Day 1 Fly USA to
Cairo (Via Europe)
Day 2 Arrive
Cairo
Welcome to the
largest city in Africa, with 17 million inhabitants spread out over
an area more than four times the size of Paris.
Accommodation: 5
nights – refer to ‘Hotels’ section for detailed information.
Superior: Swiss Inn Golf Pyramids
Deluxe: Mena House Oberoi
Day 3 Pyramids
and Sphinx Tour
Visit The
Pyramids of Giza, the greatest of the wonders of the world dominate
the horizon! Drive around the three Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and
Mykerinus. Continue to The Sphinx, the largest single block
sculpture of all time where you will visit the funerary Valley
Temple to which the Sphinx stands guardian. The Sphinx was carved
from one solid piece of limestone, and measures 164 feet in length
and 72 feet in height.
Egyptian Museum
Head to the
famous Egyptian Museum, where you can see the unique and only
collection of Pharaonic art, starting with the Old Kingdom
Collection, then onto the Middle and New Kingdom galleries and
Greco-Roman periods. An in-depth visit of the famous Tutankhamen
treasures is also made.
Day 4 Churches,
Mosques and Bazaars
Travel to Coptic
Cairo, the center of Christianity in Cairo. On the site of a
Roman-Byzantine fortress town, Coptic Cairo (or Old Cairo) is a
fascinating place to visit. Descend the short stairway into the
quarter and feel removed from the hustle-and-bustle of Cairo. Along
the quaint, modest alleyways are small, modest homes. Walk the
cobblestone streets and stop at a few of the churches here. Visit
Hanging Church, dating to the late 4th and early 5th century, this
basilica was named "Al-Mu'allaqah" because it was built on top of
the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon. Continue to Church of St.
Sergius, dating back to the beginning of the 5th century, this
basilica is built on the cave in which the Holy Family stayed and is
regarded by visitors as a source of blessing.
See the recently
restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra – the oldest Jewish synagogue in
Egypt. Despite the 45 Jewish families that remain in Cairo, the
synagogue is no longer operational. Drive to Mokattam Hill on which
stands the 12th century fortress constructed by Saladin to protect
Cairo from Mongol threat. Within the Citadel walls will visit the
magnificent Alabaster Mosque built by Mohamed Ali. Also visit the
Sultan Hassan Mosque before proceeding to the Khan El Khalili, North
Africa’s most famous bazaar. Enjoy the busy atmosphere of the bazaar
or suq and watch skilled craftsmen working with gold, silver and
brass.
Day 5 Memphis
and Sakkara Tour
Drive through
the Egyptian countryside to the site of Memphis, the ancient capital
of Egypt in Pharaonic times and the chosen city of the God Ptah.
Although little remains of the ruins of this once mighty city, you
will see the marvelous Alabaster Sphinx and the Colossus of Ramses
II. Proceed to Sakkara, the necropolis or Buriel City near to
Memphis. Here you will visit the famous Step Pyramid of Zoser, which
is considered the first tall building known to mankind. Visit its
adjoining, fully restored, temple of Heb Sed. Continue to the
enormous Serapium, an underground tomb for Sacred Bulls, spreading
for almost two acres underground. Finally a visit will be made to
the Mastaba of Ti, a tomb with beautiful and well preserved frescoes
depicting ancient Egyptian daily life scenes.
Next, head to
Dahshur, South of Saqqara and an extension of the necropolis to
discover the first true Pyramids in the history of Egypt, built
during the reign of Snerferu, who was the father of Cheops, in honor
of whom the Great Pyramid of Giza was built. Both pyramids date from
the 4th dynasty. You will learn more about the “riddle of the
Pyramids” as you explore the imposing Red Pyramid, with its tint of
reddish limestone blocks and the Bent Pyramid; this pyramid is
probably the best example of the transition from step to straight
pyramid.
Day 6 At
leisure, Cairo
Neatly split
down the middle by the Nile, Cairo contains dozens of neighborhoods
each with its own distinct attractions and character. Cairo's
biggest treats are the Pyramids and Sphinx on the south-western edge
of the city. Marvel at the massive collection of antiquities at the
Egyptian Museum and explore the winding alleys dotted with
old-fashioned coffee shops.
Day 7 Fly Cairo
to USA (Via Europe)
Transfer to the
airport for your departure flights.
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