Add-ons & Day Trips
Cairo add-ons & day trips
Because you can’t possibly see all the amazing things that Egypt has to offer in a single trip, we’ve compiled some of our favorite day trips and activities that you can request to add on to your tour packages. Each of these add-ons has variable pricing for a half or full day with a private driver and tour guide + the cost of admission tickets/rentals.
Ain Sohkna on the Red Sea Coast
Ain Sokhna is located 90 miles east of Cairo making it the closest Red Sea resort town to Cairo. It is the perfect day trip to add to your itinerary. Dozens of resort hotels offer rooms for a day-use rate where you can enjoy the resort facilities, pools, activities, and of course, have private access to the shoreline and sandy beaches of the Red Sea. Mostafa and his team can help arrange the best price depending on availability and preference.
Al Azhar Park & Studio Misr Restaurant
Al Azhar is a massive urban park with beautiful trees, fountains, and walkways providing incredible vistas of Cairo. There are a few restaurants within the park, all of which are highly reputable. Our favorite is Studio Misr Restaurant. The ambiance and views inside and out are exquisite and the food is amazing! Once inside the lobby, you’ll notice that there is a fun little photography studio where your group can pay to dress up in props and costumes and choose from a variety of backdrops for a memorable group photo. Also, on the second story, you’ll find a shop with fixed prices and an amazing array of gifts and souvenirs. If haggling with street vendors leaves you exhausted, you’ll definitely want to check out this beautiful gift shop.
Open daily 9 AM-10 PM; an Adult Ticket costs 140 EGP and a Student Ticket is 80EGP. Learn more at https://www.azharpark.com/.
Al Mu'izz Street Tour & Tent Makers Alley
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you won’t want to miss! In the heart of Cairo, you’ll walk the streets of centuries past learning the history of Cairo as your tour guide points out unique structures. It stretches for two miles between the North and South gates of the old city. You’ll get to rub shoulders with the locals (quite literally) and see the shops and mosques that breathe life into the city. We will start at the North Gate, “Bab al-Futuh” and then visit the Al Hakim Mosque. You will be required to take off your shoes, and for the women, you’ll need to wear a scarf to cover your hair. Please dress modestly to enter the mosque. There is no entrance ticket required but a small tip for the “shoe attendants” is expected. You’ll pass by many other mosques, restored old houses, and museum “collections” in this area that are worthy of your time.
Check out the link below and let your guide know of your interests. You will also have the option to climb the minaret tower near the South gate, “Bab Zuwayla” for a view of Islamic Cairo. Lastly, we will wind our way down “Tent Makers Alley.” In ancient days this market was indeed the place to buy a Bedouin tent, now you can find elaborate and intricate wall hangings and tapestries for purchase. For all you quilters out there, prepare to be amazed! Learn more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/archaeological-sites/al-muizz-street.
Birquash Camel Market
Located 30 miles outside of downtown Cairo, the Birqash Camel Market is a weekly camel auction where you’ll see hundreds of camels gathered from all over the region for a frenetic day of price negotiations and camel strutting. It’s truly a spectacle that will never be forgotten! The people are friendly but please conduct yourself wisely as you stroll through and observe the gritty, action-packed business of buying and selling camels.
Open Fridays ONLY, 7:00 AM-11:00 AM; cost of an Adult Ticket 70EGP. Photos shared with permission by https://tonydoggettphotography.smugmug.com.
Camel Ride & Bedouin Dinner at the Giza Pyramids
Come and dine “Bedouin style” for a sunset dinner in the desert with the backdrop of the Giza Pyramids. Each person can ride their own camel, or in some cases, double up for a short ride out into the desert and enjoy a fire pit dinner of typical Egyptian fare.
*Subject to proper weather conditions, of course! There are dozens of nice restaurants with spectacular views of the Giza pyramids that you could consider, in case of inclement weather.
Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)
Old Cairo is located within the fortress of Babylon which was built around 500 B.C. Over the centuries, many churches were built as Christianity spread into Egypt. Several of the most famous churches include the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of Saint George, and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus which was built on the site where it is believed that the Holy family stayed for part of their time in Egypt as they sought refuge from the threats of King Herod. Admission is free to the Coptic Cairo grounds and churches. Learn more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/mpSearchResult?q=Coptic+Cairo.
Coptic Museum
The Coptic Museum houses the largest collection of Coptic Christian artifacts in the world. (It is located in Old Cairo so you may want to allow extra time to see the nearby churches.) The advent of Christianity among Egyptians can be traced to St Mark, one of the disciples of Jesus’ era and author of the New Testament gospel who brought the message of Christ to the people living in Alexandria shortly after Christ’s death and resurrection. The artifacts on display as well as the exquisite niches, domed ceilings, and paintings combine to tell the unique story of the Christian faith tradition in Egypt.
Open daily 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; the cost of an Adult Ticket is 150EGP and Student Ticket 75EGP. Learn more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/museums/the-coptic-museum.
Dahshur
Dahshur is a burial region adjacent to the ancient capital of Memphis on the west side of the Nile River 20 miles south of Saqqara. There are two prominent pyramids worth exploring. The Red Pyramid is the first-ever construction of the perfectly-angled pyramid that we all envision when picturing “the famed pyramids.” You can climb down inside this ancient tomb and see the burial chambers. Be forewarned though that it is quite stinky down there! It’s cool to experience but not a place to linger.
The other massive pyramid in Dahshur is the Bent Pyramid. In its construction, it was evident that it was not possible to continue the original angle of 55* degrees so the architects adjusted the design which produced a bent structure as well as an apt name for this pyramid!
Open daily 8 AM-5:00 PM, Adult Ticket 100EGP, Student Ticket 50EGP. Learn more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/the-red-pyramid and https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/the-bent-pyramid.
Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, located just off Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, is packed with history! It houses the most world-famous treasures of ancient Egypt such as statues, mummies, ancient papyrus, sarcophagi and so much more! Be prepared for a jaw-dropping, almost-too-overwhelming experience in the heart of Egypt.
Open daily from 9 AM-5 PM (Ticket Office Hours are 8:30 AM-4:15 PM). Tickets: Adult 300EGP and Student 150EGP.
*Professional Camera fee of 50EGP (Mobile phone cameras are free)
Learn more at https://egyptianmuseumcairo.eg/emc/
Fayoum Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales) & Tunnis
Just 65 miles southwest of Cairo, the Fayoum basin is home to amazing prehistoric fossil remains of Archaeoceti, a suborder species of whales. You can visit the ultra-modern and impressive museum, Wadi Hitan Fossil and Climate Change Museum providing visual displays and multilingual placards which tell the ancient story of Egypt’s whales.
After visiting the museum you’ll be able to walk out along the designated pathways and explore the area. The desert landscape of Fayoum is extremely beautiful with sand dunes, the “magic” lake, and cool rock formations. If you’re interested, you can try out sandboarding on the dunes (and even arrange for a desert dinner and overnight campout for a night of stargazing!) We will also visit the pretty little village of Tunnis renowned for its pottery and architecture. We’ll enjoy some locally-grown Egyptian food and you’ll be able to visit their pottery shops which are essentially open-air art galleries!
Open daily 7 AM-5 PM. The ticket includes access to the Wadi Hitan Fossil and Climate Change Museum. Learn more at https://wadielhitan.org/ and https://fayoumegypt.com/category/about-fayoum/.
Felucca Sailboat Ride on the Nile
A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the sunset while floating on the Nile. To experience a ride on a Felucca sailboat along the Nile you and your guide will need to go down to the dock and negotiate with the boat “Captains” for an available boat and price. They will typically take you out for an hour-long excursion.
They don’t serve dinner so you either need to eat beforehand or bring a take-out dinner to eat on the boat. It’s customary to share your food and drinks with your boat “Captain”. This is a great way to relax and gather with friends at the end of the day.
The cost that Mostafa Tours charges for this is $35 per boat, not per person. You’ll pay this to your tour guide and they will facilitate the negotiations to secure your Felucca sailboat ride.
Gayer Anderson Museum
Located next to the impressive Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun, the Gayer Anderson Museum is itself a preserved set of architectural buildings dating back to the 900’s AD! Gayer Anderson, a British military officer stationed in Egypt in the 1930’s through the 1940’s gained permission from the Egyptian government to live in the house. He promised to make improvements to the building including the restoration of fountains and patios and to modernize it with electricity and plumbing. The museum home displays a collection of artifacts and art that were bought and later donated to the Egyptian government by Gayer Anderson.
Open daily 9 AM-3 PM, and an Adult Ticket costs 60EGP. See more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/museums/gayer-anderson-museum/.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Located nearby the Giza Pyramids this massive 500,000 square-meter edifice is the new home to the world’s largest collection of ancient antiquities of Egyptian relics and artifacts. The official opening date for the exhibition halls is still pending but the lobby, cafes, and exterior gardens are open to the public.
Open daily 9 AM-6 PM, with an Adult Ticket for 1000EGP. Check out their website for more info: https://grandegyptianmuseum.org.
Ibn Tulun Mosque
Ibn Tulun Mosque is the second oldest mosque in Egypt and one of the oldest in Africa! It is a massive, fully-encompassed, open-air mosque where adherents to the Islamic faith have gathered for centuries to pray. It features an exterior spiral staircase minaret that leads to the terrace along the north wall which overlooks the domed fountain in its center. From atop the minaret you can see thousands of mosques and minarets dotting the Cairo landscape.
Unlike other mosques, because of its open-air, dirt floor design, you do not need to take your shoes off to enter but the attendants will provide coverings for your shoes. Women are not required to cover their hair at this particular mosque.
Open daily 9 AM-4 PM with free admission. Get more information at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/ahmad-ibn-tulun-mosque.
Islamic Art Museum
The Museum of Islamic Art is truly an elegant and modern museum and is definitely worth visiting! It houses one of the largest collections of Islamic Art in the world. The atmosphere, lighting, and displays are intuitive and artful. English and Arabic signage throughout the museum make it easy to learn about the historical significance of each artifact if you choose to conduct a self-guided tour.
Open daily 9 AM-5 PM; Adult Ticket 180EGP and Student Ticket 90EGP. Learn more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/museums/museum-of-islamic-art.
Manial Palace Museum
The palace of Muhammed Ali located in the Manial district in Cairo is a noteworthy museum complex complete with gardens and impressive interiors. Its construction began in the 1300s and various updates and extensions have been added over the centuries. It is renowned for its opulent synthesis of Islamic, Persian, and Mamluk architecture and design styles.
Open daily 9 AM-5 PM Adult Ticket costs 120EGP and a Student Ticket 60EGP. Learn more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/museums/manial-palace-museum.
Mokattam Churches/Garbage City
As a result of the Egyptian government sequestering its garbage collectors to live along the hillside of the Mokattam mountain it has become known as “Garbage City.” For decades these hearty people known as the Zabbaleen have made their living from collecting garbage from the streets of Cairo by loading it onto their donkey carts, bringing it up into Garbage City and ultimately sorting and reselling the recyclable garbage. Access to the Mokattam Cave Churches requires a drive up through the slums of Garbage City. There are nearly 70,000 Zabbaleens living in Cairo. They are a tight-knit Christian community and regularly attend their religious worship services at the famous Cave Churches. These churches are carved right into the hillside mesa and have huge outdoor amphitheater-style seating accommodating tens of thousands. It is fascinating to see the Cave Churches as well as the garbage collectors! You will also see over 70 modern carvings depicting scenes of the miracles of Jesus carved by Polish sculpturist, Mariusz Dybich known as Mario.
Open daily with free admission. Learn more at https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art/in-pictures-the-beautiful-cave-church-art-in-cairo-that-took-two-decades-to-carve-1.892242.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
This super-modern museum highlights Egypt’s historical past to the present through immaculate halls and rooms with impressive displays. You’ll get to see ancient crafts and artifacts, such as pottery, textiles, wood carvings, and most fascinating of all, you’ll get to see Egypt’s famed mummies!
Open daily 9 AM-5 PM with additional hours on Fridays 6 PM-9 PM. Adult Ticket is 240EGP, Student Ticket 120EGP. Check out their website for more information: https://nmec.gov.eg/.
Quad Bikes
Take on the Egyptian desert by setting out on an epic 4-wheeling adventure! Let our team arrange for an ATV adventure where you can zip across the desert landscape and take in the views and spin some serious dust under your wheels.
You’ll see the Giza pyramids from a whole different vantage point away from other tourists and at your own speed! Daily, from dawn to dusk, $40/Person.
Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center
For over 60 years Mr. Ramses Wissa Wassef and his wife Sophie have produced a cultural wonder by training locals in the art of weaving elaborate tapestries. They have also passed on the art of growing their own plants and extracting dyes for their materials. The Wissa Wassef Complex is also distinct in its architectural dome-shaped buildings where their weavers come to create beautiful tapestries on large wooden looms. They are always selling their works of art and they are not cheap nor should they be! When you see the work that goes into making them, you’ll know why they hang in art galleries all over the world.
Open Tues-Sunday 10 AM-4 PM, closed on Mondays. See more at https://www.facebook.com/wissa.wassef.artcenter/.
Serapeum
Located in Saqqara just northwest of the Step Pyramid, the Serapeum is a vast underground burial chamber with two long corridors and multiple rooms some of which contain massive granite stone sarcophagi which once held the mummified remains of Apis Bulls. The ancients of Egypt regarded the Apis Bull as deity and therefore worshiped these animals and performed elaborate rituals including mummification and a special burial procession. Tourists can access the portion of the Serapeum known as the Greater Vaults. This is truly one of the most intriguing and amazing sites in all of Egypt! It’s not well known, but it is sure to amaze you!
Open daily 8 AM-5 PM; Adult Tickets are 180EGP, Student Tickets 90EGP. Learn more at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/serapeum.
Tanoura Whirling Dervishes at Al Ghuri’s Wikala
This is truly a hidden gem of Egypt! It is a show like no other featuring a fusion of music and “Sufi” style dance. This ancient mystical Islamic form of worship requires the stamina and energy of constant spinning to reach a state of spiritual ecstasy and union to become one with the mind and will of God. The Egyptian Tanoura technique introduced brightly colored skirts for an added flare. Each member of this professional performing arts troupe is incredibly talented and the combination of sights and sounds in this eye-popping show is vibrant and unforgettable. Photos shared with permission by https://tonydoggettphotography.smugmug.com.
Open Wed/Sat 7 PM-9 PM; Adult Ticket is 100EGP and Student/Child 50EGP. Get more information at https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/al-ghuri-s-wikala.
