Behold the absolute must-see destinations in and around Cairo, including Memphis, the Citadel and Muhammad Ali Mosque, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Step Pyramid in Sakkara, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the inscrutable Sphinx.
Please Note:
This program includes extensive and prolonged activity, negotiating a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not designed for guests who utilize a wheelchair or who have mobility concerns.
DAY 1
After departing from the ship in Alexandria, you will settle in for a leisurely 3.5 hour drive to Cairo, the robust capital of Egypt. Upon arrival, you will visit Sakkara, part of an ancient Egyptian burial ground. Here, you will see the exterior of numerous pyramids, including the famed Step Pyramid, which dates from 2700 B.C., making it the world’s oldest stone structure. The brilliant architect Imhotep designed it for King Djoser.
Because the necropolis was lost beneath the sands for much of the past two millennia, even the sizable mortuary complex surrounding Djoser’s pyramid was not unearthed until 1924. As a result, many of the flat-roofed mastaba tombs have been superbly preserved and the lavish decorations inside have remained intact.
Your tour continues in nearby Memphis. Founded around 3100 B.C., Memphis was the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Early on, Memphis was more likely a fortress from which Menes controlled the land and water routes between Upper Egypt and the Delta.
The original white-walled city had many fine temples, palaces and gardens. The most significant reminders of its past glory are the huge statues of King Ramses, as much of the city is buried beneath cultivated fields, silt from the Nile River and local villages.
Following a buffet lunch, you will see the exteriors of the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. Renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the last remaining of the ancient world wonders, the Great Pyramid is comprised of 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons. Exactly how the ancient Egyptians constructed this architectural wonder remains a mystery.
The Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the face of a man, is also massive and towers 72 feet high and stretches 164 feet long. It faces east, greeting the rising sun each day.
This exceptional tour of the pyramids also includes outside visits to the Cheops and Chephren pyramids and stops at the best places to take panoramic photos of the attractions.
After visiting, you will stop briefly to watch a demonstration of papyrus making and have an opportunity to purchase some souvenirs of your visit to Cairo.
Proceed to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is free to explore further, enjoy the amenities at the hotel, or simply relax until the buffet dinner provided at your hotel.
DAY 2
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and depart for the 12th-century Citadel and Muhammad Ali Mosque, which dominates the skyline. It is also referred to as the Alabaster Mosque due to the extensive use of alabaster in its construction. Situated high atop the Citadel grounds, the mosque is classically Turkish in its design with cascading domes and slender minarets. Muhammad Ali is buried inside.
Following your visit of the Citadel, a visit is made to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization where a highlight will be viewing the Royal Mummies Hall which was designed to look like the inside of a tomb.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy an afternoon visit of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Built in 1835, the museum has two floors and holds more than 12,000 pieces, including the world’s most extensive collection of antiquities from the pharaohs. Mummies, sarcophagi, pottery and the fabulous treasures excavated from the tomb of King Tutankhamen are among them. Your visit includes the Treasures of King Tut, his Golden Mask and the Royal Mummies Room.
After browsing the priceless works of art in the museum, you will proceed to Port Said where you will re-board the ship.
NOTE: when visiting the Mohamed Ali Mosque, men are required to be wearing long pants (shorts not permitted) and will have to take off their shoes. Ladies must cover their arms and hair.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1
6:45am Disembark the ship in Alexandria
Proceed to the port terminal for security screening
7:00am Depart for the drive to Cairo. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours.
Restrooms are available on the bus. No comfort stop is scheduled.
10:30am Visit Sakkara including the Step Pyramid of Zoser and one tomb
12:00pm Proceed to Memphis
12:15pm Visit Memphis
12:45pm Proceed to your lunch venue
1:30pm Lunch at deluxe restaurant
2:30pm Proceed to the Pyramids of Giza
2:45pm Visit the Pyramids and the Sphinx
Note: inside visits are not included
4:45pm Proceed to the Papyrus Institute
5:00pm Visit Papyrus institute and quick shopping time
5:30pm Proceed to your hotel
6:15pm Check in, free time at leisure
7-9pm Dinner served at your hotel
Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel
Day 2
8:00am Wake up call, breakfast and check out
9:00am Proceed to the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque
9:30am Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque
10:30am Proceed to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
11:00pm Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization including Mummies Hall
2:00pm Proceed to your lunch venue
12:30pm Lunch at deluxe restaurant
1:30pm Proceed to the Egyptian Museum
2:00pm Visit the Egyptian Museum
4:00pm Drive to Port Said The drive is approximately 3.5 hours.
Restrooms are available on the bus. No comfort stop is scheduled.
7:30pm Arrive Port Said and re-embark the ship
Please Note:
•This tour is not recommended for guests utilizing wheelchairs or with limited walking abilities.
•The visit of the pyramids consists of three stops: one stop between the first and second pyramid, another at the best location to take photos of the three pyramids, and also at the Sphinx area. No interior visits are made at the Pyramids.
•Sandals are not recommended as it is dusty in Sakkara and around the pyramids.
•Cameras and video cameras can be used freely in all sites except inside the Egyptian Museum and at the tombs in Sakkara.
Expected Weather:
30 degrees C / 100 degrees F
What to Bring:
Comfortable, light loose clothing, good walking shoes, camera, hat, sunscreen
Local Currency:
Egyptian Pound but USD are widely accepted
Electricity:
220- 240 V - Adaptors are not available at hotels, please make sure to bring your own should you require one
Luggage information:
Carry on suggested for one-night stay
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Bring your passport, no visa required
Hotel address:
Four Seasons First Residence
35 Giza St, Oula, Giza District, Giza Governorate 12612
Phone: 02 35671600
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•1 night at The Four Seasons First Residence or similar (Nile View Room)
•One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner
•Bottled water, tea, coffee, one soda or one bottle of beer or one glass of local wine with meals
•Entrance fees of all mentioned sites
•Private English-speaking guide for the duration of the program
•Transportation by modern coach equipped with restrooms
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals or drinks not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
