Cairo is an easy add-on from Australia because it sits on the main Gulf airline routes to Europe. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad all connect through their hubs, so adding three nights can be as simple as changing your onward flight.
Three nights is the minimum we recommend for doing Cairo properly. The pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum alone need a full day, Saqqara and Dahshur need a half day, and Islamic Cairo deserves an afternoon and evening. This itinerary covers all of them with a private Egyptologist, without rushing.
Stay at a Giza hotel near the pyramids, which also puts you a few minutes from the Grand Egyptian Museum and away from the worst of central Cairo's traffic.
Journey highlights
- The Great Pyramid, Khafre, Menkaure and the Great Sphinx
- The Grand Egyptian Museum's complete Tutankhamun collection
- Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara
- Going inside the Red Pyramid at Dahshur
- The Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar and mint tea at El Fishawy
- Coptic Cairo's Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day1
Arrive in Cairo
You are met at the airport, helped through the visa and immigration process, and transferred to your hotel in Giza. If you arrive early, you can add the evening sound and light show at the pyramids.
- Day2
Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Arrive at the Giza Plateau at opening time with your Egyptologist for the pyramids, the panoramic viewpoint and the Sphinx. After lunch, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum for the Grand Staircase, the Tutankhamun galleries and Khufu's Solar Boat.
- Day3
Saqqara, Dahshur and Islamic Cairo
Drive south to Saqqara for the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the decorated tombs, then go on to Dahshur to climb down inside the Red Pyramid. In the late afternoon, visit the Citadel of Saladin, then finish in Khan el-Khalili with mint tea at El Fishawy café.
- Day4
Coptic Cairo and depart
If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, start with Coptic Cairo: the Hanging Church, the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Then transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Where you’ll stay
| Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Cairo (Giza), 3 nights | Marriott Mena House or Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo or similar |
What’s included
- 3 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private Egyptologist guide on Days 2–4
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Standard entry fees to all sites in the itinerary
- Airport meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
- Bottled water in the vehicle and 24/7 local support
Not included
- International flights (we can quote and book these)
- Egypt visa fee
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Entry inside the Great Pyramid and the sound and light show
- Lunches, dinners and drinks
- Tips for guides and drivers
Destinations on this journey
Cairo & Pyramids Stopover: 4 Days of Giza, the GEM and Old Cairo: FAQs
Is 3 nights enough in Cairo?
Yes. Three nights covers Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Dahshur and Islamic Cairo comfortably. Add a fourth night if you want to explore the old city in more depth or do a day trip to Alexandria.
Can I do this as a stopover on the way to Europe?
Yes. Flying from Australia with a Gulf airline usually makes a Cairo stopover simple, as your ticket can be routed via Cairo on the way to Europe. See our flights guide.
Should I stay in Giza or downtown Cairo?
For a short stay focused on the pyramids and the GEM, Giza is more convenient. Downtown hotels on the Nile are better if you plan to spend more time in Islamic Cairo. Our Cairo & Giza guide compares the areas.
Can I extend to Luxor?
Yes. Luxor is about an hour's flight from Cairo, and even one night lets you see Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. See Essential Egypt in 8 days for a longer option.
