Upon arrival at Cairo airport, we will meet you and assist you with visa formalities and luggage collection, then transfer you to your luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Old Cairo. We'll help you settle into your suite, then the rest of the day is free at your leisure. If your flight lands early, then you could take a first look at the pyramids at the spectacular sound and light show, or just explore your surroundings on El Moez Street.

Guide: Included for the day

Your stay in Egypt begins this morning with a relaxing breakfast in the hotel. During the morning our local representative will brief you on the hotel, your location in Old Cairo with some tips on exploring, and discuss any additional optional tours you may have either pre-booked or like to arrange during your stay. Early in the afternoon you then take a sightseeing tour for a first taste of ancient Egypt with a visit to the enigmatic Sphinx and the three greatest pyramids in Egypt. At 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is a breath taking man-made structure, built from enormous stone blocks with a white limestone covering. Over the years, the limestone covering has been stripped away to expose the inner block structure. Along with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the inspiring sight of these huge structures looming out of the desert is an unforgettable site. One of our specialist Egyptologist guides will accompany you and explain some of the history of pyramid building, and of the different dynasties of the ancient Egyptian empire. You will have a chance to climb down inside the pyramids if you wish, but you're on your own, as your guide cannot accompany you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid). After the Pyramids we then head to the nearby Sphinx which was only properly uncovered from the desert sands in the last century. Finally we head back to our hotel and a taste of local Egyptian life as El Moez Street bustles with a relaxed but exciting energy in the evenings.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Your next two days are free to explore independently or to do some more guided sightseeing. The area of Old Islamic Cairo surrounding your hotel is one of Cairo's most charming, with covered markets, narrow streets, old buildings and mosques. Of Old Cairo, this quarter most evokes its past and in many ways has changed very little. It has inspired many writings, from Arabian nights to the works of the modern Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz. Getting enjoyably lost amongst the winding alleys while walking from the hotel to the nearby Khan-el-Khalili bazaar is one of the pleasures of staying here. However, a guided walking tour is also available to help you make the most of your surroundings and explore the various different bazaars, markets and architectures around you. Other optional tours available include a City Tour to the Citadel with its great views over the city, the tiny streets and churches of Coptic Cairo, and the famous Egyptian Museum, home to the amazing Tutunkhamun display. You could also take a trip to learn more about the history of Pyramid building at Memphis, Saqqara and Dashour, or enjoy a full day trip to the colonial coastal city of Alexandria. You may also take a flight to the Nile-side city of Luxor in Upper Egypt, which hosts an incredible number and variety of ancient Egyptian temples, tombs and other sites. This overnight trip includes a tour of Karnak Temple on the East Bank of the Nile, plus the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatchepsut Temple, and the Valley of the Artisans on the West Bank, with a night spent in a 5-star hotel by the NIle before you fly back to Cairo again.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

You have another free day in Cairo today with all the same optional tours available.

Meals: Breakfast

Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Alternatively you can add extra nights to your time in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast