Your image of a trip to Egypt is one that probably includes lots of desert scenery, majestic ancient ruins in the middle of dunes, and lush gardens around the banks of the Nile. Cairo is none of that.

Cairo is one of - if not the largest, depending on your source - metro area in Africa, and definitely the largest in the Arab World. It's crowded, busy, bustling, noisy, and chaotic. Very few of its site date back to ancient Egypt and most travelers leave either underwhelmed or worn down by the large city. But, this is a really easy fix: adjust your expectations. Because Cairo is a city oozing in culture and history. It's also the center of the Arab World's music and film industries, and has been the preeminent center of culture in the Arab World for over a millennia. With amazing neighborhoods and dynamic experiences, you could easily entertain yourself for four days in Cairo.

So, what should you do in Cairo? I'm glad you asked! Here is my guide to Cairo's best sites.

Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

A Guide to the Best Activities in Cairo

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt – a vibrant and historic metropolis that never sleeps, and where the sun shines about all year long. So, let's embark on a journey to uncover Cairo's treasures so you can create a personalized experience in this bustling, timeless destination.

Cairo Chronicles: Your Ultimate Guide to Ancient Treasures & Modern Marvels

Egypt & Jordan - considered two unbelievable wonders of the world - provide thousands of years of history.

This 14-day itinerary has been put together based on a group trip I led for clients back in 2022. It was my 2nd time to Egypt and my first-time to Jordan - both countries should definitely be visited.

The itinerary is set-up in a way that you could separate out each country if your schedule only allows for minimal travel days. So in essence, you get 2 country itineraries for the price of 1! 

Throughout you will experience a dramatic world beyond what you can think, as you enter into two countries filled with legends, history, and indescribable natural beauty. 

The itinerary includes a visit to the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and includes a 4-night Nile River Cruise.

In Jordan, you will visit Petra, the “Rose Red City” that appears as if it emerged straight from the rock bed. Admire the ethereal landscape of the desert city of Wadi Rum, the “Valley of the Moon.” And, indulge at a deluxe spa resort on the Northern shore of the Dead Sea. 

We have also added in some key tours, unique experiences and the opporutinity to delve into the culture and flavours of these lands. Hundreds of thousands of years of history and iconic wonders, delicious cuisine, and stretching sunsets fading against the desert horizon – this is Egypt and Jordan.

Note, throughout the itinerary we have listed options available for tours or additional stays to extend your trip and encourage a greater experience and immersion into the countries.

Petra, Jordan

Wadi Rum Village, Jordan

Jordan

Aswan, Egypt

Dead Sea

Nile

Amman, Jordan

Luxor, Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt

Giza, El Omraniya, Egypt

Madaba, Jordan

Egypt & Jordan Exploration (14 Days)

CAIRO. The name immediately makes you think of iconic Nile adventures, the Pyramids, the Sphinx and so much more.

Well, Cairo is every bit as cool as you might think, but it's tough to navigate as a first time visitor. 

This guide is perfect for:

✨First time visitors to Cairo who are feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to see and do!
✨Returning visitors who want to get a little more out of the city
✨People staying in Cairo for a full 3 days. You can adapt the itinerary, and mix and match the activities to make it work

With this itinerary, we suggest spending two nights in Downtown Cairo, and one night in Giza.

This itinerary includes:

☪the stunning mosques and beautiful markets of Islamic Cairo
✝The beautiful churches of Coptic Cairo and the intriguing 'Garbage City'
😍The fascinating museums and iconic views of the Nile in Downtown Cairo

Cairo can feel so big and overwhelming that it’s hard to know how to plan the best itinerary, especially as people often say that you could spend weeks here and still not see all of it! We’ve put together this handy guide to help you get the most out of it and have everything together in one place.


CAIRO - 3 day city guide!

The Hanging Church

While statistics are iffy, it is believed that anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of Egypt's population is Christian. The largest group is the Coptic Church, an ancient church that speaks the language of ancient Egypt written to Greek letters.

Coptic Cairo could be a whole day of exploring fascinating ancient traditions. However, if you're only interested in the highlights, the Hanging Church is where you should visit. Believed to be built during the 600's, the Church is among the oldest in Cairo and is the seat of the Coptic Pope.