Details

Overnight (CAI 3)

The great pyramids & the sphinx, the Memphis museum, Sakkara step pyramids and tombs Hanging church, Ben Ezra synagogue, the Egyptian museum & king tut gallery .

Tour details:

Day 1  

Depart the pier for the approximate 3-hour drive through the flat desert landscape towards Africa's largest city, Cairo. Upon reaching the outskirts of Cairo, you will continue on to the area of Sakkara, located south of Cairo. Sakkara is one part of the great necropolis of Memphis, which was the capital of the Old Kingdom. It was thought that the section was for the kings of the 1st and 2nd dynasty only, but excavations have revealed the tombs of a prime minister, the son of one of the Dynasty's Kings and a queen's pyramid. Sakkara is probably best known as the location of King Djoserï's Pyramid, better known as the Step Pyramid. It is the oldest known of the nearly 100 pyramids that have been discovered in Egypt. It was designed by the architect Imhotep, whose design was both unique and revolutionary.

From Sakkara, proceed to the old capital of Memphis. You will see the ruins of the Temple of Ptah and see the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the second and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis the second during your orientation drive .

Then, lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant with the view of the pyramids. After lunch, you will drive to the Giza Plateau to discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. It is here that three pharaohs, Cheops, his son Chephren and grandson Mykerinus, built great tombs to protect their mummified bodies in the afterlife. You will then drive to the high western plateau for panoramic views and photo opportunities of the valley and pyramids below.

Next, travel to the guardian of the mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx. Carved out of a solid natural rock around 2650 B.C., the Sphinx has the head of a man, body of a lion and stretches out to a length of 240 feet. Your last stop will be at the papyrus institute to see demonstrations on how at the ancient Egyptian made paper from reeds from the Nile (upon request) .

Drive to your hotel. The evening is at your leisure to rest or explore. Guests have the option of attending the Sound and Light show on the Pyramids. Or dinner on board 5* deluxe Nile cruise, Overnight in Cairo. (Hotels used are Le Meridian pyramids & Moevenpick pyramids or similar based on availability at time of booking- 30$ supplement per person for Mena House Oberoi & Marriott and Conrad hotels.)

Day 2 

After an early breakfast, you will drive to the magnificent Egyptian Museum, the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities in the world. The museum is home to over 120,000 items, only a portion of which are in display in its more than 120 rooms. The artifacts date from 2700 B.C. to the 6th-century A.D. It includes thousands of statues, jewels and the treasure of the boy king, Tutankhamun. Your tour does include a visit to the King Tut gallery which includes the golden mask and items from the treasury. It does not include a visit to the Royal Mummy room .

Lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant with the view of the Nile. After lunch, you will proceed to Old Cairo. This area of town is made up of the remnants of those cities which were capitals before Cairo, as well as some other elements from the city's varied history. You will tour the Coptic Cairo section which includes the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George and many other historical sites. It is believed that the Holy Family visited this area and the section was a stronghold for Christianity until the Islamic era. Unfortunately, most of the current buildings were built after the Muslim conquest of Egypt around 650 A.D. You will also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue. According to local tradition, the Nile once flowed over the land the synagogue sits on, and there, in the reeds, baby Moses was found. You will begin drive to the port

Please note: this itinerary is flexible