Highlights of Cairo and Alexandria
Day 1:
Start driving from the port towards Cairo about 3 hours driving through the flat desert landscape to Africa's largest city, Cairo. Upon arrival, you will continue on 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 , 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:
Start driving back towards Alexandria port, about 3 hours driving through the flat desert landscape upon arrival. You will continue to the Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the middle Ages. Constructed in the 2nd century A.D, we will continue driving to the Citadel of Quait Bay for a photo stop. Our next stop will be at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the lighthouse of Ancient Alexandria once stood on this site. Finished in the 3rd century B.C, The present day fort was built in the 1480's by Sultan Qaitbey using pieces of the lighthouse. These blocks are clearly visible due to their excessive size in comparison to surrounding masonry. A photo stop will be made at the beautiful Abu El Abbass mosque; a photo stop will also be made at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which dates back to 1915. Next, you will visit the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built on or near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Built at the beginning of the 3rd century BC, Next, you will take a drive along the Mediterranean coast to the Montaza Gardens, 115 acres of gardens that surround the Montaza Palace, built in 1932 by King Fouad and inherited by his son King Farouk, last of the Egyptian kings. Start driving back to the port
