Cairo Pyramids Day Trip by Plane from Sharm El Sheikh (Old Egyptian Museum)

What do you know about Cairo besides the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx? In fact, Cairo is not only the capital of Egypt, but also the largest city in the Middle East, the biggest Arabic-speaking city in the world, and the third-largest city in Africa. It is a vibrant мегаполис where ancient history and modern life exist side by side.

The world-famous pyramids are located in Giza Plateau, now almost surrounded by modern urban development. Today, residential buildings stand just a few hundred meters from the Great Sphinx of Giza, a striking reminder of how closely daily life in Cairo is connected to its ancient past. With a population of nearly 10 million people, the city is constantly alive and full of energy.

Flowing through the heart of Cairo is the legendary Nile River, the longest river in the world. The Nile divides the city into eastern and western banks and has been the lifeline of Egypt since ancient times. Without it, life in the surrounding Sahara Desert would be impossible — here, the Nile truly means life.

This day trip by plane allows you to experience the very essence of Egypt in just one day: monumental pyramids, priceless artifacts in the Old Egyptian Museum, and the unique atmosphere of a city that has been shaping world history for thousands of years. Cairo cannot be fully described in words — it must be felt. And this excursion gives you the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.

Important Information – Please Read Carefully

• An Egyptian visa is mandatory to enter Cairo. A visa sticker with an entry stamp must be placed in your passport.
  The visa fee is $30, payable on arrival at the airport. The visa cost is not included in the tour price.

• If you do not have a visa, assistance with visa issuance before departure is available through the guide for $37.

• Guests holding passports of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan must obtain an Egyptian visa in advance in their home country and have a guarantee letter from their tour operator. We are unable to arrange visas for these nationalities.

• Flight tours require 100% prepayment at the time of booking, based on passport details.

• Air tickets are non-refundable, even in case of tour cancellation by the guest.

• Flights are operated by charter airlines.
  Please note that:

  • Charter flight times may change.

  • Flights may not appear on airport information boards.

  • Your boarding pass will be issued at the airport check-in counter.

  • Evening flights from Cairo may experience delays due to heavy airport traffic.

• Departure from Cairo is subject to the airline’s schedule and possible operational delays.

• After payment, you will receive a payment confirmation, and our manager will stay in contact with you throughout the excursion via your preferred messenger.

• In case of unplanned flight cancellation or rescheduling to unsuitable dates by the airline, your payment will be refunded in full.

• Advance booking is required — we recommend reserving the tour 5–7 days in advance.

• This excursion does not operate daily. The exact travel date must be confirmed with us before booking.

Cairo Pyramids Day Trip by Plane from Sharm El Sheikh (Old Egyptian Museum) Tour Program:

- Departure from the Hotel

Our representative will pick you up at the gate of your hotel at approximately 03:30 AM (the exact pick-up time will be confirmed after booking). You will then be transferred to Sharm El Sheikh Airport for your flight to Cairo.

The transfer from your hotel to the airport takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on the hotel’s location. Our guide will accompany you to the airport entrance and provide clear instructions on the check-in process and how to receive your flight tickets at the registration counter.

The flight duration is approximately 50 minutes. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met by a professional local guide who will accompany you throughout the Cairo excursion.

Arrival in Cairo is usually around 07:00 AM.
Please note that flight departure times from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo depend on airline schedules and possible operational changes; however, flights typically depart between 05:30 and 06:00 AM.

- Egyptian Museums in Cairo – Important Information

Cairo is home to several major museums that preserve and present Egypt’s extraordinary history. Today, the term “Egyptian National Museum” is often used collectively to describe three key museums, each offering a different perspective on ancient Egyptian civilization.

1. Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (Classic Museum)

Overview:
The historic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is one of the world’s most famous archaeological museums. It has long been the main repository of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Collection Highlights:

• Over 160,000 artifacts from all periods of ancient Egypt

• Statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, jewelry, papyri, and everyday objects

• Parts of the famous Treasures of Tutankhamun collection

Current Status:
Many key artifacts have recently been transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). However, the Tahrir Museum remains an important cultural landmark and offers a classic museum experience, especially for visitors interested in the history of Egyptology itself.

2. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

Concept:
The NMEC is the first museum designed to present the entire history of Egypt, from prehistoric times through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern periods.

Main Attraction – Royal Mummies Hall:

• Home to the famous Royal Mummies Hall, where the mummies of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs are displayed

• The mummies were ceremonially transferred here from the old museum during the historic Pharaohs’ Golden Parade

• Modern lighting, climate control, and educational displays enhance the visitor experience

Why Visit:
NMEC offers a modern, well-organized, and educational presentation, making it especially appealing for guests interested in royal history and ancient burial traditions.

3. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) – Near the Giza Pyramids

Opening Update:
As of 01.11.2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has officially opened near the Giza Pyramids, becoming the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.

What Makes GEM Special:

• Exhibits covering the full history of ancient Egypt in a modern, spacious setting

• The complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time

• State-of-the-art exhibition technology and panoramic views of the pyramids

Note:
Tours to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) are offered separately and are available both by plane and by bus. You can find detailed information about these excursions on the corresponding pages of our website.

Which Museum Should You Visit?

• If you have enough time: We recommend visiting all three museums, as each offers a unique perspective on Egypt’s history.

• If time is limited:

  • GEM – for the most comprehensive and modern experience

  • NMEC – for the Royal Mummies and chronological storytelling

  • Tahrir Museum – for a classic, historical atmosphere

Each museum complements the others, together forming a complete picture of ancient Egyptian civilization.

**During this excursion, you will visit the historic Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, home to one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including royal mummies, statues, sarcophagi, and the treasures of Tutankhamun.

- Nile Boat Ride (Optional)

At the second stop of the program, guests may optionally enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Nile aboard a traditional sailing boat (felucca).

• Duration: up to 45 minutes

• Price: approximately $10–20 per person, payable on site

• Experience: peaceful sailing with scenic views of the Nile, away from the city noise

Guests who prefer not to join the boat ride may wait inside or near the bus, as required by local police regulations in Cairo.

- Lunch & Shopping Stops

After the Nile boat ride, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Typical lunch menu includes:

• Rice

• Grilled chicken

• Fresh salads

• Bread and traditional Egyptian sauces

Drinks during lunch are not included and can be purchased separately.

Following lunch, the group will visit:

• a Papyrus Institute, where you can learn how ancient papyrus was made

• an oil and perfume factory, offering locally produced aromatic oils and souvenirs

The total shopping stop lasts approximately 40 minutes.

- Giza Pyramids & the Great Sphinx

The final and most iconic part of the excursion is a visit to the Giza Plateau, home to the world-famous pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

The Giza Necropolis includes:

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) – originally 140 meters high and over 4,500 years old

• The Pyramid of Khafre, slightly smaller but appearing taller due to its elevated base

• The Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest and southernmost of the three

In addition to the main pyramids, you will see:

• Queen’s pyramids

• Valley temples and satellite pyramids

Originally, the pyramids were covered with polished white limestone, which reflected sunlight brilliantly. Over the centuries, much of this casing stone was removed and reused for later construction.

- The Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest surviving monumental sculpture in the world.

• Length: 73 meters

• Height: 20 meters

• Carved from a single limestone rock

• Depicts a lion’s body with a human head, believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre

Between the Sphinx’s paws once stood a small sanctuary. The missing nose has been the subject of many theories; while some legends attribute it to Napoleon’s soldiers, historians have found no definitive proof.

Important Note

• Entrance inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu is optional and not included

• Ticket price: approximately $20–30 (1500 EGP), payable on site

• Payment must be made in Egyptian pounds

- Return to Sharm El Sheikh

The sightseeing program in Cairo concludes at approximately 17:00. After this full and eventful day, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your return flight to Sharm El Sheikh.

• Estimated departure from Cairo: around 20:00–20:30
  (exact time depends on the airline schedule and possible delays)

• Estimated arrival in Sharm El Sheikh: around 21:30

Your guide in Cairo will accompany you to the airport, assist with instructions for check-in, and explain how to receive your boarding pass at the counter. Upon arrival in Sharm El Sheikh, another representative will be waiting outside the airport terminal to transfer you back to your hotel.

Dear guests, we kindly ask you to check the weather forecast before the trip, as weather conditions may affect flight schedules and overall comfort during the excursion.

• Flights:
  Air tickets are issued for available charter flights provided by charter airlines. Please note that evening delays at Cairo Airport are possible due to heavy air traffic.

• Charter specifics:
  Charter flight times may change and are not always displayed on airport information boards. Boarding passes are issued directly at the check-in counter after arrival at the airport.

• Cairo Airport facilities:
  There are no full-service cafés at Cairo Airport. We strongly recommend bringing snacks with you in case of flight delays or if you are booked on a later return flight.

• Nile boat ride:
  Guests who choose not to join the optional felucca ride on the Nile will wait in or near the bus, in accordance with Egyptian tourism regulations.

• Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops):
  Entrance inside the pyramid is not included. If time allows and you wish to visit, tickets can be purchased on site at the entrance for approximately 1,500 EGP (around $25).

• Shopping stop:
  The program includes a 40-minute stop at a perfume and oils factory.

• Program timing:
  The sightseeing program usually ends around 17:00.
  Return to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh is approximately 21:30–23:00, depending on flight schedules and your hotel location.

• Itinerary order:
  The order of visits may change based on the guide’s decision and visitor flow at the sites.

• Booking & payment policy:
  A 100% prepayment is required to book flights. In case of cancellation after booking, the prepayment is non-refundable, as it covers purchased flight tickets.

• Visa requirements:
  Entry to Cairo requires an Egyptian visa sticker in your passport.
  If you only have a Sinai-only stamp, we can assist with visa issuance before departure:

  • Visa: $30

  • Guide service: $7

  • Total: $37
    (In this case, hotel pickup will be approximately 1 hour earlier.)

In some cases, the guide arrives at the hotel in advance, collects your passports for visa processing, and then returns them before the start of the excursion — directly on the bus. This helps save time and avoid additional organizational hassles on the day of the trip.

• Important for certain nationalities:
  Guests holding passports of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, or Kyrgyzstan must obtain an Egyptian visa in advance in their home country and have a guarantee letter from their travel agent. We cannot arrange visas for these nationalities. Please contact your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Egyptian embassy for assistance.

• Transport in Cairo:
  Sightseeing in Cairo is conducted by a large, air-conditioned tourist bus with a toilet.

• Optional purchases:
  Guides may offer additional goods or services for extra payment. This is a common local practice. Please note that our online service does not control the quality or prices of these offers.

• Private tour option:
  This excursion can be arranged as a private Cairo tour with a separate guide and private vehicle in Cairo. For details and pricing, please contact our booking center.