If you have 7 days in Cairo, you can explore the best sights in this beautiful city as well as having the opportunity to visit surrounding regions of interest. Here's a 7-day Cairo itinerary that will at least get you started, if not fill your days.

Day 1 - Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

Spend the day--a feat that is very easily done--exploring the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Here you can see the treasures from King Tut's tomb, huge columns covered in hieroglyphics, scarabs, papyrus and more. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can pay an additional 10LE on top of the 20LE entrance fee for the privilege of taking pictures (without flash).

Day 2 - Giza

Head to the Giza Plateau on camel or horseback (or just take the bus) to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza. You can explore the surrounding tombs and the sphinx, as well as entering the Pyramid of Cheops for an extra fee. If you'd rather not spend the money, you can explore the lesser Queens' Pyramids or wait to enter the pyramids in Saqqara, which are much more interesting inside. At night there is a laser light and sound show at the pyramids.

Day 3 - Coptic Cairo

Visit the Hanging Church or Ben Ezra Synagogue, both of which have long and illustrious histories and are supremely beautiful structures. Pictures are frowned upon at both establishments. You can also visit Abu Serga, the church that was built upon the location where the Holy Family was said to have stopped to rest during the flight from Egypt. All are free of charge but accept donations.

Day 4 - Memphis and Saqqara

Head out of the city once more to visit Memphis, the first capital of united Egypt. You can see the Colossus of Ramses and the alabaster sphinx in the Memphis Museum (21LE entrance) and check out the ongoing excavation of the ruins. In Saqqara you can see the Step Pyramid, the first ever built, as well as the pyramids of Teti and Pepi. The Tomb of Mereruka is covered in hieroglyphics and paintings, as are the insides of the pyramids. Entrance to Saqqara is 60LE.

Day 5 - Islamic Cairo

In Islamic Cairo you can visit the Alabaster Mosque, and absolute gem of a building. Sultan Hassan Mosque is also impressive (there is a 12LE fee), as is Al-Azhar Mosque. Remember to remove your shoes before entering. You can check shoes at a desk for a nominal fee. Women will be given robes to wear.

Day 6 - Alexandria

It's definitely worth taking the train to Alexandria to explore this beautiful city. You can visit the fort built on the location of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria and see the ruins of the lighthouse and its surrounding sculptures on display at the Roman amphitheater ruins. The Library of Alexandria is also a must-see. The train trip takes 3 hours and will cost between 60 and 80LE for the trip. Trains run regularly throughout the day.

Day 7 - Kahn Ali Kalili

This market began in 1382 and has remained much the same since then. Here you can pick up all of the souvenirs you wish to bring back with you, including spices, jewelry, picture frames, chess sets, pashminas, costumes and toys. You can even find women to give you henna tattoos. Remember to barter for everything, as no prices are set in stone.