Day 01
Explore the Ancient Wonders of Giza and Historic Cairo
- Meet the guide in Cairo and visit the following places:
- Giza: Transfer to discover one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) and the 3 small pyramids. Explore the Giza Plateau, including Khafre's (Kaphren) pyramid, the second-largest pyramid on the Giza site, the remains of the funerary temple, the pyramid of Mankawra (Mykerinus), and the 3 small pyramids. Then proceed to visit the Great Sphinx, a statue with the head of a pharaoh and the body of a lion, dating from the time of Chephren. Visit the Valley Temple, which belongs to the pyramids of Chephren. This temple served two functions: it was used for the purification of the king's mummy before burial and for carrying out the mummification process.
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: Located near Old Cairo at the archaeological site of Fustat, this museum is also known as the NEMEC Museum and overlooks Lake Ain Al-Sira. Close to many of Cairo's Islamic and Coptic monuments, it displays collectables from the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern civilizations. The main exhibition hall presents the four main crafts that shaped Egyptian civilization: pottery, wood, textiles, and ornaments. You can also see the world's oldest artificial finger, the skeleton of a man dating back 30,000 years, the Kiswa of the Kaaba, which was last made in Egypt during the era of President Nasser, and the Mahmal, which carried the covering from Egypt to Saudi Arabia every year. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is considered the first museum in the world to present a comprehensive view of Egyptian civilization throughout history, from prehistoric times to modern history. A large part of the museum is the hall where you can see the mummies, golden sarcophagi, and the remains of pharaohs from the past. Here, you can learn more about famous rulers such as King Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut.
- Old Cairo:
- Visit Babylon Fortress, also known as the Wax Palace or Babylon Castle, an ancient fortress located in Cairo, Egypt. The fortress is considered one of the largest built by the Roman civilization in Egypt and one of the largest fortresses constructed by the empire. It also became the center around which the city of Fustat was built.
- Head to the Hanging Church, built in the 3rd and early 4th century in the Basilica style. 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 is a place where legend and history blur.
- Proceed to 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. Explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo, called El-Shamieen Church, now located behind the Hanging Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- The Citadel of Salah al-Din: The Citadel of Salah al-Din was 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. Also visit Mohamed Ali's Alabaster Mosque, considered the largest mosque built at the beginning of the 19th century by the ruler of Egypt (1805-1849), who ruled the country for over 45 years.
- Khan el-Khalili Bazaar (if time permits): 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.
- Return to the hotel in Cairo.
