7 Days Highlights of Egypt: Cairo & Sharm El Sheikh

After breakfast, you will meet your guide, who will accompany you on your day exploring the city and its sites. Today's activities include a visit to the Egyptian Museum, which has a substantial collection of ancient treasures, including the tomb of King Tut. You'll also travel to Giza, located outside of Cairo, where you will see the Sphinx and the three major pyramids at its necropolis complex. Your guide will explain the history of the construction of the Pyramids of Giza: the Great Pyramid of Giza, Cheops, and the smaller Chephren and Mykerinos. At night, you'll enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Nile.

Early in the morning, you'll head out on a trip to Alexandria, traveling along desert roads. Begin with one of the highlights of the day, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoukafa, an underground world of ornate carvings and paintings. With a mixture of Roman and Egyptian designs, it's the largest Roman funerary complex in Egypt.

Next, visit the Citadel of Fort Qaitbey, which is located on the original site of the Pharos, Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse. Although Pharos was restored at various times, it finally crumbled by the time the original fort was built here in the 1480s. Then, you'll visit Morsi Abu Alabas Mosque and the Library of Alexandria, which was re-established in October 2002, reclaiming the mantle of its ancient namesake. The vast complex is an institution of the arts, history, philosophy, and science, as well as a place for open discussion, dialogue, and understanding. Return to Cairo in the evening.

Today you'll fly to the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Located between the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, the area is known for its beautiful beaches and offshore coral reefs surrounded by clear water. Walk on the beach, go swimming in the ocean, or check out Ras Muhammad National Park, a diving destination that's rich with marine life. In the evening, beachfront restaurants and bars are great places to try fresh seafood, prepared Egyptian-style, and surround yourself with a local crowd.

Today's itinerary features a grand safari trip to Dahab, a former Bedouin fishing spot that's now one of Egypt's top spots for diving. It's located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula. During the day's journey, you'll visit Abu Galum, a protected zone in the mountains with excellent birdwatching, and go snorkeling in Blue Hole, a submarine sinkhole that's popular with divers. Finish the adventure with a camel ride, then return to Dahab to have dinner in a local restaurant. You'll return to Sharm El Sheikh for the night.

Take it easy today: you'll have a free beach day by the Red Sea. Walk along the pedestrian promenade in laid-back Naama Bay, book a snorkeling trip to Yolanda Reef, or just have lunch in a beachfront café and relax by the water. Another option is to stop at St. Catherine's Monastery. Located at the foot of Mt. Sinai, it's the place where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other 7-day Egypt itineraries, with Nile River cruises, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.