- DurationApprox. 7–8 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup at Cairo International Airport
- PriceFrom $115 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This private Cairo layover tour turns a long wait between flights into a day at the pyramids. Your guide meets you at Cairo International Airport, and you head straight to Giza to see the Grand Egyptian Museum and the pyramids with your own Egyptologist, driver and air-conditioned vehicle. The route is planned around your flight times, with a buffer built in for traffic.
At the Grand Egyptian Museum you see the grand staircase of royal statues and the complete Tutankhamun collection, displayed together for the first time. After a simple Egyptian lunch, you visit the Giza plateau for the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and the classic panoramic view. We recommend a layover of at least 10 hours, and you will need to clear immigration, so check your visa options before you book.
Highlights
- Meet-and-greet at Cairo Airport and return in good time for your flight
- Guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, including the Tutankhamun galleries
- The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx
- Panoramic viewpoint over all the Giza pyramids
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Private Egyptologist guide, driver and air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary
Arrival – Meet at Cairo Airport
Your guide meets you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, after passport control and customs. If you need a visa on arrival, they will point you to the right counter. You then join your private air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to Giza, which takes about 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic.
Morning – Grand Egyptian Museum
Spend around two and a half hours in the Grand Egyptian Museum. Your guide leads you up the grand staircase lined with statues of kings and gods, then through the Tutankhamun galleries, where the boy king’s gold mask, chariots, jewellery and shrines are shown together. Tickets are booked in advance for your time slot.
Midday – Lunch at a local restaurant
Stop for lunch at a clean, local restaurant near Giza. Expect a set menu of Egyptian favourites such as grilled chicken or kofta, rice, salads, tahini and bread, with vegetarian options on request. Soft drinks are extra. It is also a good moment to ask your guide anything about Egypt before the afternoon visit.
Meals: Lunch
Afternoon – Giza pyramids and Sphinx
Explore the Giza plateau with your guide: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, the panoramic viewpoint and the Great Sphinx beside the Valley Temple. Allow about two hours. A short camel ride or a ticket inside a pyramid can be added on the spot at your own cost if time allows.
Return – Drop-off at Cairo Airport
Your driver takes you back to Cairo International Airport, aiming to arrive at least three hours before an international departure. The exact finishing time is agreed with you in advance based on your flight. Your guide stays in touch with the driver throughout, so the day can be shortened if traffic is heavy.
Good to know: Allow a layover of at least 10 hours. You must leave the airport, so check whether you need an Egypt visa (many nationalities can get one on arrival or online). Keep your passport and boarding documents with you.
What’s Included
Included
- Meet-and-greet and drop-off at Cairo International Airport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giza plateau
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Egypt entry visa, if required
- Tickets inside the Great Pyramid or other pyramids (about $19–29)
- Camel or horse rides
- Drinks with lunch
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $225 |
| 2 travellers | $155 |
| 3–5 travellers | $129 |
| 6+ travellers | $115 |
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
How long does my layover need to be?
We recommend at least 10 hours between your arrival and departure flights. That covers immigration, around seven hours of touring and transfers, and returning to the airport about three hours before departure. With a shorter layover we can do the pyramids only; ask us and we will tell you honestly what fits.
Do I need a visa to leave Cairo Airport?
Yes, you need to enter Egypt, so most travellers need a visa. Many nationalities can buy one on arrival or apply online in advance; others need to arrange it before travelling. Please check the current rules for your passport before booking, as we cannot arrange visas for you.
What happens to my luggage?
If your bags are checked through to your final destination, you only need hand luggage. If not, there is space in the vehicle, but it stays with the driver while you visit the sites. Keep valuables and travel documents with you at all times.
What if my flight is delayed?
Send us your flight number when booking. We track arrivals, and your guide waits for you. If a long delay means the full day no longer fits, we will shorten the programme so you are back at the airport in good time for your next flight.
Are entrance tickets included?
Yes. Tickets for the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giza plateau are included and booked for you. Optional extras, such as entering the Great Pyramid or a camel ride, are paid on the day only if you choose them.
You May Also Like
Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
