After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at your hotel, your certified tour guide will meet you to commence your private tours in Cairo, beginning with a visit to the remarkable Giza Pyramids area. Prepare to be captivated by the mysteries of ancient Egypt as your tour guide shares their extensive knowledge and answers any questions you may have. Standing in close proximity to the Great Pyramid of King Cheops, an awe-inspiring structure towering at 146 meters, you will gain a deep appreciation for the achievements of the pharaohs during the Old Kingdom, particularly the fourth dynasty.
King Cheops (Khufu) was the son of Snefru, who himself constructed four impressive pyramids. Cheops was also the father of Chephren, known for building the middle pyramid in Giza, which still retains its outer casing at the top. Additionally, Cheops was the grandfather of Mycerinus, whose pyramid, though the smallest, holds significant historical significance. From the plateau, you will have the opportunity to marvel at these pyramids and, if you wish, partake in an optional camel ride to experience the grandeur of this ancient land—the land of the pharaohs.
Next, you will proceed to the Valley Temple of King Chephren, where his royal remains were mummified to ensure preservation for the afterlife. Adjacent to the temple, you will encounter the majestic Sphinx, a legendary monument embodying power and intelligence with its lion-shaped body and human head.
Continuing your journey, you will visit the Saqqara Necropolis, which predates the Giza Necropolis by 200 years. Here, you will explore the Step Pyramid complex of King Djoser from the Third Dynasty and the Pyramid of King Teti, who ruled during the Sixth Dynasty before the onset of the First Intermediate Period. Venture into one of the noble tombs, such as the tomb of Kagemni, the vizier of Justice, who was married to King Teti's daughter, and marvel at the exquisite ancient Egyptian artwork.
The tour then takes you to Mit Rahina, the site of the ancient capital of Egypt, now known as an open-air museum. Discover fascinating artifacts dating back to various periods of ancient Egyptian history, including the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. Behold the alabaster sphinx of Memphis, the second-largest among all the sphinxes in Egypt, and the colossal statue of Ramses II, one of the most prominent kings of the 18th Dynasty.
As the day draws to a close, you will enjoy a delightful lunch on your way back to the hotel, where you will spend the night in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch