Itineraries — Cairo and Giza

The Cairo and Giza region is structured around three complementary poles that any trip to Egypt must address. The Giza Plateau and its Grand Egyptian Museum (west of the city) concentrate the most emblematic pharaonic heritage in the world. Old Cairo — Coptic to the south, Islamic at the centre — unfolds 1,500 years of religious and architectural heritage. Modern Cairo (Zamalek, Garden City, Downtown) offers cosmopolitan urban life, its cafés, rooftops and overflowing energy.

For a short stay (2-3 days), focus on Giza and Old Cairo. Day 1: Giza Plateau from opening (8am) to avoid heat and crowds — Khufu Pyramid exterior then Sphinx, then Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon (4 hours minimum). Day 2: Islamic Old Cairo in the morning (Ibn Tulun Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Citadel of Saladin), Khan el-Khalili and lunch at the Naguib Mahfouz café, Coptic Old Cairo at end of day (Hanging Church, Coptic Museum).

With a week (5-7 days), add a full day at Saqqara + Dahshur + Memphis (the cradle of pyramid architecture, often neglected by classic tourist itineraries), a half day at the Museum of Islamic Art and at the Gayer-Anderson Museum (two restored 16th-century Mamluk houses), and a day excursion to the Fayoum oasis (Lake Qarun, Valley of the Whales with its UNESCO-listed palaeontological fossil site, Meidum Pyramid).

Access to the region is via Cairo International Airport (CAI), Africa's third-busiest airport. EgyptAir and Air France offer daily direct flights from Paris-CDG (4h30, €350-600 return). Once there, favour private taxis with driver (€50-100/day) or Uber/Careem apps (very efficient and affordable) rather than traditional white taxis that frequently overcharge.