6-Day Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria & Sahara
Overview
Journey through Egypt's iconic past and wild desert. Explore Cairo's pyramids, Alexandria's history, and camp in the mystical White Desert on this…
This 6-day tour combines Cairo and Alexandria with a night camping in the Western Desert, covering the Giza Pyramids, Greco-Roman Alexandria, and the White and Black Deserts in a single trip.
Day one opens with a Nile evening cruise after arrival. Day two is a full day at the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Day three is a full-day excursion to Alexandria, taking in the Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, the Qaitbay Citadel, and the Library of Alexandria.
Day four heads into the Western Desert via the Bahariya Oasis, passing the volcanic Black Desert on the way to a night of camping in the surreal White Desert, with a stop at Crystal Mountain before the desert sunrise and the return to Cairo.
An expert Egyptologist guide accompanies the group throughout, with air-conditioned private vehicle transfers for every leg. Four nights in a Cairo hotel with breakfast, one night of full-board desert camping, entrance fees to every listed site, meals as specified where applicable, and meet-and-assist service at Cairo International Airport are included.
International airfare, the Egypt entry visa, gratuities for guides, drivers, and porters, and personal expenses or unlisted optional tours are not included.
Pairing Pharaonic Cairo, Greco-Roman Alexandria, and a desert camping night in one trip, this itinerary suits travelers who want ancient monuments, the Mediterranean coast, and Egypt's Western Desert landscapes without three separate bookings.
- Four Cairo hotel nights plus one desert camping night
- Full-day Alexandria excursion included
- White Desert and Black Desert included
- Expert Egyptologist guide throughout
Trip at a Glance
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Price
From $445
Availability
Every day
Tour Type
Private
Route
Cairo → Giza → Alexandria → Bahariya → Cairo
Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday
Your dates, your pace, your must-see wonders — handcrafted into one private itinerary by our expert Egyptologists.
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Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, a Travel Joy Egypt representative will warmly welcome you, assisting with all airport formalities. You'll then be transferred in comfort to your hotel for check-in. As evening descends, prepare for an enchanting dinner aboard a Nile River cruise. Savor delectable Egyptian cuisine while being entertained by traditional performances like the mesmerizing Tannoura dance and lively belly dancing, all against the illuminated cityscape.
- Cairo International Airport — Meet and assist service, private transfer to hotel
- Nile River Cruise — Evening dinner cruise with traditional entertainment
Giza PyramidsAfter a delightful breakfast, our expert Egyptologist guide will lead you on a captivating journey to the Giza Plateau. Witness the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, ancient marvels that have stood for millennia. Marvel at the enigmatic Sphinx, guardian of the plateau, and explore the ancient Valley Temple, integral to pharaonic burial rituals. Your exploration continues at the groundbreaking Grand Egyptian Museum, a monumental showcase of Egypt's artistic and historical legacy, featuring the complete Tutankhamun collection and countless other treasures. Enjoy lunch at a handpicked local restaurant before visiting the renowned Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to an immense collection of artifacts spanning millennia of Egyptian history. Return to your hotel as the day concludes.
- Giza Pyramids Complex — Visits to the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Valley Temple
- Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Explore the extensive collections and masterpieces, including Tutankhamun's treasures
- The Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) — Discover a vast array of ancient artifacts
Catacombs of Kom El ShoqafaFollowing breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Mediterranean jewel, Alexandria. Delve into the city's rich Greco-Roman past, beginning with the fascinating Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a unique blend of Egyptian and Roman funerary art. Next, stand before the formidable Pompey's Pillar, a testament to Roman engineering. Explore the historic Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the sea. Conclude your Alexandrian adventure with a visit to the Biblioteca Alexandrina, a modern architectural marvel honoring the ancient Library of Alexandria. Afterward, you'll be comfortably transferred back to your Cairo hotel.
- Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs — Explore a fascinating blend of Roman and Egyptian tombs
- Pompey's Pillar — Marvel at the monumental Roman column
- Qaitbay Citadel — Visit the historic seaside fortress
- Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina) — Tour the modern architectural and cultural hub
An early start takes you from Cairo to the Bahariya Oasis, a journey of approximately four hours. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in the main town of Bawiti. Transitioning to a rugged 4x4 vehicle, your desert adventure truly begins. Traverse the dramatic Black Desert, characterized by its volcanic cones, and visit a traditional Bedouin village. Continue to Crystal Mountain, a gleaming natural archway of quartz, before reaching the 'Wonders Area.' Experience the thrill of sandboarding as you explore this captivating landscape. The day culminates in the breathtaking Old White Desert, where surreal chalk formations, including the iconic 'Mushroom' and 'Tent Valley,' create an otherworldly scene. Settle into your desert camp, enjoying Bedouin tea and a delectable barbecue dinner under the starry desert sky.
- Bahariya Oasis — Journey to the oasis and lunch in Bawiti
- Black Desert — Explore its volcanic landscapes
- Crystal Mountain — Visit the sparkling quartz formation
- Agabat 'Wonders Area' — Sandboarding and exploration of unique geological formations
- Old White Desert — Discover mushroom-shaped rocks and other wind-carved sculptures, overnight camping
Awaken to a magnificent desert sunrise, capturing unforgettable moments as the first light paints the landscape. After a hearty breakfast, perhaps enjoy a visit to a natural hot spring, a refreshing interlude in the desert expanse. Post-exploration, you'll begin your comfortable return journey to Cairo. Check into your hotel, unwind, and reflect on the day's incredible desert experiences.
- White Desert — Sunrise viewing and exploration of a hot spring
- Journey to Cairo — Relaxing return transfer to your Cairo hotel
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. You'll have free time until your scheduled check-out at noon. Our private, air-conditioned vehicle will then transfer you comfortably to Cairo International Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of Egypt's timeless allure and desert mystique.
- Cairo Hotel — Breakfast and free time until check-out
- Cairo International Airport — Private transfer for final departure
Attractions on This Tour
Tap any landmark below to open its full visitor guide — tickets, history and what to see.
Highlights
Ancient Cairo's Grandeur
- The majestic Giza Pyramids and their silent guardian, the Sphinx
- The newly unveiled Grand Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of pharaonic artifacts
- The enduring legacy of the funerary Valley Temple
Alexandria's Greco-Roman Heritage
- The subterranean marvel of Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs
- The towering Pompey's Pillar, a Roman triumph
- The formidable Qaitbay Citadel, standing sentinel over the Mediterranean
- The modern architectural wonder of the Library of Alexandria
Western Desert's Natural Wonders
- The lush Bahariya Oasis, a verdant sanctuary
- The striking volcanic landscapes of the Black Desert
- The surreal, chalky formations of the White Desert
- The shimmering spectacle of Crystal Mountain
Gallery
Included
- Personalized meet and assist service at Cairo International Airport
- Four nights' accommodation in a hotel in Cairo, including breakfast
- One memorable night of desert camping in the Western Desert, with full board
- Expert Egyptologist guide for all guided tours
- Comfortable, modern, air-conditioned private vehicle transfers throughout
- All entrance fees to the historical sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as specified in the daily itinerary where applicable
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to and from Cairo
- Egypt entry visa fees
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and porters
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or additional beverages
- Any optional tours or activities not expressly included
Pricing & Packages
Choose your preferred accommodation level and season. Prices are quoted in USD per person.
Comfort Accommodations
Pricing Information
Rates are quoted in US Dollars (USD) per person. Holiday surcharges apply during peak seasons, including Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Children's Policy
- Under 6 YearsComplimentary
- Ages 6 to 11 Years50% of the Adult Rate
- 12+ YearsFull Adult Rate
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather (cotton or linen)
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring historical sites
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen for sun protection
- Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) for religious sites, especially for women
- A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings, particularly in the desert
- Swimsuit for hotel pools (if desired)
- Power bank and universal adapter for electronics
- Camera to capture incredible memories
- Personal medications
- Small backpack for day trips
Why Choose Us
Expert Local Guides
Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.
Private Transport
Modern air-conditioned vehicles.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.
24/7 Support
We are always available via WhatsApp.
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Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.
Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey
Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders
Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.