Arrival: Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Day 1: Arrival & Explore Old Cairo
Morning
- Arrive in Cairo and check in to your hotel (recommendations below).
- Relax after your flight.
Afternoon
- Visit Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Abu Serga, and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
- Walk around Islamic Cairo: visit the Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Evening
- Stroll through Khan El Khalili Bazaar — shop for souvenirs and enjoy traditional Egyptian street life.
- Dinner at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant (inside the bazaar).
Overnight: Cairo
Day 2: Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
Morning
- Visit the Giza Plateau:
- Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Menkaure.
- Great Sphinx.
- Optional: Camel ride around the pyramids.
Afternoon
- Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge (panoramic views of the pyramids).
- Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (if open; otherwise, visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir).
Evening
- Optional: Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.
- Dinner at Kebabgy Oriental Grill (by the Nile).
Overnight: Cairo
Day 3: Travel to Luxor & East Bank
Morning
- Early flight or sleeper train to Luxor.
- Check in to a hotel or Nile cruise.
Afternoon
- Explore Karnak Temple Complex — one of the largest religious buildings in the world.
- Visit Luxor Temple, beautifully lit at sunset.
Evening
- Walk along the Nile Corniche.
- Dinner at 1886 Restaurant (French-Egyptian fusion) in the Winter Palace.
Overnight: Luxor
Day 4: West Bank of Luxor
Morning
- Visit the Valley of the Kings (see Tutankhamun’s tomb).
- Explore the Temple of Hatshepsut.
- Stop by the Colossi of Memnon.
Afternoon
- Optional: Visit the Valley of the Queens or Medinet Habu Temple.
- Lunch at Africa Restaurant Luxor.
Evening
- Optional: Felucca sunset ride on the Nile.
- Dinner onboard your cruise or local restaurant.
Overnight: Luxor
Day 5: Return to Cairo & Departure
Morning
- Fly or take a train back to Cairo.
Optional (time permitting)
- Visit Al-Azhar Mosque or Museum of Islamic Art.
- Shopping at City Stars Mall or Mall of Egypt.
Evening
- Transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure.
Recommended Hotels
Cairo
- Budget: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
- Mid-range: Marriott Mena House (pyramid view)
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Luxor
- Budget: Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel
- Mid-range: Iberotel Luxor
- Luxury: Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
Transportation Tips
- Flights: Domestic flights (Cairo–Luxor) via EgyptAir or Nile Air.
- Train: Sleeper train option (Watania Sleeping Trains).
- Local: Use Uber in Cairo; taxis in Luxor (negotiate fare beforehand).
Food to Try
- Koshari – national street dish
- Foul & Ta’ameya – Egyptian falafel
- Molokhia – green soup with rice
- Grilled meats (kofta, kebab)
