Venture to some of Egypt's most intriguing destinations as you travel from Cairo to Alexandria to the western oasis of Siwa. In the first part of the trip, you'll marvel at pyramids and temples, see pharaohs' treasures in the Egyptian Museum, and visit one of the largest and most important intellectual centers in the ancient world. Then move on to Siwa for outdoor adventures, including a safari tour.

Highlights

  • Explore the three great pyramids of Giza
  • Marvel at treasures like King Tut's tomb  
  • Learn about the Bibliotecha Alexandrina's significance in the ancient world
  • Discover the "Great Sand Sea" in Siwa on a safari tour
  • Enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner in a desert oasis

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo Cairo
Day 2 Visit Egyptian Museum & Islamic Cairo Cairo
Day 3 See the Pyramids Of Giza & Memphis Cairo
Day 4 Tour Alexandria's Catacombs, Roman Amphitheater & National Museum Alexandria
Day 5 Sightsee at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay & Montaza Gardens Alexandria
Day 6 Travel Overland to Siwa Desert Siwa
Day 7 Explore Siwa Oasis' Mountain of the Dead & More Siwa
Day 8 Go on a Safari Tour & Enjoy a Bedouin Dinner Siwa
Day 9 Transfer from Siwa to Cairo & Dine in the City Cairo
Day 10 Depart   

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo

A bird's-eye view of Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! After arriving in Cairo—one of the largest cities in Africa and in the Middle East—you'll head to your hotel. You'll be free to relax and rest in time before the tour begins. You could also start exploring the city, venturing out to try some local cuisine in one of many excellent restaurants.

Day 2: Visit Egyptian Museum & Islamic Cairo

Saladin Citadel in Islamic Cairo
The Saladin Citadel in Islamic Cairo

Meet your guide, who will accompany you on your day exploring the city and its sites. Today's activities include the Egyptian Museum, which has a substantial collection of ancient treasures, including the tomb of King Tut. Then learn about Islamic Cairo at the Citadel of Saladin See, an important example of military architecture from the Middle Ages, and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, a monumental mosque that was built during the Mamluk period of the 1300s. Finally, hunt for treasures in Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a souk in the historical center of Islamic Cairo, where you can shop for lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more.

Day 3: See the Pyramids Of Giza & Memphis

Egyptian Pyramids
Egyptian pyramids outside Cairo

Today you'll travel to Giza, located outside of Cairo, where you will see the three major pyramids at its necropolis complex. Your guide will explain the history of the construction of the Pyramids of Giza: the Great Pyramid of Giza, Cheops, and the smaller Chephren and Mykerinos. Next, you'll head to Memphis, an ancient Egyptian capital, to see the Pyramid of Saqqara and the Pyramid of Djoser.

Day 4: Tour Alexandria's Catacombs, Roman Amphitheater & National Museum

The Roman Amphitheater in Alexandria

Make your way to Alexandria, where a local Egyptologist will guide you through the city's history and major sites. Tour the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites in Egypt, and the Roman Amphitheater. In the 1960s, this place was discovered by accident. The only Roman amphitheater in Egypt, consists of a lower-level stage surrounded by thirteen marble seats with room for up to 800 people. End the day at the Alexandria National Museum, displaying more than 1,800 artifacts from Egypt's history in the former palace of businessman Asaad Bassili. 

Day 5: Sightsee at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay & Montaza Gardens

Montazah Palace, Egypt
Ornate architecture at the Montazah Palace Gardens

Head to Bibliotheca Alexandrina to learn about one of the most significant intellectual centers of the ancient world. Then visit the 15th-century defensive fortress known as the Citadel of Qaitbay, commissioned by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. After enjoying lunch at an Egyptian restaurant, explore the grounds of the summer palace for Khedive Abbas Hilmy — the last Ottoman viceroy of Egypt and Sudan —at the Montazah Palace Gardens

Day 6: Travel Overland to Siwa Desert

El Alamein Military Base, Egypt
El Alamein Military Base, Egypt

Travel from Alexandria through the western desert of Egypt to reach Siwa. You'll be on the road for many hours today, so there's not a lot on the schedule. But one highlight is at El Alamein, where you'll visit a war museum and cemetery dedicated to the battles of El Alamein (1942) and World War II. Relax in Siwa, where you'll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 7: Explore Siwa Oasis' Mountain of the Dead & More

Siwa Oasis, Egypt
The majestic Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Explore Siwa Oasis and its Berber settlements as you journey further into the Egyptian desert. Your guide will lead you through some of the area's major sites, including Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta), with tombs that date from the 26th dynasty, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods. At the Cleopatra Bath, you can take a dip in one of the area's oasis springs. Visit a 26th-dynasty temple, Oracle Temple, built in the 6th century BCE, and the Siwan House, a museum set in a historic house, to learn more about regional traditions and culture. Side-trip to Fatnas Island to watch the sunset before returning to Siwa for the night.

Day 8: Go on a Safari Tour & Enjoy a Bedouin Dinner

4x4 Desert Safari, Egypt
A desert safari adventure in Siwa

Continue your exploration of the Siwa Oasis area today with a visit to the Shali Fortress, exploring the ruins of a 13th-century mud-brick fortress. Once home to hundreds of people, it offers glorious oasis views. Then embark on a safari adventure, traveling through the desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Venture into petrified forests, see fossilized seashells, explore sand dunes, and swim in lakes and springs. You'll end the day with a traditional Bedouin dinner and sleep in Siwa.

Day 9: Transfer from Siwa to Cairo & Dine in the City

Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Egypt

Today you'll make your way back to Cairo from Siwa, with a few stops along the way, depending on your interests. After check-in at your hotel in the capital city, you can explore the city once more, taking time to visit museums, go shopping, sample Egyptian cuisine, or simply enjoy sunset views over the Nile River on your last night in the country. 

Day 10: Depart

A street scene in Cairo

After breakfast, you'll make your way to Cairo International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great 10-Day Egypt Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other 10-day Egypt itineraries, with Nile River cruises, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Map

Map of Ancient Egypt & Oasis Adventure: Cairo, Alexandria & Siwa - 10 days
Map of Ancient Egypt & Oasis Adventure: Cairo, Alexandria & Siwa - 10 days

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