Cairo 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Flight from Rome to Cairo

Depart from Rome (FCO) and arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI).

Get ready to start your Egyptian adventure!

Ensure you have all necessary travel documents and visas. Stay hydrated during your journey.

Private Airport Transfer

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Cairo International Airport to your hotel in Cairo or Giza, avoiding the hustle of public transport upon arrival.

Hotel Check-in & Settle In

Check into your hotel, unpack, and take some time to relax after your journey.

Welcome Dinner

Enjoy your first Egyptian dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel, trying traditional dishes like Koshary or Ful Medames.

Ask your hotel for recommendations for family-friendly restaurants. Tipping is customary.

Giza Pyramids with Camel Ride

Embark on a private tour to the iconic Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

Enjoy a memorable camel ride across the desert with your family, and explore these ancient wonders.

Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Bring water. This tour offers a hassle-free experience with hotel pickup.

Lunch near Giza

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the Giza area, perhaps with views of the pyramids.

Relax at Hotel

Return to your hotel for some rest and to escape the afternoon heat.

Take a dip in the pool if available.

Casual Dinner

Explore another local eatery for a relaxed dinner.

Grand Egyptian Museum & Bazaar Tour

Experience a full-day tour focusing on the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.

While the tour name includes Giza Pyramids, this day focuses on the museum's treasures and the lively market. The GEM is a fantastic indoor activity to escape the heat.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is anticipated to be fully open. It's a vast museum, so prioritize key exhibits. Be prepared to haggle at Khan el-Khalili. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Cairo Street Food with a Local Family

Immerse yourselves in authentic, home-cooked and street Egyptian cuisine across two distinct neighborhoods.

A unique cultural experience for the family to try local delicacies.

Come hungry! Be open to trying new flavors and dishes. This is an evening activity, which can be a cooler time for walking.

Saqqara & Memphis Tour

Explore the ancient capital of Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, one of the world's oldest stone structures.

This full-day tour gives you a deeper dive into early Egyptian history. The tour usually includes lunch.

Bring comfortable walking shoes as there will be quite a bit of walking. Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off. Some tours may include Dahshur pyramids (Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid) for a more complete experience of early pyramid development.

Free Evening & Dinner

Enjoy a free evening to relax, perhaps by the hotel pool, or explore more local dining options.

Islamic Cairo & Citadel

Discover the medieval charm of Islamic Cairo.

Visit the stunning Citadel of Salah El Din and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, offering panoramic views of the city. Walk through historic streets and soak in the atmosphere.

Dress modestly for mosque visits (shoulders and knees covered). The Citadel offers great photo opportunities.

Lunch in Old Cairo

Enjoy lunch in one of the traditional restaurants in the Old Cairo area.

Nile River Felucca Ride

Relax on a traditional felucca (sailboat) ride along the Nile River.

This is a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery and a great escape from the city bustle, especially pleasant in the afternoon.

Arrange a felucca ride from one of the docks along the Corniche. Negotiate the price beforehand.

Prepare for Marsa Alam

Spend the evening preparing for your journey to Marsa Alam tomorrow.

Pack essentials for beach activities and review your travel arrangements.

Farewell Cairo Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Cairo, perhaps trying a restaurant with a view or one that offers live entertainment.

Flight to Marsa Alam

Catch a domestic flight from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) to begin your Red Sea adventure.

Enjoy scenic views during the short flight.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your family-friendly resort in Marsa Alam.

Settle in and enjoy lunch at one of the resort's restaurants.

Resort Pool & Beach Time

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or on the private beach of your resort.

Let the kids enjoy the aqua park facilities.

Hydrate frequently and use sunscreen. The resort offers various amenities to keep families entertained.

Dinner at Resort

Enjoy a delicious dinner at your resort, offering a variety of international and local cuisine options.

Guided Snorkeling Trip

Embark on a guided snorkeling trip to explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life Marsa Alam is famous for.

Suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Many local dive centers, such as Scuba World Divers Marsa Alam Lagoon View Hotel, offer half-day snorkeling excursions. Inquire at your resort or directly with a dive center. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g311425-d12369422-Reviews-Scuba_World_Divers_Marsa_Alam_Lagoon_View_Hotel-Marsa_Alam_Red_Sea_and_Sinai.html?m=66827

Lunch at Resort

Return to the resort for a relaxing lunch after your morning adventure.

Leisure & Kids Activities

Enjoy free time at the resort.

Families can relax by the pool, try out the aqua park, or participate in resort-organized kids' club activities.

Sunset Beach Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the Red Sea, a perfect family moment.

Dolphin House Reef (Sataya) Tour

Embark on a full-day boat trip to Sataya Reef, often called 'Dolphin House.

' This natural attraction is home to a large pod of spinner dolphins, offering an incredible opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside them in their natural habitat. The tour typically includes lunch on board.

Book with a reputable tour operator. Many local operators, like 'Egypt boat tours'' (Google Places) or those found via Marsa Alam Online (TripAdvisor), offer these excursions. Life jackets and guides are provided. This is an unforgettable family experience.

Relaxation After Tour

After a day on the sea, enjoy some downtime back at the resort.

Refresh and unwind before dinner.

Dinner at Resort

Savor dinner at your resort, recounting the day's dolphin encounters.

Visit Sharm El Luli Beach

Head to Sharm El Luli, a stunning natural bay renowned for its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

It's an ideal spot for family swimming and snorkeling from the shore.

Often cited as one of Egypt's best beaches. Bring water, snacks, and shade if possible, as facilities can be limited. A taxi service like Marsa Alam City Taxi (TripAdvisor) can arrange transfers. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g311425-d17779639-Reviews-Marsa_Alam_City_Taxi-Marsa_Alam_Red_Sea_and_Sinai.html?m=66827

Lunch at Resort

Enjoy lunch back at the comfort of your resort.

Optional Quad Bike Safari

For an adventurous family experience, consider an optional quad bike safari into the Marsa Alam desert.

Experience the thrill of riding across dunes and enjoying the unique landscape (check age restrictions for children).

Book through your resort or a local tour operator like Marsa Alam Online (TripAdvisor).

Themed Dinner at Resort

Many resorts offer themed dinner nights, often featuring local Egyptian cuisine or BBQ.

Enjoy a special dining experience.

Abu Dabab Bay Snorkeling

Visit Abu Dabab Bay, famous for its resident dugongs (sea cows) and giant green sea turtles.

This calm bay is ideal for families to snorkel and observe these magnificent creatures.

Arrange transport via resort or local taxi. Entrance fees may apply. Life jackets and guides can be hired. 'Aba dubab' is listed on Google Places as a point of interest here, highlighting its importance.

Lunch at Resort

Enjoy a final lunch at the resort before a relaxed afternoon.

Free Afternoon & Resort Facilities

Enjoy a free afternoon to revisit your favorite resort amenities, relax by the pool, or simply unwind.

This is also a good time to pack or plan for your remaining days in Marsa Alam.

Leisurely Dinner at Resort

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the resort, reflecting on your Red Sea experiences.

Dolphin House Reef Snorkeling

Embark on a boat trip to Sataya Reef, famously known as the Dolphin House.

This horseshoe-shaped reef is home to a large pod of spinner dolphins, offering an incredible opportunity to snorkel and swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable family experience.

Look for local tour operators offering daily trips. Wetsuits and snorkeling gear are usually provided or available for rent. Children comfortable with swimming will love this!

Beach & Pool Relaxation

After an exciting morning, return to your resort for some well-deserved relaxation by the pool or on the private beach.

Enjoy the Red Sea breeze and soak up the sun.

Plenty of sun loungers and parasols available. Consider a refreshing drink from the poolside bar.

Local Seafood Dinner

Enjoy a delicious fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant in Marsa Alam, sampling the day's catch from the Red Sea.

Ask your hotel for recommendations on authentic local eateries.

Morning Beach Time

Enjoy one last morning swim or leisurely stroll along the beautiful Marsa Alam beach.

It’s a perfect opportunity to collect shells or simply enjoy the tranquil environment before preparing for departure.

Make sure to rinse off thoroughly and prepare for packing.

Last Minute Souvenirs

Head to a local shop near your resort or in Marsa Alam town to pick up any last-minute souvenirs and gifts to remember your Egyptian adventure.

Look for traditional crafts, spices, or local clothing. Remember to haggle respectfully for the best prices.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final lunch at your resort or a nearby cafe before checking out and heading to the airport.

This is a good time to ensure all your belongings are packed.

Check out from your accommodation usually by midday or early afternoon.

Final Packing & Preparation

Spend some time in your room for final packing and ensure all personal belongings are accounted for.

This helps ensure a smooth departure.

Ensure all documents, passports, and flight tickets are readily accessible.

Transfer to Marsa Alam Airport

Take a private transfer from your resort to Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) for your onward journey.

Your flight departs the following morning.

Pre-book your taxi or private transfer for a hassle-free journey. Marsa Alam City Taxi and Reef Taxi are local providers.