Cairo tours

Egypt’s sprawling capital and the sixth-largest city in the world, Cairo is full of rich history, exciting experiences, and so much to see and do. If you don’t have time to see it all on our Cairo travel packages, here are the top three places to visit:

• Grand Egyptian Museum. The successor to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, this modern museum, located next door to the Pyramids, is the new crown jewel of Egypt. With more than 100,000 items on display, the Grand Egyptian Museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Destined to be one of the top attractions in Cairo, it’s the place to go to for all things King Tut. The museum houses more than 4,500 items from the famous king’s tomb.
• Salah el-Din. This impressive fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of Cairo’s most iconic monuments. Originally built to guard against the Crusaders, it also served as the center of government. Located strategically (and formidably) on the Mokattam Hills, the Islamic fortification’s elevated defensive position is ideal for taking in panoramic city views while on our travel packages to Cairo.
• Muhammed Ali Mosque. This stunning mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, is one of the first things you’ll see when entering Cairo from any direction. With its tall domes and two iconic points, it’s instantly recognizable and one of the major landmarks to see on our Cairo tours. The mosque is a testament to Muhammad Ali Pasha’s oldest son, who died in 1816.

Looking for more of the best places to visit when you visit Cairo? Check out our bucket list of things to do in Cairo →

While accommodations are cheaper and the crowds thinner during the summer, Cairo’s scorching daytime heat makes it less than desirable to enjoy everything the city offers. You’ll find the shoulder seasons make for the best times to book our Cairo tour packages.

• March and April. The daytime temps are comfortable, the evenings tend toward cool, and the tourist frenzy isn’t in full swing. While March catches some of what little rain falls in Cairo, it’s not enough to put a damper on touring.
• October and November. The blue skies of autumn and comfortable temperatures in the high 70s to mid-80s make October and November a magical time for Cairo tours. And because this is not peak tourist season, you’ll have more of the city to yourself.

Packed with rich history, Cairo is also brimming with flavorful dishes. Whether you’re picking up shawarma from a street vendor, a delicious coffee at a historic cafe, or a classic Egyptian meal at one of the city’s top restaurants, expect to be delighted. If you’re traveling to Cairo, here are three dishes you should try:

• Falafel. Until you’ve tasted Egypt’s take on falafel, which they call taameya, you won’t know how good this dish can be. The difference maker is using fava beans instead of chickpeas in the recipe, making taameya softer and creamier than traditional falafel. Foodies say it’s the best-tasting falafel in the world. Fresh onion, garlic, cilantro, and parsley help give Egyptian falafel its celebrated flavor. They love their falafel in Cairo, and you will too.
• Hawawshi. A traditional—and filling—Egyptian dish, hawawshi is prepared by stuffing pita bread with minced meat. Onions, peppers, garlic, and chilies mixed in the minced meat bring the flavor and the heat. Sometimes called the Egyptian burger, hawawshi makes a satisfying lunch or dinner. Often accompanied by tahini and pickles, this beloved Egyptian meal can be ordered in restaurants or from a street vendor on trips to Cairo.
• Street food. If you love delicious street food, you’re in for a real treat on our tours to Cairo. Spicy shawarma, koshari (Egypt’s national dish), and kofta kabobs are just a sampling of the savory dishes found on the streets of Cairo. The bustling city is full of street vendors. Finding inexpensive, mouthwatering takeaway is both easy and rewarding.

Looking for Cairo tour packages? Check out our guided tours to Cairo →

Group tours to Cairo are always incredible, but having the right stuff in your suitcase makes every trip better. While Cairo is less conservative than other areas of Egypt, it’s best to err on the side of modesty. And because it rarely rains in Cairo, you can leave the rain gear at home. Here are the essentials to pack:

• Layers. We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered and a light jacket when visiting Cairo. While Cairo is in a warm, sunny climate, the desert can be very cold at night. Temperatures will dip with elevation changes when your Cairo tour packages take you to other parts of Egypt. For comfort, pack a few long sleeve shirts and warmer layers to wear at night.
• Sun protection. When you visit Cairo, sun protection is critical. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun during outdoor activities.
• Comfortable walking shoes. You always want to have your favorite, comfiest walking shoes with you on our tours of Cairo. Whether exploring the city’s labyrinth-like alleys or the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
• Hand sanitizer. As for any destination, a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while traveling to Cairo.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack a dressier outfit if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on our Cairo tours.
• Full-coverage layers for religious sites. When traveling to Cairo, it is preferable not to visit mosques or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.