Day One (The Pyramids)

Start your tour by exploring an unparalleled sight in all of Egypt: the first pyramid in the world.  This is where the Vizier, genius and architect Imhotep started to use stone on a wide scale, building the funeral complex of King Djoser at Saqqara.  Your first adventure will be in the Sahara desert exploring the step pyramid of King Djoser as well as the colonnade, festival halls and southern tomb.  Then you will visit the pyramid of King Unas and its astonishing decorations, a room hand-carved in spells that inspired later generations to write the Book of the Dead.  Afterwards, we will visit the mastaba tomb of a noble princess named Idut, which is almost like a documentary of daily life in Ancient Egypt because of all the scenes featured inside.

Leaving Saqqara, you will have the opportunity to visit a Papyrus demonstration to see how Ancient Egyptians made the first paper in the world.  Following this, a meal of chicken, beef, or vegetarian lunch will be provided. After lunch, we will visit the legendary pyramids of Giza, starting with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the only surviving one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.  The Pyramids of Khafra and Menkaure are nearby to visit, and there will be an exceptional photo op at the most spectacular view of the Giza Pyramids. We conclude our day at the most famous statue in the world: none other than the Great Sphinx.

Day 2 (Cairo and the Egyptian Museum)

Start your day by visiting the Egyptian museum, home to 150,000 artifacts that collectively narrate the story of Ancient Egypt’s 3000-year long timeline, making it the longest civilization in history.  Explore the glorious treasures of King Tut and their fascinating craftsmanship, including the legendary death mask and solid gold coffin.

After a lunch stop, explore Cairo’s citadel, the place where Egypt was ruled for 600 years and where you can visit the Muhammad Ali mosque.  This mosque is inseparable from Cairo’s skyline, and you will see why when you visit the domes, minarets and lavish decoration for which it is known.  It is also here at the citadel that you will have an opportunity for one of the most amazing views in all of Cairo.

After this, head to your hotel.  In the evening, you will have your dinner on a five-star rated cruise.  The program begins with sailing for two hours, during which you can enjoy folk art, a Tanura Sufi dance (whirling dervish), and even a belly dancer and singers.  Dinner will be served aboard the cruise.

Day 3 (Coptic and Islamic Cairo)

Egypt is not only the land of the Pharaohs, but also a holy land in which you can see synagogues, churches and mosques.  Firstly, visit Coptic Cairo where you will see the synagogue of Ben Ezra and the Church of Saint Sergius (which was built over the cave where the Virgin Mary and Jesus were hiding for three months).  After this, you will visit the Hanging Church which was built on the ruins of the fort of Babylon and is very famous for its icons.

Following this you will have the opportunity to walk in one of the oldest streets of Cairo, El Muizz, a UNESCO protected world heritage site.  This street dates back to the year 1013 and contains the largest concentration of medieval Islamic architecture anywhere in the world. Explore the mosques and handmade crafts until we reach Khan el Khalili, a world-famous bazaar famous for its narrow alleys and endless cafes and shops.  It is here you can experience an authentic local meal and hang like a local. After this, proceed to your hotel.