About this experience
Many come to the capital for the masterpieces of Giza, and we will certainly introduce you to the main legends of the Ancient World. But we will also show that Egypt's cultural heritage is much richer. You will explore the monuments of the Greco-Roman, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic epochs. Visit the medieval citadel and the sanctuaries of three religions, as well as the country's oldest bazaar with a colorful 18th-century café.
What to Expect
Pyramids in Giza
Let's start with the main one - the greatest burial construction in the world and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has survived, the Pyramid of Khufu. You will literally touch one of the main mysteries of the Ancient World, hear myths and facts about the legendary structures. And then take a closer look at the guardian of the entire necropolis - the Sphinx, near which we will talk about the oldest monumental sculpture on Earth that has come down to our days and analyze the symbolism of this mystical creature.
Egyptian National Museum
Special emphasis will be placed on the world's largest repository of objects of ancient Egyptian art. The museum houses over 1700 exhibits, from miniature granite scarabs to ten-meter statues. You will see literally revived images from books about ancient Egyptian civilization - papyri and coins from various eras, sarcophagi, and you will be particularly impressed while admiring the golden treasures of none other than Tutankhamun himself.
Saladin Citadel
Next on the itinerary is an iconic monument of Islamic Cairo and military architecture of the Middle Ages. You will learn the history of the fortress founded for protection against the crusaders and serving as the residence of all rulers of Egypt until 1874. You will visit the most beautiful of the three local mosques - the Muhammad Ali Mosque, built in the style of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul.
Traditions and customs of modern Egypt
During the journey, you will also learn how life is organized in Egyptian society today. We will tell you about traditions related to marriage, divorce, childbirth, official and religious holidays - the sacred month of Ramadan, the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ. In addition, you will delve into the ancient and current calendar systems and gain a general understanding of economics, incomes, education, acute social issues, and their gender aspects.
Other interesting places in Cairo (one of them can be replaced with the program object above) by agreement with the guide:
- Eastern fairy tale Han El Khalili. The oldest market in Egypt, where you will encounter not only colorful market stalls but also numerous architectural monuments. Here we will offer you to have a cup of tea or coffee at a marble table in the oldest café in Cairo, El Fishawy.
- Religious complex in Old Cairo. You will visit the sacred places of three Abrahamic religions at once: the oldest mosque in Africa, one of the oldest synagogues Ben Ezra, and the Hanging Church of the Holy Virgin Mary.
- Saqqara District with the Djoser Pyramid, considered the first attempt to build royal tombs in a pyramid format, 100 years before the Pyramid of Khufu in Giza.
- Memphis. The first capital of ancient Egypt under King Menes, who united Egypt and founded the first dynasty.
- Pharaonic Village. If Luxor is not included in your program, it is worth a visit. Here you will examine all the details of life during the time of the pharaohs - from agricultural work to the construction of an exact replica of King Tutankhamun's tomb with its treasures. And you will also see the papyrus plant.
- Cairo Tower - a symbol of modern Cairo, known for its rotating restaurant and observation deck with an excellent panorama.
- Abdeen Palace. One of the royal and presidential residences since 1874.
- Coptic Museum. Adjacent to the Hanging Church in Old Cairo. The museum features many artifacts related to the history of Christianity on Egyptian soil.
- Museum of Islamic Art. An impressive collection of Persian and Turkish ceramics, textiles, metal, wooden, and stone artifacts.
- City of Garbage Collectors (Zabbalin). An atmospheric district where a unique community of people engaged in waste sorting has formed in the 20-million city of Cairo.
- Cave Monastery of Saint Simon the Shoemaker. The largest Christian structure in the Middle East.
Organizational Details
What is included in the price and what is not
- The price includes transfer on a modern 2022 Toyota minibus with air conditioning
- Additional entrance tickets to the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx area are paid separately - $13, entrance inside the Pyramid of Khufu - $25, Egyptian National Museum - $13, Saladin Citadel - $12, optionally a Nile cruise - price depends on the duration and number of passengers on the boat), lunch - $5-7.
How the tour is conducted
- We will meet you anywhere in Cairo, including at the airport, and bring you back
- No visits to shops are included in the program
- By group request, one attraction can be replaced while considering the route and duration of the trip
- The tour can be expanded by including more attractions of your choice. We will agree on the route via correspondence. In this case, the program will last for 2 days, in the morning we will pick you up from the hotel, and in the evening bring you back. The cost of an additional day is 150 euros per group.
Operating hours of the attractions
- Pyramids, Egyptian National Museum, and Saladin Citadel - 08:00-16:00, during Ramadan until 13:30
- Religious complex in Old Cairo and the Eastern Bazaar Khan El Khalili - until 21:00
One of our professional Russian-speaking guides will conduct the tour for you.
