Must-See Ägypten Classic Tour – 7 Tage

At the top of the bucket list for millions around the world is surely a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. We will make your dream a reality. Your private Egyptologist guide will be happy to answer all your questions and explain the history and mysteries of the pyramids. Listen to your guide talk about the Egyptian Pharaohs, gods, goddesses, and mythology. Learn about the mummification process. You will have full time to do extra activities such as entering the chambers, visiting the Sun Boat Museum, or riding a camel (all upon your request for extra cost).

Follow your guide’s steps to visit the best spots for unique photos, then visit the Sphinx and the Valley Temple where you will learn the story of this massive statue and mummification. Beyond your expectations, the experience continues to Sakkara. At this famous archaeological site, you will explore the complex of the oldest of all pyramids. The Step Pyramid, which is 4,800 years old, is the first stone structure in Ancient Egypt. You will learn how the great architect Imhotep changed the structure of royal tombs. Your guide will accompany you inside one of the tombs dedicated to nobles. You will see wall paintings and reliefs reflecting the lives of Egyptians thousands of years ago. Amazingly, the ink and colors are still on the walls. Next, visiting the Pyramid of Titi is one of the tour highlights, as hieroglyphic texts cover the chamber walls dating back to 2340 B.C.

Later, drive to Memphis. The city was the first and oldest capital of Egypt after the unification of the South and North kingdoms. Enjoy exploring the ruins in the open-air museum where the second largest Sphinx is displayed. Gaze at the colossal statue of Ramses II, which shows how the art of sculpture reached perfection around 1200 B.C.

Surely, your guide will explain the history of each piece on display. At the end of this impressive experience, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a wonderful experience visiting the main attractions of Cairo. Start your Cairo day tours with a visit to one of the largest museums in the world. Your Egyptologist guide will explain the masterpieces of the  Grand Egyptian Museum. You will be captivated by the world’s most famous and largest art collection, some artifacts dating back over five millennia. The treasures found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb are the top highlights among the exhibits. Your private guide will give you some free time to explore more of the museum, and you may choose to visit the Royal Mummy Room (upon request at extra cost).

Next, upon arrival at the Citadel of Saladin, marvel at the alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Listen to your guide as he explains the basic facts of Islam and the function of every part of the mosque. Discover how the entire area was used as a fortress since the Middle Ages and the story of the Arabs and Crusaders. The founder of the royal family had the mosque built by a Turkish architect influenced by the style of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is situated on a mountain cliff, with inner and outer walls covered in alabaster. It took 18 years to complete the whole complex (1830-1848). Before leaving the area, enjoy a panoramic view of the city with a chance to see the Giza Pyramids on clear days.

It is true that Christianity in Egypt is as old as Christianity itself. Your private guide will explain this upon your visit to the Coptic churches. Start your tour with the Hanging Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, one of the most beautiful and important churches in Cairo. Next, visit the Cavern Church, named because there is a cave beneath the church where baby Jesus and Virgin Mary hid for three months escaping King Herod. Go downstairs to see where baby Jesus slept, one of the fifteen locations the Holy Family stopped during their journey in Egypt, which lasted three and a half years. Next, visit the oldest synagogue in Egypt, Ben Ezra, dating back to the 9th century and open for tourists. Your Egyptologist guide will explain the history of all sites thoroughly.

Finally, visit the largest and oldest market in Cairo. Follow your Egyptologist’s steps while walking through the narrow alleys and lanes of the market. Experience the warmth and hospitality of locals while having a drink with your guide at Cairo’s oldest coffee shop (1710). Although the market was historically the best place to buy authentic Egyptian souvenirs, they are now rare, but your guide will advise you on what to do there. Ask your guide about bargaining methods for an interesting experience. Depart to Luxor via a sleeper train.

Upon arrival in Luxor, you will visit the Valley of the Kings, the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. They are all located on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor. Start with the Valley of the Kings; your guide will explain the most important stories of the place and recommend the best tombs to visit. Next, during Luxor day tours, explore the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Your guide will explain the history of the temple before giving you free time to explore it yourself and take pictures of the highlights. Finally, stop at the Colossi of Memnon.

After having your breakfast at the hotel, visit the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Karnak is not just a temple; it is a complex of temples. The walls, columns, pylons, and murals tell the glorious history of the Pharaohs. With your private guide, you will receive full information about this great place of worship dedicated to the cult of Ra. Luxor Temple was once connected to Karnak through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes. It is an impressive blend of Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods, with each era and its rulers leaving their touch and additions inside the temple. Return to Cairo via a sleeper train.

Optional Tour to Alexandria

With your Egyptologist guide, enjoy a wonderful trip along the beautiful coast of Alexandria during day tours. The drive from Cairo to Alexandria takes about 3 hours via the desert road. Upon arrival in the city, start with Pompey’s Pillar, the tallest granite pillar in Alexandria. Feel the Mediterranean breeze while visiting the Fort of Qaitbay, built on the island of Pharos where the Great Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. From the top of the fort, enjoy the view of the blue sea and the city of Alexandria. Finally, the modern Library of Alexandria is a revival of the ancient library built by Ptolemy I. Explore its various exhibits and the latest technologies in this great center of culture and knowledge. Before driving back to Cairo, don’t forget to have fresh seafood for lunch (upon your request), the recommended type of food in Alexandria.

After having your breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Cairo Airport for your final departure.