Many people reach Alexandria and then realise that the Pyramids are only a few hours away on the map. They are, but a few hours each way adds up. This guide sets out the numbers so that you can decide with your eyes open.
What the day looks like
You are collected from your hotel or the cruise port at about half past six and drive south-east along the desert road, with a rest stop. You reach the Giza plateau around ten. The guide takes you round the three main pyramids and the viewpoint, then the Sphinx and its Valley Temple, before lunch near the plateau.
The museum in the afternoon
After lunch you visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, close to the plateau. The Grand Staircase and the Tutankhamun galleries are the highlight. You then start the drive back, reaching Alexandria in the evening. The whole route is done in a private air-conditioned car with an Egyptologist guide.
Who this day suits
- Travellers who have one chance at Giza and no spare night.
- Those who sleep well in cars and enjoy watching the country go past.
- Anyone who prefers one big day to packing a bag again.
- Families with older children who cope with long outings.
Who is better off skipping it
Skip it with toddlers, with anyone prone to travel sickness, or if your ship leaves in the early evening. The return drive can be slow when the roads are busy, and we do not want you rushing the museum or the port gate. If in doubt, a night in Cairo and a separate day in Alexandria is easier on everyone.
What is not included
The drive itself
The desert road between Alexandria and Cairo is a fast highway across flat, sandy country, with service stations and small towns along the way. The car is comfortable, and your guide can use the first stretch to explain what you will see at Giza. Many travellers sleep for part of it. Expect more traffic as you approach Giza, where the road joins the edges of Greater Cairo.
If Giza is a priority and your budget of time allows, travel to Cairo by train or car the day before, sleep near the plateau and start early. You will have far more energy for the Pyramids and the museum. You can then return to Alexandria the next day, or fly on to Luxor or Aswan from Cairo. We can suggest a plan that suits your itinerary, so tell us where you are headed next.
Wear loose clothes and shoes that you can take off in the car. Bring a light jacket, because the air conditioning can feel cold. Carry a charger, snacks and a book. Use the rest stops to stretch your legs, and drink water without overdoing it. If you start to feel unwell, tell the driver, who can stop at the next safe place.
The museum is large, and two to three hours is enough for the main galleries but not for everything. The Grand Staircase, lined with statues, and the Tutankhamun collection are the usual priorities. Your guide will choose a route that avoids backtracking. If you want a slower visit, tell us, and we can discuss a longer plan with a night in Cairo.
Tickets for the plateau and the museum are in the price, as is lunch. Going inside a pyramid, camel or horse rides, drinks with lunch and tips are paid on the day. Open the trip page for the full list and to check dates.
Plan with us
Pyramids and back in a day from Alexandria: a straight answer
A 13-hour private day from Alexandria to the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Who it suits, what the drive is like and when to say no.