Best of Cairo – Overnight
Day 1:
Start driving from the port towards Cairo through the flat desert landscape to Africa's largest city, Cairo. Upon arrival, you will continue to the area of Sakkara, located south of Cairo. Sakkara is one part of the great necropolis of Memphis, which was the capital of the Old Kingdom. Sakkara is probably best known as the location of King Djoserï's Pyramid, better known as the Step Pyramid. It is the oldest known of the nearly 100 pyramids that have been discovered in Egypt. It was designed by the architect Imhotep, whose design was both unique and revolutionary. From Sakkara, proceed to the old capital of Memphis. You will see the ruins of the Temple of Ptah and see the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the second and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis the second during your orientation drive. Then, you will proceed to the Giza Plateau to discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. It is here that three pharaohs, Cheops, his son Chephren and grandson Mykerinus, built great tombs to protect their mummified bodies in the afterlife. Free time will be taken for photos and for those wishing, to walk closer to the pyramids. You will then drive to the high western plateau for panoramic views and photo opportunities of the valley and all the pyramids below. Your next stop will at the guardian of the mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx. Carved out of a solid natural rock around 2650 B.C., the Sphinx has the head of a man, body of a lion; you will have free time for photos and to explore the area, Drive to your hotel. The evening is at your leisure to rest or explore some of our optional evening activities, Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2:
Morning to the magnificent The national museum of Egyptian civilization, the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities in the world. The museum is home to over 120,000 items, only a portion of which are in display in its more than 120 rooms. Your tour includes a visit to the King Tut gallery which includes the golden mask and items from the treasury. It does not include a visit to the Royal Mummy room , After the visit, you will proceed to Old Cairo. This area of town is made up of the remnants of those cities which were capitals before Cairo, as well as some other elements from the city's varied history. You will tour the Coptic Cairo section which includes the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George and many other historical sites. It is believed that the Holy Family visited this area and the section was a stronghold for Christianity until the Islamic era. You will also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue. According to local tradition, the Nile once flowed over the land the synagogue sits on, and there, in the reeds, baby Moses was found. . You will have lunch at a nearby restaurant with the Nile in the background. After lunch you will start driving back to the port, driving back