Private excursion: From Hurghada to ancient and diverse Cairo

What to expect

• Pyramids in Giza. We will start with the main attraction — the world's greatest funerary construction and the only surviving wonder of the world, 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 you will examine closely the guardian of the entire necropolis — the Sphinx, near which we will talk about the oldest monumental sculpture on Earth that has survived to this day, and delve into the symbolism of this mystical creature.
• Egyptian Museum. Special attention will be given to the world's largest collection of Ancient Egyptian art objects. The museum features over 1,700 exhibits from miniature granite scarabs to ten-meter statues. You will see vivid images from the books about Ancient Egyptian civilization — papyri and coins from different eras, sarcophagi, and you will be particularly impressed by gazing at the golden treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Saladin's Citadel. Next on the program is a significant monument of Islamic Cairo and medieval military architecture. You will learn about the history of the fortress built for protection against the Crusaders and has served as the residence of all rulers of Egypt until 1874. And you will visit the most beautiful of the three local mosques — the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, built in the style of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul.
• Traditions and customs of modern Egypt. During the journey, you will also learn about the current life in Egyptian society. We will talk 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. Additionally, you will delve into the ancient and current calendar systems, gain a general understanding of the economy, income, education, acute social issues, and their gender aspects.

Other interesting places in Cairo (one of them can be substituted for a program object above) by agreement with the guide:

• Eastern fairy tale Khan El Khalili. In Egypt's oldest market, you will encounter not only colorful market rows and workshops with a variety of goods but also numerous architectural monuments. Here we will offer you to have a cup of tea or coffee at a marble table in the 1773 El Fishawy cafe, the oldest in Cairo.
• Religious complex in Old Cairo. In the historical center, you will also visit the sacred places of three Abrahamic religions. You will see the oldest mosque on the African territory and examples of ancient decorative mosaic, which is part of Egypt's cultural heritage. You will explore one of the oldest synagogues Ben Ezra, built in the 4th century, and the Hanging Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, where we will talk about the famous Coptic Church of Old Cairo.
• Saqqara area with the Djoser Pyramid, considered the first attempt to build royal tombs in a pyramid format 100 years before the Giza Pyramid.
• Memphis. The first capital of ancient Egypt during the reign of King Menes, who united Egypt and founded the first dynasty.
• Pharaonic Village. If Luxor is not on your program, it is worth a visit. Here you will examine all the details of life during the pharaohs — from land cultivation to the construction of an exact replica of Tutankhamun's tomb with its treasures. 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.
• Islamic Art Museum. Impressive collection of Persian and Turkish ceramics, textiles, metal, wooden, and stone artifacts.
• Garbage City (Zabbalin). A picturesque area where a special community of people engaged in garbage sorting has formed in the 20-million Cairo.
• Cave Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner. The largest Christian structure in the Middle East.

What is included in the price and what is not included

• Price includes transfer:
  for 1–2 people (possibly with a child) — in a modern air-conditioned car
  for 3–7 people — in a modern Toyota 2023 air-conditioned minibus
• Additional entrance fees are paid for admission to the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx area — $13, entrance inside the Pyramid of Khufu — $25, Egyptian National Museum — $13, Saladin's Citadel — $12, optional boat trip on the Nile (price depends on the duration and the number of tourists on the boat), lunch — $5-7 (entrance tickets are paid in the local currency, children under 6 years old are free, children 6-12 years old and students receive a 50% discount)

How the excursion is conducted

• The guide will meet you at any location in Hurghada and will escort you back after the program ends
• An early departure is planned at 03:00, we recommend that you order breakfast at the hotel to take with you and also have a late dinner.
• The road to Cairo takes 6 hours, with one sanitary stop along the way (15-20 minutes). The Cairo tour will end at around 16:00, and you will be back at the hotel by 22:00.
• No visits to stores are included in the program
• Upon the group's request, one sightseeing spot can be replaced taking into account the route and trip duration

Operating hours of attractions

• Pyramids, Egyptian National Museum, and Saladin's Citadel — 08:00-16:00, during Ramadan until 13:30
• Religious complex in Old Cairo and the eastern bazaar Khan El Khalili — open until 21:00

One of our professional Russian-speaking guides will conduct the tour for you.