- DurationApprox. 12–13 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsMeet at the cruise terminal, Port Said
- PriceFrom $105 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This private Cairo shore excursion from Port Said takes you from the northern end of the Suez Canal to the Giza Plateau for the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, then into central Cairo for the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, with your own Egyptologist guide and lunch included. On longer calls you also get time in Khan El Khalili, the medieval bazaar.
Cairo is about 3 hours from Port Said by the desert highway, so around six hours of the day are spent on the road and the excursion suits port calls of at least 12 hours. We plan everything backwards from your ship’s all-aboard time and aim to have you back at the terminal at least one hour before it. If your call is shorter, we will tell you honestly before you book.
Highlights
- The Great Pyramid, the panoramic viewpoint and the Great Sphinx
- The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo’s original treasure house
- Khan El Khalili bazaar on longer port calls
- Private Egyptologist guide, lunch and entry fees included
- Option to swap to the Grand Egyptian Museum for Tutankhamun
- Return planned around your ship’s all-aboard time
Itinerary
07:00 – Meet at Port Said
Your guide meets you at the cruise terminal with a name sign as soon as passengers are cleared ashore. You set off in a private air-conditioned vehicle with cold water along the canal and across the desert highway to Cairo, about 3 hours, with a rest stop if you need one.
10:15 – Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Walk around the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, drive up to the panoramic viewpoint for the classic photograph of all three pyramids, then finish at the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Khafre. A short camel ride can be arranged at extra cost, and entry inside the Great Pyramid needs a separate ticket.
12:30 – Lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant on the way into central Cairo, with Egyptian grills, rice, salads and dips, and vegetarian options.
Meals: Lunch
13:45 – Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square
The pink neoclassical Egyptian Museum has been Cairo’s treasure house since 1902. With your guide, see the Narmer Palette, masterpieces of Old Kingdom sculpture, the burial goods of Yuya and Tjuyu and the art of the Amarna period. Tutankhamun’s gold mask has moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum, which you can choose instead.
15:45 – Return to Port Said
On calls of 13 hours or more, you spend about 45 minutes in Khan El Khalili before leaving; otherwise you head straight back, arriving at the port around 19:00. Departure from Cairo is set by your all-aboard time and never pushed later. Our operations team stays in contact with your driver until you are back.
Good to know: Times are an example for a ship alongside from about 07:00 to 20:00. We confirm your exact schedule in writing once we have your ship’s times.
What’s Included
Included
- Meet and assist at Port Said and return to the ship
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entry fees to the Giza Pyramids area, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Grand Egyptian Museum instead of the Egyptian Museum: about $25 extra per adult
- Entry inside the Great Pyramid (about $20–30)
- Camel or horse rides
- Drinks with lunch
- Tips for the guide and driver
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $285 |
| 2 travellers | $169 |
| 3–5 travellers | $129 |
| 6+ travellers | $105 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get back to the ship on time?
That is our first priority. We work backwards from your all-aboard time, allow about 3 hours for the drive plus a margin for Cairo traffic, and aim to reach the terminal at least one hour early. If anything runs late, your guide shortens the museum or skips the bazaar rather than delay the return. Ships do not wait for independent tours.
How long does my ship need to be in Port Said?
At least 12 hours alongside for the pyramids, lunch and the Egyptian Museum, and 13 hours or more to add Khan El Khalili. If your ship stays overnight, or you are transiting the canal and rejoin elsewhere, ask us about a two-day Cairo visit.
Can I see Tutankhamun’s treasures?
His gold mask and burial collection are now at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, beside the pyramids. We can visit it instead of the Egyptian Museum for about $25 extra per adult, which covers the higher ticket. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is quieter and still holds thousands of remarkable pieces.
Is the route from Port Said safe?
Yes. The highway between Port Said and Cairo is a main road used daily by tourist vehicles, and there are routine police checkpoints along the way. Your driver and guide are licensed, know the route well and stay in contact with our operations team throughout.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
