Cairo: Day Trips and Tours from Marsa Alam

The resort town of Marsa Alam is located on the western bank of the Red Sea, and is a popular destination for sunseekers, kite surfers, snorkelers and scuba divers. It differs greatly from Cairo, Egypts’ capital city and its historic center.

Cairo is associated with Ancient Egypt and its pyramid complex at Giza, as well as the nearly ancient cities of Heliopolis and Memphis. Beyond the ancient history of Cairo, the Islamic influence is reflected in its intricately designed minarets and other architectural sites, and the Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While it is a very long day excursion, if you would like to peek into the history of Egypt, a day trip to Cairo from Marsa Alam, should definitely be an excursion to consider.

Here's all you need to know about Cairo, one of the most exciting day trips from Marsa Alam.

How to get to Cairo from Marsa Alam?

Cairo is located on the banks of the Nile River in northern Egypt. It is to the north-west of Marsa Alam, across the Eastern Desert.

From Marsa Alam to Cairo by car

Traveling to Cairo from Marsa Alam by road is possible, but it is a long journey. The 750-kilometer drive between the two locations along Route 65M will take around 8.5 hours of driving time (excluding any stops).

From Marsa Alam to Cairo by bus

There is a direct bus service between Marsa Alam and Tahrir, Cairo daily. This trip takes roughly 10 hours each way, excluding stops or unexpected delays.

From Marsa Alam to Cairo by air

Flights Marsa Alam and Cairo are the most time efficient way to travel between the two cities. With each flight typically taking about 1.5 hours, you will have more time to spend in Cairo.

Guided tour to Cairo from Marsa Alam

With time at a premium, a guided tour is the recommended way to visit Cairo from Marsa Alam. Shared and private tours are offered by various tour operators. Traveling by air as well as by road are alternatives, and if a single day is not sufficient, there are multi-day options available.

Single day tours can last for as long as 22 hours from the time of departure in Marsa Alam to the completion of the excursion. 2-day and 3-day tours are popular choices as they allow a less rushed sightseeing experience.

Along with the benefit of an expert guide, a guided tour takes the hassle out of planning the trip. Additionally, having a local expert on hand ensures that your tour is busy, but stress-free.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day trips by road to Cairo typically depart Marsa Alam very early in the morning, with multiple comfort breaks during the long drive. Sightseeing in Cairo varies between operators, but sites such as the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Nile and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.

Trips including roundtrip flights from Marsa Alam follow a similar itinerary, but allow for additional sightseeing time. Multi-day tours include several additional attractions in Cairo and may include other locations such as Luxor and Abu Simbel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cairo?

Guided day tours to Cairo from Marsa Alam with flights

If you are short on time, but want to pack in as much sightseeing as possible, then a day trip including flights is your best option. This tour commences in the early morning hours with a drive to the airport for the flight to Cairo.

These tours include the flight, your guide and ground transport, sightseeing as per the individual itineraries. Lunch may be included, and there may be optional activities that you can do at an extra cost.

Guided day tours to Cairo from Marsa Alam by road

This type of tour includes a road trip through the heart of Egypt before visiting the center of Ancient Egypt. This guided tour provides participants with visits to the most significant historical structures and museums.

Lunch and refreshment stops are included in the day's arrangements. Some tours include time for shopping at a local bazaar or a short Nile cruise experience.

Multi day guided tours to Cairo from Marsa Alam

Multi-day guided tours are a great choice if you have the time. On a 2 or 3-day tour from Marsa Alam, your group will follow the Red Sea coast before entering the Eastern Desert on the way to Cairo.

The first day of touring includes the prominent attractions, and on day 2, sites like the Salah Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque. Old Cairo and a Nile River felucca tour round off the experience.

Tours such as these are guided by local experts including qualified Egyptologists to provide insight and knowledge to you and your group. Guides also facilitate all other tour arrangements, ensuring a pleasurable experience.

Multi day guided tours to Cairo plus Luxor from Marsa Alam

Some multi-day tours from Marsa Alam also include visits to other destinations along with Cairo. A frequent second destination is Luxor, where you can view sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon.

A multi-day tour such as this provides an immersive experience into Ancient Egypt’s splendor. Many of these tours include flights from Luxor to Cairo and back to Marsa Alam. Accommodation is usually not organized as part of the package, allowing you to tailor the trip to your budget and needs.

How much does a day trip to Cairo from Marsa Alam cost?

A guided day tour to Cairo from Marsa Alam starts from around US$320 per person on a shared excursion. Guided day tours that include flights cost from US$400 per person.

Multi day guided tours to Cairo from Marsa Alam include start from US$420 per person sharing for a 2-day tour. A 3-day tour will cost from around US$650 each. Tours that include other destinations such as Luxor are priced from US$590 per person, with a private, 5-star experience priced from US$1,200 per person.

What will you see and do?

Giza Pyramid Complex

At the Giza Pyramid Complex there are three great pyramids, three smaller pyramids and the Valley Temple. The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the complex, and is the only intact pyramid to remain intact as one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Sphinx

The Sphinx is the world’s oldest known monumental sculpture and largest statue. Carved to resemble a lion, but with a human face, the Sphinx stands alongside the pyramids as Egypt’s iconic landmarks.

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is home to many of Egypt’s most significant treasures, including the Tutankhamen collection. There are more than 250,000 genuine artifacts on display. If there is time, you will be able to spend some time viewing the artifacts independently, otherwise in the company of your guide.

The Nile River

Where time and weather permit, some tours include a short felucca ride on the Nile River. Longer tours might even include a Nile dinner cruise or optional boating activity.

Khan El Khalli Bazaar

The Khan El Khalli Bazaar is one of the most famous bazaars in the Middle East. This vibrant bazaar offers visitors an opportunity to buy souvenirs and practice their bargaining skills. You also have the chance to absorb the sights, smells and sounds of the locals who ply their wares here, and you may even choose to buy some of the street foods or snacks on offer.

Old Cairo

Old Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes a Roman Era Fortress, the Christian settlement of Coptic Cairo and the Islamic Cairo settlements that predate the founding of the city in the 1st century.

When is the best time to visit Cairo?

The best time to visit Cairo is during the cooler months from October to April. During these months, temperatures are milder, making sightseeing more comfortable. Avoid the sweltering summer heat from May to September. Winter is an especially pleasant period to visit, with cooler evenings and fewer crowds.

Are there any tours to Cairo from other cities in Egypt?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Egypt:

• Day trips to Cairo from Hurghada
• Day trips to Cairo from Sharm El Sheikh
• Day trips to Cairo from Alexandria
• Multi-day trips to Cairo from Aswan
• Multi-day trips to Cairo from Safaga

Travel tips

• The heat and sunshine in Cairo can be intense, so carry a bottle of water, wear sunscreen, and consider a hat or an umbrella for shade.
• Cairo is more conservative than coastal areas, so dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• When shopping in Cairo's markets, such as Khan el-Khalili, remember to bargain. It's part of the culture, but always do it respectfully.