Day 01
Giza Plateau, Civilization Museum and Al-Mu'izz Street
- Your tour representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo and transfer you to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) and the three 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 at the Giza site, the remains of the funerary temple, the Pyramid of Mankawra (Mykerinus), and three 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 the Valley Temple, which belongs to the pyramids of Chephren. This temple definitely served two functions: first, it was used for the purification of the mummy of the king before burial; second, it was used for the mummification process of the king.
- After visiting the pyramids, you will continue across the plateau for a photo opportunity of the three pyramids rising from the sands.
- Next, go to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, located near Old Cairo at the archaeological site of Fustat, which was the Egyptian capital about 1,400 years ago. Also known as the NEMEC Museum, it overlooks Lake Ain Al-Sira and lies very close to many of the Islamic and Coptic monuments in Cairo. 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 oldest artificial finger in the world, 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 the mummies are now displayed. Wander through the royal mummies hall and see the golden sarcophagi and the remains of the pharaohs of the past. Find out more about famous rulers such as King Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut.
- Next, explore not just mosques, but also the places, streets, and neighbourhoods of Islamic Cairo. Your day tour starts on one of the oldest streets in Egypt, El Moez Le Din Allah Street, an eloquent witness to historic Cairo, with various monuments spread along both sides of the street, such as Bab El Fetouh and Bab El Nasr. Then move towards the northern side of the city, in El Darb El Asfar, the most ancient quarter of Islamic Cairo monuments, where you visit Barqouq Mosque and School in Nahassen, El Aqmar Mosque, the Mosque of El Saleh Tale, the Blue Mosque, and the Dome, Hospital, and School of Qalawoon.
Also, you will be able to visit Bayt El Sehaymi, which is 350 years old. We will take you for a walk on Al Darb Al Ahmar Street. The Darb al-Ahmar area hosts several other interesting trades and crafts. Facing Bab Zuweila and going further north on Suq al-Selah Street, you will come across the Saddlemakers Market, called Suq al-Surugiyyiah, which produces all kinds of leatherware. - From here, we will be on Al Moez Street, the most beautiful Islamic street in Cairo.
Back to hotel.
