PYRAMIDS AND SHARM EL SHEIKH
PYRAMIDS AND SHARM EL SHEIKH
Begin in Cairo, where two thousand years of history press in from every direction. On your first full day, stand at the foot of the 4,500-year-old Pyramids of Giza, beneath the enigmatic gaze of the Sphinx, before stepping inside the spectacular new Grand Egyptian Museum, where Tutankhamun's legendary gold mask rests among more than 100,000 ancient treasures.
The following day, explore the preserved pharaohs of the Royal Mummies Hall at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, wander the atmospheric lanes of Coptic Cairo, visiting the ancient Fortress of Babylon and the centuries-old churches built within its walls, and then lose yourself in the labyrinthine stalls of Khan El-Khalili, the Middle East's greatest bazaar. From Cairo, fly to Sharm El Sheikh and settle into your resort on the Red Sea. A full-day excursion takes you deep into the Sinai Peninsula to visit St. Catherine's Monastery set against a dramatic backdrop of desert mountains. The journey continues to the laid-back coastal town of Dahab, where an afternoon of unhurried exploration awaits. The remaining days are entirely your own, to enjoy the hotel, the sea, and the warmth of the Egyptian sun at whatever pace suits you. Your tour includes Egypt entrance visas, accommodation, admissions for sightseeing, and all meals mentioned in the itinerary, including mineral water, English-speaking tour guide, and a private vehicle in Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh. The tour does not include the cost of the domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh.
Day 1 Flight To Cairo
Overnight: Fairmont Nile City Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 Cairo - Giza
See the 4,500 year old Pyramids on the Giza Plateau, the Grand Pyramid being the only survivor of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World", as well as the legendary Sphinx. Visit the Valley Temple and explore the Sphinx, located in what was once a quarry to the east of Chephren's pyramid. There are many theories about the origin of the Sphinx. One suggests that the workers shaped the body into a lion and gave it their current king's face to act as a guardian of the necropolis. Explore the many other legends surrounding this timeless, regal figure.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Giza. Optional Camel Ride and entry to Cheops Pyramid (extra cost)Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) complex, a cultural hub that includes one of the largest museums in the world, displaying the diverse heritage of a single civilisation. The museum contains over 100,000 artefacts reflecting Egypt's past from prehistory up to the Greek and Roman periods. See the exhibit of the boy-King Tutankhamun which houses over 5,000 artifacts recovered from his tomb, including his gold mask. As you enter the museum, the colossal statue of King Ramses II will amaze you and the 87 huge royal artefacts exhibited at the grand staircase leading up to an impressive 28-meter-high glass facade overlooking the pyramids of Giza.
Overnight: Fairmont Nile City Hotel (or similar)Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at a local restaurant in Giza
Day 3 Cairo - Museum, Coptic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Bazaar
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is a prominent cultural institution established to showcase and celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of Egypt from ancient times to the present day. The museum's historical artefacts, interactive displays, and educational resources help to understand Egypt's past and its influence on contemporary society. A highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall, where ancient mummies of Egyptian Pharaohs and royalty are on display.
Your exploration of old Cairo begins with the Fortress of Babylon, built by Emperor Trajan in AD 100 to defend the frontiers of his empire. Roman soldiers likely built the Church of St Sergius within the fortress walls in the third or fourth century before Coptic Christians converted it. Soldier-saints Sergius and Bacchus inspired the dedication of the church, which marks the spot where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus supposedly rested during their flight into Egypt. It remains a fine example of early Coptic architecture. Nearby, the Hanging Church takes its name from its position suspended above the gatehouse of the fortress. Thought to originate in the seventh century, this basilica-style church was once the seat of the Coptic Patriarchate. Round off your day with a visit to Khan El-Khalili, reputedly the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Founded in the 14th century as a caravanserai watering spot, it has since grown into a vast labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with workshops and stalls selling woodwork, glassware, leather, perfumes, fabrics, and Pharaonic curiosities. Lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo.Overnight: Fairmont Nile City Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo
Day 4 Sharm El Sheikh
Transfer from Cairo hotel to airport. Flight to Sharm El Sheikh (price not included in the package). Transfer from Sharm airport to hotel.
The rest of your day is at your disposal to enjoy the hotel facilities. Overnight: Movenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh (or similar)Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 Sharm El Sheikh - St Catherine & Dahab Excursion
In the morning, visit St. Catherine's Monastery. One of the oldest continuously working Christian monasteries in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula, ringed by peaks of ancient desert rock. Afterwards, the road leads down to Dahab, a relaxed coastal town on the Red Sea shore, where an unhurried wander through the local bazaars round off the day.
Overnight: Movenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh (or similar)Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 6-7 Sharm El Sheikh
Free days to enjoy the hotel facilities and surrounding coastal area.
Overnight: Movenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh (or similar)Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
