require a separate, often costly, permit.

October is widely considered one of the best months to visit Cairo as the extreme summer heat has subsided.

• Temperature: Expect very warm, pleasant days. Average high temperatures are around 32°C (89°F), with lows in the evening dropping to a comfortable 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F). Rainfall is virtually nonexistent.
• What to Wear: Pack lightweight, breathable summer clothing (cotton or linen) for the daytime, as it will still be hot in the sun. Given the significant drop in temperature after sunset and the early morning start, you will need a light jacket, cardigan, or wrap for the plane journey, the airport transfers, and the evening cruise portion of the trip.
• Modesty: Always adhere to the general Egyptian custom of dressing modestly. For both men and women, this means covering your shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting the museum or religious sites.

• Best Currency: Egyptian Pounds (EGP). While many major hotels and tour operators may accept US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), or a credit card, you will need Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for most small purchases, snacks, drinks, minor transportation like short taxis/Ubers, and for tipping (baksheesh), which is a daily necessity.
• Recommendation: Exchange a small amount of USD/EUR for EGP at the airport upon arrival or use an ATM in the city. Using EGP for daily expenses ensures you get the local price and avoids unfavorable exchange rates from small vendors.
• Credit Cards: Accepted in large hotels, upscale restaurants, and major tourist shops, but cash (EGP) is king in markets and for street vendors.

• Tour Guide: Your guide will speak fluent English (or the language specified in your booking), and all tour-related information will be provided in that language.
• Tourist Sites: Staff at major sites (Pyramids, Egyptian Museum) generally speak enough English to direct you or complete a transaction.
• General Interactions: The primary language is Arabic. For smaller interactions (like buying water or a souvenir from a street vendor), knowing a few basic phrases (e.g., shukran for "thank you," la shukran for "no, thank you") is helpful and appreciated.

• Fee (Baksheesh): Public restrooms, particularly at tourist sites and rest stops, usually have an attendant and a small fee (typically 5-10 EGP) for entry, which also covers a small piece of toilet paper. It is essential to have small Egyptian pound notes/coins ready for this.
• Bring Your Own: It is highly recommended to carry your own small pack of tissues/toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your day bag, as toilet paper and soap are often not consistently provided.
• Disposal: Egyptian plumbing is often old. Do not flush toilet paper; dispose of it in the small bin provided next to the toilet.
• Types: You may encounter both Western-style sit-down toilets and squat toilets. Many facilities also have a bidet hose (a shatafa) for washing.

Buy a Local SIM

Pro: Available at the airport (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, WE) immediately upon arrival. Requires a physical SIM card swap.

Con: Airport prices are generally higher than city stores. Requires presenting your physical passport for registration.

Buy a Tourist eSIM

Pro: Instant digital activation. No need to swap physical cards. You keep your home number active (for apps/texts) while using the eSIM for data.

Con: Requires an eSIM-compatible phone (most modern phones are). Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection for installation.

Recommendation: For a short trip, a pre-purchased eSIM from a global provider (like Holafly or Airalo) is the most convenient option, as you are connected the moment you land. If your phone is not eSIM compatible, buy a Vodafone or Orange tourist line at the airport, as they are the most widely available and reliable in the tourist areas.

Persistence from vendors and touts (people who offer unsolicited services, like guides or carriage rides) is common, especially in high-tourist areas.

• Be firm, but polite: The most effective and polite refusal is a firm "La Shukran" (No, thank you) or a simple, confident head shake, then continue walking without breaking your stride or making eye contact.
• Do not engage: Do not give a reason, engage in conversation, or touch their goods unless you intend to buy. Many touts start by simply asking "Where are you from?" as an opening.
• Use your guide: If you hired a private guide, they are your best shield. They are trained to handle this and will often intervene immediately to let you enjoy the sites in peace.

While food in good local establishments is generally safe, tourists often get sick from changes in diet and hygiene, not necessarily bad food.

• Avoid Ice and Unpeeled Fruits/Vegetables: Since tap water is highly chlorinated and not recommended for drinking, avoid ice in drinks (unless you are at a high-end hotel) and stick to fruits that you can peel yourself (like bananas and oranges).
• Eat Where It's Hot (and Busy): For street food, only eat cooked food that is piping hot and has just come off the grill or out of the fryer (like fresh ta'ameya or ful). Stalls with long lines of locals are a good sign of quality and high turnover.
• Carry Hand Sanitizer: Use it before and after eating, especially after handling cash or using public facilities.
• Don't Change Your Diet Drastically: It's tempting to try everything, but try to maintain a sensible eating pace. Overeating new, rich foods (especially the combination of carbs and legumes in Koshary) can easily upset a delicate stomach.

You should save these numbers in your phone before you travel: Unified Emergency Service (from mobile): 112 (covers police, ambulance, and fire, and is often the most reliable option from a cell phone). Tourist Police: 126 (for issues specifically involving tourists, such as theft, scams, or harassment). Ambulance: 123 General Police: 122 Fire Department: 180

The rules for personal, non-commercial photography have recently been relaxed, but there are crucial exceptions: Street & Public Places: Personal photography (with phones, digital, and video cameras) is allowed, free of charge, and does not require a permit in public spaces. Archaeological Sites & Museums: Photography is generally allowed for personal use (no flash indoors). However, some areas—like the Royal Mummies Room in the Egyptian Museum—are strictly prohibited. Forbidden Subjects: It is strictly forbidden to photograph:

• Police, military personnel, or any security/sovereign facilities (police stations, government buildings, military sites).
• Children.
• Adult citizens without their explicit consent.

Equipment: Professional equipment (large lights, shades, or items that block public roads) require a permit. Using a tripod may be restricted or require an extra fee at many historical sites.