Ancient Athens to Modern Dubai
A Nile away from Egypt’s glorious past
Virgin Voyages' guide to Cairo, Egypt
The Cairo you’ve always imagined with surprising twists at every turn.
Cairo
The cultural capital of the Middle East
On the northern end of the world-known Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, you’ll see a supremely preserved lighthouse rising 56 meters from the sea — which can only mean one thing, you’ve touched down in Port Said, Egypt.
While Port Said is a gateway to one of Egypt’s most popular cities, Cairo, it has an impressively memorialized history in its own regard celebrated at various museums and historic destinations, including the De Lesseps Tourist Jetty, Tennis Island and the Port Said National Museum.
A two hour and forty-five minute commute from Port Said, Cairo is such an incredible location, ladened in historical landmarks and bucket list items we had to make it an overnight location — and with special overnight shore thing options you’ll be able to see Cairo like you never could’ve imagined. Tour the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, see the walls and artifacts of the internationally renowned Egyptian Museum and The Mosque of Muhamed Ali and shop along the narrowed streets of al-Muizz.
And, with two days here make sure to make time to discover things you otherwise never would, Cairo is a city of over nine million people offering a diverse range of culture, cuisine, and captivating connections.
A two hour and forty-five minute commute from Port Said, Cairo is such an incredible location, ladened in historical landmarks and bucket list items we had to make it an overnight location — and with special overnight shore thing options you’ll be able to see Cairo like you never could’ve imagined. Tour the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, see the walls and artifacts of the internationally renowned Egyptian Museum and The Mosque of Muhamed Ali and shop along the narrowed streets of al-Muizz.
And, with two days here make sure to make time to discover things you otherwise never would, Cairo is a city of over nine million people offering a diverse range of culture, cuisine, and captivating connections.
In-Depth at the Pyramids of Giza
Be dazzled by these architectural marvels, built from stone blocks weighing between 2 and 15 tons. After the drive to Cairo, you'll have lunch before the main event: entering the Great Pyramid through a hole on its north face, and walking up a ramp through the Grand Gallery until you reach the King’s Chamber — Pharaoh Khufu's final resting place. Explore the monuments' legendary exteriors, then drive to the nearby Papyrus Institute for a quick break before the journey home.
Medieval Cairo
See the city's medieval highlights on this day-long tour, beginning in Old Cairo. You'll see Mohamed Ali Mosque, surrounded by a massive medieval rampart called The Citadel, and then do a walking tour of the Hanging Church — built in the 600s AD after Egypt had embraced the new-ish religion of Christianity — and nearby Ben Ezra, one of Egypt's oldest synagogues. Enjoy lunch and shopping at Khan el-Khalili bazaar, then sightseeing along al-Muizz street, famous for its grand mosques and old homes.
Alexandria, City of Legends
You'll see the many landmarks that make Alexandria a vibrant hub for tourism, from the underground catacombs to a marble amphitheater from Roman times. After you enjoy lunch overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you'll get a few photo ops, one at the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay and one at the Unknown Soldier Memorial on the coast. Wrap up your day at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a UNESCO-sponsored library built to commemorate the legendary Library of Alexandria, lost to antiquity.
Bring your appetite
Cairo is home to the biggest food court in the world.
Shore Excursions
Cairo Overnight
Browse artifacts then head to Old Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that will take you all the way back to the 2nd century. On Day 2, travel further back in time with visits to the ancient temple complex at Sakkara and then — the pièce de résistance — the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSInternationally regarded as one of the most visited cities in the Middle East, Cairo may only contain one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, but you’ll be left wondering how more of their iconic sites haven’t made the list. Maximize your time here with two designated days by sightseeing under the sun and the stars. Witness jaw dropping sites like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and wander the mystical streets of Old Cairo while noshing on mouth watering street foods and absorbing the culture of Africa’s largest city.
