Day 01
Giza Pyramids, Cairo Citadel and Old Cairo Discovery
- Your tour representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo to start the tour.
- Transfer to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), along with the 3 small pyramids. You will continue to explore the rest of the Giza Plateau, including the sight of Khafre's (Kaphren) Pyramid, the second-largest pyramid on the Giza site, the remains of the funerary temple, and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mykerinus) with its 3 small pyramids.
- Then proceed to visit the Great Sphinx, the head of a pharaoh with a lion's body, which dates from the time of Chephren, and visit the Valley Temple, which belongs to the pyramids of Chephren. This temple served two functions: first, it was used for the purification of the mummy of the king before burial, and second, it was used for carrying out the king's mummification process.
- After visiting the pyramids, continue across the plateau for a photo opportunity of the three pyramids rising from the sands.
- Next, head to the Citadel of Salah al-Din, built under the order of Saladin between 1176 and 1183 to protect the city from European attacks. Today, it is one of Cairo's main tourist attractions and offers privileged views of the city. You will enjoy views over all of Cairo as you visit Mohamed Ali's "Alabaster Mosque", considered the largest mosque built at the beginning of the 19th century. The ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1849 governed the country for over 45 years, and the mosque was built in Turkish style.
- Afterwards, go to Old Cairo and visit Babylon Fortress, known as the Wax Palace or Babylon Castle. It is an ancient fortress located in the city of Cairo and is considered one of the largest fortresses of Roman civilization in Egypt, as well as one of the largest fortresses built by the empire. It also served as the center on which the city of Fustat was built.
- Continue to explore architectural wonders such as the Hanging Church, which was built in the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century. The Hanging Church of Cairo rises majestically on the ancient tower of the Fortress of Babylon. With an interior full of symbolism and icons, it has become one of the most visited monuments in Egypt's most magnetic city. With an essence that mixes Roman, Egyptian, and Babylonian architecture, it becomes a place where legend and history blur.
- Explore the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, which holds a special place among the other Coptic churches because it is linked to the path of the Holy Family during their escape from King Herod to the land of Egypt. According to Christian belief, the church is named after Saints Sergius and Bacchus, who were martyred in the region of Rusafa in Syria.
- No one can be in Coptic Cairo without visiting the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo, called El-Shamieen Church, now located behind the "Hanging Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary".
- Later, drive to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, if there is enough time, one of the Middle East's most famous and oldest bazaars. The bazaar is loud, crowded, colourful, and exciting-full of all kinds of goods and shiny baubles. You can find the typical tourist trinkets here, but do not let them distract you from the genuinely fine shopping to be found here.
- You will be transferred back to your hotel to conclude the tour.
