CAIRO & ALEXANDRIA: CITY & SEA
CAIRO • GIZA • SAQQARA • MEMPHIS • ALEXANDRIA
10 Nights | 11 Days
Two Cities. Thousands of Years. One Very Different Side of Egypt.
Egypt isn't only temples rising from the desert and tombs hidden beneath ancient mountains.
It is also cities.
Beautiful, chaotic, layered, sophisticated, noisy, romantic, historic cities where thousands of years of life seem to exist on top of one another.
Cairo & Alexandria: City & Sea is our love letter to that Egypt.
We begin in Cairo—a city that doesn't simply surround its history, but seems to live directly on top of it. Ancient pyramids sit beyond modern neighborhoods. Medieval mosques rise above winding markets. Churches and synagogues tell stories of communities that have called Egypt home for centuries. Elegant neighborhoods, museums, gardens, cafés and the Nile reveal completely different sides of the capital.
Then we head north.
Alexandria trades the Nile for the Mediterranean and Cairo's beautiful intensity for sea air, seafood, faded royal elegance and a history shaped by Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Mediterranean worlds.
This journey is for someone who wants to walk Egypt.
To explore neighborhoods instead of only monuments.
To sit in cafés.
To shop.
To eat extremely well.
To wander beside the Nile and the Mediterranean.
To experience ancient Egypt—but also discover all the Egypt that came afterward.
And, as always, we'll leave room to rest.
Because the best way to fall in love with a city isn't to race through it.
It's to give yourself enough time to become part of it.
And remember, this is only a sample.
Your journey may look a little—or completely—different. We'll create yours together.
CAIRO & GIZA
Egypt Doesn't Stop at Ancient Egypt
Cairo can feel like a thousand cities happening simultaneously.
Ancient. Medieval. Islamic. Coptic. Cosmopolitan. Modern.
One morning you may be standing beneath a pyramid built more than 4,500 years ago. That evening, you could be drinking something beside the Nile in Zamalek surrounded by modern Cairo.
That contrast isn't something we want to smooth over.
It's exactly what makes this city extraordinary.
DAY ONE | WELCOME TO CAIRO
Arrive. Exhale. Let the City Wait.
Land in Cairo and leave everything else to us.
We'll meet you, take care of your private transfer and get you settled into your hotel.
And then?
Nothing.
No sightseeing after an international flight. No feeling like you're already behind.
Take a shower. Sleep. Book a massage. Order room service. Sit beside the pool.
If you arrive with enough energy, we'll gather for a relaxed welcome dinner.
Cairo will still be there tomorrow.
Today: Airport arrival • Private transfer • Hotel check-in • Spa • Rest • Welcome dinner
DAY TWO | THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM & PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
Face to Face With the Icons
We're beginning with something you've probably imagined for years.
Our morning belongs to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where thousands of years of Egyptian history come together within sight of the pyramids themselves.
Rather than trying to see absolutely everything, we'll focus on the pieces and stories that help ancient Egypt begin making sense.
Then we stop for lunch.
Breathe.
And head toward Giza.
No photograph really prepares you for standing beneath the Great Pyramid.
We'll explore the Giza Plateau, visit the Sphinx and give you time to actually absorb where you are instead of simply moving from one photograph to the next.
As afternoon softens into evening, we'll head into the desert on camelback.
And then comes one of those moments that doesn't need much explanation:
Sunset behind the pyramids.
Tonight, we'll have dinner somewhere with a view of the silhouettes you've known since childhood.
Morning: Grand Egyptian Museum
Afternoon: Lunch • Giza Plateau • Great Pyramid • Sphinx
Sunset: Camel ride overlooking the pyramids
Evening: Dinner with a pyramid view
DAY THREE | SAQQARA & MEMPHIS
Before the Great Pyramid
Today we go backward.
Before Giza, there was Saqqara.
This vast ancient necropolis allows us to explore how Egyptian tombs, beliefs and monumental architecture evolved long before the Great Pyramid reached the sky.
At its heart stands the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the great turning points in the story of Egyptian architecture.
From Saqqara, we continue to Memphis, the ancient capital whose location helped connect Upper and Lower Egypt and whose surviving monuments offer another piece of the story we've been building.
Then we return to modern Cairo.
And we're done.
The afternoon is deliberately yours.
Spa. Pool. Nap. Long lunch.
You've already traveled several thousand years before noon.
Morning: Saqqara • Step Pyramid • Ancient necropolis • Memphis
Afternoon: Lunch • Return to hotel • Spa • Pool • Rest
Evening: Relaxed dinner • Free evening
DAY FOUR | THE MANY FAITHS OF CAIRO
A City Built in Layers
Today we explore a Cairo shaped not by one era or one faith, but by centuries of communities living, worshipping and building alongside one another.
We'll spend the morning in Old Cairo, exploring important Christian, Jewish and Islamic heritage and beginning to understand just how many chapters exist beyond the Egypt of the pharaohs.
From there, we visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, home to the Royal Mummies Hall.
Here, some of the kings and queens whose names you've been hearing are no longer simply names carved onto monuments.
You come face to face with them.
The museum itself reaches far beyond ancient Egypt, presenting Egyptian civilization from prehistoric through modern times—perfect for a journey designed around understanding Egypt's many layers.
Afterward, we slow down.
Lunch.
Hotel.
Spa.
Rest.
Tonight can be completely yours.
Morning: Historic religious Cairo • Christian, Jewish & Islamic heritage
Midday: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization • Royal Mummies
Afternoon: Lunch • Spa • Rest
Evening: Free evening
DAY FIVE | THE CITADEL, MUHAMMAD ALI & CAIRO FROM ABOVE
Minarets, Gardens & a Different View
This morning takes us high above Cairo to the Citadel of Saladin, one of the city's great medieval landmarks.
Within its walls stands the unmistakable Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its grand Ottoman-influenced interior and soaring minarets.
But today isn't only about monuments.
After exploring the Citadel, we head toward Al-Azhar Park.
In a city famous for movement, traffic and energy, this beautiful green space gives us something completely different.
Sit.
Walk.
Have lunch.
Look back over Cairo's historic skyline.
This is precisely the kind of afternoon we love building into a Takemet journey—a moment when you aren't rushing toward the next attraction.
You're simply enjoying where you are.
Later, we'll return to the hotel to rest before heading back out for dinner.
Morning: Saladin Citadel • Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Afternoon: Al-Azhar Park • Lunch • Gardens • Cairo views
Late Afternoon: Hotel • Rest • Spa
Evening: Dinner
DAY SIX | ZAMALEK
Cairo Without an Agenda
Today we're deliberately changing the pace.
Welcome to Zamalek.
Set on Gezira Island in the Nile, this leafy neighborhood gives us a softer, more contemporary side of Cairo.
And we're exploring it the way neighborhoods are meant to be explored:
On foot.
We'll wander quiet streets, discover boutiques and little shops, stop at cafés, have lunch when we're hungry and give ourselves permission to change direction because something interesting caught our eye.
Maybe we shop.
Maybe we linger over coffee much longer than expected.
Maybe you decide you want a massage instead.
Perfect.
This isn't a sightseeing day.
It's a being-in-Cairo day.
And sometimes those become our favorites.
Morning: Sleep in • Zamalek walking • Boutiques • Shops • Cafés
Afternoon: Long lunch • Coffee • Shopping • Spa or free time
Evening: Dinner • Optional Nile-side evening
ALEXANDRIA
And Then You Smell the Sea
We leave Cairo behind and drive north toward the Mediterranean.
Alexandria feels different almost immediately.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city became one of the great intellectual and cultural centers of the ancient Mediterranean world. Egyptian, Greek and later Roman influences mingled here, creating a history unlike anywhere else in the country.
But Alexandria isn't a museum.
It is a living coastal city.
Sea air.
Corniche walks.
Old buildings.
Royal palaces.
Mediterranean light.
And seafood.
Lots of seafood.
DAY SEVEN | CAIRO → ALEXANDRIA
Meet the Mediterranean
After breakfast, we leave Cairo and make the drive north toward Alexandria.
When we arrive, we're not immediately launching into a full sightseeing schedule.
Check in.
Have lunch.
Look at the sea.
Breathe.
Later, as the temperature cools and Alexandria begins shifting toward evening, we'll head out on foot.
Tonight is about meeting the city rather than studying it.
We'll walk through the streets, experience Alexandria after dark and stop whenever something catches our attention.
A café.
A bakery.
A view of the Mediterranean.
And eventually, dinner.
Naturally, we're having seafood.
Morning: Drive from Cairo to Alexandria
Afternoon: Hotel check-in • Lunch • Rest • Mediterranean views
Evening: Alexandria night walking tour • Corniche • Local streets • Seafood dinner
DAY EIGHT | CATACOMBS, ROMAN ALEXANDRIA & QAITBAY
Beneath the City & Beside the Sea
Today we uncover ancient Alexandria.
We begin underground at the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa, where Egyptian, Greek and Roman artistic and funerary traditions blend together in fascinating ways. The surviving decoration is one of the clearest reminders that Alexandria has always been a meeting place between cultures.
From there, we visit Kom el-Dikka, where the surviving Roman theater, baths, lecture spaces and houses offer a glimpse into everyday life in ancient Alexandria.
Then we head toward the water.
At the edge of the Mediterranean stands Qaitbay Citadel, the 15th-century fortress built on the site associated with Alexandria's legendary ancient lighthouse—once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
And once we've had enough history for one day?
We stop.
Long seafood lunch.
Back to the hotel.
Spa.
Nap.
Watch the Mediterranean from your window.
Tonight is intentionally easy.
Morning: Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa • Kom el-Dikka • Roman theater
Afternoon: Qaitbay Citadel • Seafood lunch • Hotel • Spa • Rest
Evening: Free evening • Corniche walk if you feel like it
DAY NINE | ROYAL ALEXANDRIA
Palaces, Jewels & a Little Glamour
Today we step into a much more recent chapter of Egyptian history.
We begin at the Royal Jewelry Museum, housed within an elegant former royal residence and filled with jewelry, decorative objects and personal treasures from Egypt's Muhammad Ali dynasty. The building itself—with gilded ceilings, mosaics and a blend of European and Islamic design—is part of the experience.
Afterward, we head toward Montazah.
Once associated with Egypt's royal family, the expansive gardens sit along the Mediterranean and give us another opportunity to slow down.
Walk.
Take photographs.
Find somewhere beautiful to sit.
Look at the sea.
No rushing.
Tonight, we'll enjoy one final Alexandria dinner—and yes, seafood is absolutely allowed again.
Morning: Royal Jewelry Museum
Afternoon: Lunch • Montazah Palace Gardens • Mediterranean views • Slow wandering
Late Afternoon: Hotel • Rest • Spa
Evening: Farewell Alexandria seafood dinner
BACK TO CAIRO
DAY TEN | ALEXANDRIA → CAIRO
One Last Day to Get Lost
After a slow breakfast beside the Mediterranean, we drive back toward Cairo.
Once we've checked in and had a little time to settle, we're heading somewhere that deserves an afternoon and evening rather than a rushed stop:
Historic Cairo.
This is where we wander.
Ancient streets. Extraordinary Islamic architecture. Tiny shops. Artisans. Lanterns. Spices. Jewelry. Tea.
We'll make our way through the historic neighborhoods and into Khan el-Khalili, Cairo's famous medieval bazaar, where getting slightly lost is part of the experience.
Shop.
Bargain.
Look up.
Drink tea.
Ask questions.
Follow whichever alley looks interesting.
Tonight, we'll take you to one of our favorite local restaurants in the heart of old Cairo.
It's our last night.
There is no need to rush back.
Morning: Alexandria breakfast • Drive to Cairo
Afternoon: Hotel check-in • Rest • Historic Cairo • Markets • Shopping
Evening: Khan el-Khalili • Favorite local restaurant • One last Cairo night
DAY ELEVEN | UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
One last look at the sea
As your journey comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, perhaps one last cup of Egyptian coffee and a few quiet moments to reflect on the memories we’ve made together.
Close your eyes and you can still see it: the sun sinking into the Mediterranean over Alexandria’s harbor. From those golden shores to the timeless wonders of Cairo, we’ve wandered through ancient history, royal treasures, colorful markets and neighborhoods filled with everyday life.
And somewhere between the pyramids and the cafés, ancient mummies and modern streets, we hope you’ve discovered an Egypt far richer, more layered and more personal than you ever imagined.
You arrived as our guest, but we hope you’re leaving with more than beautiful memories: new friendships, a deeper connection to Egypt and the feeling that you’ll always have family here.
Until Egypt calls you back, we’ll be waiting to welcome you home.
Morning: Breakfast • Final farewells • Reflection time
Afternoon or Evening: Private transfer to Cairo International Airport • Departure (according to flight schedule)
THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Cairo & Alexandria isn't designed for someone who simply wants to see the pyramids, check a few famous sites off a list and head home.
It's for the traveler who wants to discover the many layers of Egypt, where ancient civilizations, royal history, bustling neighborhoods and everyday life all have stories to tell.
To stand before the Great Pyramids and feel the wonder of something that has endured for thousands of years.
To wander through the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, then step into the lively streets of Cairo, where history and modern life meet around every corner.
To lose yourself in the colorful markets of Khan el-Khalili, sip Egyptian coffee in a centuries-old café and explore the beautiful architecture of Islamic Cairo.
To journey north to Alexandria, where the Mediterranean breeze carries a completely different rhythm, and discover a city shaped by ancient civilizations, royal elegance and seaside charm.
To balance remarkable museums and historical sites with leisurely lunches, sunset views, beautiful hotels and afternoons when absolutely nothing is expected of you.
Maybe you've dreamed of spending more time exploring the pyramids.
Maybe the museums are what call to you, and you'd love another day uncovering Egypt's fascinating history.
Maybe you'd rather linger in Alexandria, enjoy a little more time beside the Mediterranean or explore neighborhoods and hidden corners of Cairo that most visitors never get to experience.
Or perhaps you'd like to venture beyond these two cities entirely, adding a few days along the Nile or somewhere completely unexpected.
That is exactly what these sample journeys are meant to do.
They aren't packages you have to fit yourself into.
They are simply a glimpse into what is possible.
When we create your Egypt journey, we start with you—always.
Curious what else is possible? Explore another sample journey: The Classic Egypt · Sinai & The Red Sea · Desert Dream · Upper Egypt Love · A Taste of Egypt