Day 01
Saqqara and Memphis Ancient Wonders Tour
- Your tour representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo and transfer you to the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the world's oldest major stone structure. It was built in the 3rd Dynasty, around 2630 BC, for King Djoser. The famous Step Pyramid of Sakkara is considered the first large-scale carved stone structure in the world. As its name suggests, it is a series of six stone levels that decrease in size until they reach a height of 62 meters (200 feet). This structure predates the later pyramids and is vital to archaeologists' understanding of the development of pyramid construction. You will also visit the museum of Imnhotep, the tomb of a high official, the pyramid of King Titi, the pyramid of King Unas, and the Nobles Tombs.
- After that, transfer to Memphis, which was founded by King Menes and was the capital of Old Egypt during the Old Kingdom. It was considered a center of rule and culture for over 3,000 years and was the first capital of Egypt. The city reached a peak of prestige under the 6th Dynasty as a center for the worship of Ptah, the god of creation and artworks. The alabaster sphinx that guards the Temple of Ptah serves as a memorial to the city's former power and prestige. The Memphis triad, consisting of the creator god Ptah, his consort Sekhmet, and their son Nefertem, formed the main focus of worship in the city. Memphis declined briefly after the 18th Dynasty with the rise of Thebes and the New Kingdom, and was revived under the Persians before falling firmly into second place following the foundation of Alexandria. Here, you will also see the 16-meter-high Statue of Ramses II and the alabaster sphinx.
- Return to your hotel in Cairo.
