Private Cairo Day Trip from Alexandria with Egyptologist

You are based in Alexandria, but Cairo's biggest sights are only about 2.5 hours south, and this private day trip brings them within reach. Your Egyptologist collects you and drives you to the Giza Plateau, where you stand beneath the Great Pyramid of Khufu, 2.3 million stone blocks and 4,500 years old, and meet the Great Sphinx, carved from a single limestone ridge. In the afternoon you tour the Egyptian Museum, packed with mummies and pharaonic treasure spanning 3,000 years. Then the drive back to Alexandria. It is a long day with real driving on either side, run privately so the pace and timing are yours. Ideal for travelers staying in Alexandria who do not want to miss the pyramids.

1. 1

   The Pyramids Of Giza

   2 hours

   After the drive south from Alexandria, you step onto the Giza Plateau and stand at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, 2.3 million stone blocks raised 4,500 years ago and the only ancient wonder still standing. Your Egyptologist walks you around the base, through the construction theories that hold up to modern research, and to the panoramic viewpoint where all three pyramids align for photos. Optional: enter the Great Pyramid ($11 USD per person), camel ride along the ridge (about $15 USD).

2. 2

   Great Sphinx

   30 min

   A short move down the plateau brings you to the Great Sphinx, the lion-bodied guardian with a pharaoh's face, carved from a single ridge of limestone around 4,500 years ago. You stand at the terrace before it, Khafre's pyramid rising behind, while your guide explains the missing nose and the long debate over who it was meant to portray. It is the image most travelers picture when they think of Egypt.

3. 3

   The Egyptian Museum in Cairo

   3 hours

   In the afternoon you reach the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, the grand red building open since 1902, holding mummies, Old Kingdom statuary, and treasures spanning 3,000 years of pharaohs. Your Egyptologist picks out the pieces worth your time so the scale does not overwhelm. With Tutankhamun's collection now moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum, this museum has thinned somewhat, but it stays a deep, atmospheric stop before the long drive back to Alexandria.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.