Excursion Classical cairo tour at Alexandria
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
This full-day excursion provides a good introduction to some of Egypt's most outstanding attractions - The Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. During the journey to Cairo via the desert road, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Depart the pier via coach for the 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Cairo.
Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
Upon arrival in Cairo you will visit Egypt's renowned museum of Antiquities which consists of two floors, the ground floor follows the history of ancient Egypt and the second floor consist of thousands of smaller items from the span of Egyptian history. The Museum contains the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. Your guided visit of approximately two hours will allow you to see the most outstanding exhibits, including artefacts from the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods, the celebrated Mummies Room and the splendid treasures of King Tut.
Museum guests will proceed through x-ray machines at the entrance of the gate. The museum is not air-conditioned and there are stairs to climb between the two floors. There is only one elevator on site. Photography is not permitted within the Museum.
Next, reboard your vehicle en-route to a local deluxe hotel for a delicious lunch and refreshments (including local beer and wine and other assortments).
The Great Pyramids
Continue on to what is considered the most famous of Egypt's attractions and the only monuments left of the ancient wonders, the three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren's son Mykiernus to preserve each of the pharaohs' mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
For guests who wish to visit the Pyramids from inside, our guides will assist in purchasing the tickets which are not included in the cost of the tour.
The Western Plateau
A short drive takes you to the top of the plateau for a panoramic view across the desert and the pyramids. A string of camels usually provide great photo opportunities. (There is a fee to be paid to the owner.)
The Sphinx
Southeast of the great pyramid stands the sphinx carved out of solid rock around 2650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
At the conclusion of your visit, commence the return journey to Alexandria where you will enjoy some free time to shop before arriving at the ship.
Please note: The duration of the drive between the pier and Cairo is 2.5 to 3 hours in each direction. This tour requires an extensive amount of walking over one mile (1.6 kilometres) with 35 steps to climb at the Egyptian Museum. The only restroom available in the area is located at the Sphinx area. Walking at the pyramids area is uneven, sandy and involves a cobbled surface and is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair however access to the Pyramids is not possible and guests may stay on board the coach. Guests must be able to get in/out of the vehicle on their own or with the assistance of their travelling companion. For liability reasons, our guides are not able to assist guests board the coach. Casual, lightweight clothing is recommended; wear flat, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The tour sequence may vary. At various tourist sites, you may encounter groups of vendors and youngsters, who are very persistent in trying to sell you their wares. USD, EURO, GBP cash and credit cards are accepted at most souvenir shops.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the Great Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx, Western Plateau