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Perfect Weekend in Cairo

Pyramids, pharaohs, and 5,000 years of civilization on the Nile

📍Cairo, Egypt⏱️2 Days

Cairo is a mesmerizing journey through millennia of human civilization. This weekend itinerary takes you from the ancient Pyramids of Giza to Islamic Cairo's medieval mosques, from the treasures of Tutankhamun to the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Expect sensory overload, incredible history, and warm Egyptian hospitality.

📅Saturday

🌅Morning

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7:00 AM - Giza Pyramids 🔺 Start early to beat crowds and heat at the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and three main pyramids (hire guide).
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9:30 AM - Solar Boat Museum ⛵ See the reconstructed 4,500-year-old wooden boat buried beside the Great Pyramid.
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10:30 AM - Camel Ride 🐪 Optional photo op riding camels around the pyramid complex (negotiate price firmly!).

☀️Afternoon

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12:30 PM - Lunch with Pyramid Views 🍽️ Restaurant overlooking pyramids, try koshary, falafel, or grilled meats.
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2:00 PM - Egyptian Museum 🏺 Spend 2-3 hours seeing Tutankhamun's gold mask and 120,000+ artifacts in Tahrir Square.
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4:30 PM - Nile Corniche Walk 🌊 Stroll along the Nile riverfront from Tahrir to Zamalek.

🌆Evening

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6:00 PM - Zamalek Island 🏝️ Upscale neighborhood on the Nile with cafes, art galleries, and green spaces.
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7:30 PM - Dinner Cruise 🚢 Traditional felucca sailboat or dinner cruise on the Nile with belly dancing.
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10:00 PM - Cairo Tower 🗼 Visit at night for spectacular illuminated city views from 187m observation deck.

📅Sunday

🌅Morning

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8:00 AM - Citadel of Saladin 🕌 Medieval Islamic fortress with stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Alabaster Mosque).
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10:00 AM - Sultan Hassan Mosque 🏛️ Mamluk-era architectural masterpiece, one of largest mosques in the world.
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11:00 AM - Islamic Cairo Walk 🚶 Explore narrow streets, historic buildings, and local life.

☀️Afternoon

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12:30 PM - Al-Azhar Park 🌳 Beautiful green space with panoramic views of Islamic Cairo, great for lunch.
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2:30 PM - Khan el-Khalili Bazaar 🛍️ Get lost in this legendary medieval market - bargain for spices, jewelry, lamps, carpets.
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4:30 PM - El Fishawy Café ☕ Historic café in Khan el-Khalili, enjoy mint tea and shisha like locals have for 200+ years.

🌆Evening

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6:30 PM - Coptic Cairo ✝️ Visit Hanging Church, Coptic Museum, and synagogue in this ancient Christian quarter.
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8:00 PM - Farewell Dinner 🍖 Traditional Egyptian restaurant for stuffed pigeon, molokhia, or mixed grill.
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9:30 PM - Sound & Light Show 🎭 Evening show at the Pyramids with dramatic lighting and narration (optional).

💡Essential Tips

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Currency - Egyptian Pound (EGP). Bring USD cash to exchange, ATMs available. 1 USD = 30-31 EGP
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Uber/Careem - Safest, most reliable transportation. Cairo traffic is chaotic, avoid driving
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Dress Modestly - Cover shoulders and knees, especially at mosques. Women consider carrying scarf
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Guides Recommended - Pyramids and museums much better with knowledgeable guide (negotiate ~$30-50/day)
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Bargaining Essential - In bazaars, start at 50% of asking price and negotiate. Prices for tourists are inflated
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Friday Timing - Many sites closed/limited hours Friday morning for prayers. Plan accordingly
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Scams Awareness - Be firm saying "no thanks" to persistent vendors. Agree on prices before services
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Stay Hydrated - Cairo is hot and dry. Drink bottled water constantly, avoid tap water

💰Budget Guide

Budget Breakdown: Expect EGP 4,000-7,000 (approx $130-225 USD) per person for the weekend (excluding accommodation). Accommodation: EGP 1,500-3,500/night ($50-115). Food: EGP 500-1,000/day ($16-32) - local restaurants very cheap. Transport: EGP 300-500/day ($10-16) Uber. Giza entry: EGP 540 ($17). Museum entry: EGP 450 ($15). Guide: EGP 1,000-1,500/day ($32-50). Cairo is very budget-friendly!

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