6 Days Cairo And Riyadh Tours 2026 — Pyramids, GEM & Diriyah UNESCO
Overview
Egypt and Saudi Arabia represent two very different relationships with the ancient world. Egypt built in stone 4,500 years ago and left monuments that still stand. Saudi Arabia’s ancient heritage — the mud-brick capital of Diriyah, the Masmak Fort of Riyadh, and the petroglyphs of the Arabian Desert — is newer to international tourism but no less significant. The 6-Day Cairo and Riyadh Tour puts both in one seamless private trip: two days in Cairo for the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, followed by three days in Riyadh for Diriyah, Masmak Fort, the National Museum, and Kingdom Tower.
Saudi Arabia opened to international tourism in 2019, and Riyadh’s tourism infrastructure is transforming rapidly. Diriyah — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the first Saudi state in the 15th century — was unknown to most international visitors five years ago and is now one of the most significant heritage sites in the Arabian Peninsula. Egypt For Travel combines both countries in one trip for the first time for many of our clients. ETA Licence Category A No. 1947.
6-Day Cairo & Riyadh — At a Glance
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 — Cairo | Arrival · Private airport transfer · Welcome briefing |
| Day 2 — Cairo | Giza Pyramids · Sphinx · GEM · Coptic Cairo · Islamic Cairo · Khan El-Khalili |
| Day 3 — Riyadh | Fly Cairo–Riyadh · Hotel check-in · City orientation |
| Day 4 — Riyadh Heritage | Diriyah UNESCO · Masmak Fort · Dirah Souq · National Museum · Murabba Palace |
| Day 5 — Riyadh Modern | Kingdom Tower · Boulevard City · King Abdullah Financial District · Diriyah (evening) |
| Day 6 — Departure | Breakfast · Transfer to Riyadh King Khalid Airport · Departure |
Entrance Fees 2026 — Included in Your Tour Price
| Site | Fee (included) |
|---|---|
| Egypt | |
| Giza Pyramids complex | 700 EGP (~$14) |
| Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) | 1,590 EGP (~$32) |
| Saudi Arabia | |
| Diriyah (At-Turaif UNESCO site) | ~60 SAR (~$16) |
| Masmak Fort | Free (donations welcome) |
| National Museum Riyadh | ~25 SAR (~$7) |
| Kingdom Tower observation deck | ~75 SAR (~$20) |
What Makes Riyadh Worth Visiting Now
Riyadh is the most rapidly transforming major city in the Arab world. In the five years since international tourism opened in 2019, the city has built or restored entertainment districts, opened world-class museums, and invested billions in making Diriyah — the mud-brick original capital of the Saudi state — one of the most extraordinary heritage experiences in the region. The At-Turaif District at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, was the home of the Al-Saud family and the seat of the Wahhabi reform movement that shaped modern Saudi Arabia. Walking its restored alleyways and fortress walls, with the Wadi Hanifah gorge below, is a genuinely moving experience with no equivalent elsewhere in the Middle East. The National Museum covers Arabia from 4,000 years of pre-Islamic archaeology through the founding of the modern state. Together, these two sites give a complete picture of Saudi Arabia’s civilizational depth that most international visitors don’t expect to find.
How This Compares to the Other Egypt & Saudi Programs
| Program | Saudi Destination |
|---|---|
| This 6-Day ← | Cairo + Riyadh only — the quickest Saudi introduction |
| 6-Day Best Egypt & Saudi | Cairo + Jeddah + Madinah — Red Sea heritage and Islamic pilgrimage sites |
| 13-Day Egypt & Saudi Discovery | Cairo + Nile cruise + Riyadh + AlUla Hegra UNESCO ruins |
| 15-Day Egypt & Saudi Tour | Nile cruise + Riyadh + AlUla + Jeddah + Madinah — the complete Saudi circuit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia as a tourist?
Most nationalities (USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many others) can obtain a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. Saudi Arabia launched its international tourism visa in 2019 and the application is now available online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Egypt For Travel can advise on the current visa process for your specific nationality at booking.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for international tourists?
Yes — Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla have well-established tourism infrastructure and are consistently rated safe for international visitors. Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in tourism hospitality standards since 2019. Egypt For Travel has operated Saudi itineraries for international clients without incident since the country opened to tourism. See our Is Egypt Safe 2026 guide for general Middle East travel safety context.
What is Diriyah and why is it significant?
Diriyah is the original capital of the Saudi state, built in the Wadi Hanifah gorge 15km northwest of central Riyadh. The At-Turaif District — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010 — preserves the mud-brick palaces, mosques, and streets of the 18th-century city where the alliance between Muhammad ibn Saud and the religious reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab was formed. This alliance became the foundation of modern Saudi Arabia. The site is extraordinary in the same way that visiting the original seat of any major civilization is extraordinary — you are standing at the origin point of a country.
What is the best time to visit Cairo and Riyadh?
October to April is ideal for both cities. Cairo at 20–26°C and Riyadh at 15–22°C are comfortable for sightseeing. Both cities are hot in summer (May–September, 35–45°C in Riyadh) but manageable with early starts and air-conditioned transport. See our Best Time to Visit Egypt guide.
Book your 6-Day Cairo & Riyadh Tour — from $1,499 per person (triple, May–Sep). Private Egyptologist guide in Cairo, local expert guide in Riyadh.
???? WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466 · [email protected] — ETA Licence Category A No. 1947.
| Duration: 06 Days / 05 Nights | Type: Private Egypt Travel | Run: Everyday |
Included
- - Accommodation in specified hotels.
- - Airport transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a Tour Coordinator.
- - Private tours with a local English-speaking guide.
- - Admission fees to all sightseeing destinations.
- - Meals as outlined in the program, including beverages.
- - Portage services and complimentary mineral water.
- - All applicable taxes and service charges.
Excluded
- - International flights and Entry visa
- - Meals not mentioned in the program.
- - Additional beverages.
- - Gratuities for guides, drivers, or staff.
- - Camera tickets at specific sights.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, our dedicated team ensures a smooth start to your exploration. A welcoming representative guides you through the details of your tour. Enjoy a luxurious, air-conditioned transfer to your hotel with assistance for check-in. Review the itinerary with our team to confirm precise pick-up times for each tour. Embrace this immersive experience with knowledgeable guides, opulent transfers, and comfortable accommodations. A welcome drink kicks off your journey.
Day 2: Pyramids and Cairo Tour
Day 3: Cairo - Fly to Riyadh
Day 4: Riyadh Tour
Day 5: Riyadh Exploration
Day 6: Departure from Riyadh
Prices:
Standard Accommodation
Prices
Deluxe Accommodation
Prices
Notes:
Prices Policy
All prices for the Cairo and Riyadh Tour are quoted per person in US dollars, based on room occupancy (triple, double, or single) and accommodation tier. Euro and GBP pricing available on request. May–September rates are lowest; October–April high-season rates reflect peak demand. Christmas, New Year, and Easter carry additional surcharges. Your rate is locked from the moment of deposit receipt.
Tips for Departure
On Day 6, avoid booking outgoing international flights before 3:00 PM from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. For Cairo (Day 2): closed-toe shoes are essential for the Pyramids plateau and GEM’s extensive walking galleries. For Riyadh: modest dress is required throughout Saudi Arabia — shoulders and knees covered for women, and long trousers for men. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome at the entrance areas of mosques but cannot enter prayer halls. Bring sun protection for outdoor sites in both countries; Riyadh’s desert sun is intense year-round.
Children Policy
Infants up to 2 years: free, sharing parents’ room. Children under 6: 25% of adult rate. Children under 12: 50%. Children 12+: full adult rate. Maximum one discounted child per room.
Payment Policy
25% deposit required to confirm booking. Christmas and New Year departures require 50%. Balance due one week before arrival, payable by bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, or cash on arrival in Egypt.
Installment Policy
Installment plans available over 6, 9, or 12 months. Balance must be settled before arrival. Contact us via WhatsApp (+20 155 555 2466) or email [email protected] to set up at booking.
Tipping
Tipping in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia is customary but never mandatory. As a guide for this 6-day tour: Egypt Egyptologist guide $8–10 per person for Day 2; Egypt driver $3–4; Riyadh guide $5–8 per person per day; Riyadh driver $3–5 per day; camel ride handler at Giza $2–3 per person. Not obligatory — adjust based on your experience.
Cancellation Policy
61+ days before arrival: 10% of total price. 31–60 days: 20%. 15–30 days: 50%. 1–14 days or no-show: 100%. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
Emergency Cancellation Policy
If a formal government travel advisory or airline cancellation occurs due to unforeseen emergency circumstances, Egypt For Travel applies a flexible policy: full credit valid for 12 months, or refund less non-recoverable charges. Our own cancellation fees are waived under confirmed emergency advisories. Contact us via WhatsApp (+20 155 555 2466) if affected.
About Egypt For Travel — Who Operates This Tour
Egypt For Travel holds Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947 — the highest classification issued by the ETA, reserved for operators who meet stringent standards of guide licensing, vehicle safety, and client service. The company was founded in 2010 and has designed and operated thousands of Egypt itineraries across all durations and budgets for international clients from the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and the GCC.
Egypt For Travel is part of a specialist travel group that also operates Around Egypt Tours, Egypt Top Tours, and Best Nile Cruises — a network of Egypt specialist sites built on the same operational infrastructure, licensed guiding staff, and supplier relationships. Every tour on this page is operated directly by Egypt For Travel, not subcontracted to a third party. Your Egyptologist guide in Egypt is ETA-licensed and works exclusively for Egypt For Travel.
Contact us directly:
WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466
Email: [email protected]
www.egyptfortravel.com
Last updated: July 2026
