CAIRO
SIGHTS

The Egyptian Museum
and the
Treasures of Tutankhamen

What visit to Cairo would be complete without a visit to the Egyptian Museum. Known world wide for housing the treasures of Tutankhamen, which are stunning, but there are so many wonderful treasures of Ancient Egypt here and our expert guide will ensure that you see all the very best pieces and have an opportunity, if you wish, to visit the room housing the royal mummies which includes Seti I and Ramses II.

When you visit the tomb of Tutankhamen with us in Luxor, the first thing you will wonder when you see the approximately 1700 items on display at the Egyptian Museum is just how they managed to squeeze all these wonderful treasures into such a small tomb.

The Pyramids of Giza

On the plateau of Giza the greatest wonders of the ancient world are there for all to see, the three pyramids built by the Kings Cheops, Khafre and Mycerinus over four thousand years ago. The smaller pyramids are those of the Queens. Access to the inside of the pyramids is restricted but can be arranged.

The Great Sphinx

The great Sphinx sits in front of the Pyramids of Giza and has to be seen to be appreciated. Access to the Sphinx is via the Sphinx Temple. We can arrange for you to take a camel or horse ride around the Sphinx and the Pyramids and it is in front of the Sphinx that you can sit at night and enjoy the Pyramids Sound and Light Show.

The Necropolis of Saqqara

The step pyramid of King Djoser dates back to 2700 B.C. and is therefore older than the Great Pyramids at Giza, is the best known landmark at Saqqara but this is a large complex and an experienced guide is a must. Just the funerary complex of Djoser with its Mortuary Temple covers a large area but there is much more to see.

Memphis

The capital of Egypt before Cairo, Memphis has a history as an active city that spans more than 3000 years. There is now not much to see of this ancient city but the Memphis Open-air Museum is well worth a visit if only to see the giant statue of Ramses II. Memphis is very close to Saqqara so combining a visit to both is a good idea.

The Old Bazaar - Khan El Khalili

The Khan El Khalili, the oldest bazaar in Cairo, dates back to 1382 and was built on the spice and incense trade route. Here the exotic smells of oriental spices still waft through the narrow passages and mingle with the aroma of rich coffee and the wisps of smoke from the sheesha "hubble bubble" pipes. Stay for a while and take in the colourful rich cottons, shiny copper and brass ornaments and magnificent gold shops.

Muhammad Ali Mosque

High on a hill overlooking Cairo this Mosque that was built in 1830 is often referred to as the "Alabaster Mosque". It overlooks several older mosques of which the Muhammad an-Nasir Mosque is the oldest being built in 1334. This is a very interesting area to explore especially with one of our very experienced guides.

Cairo Tower

This 187 meter (613 feet) tower on the island of Al-Gazira offers commanding views over Cairo. Landmarks like the Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Cairo Museum can be clearly seen as can the pyramids on a clear day. There is an outside viewing area and one floor down you can sit in the revolving restaurant and enjoy the views in comfort.

The Pharaonic Village

Built on an island in the Nile this living museum sets out to show you the ancient ways. From the specially adapted boat you travel very slowly through a papyrus plantation as you watch ancient farming practices and see how they made papyrus, mud bricks, honey, bas relief's and many other things. Once on the island there are various museums showing every aspect of Egyptian life including a complete recreation of King Tutankhamen's tomb.

This is just a taste of what you can see as there is much, much more to Cairo, that is why our experienced guides and all our services are there to ensure that your holiday is tailored just for you. Please contact us and we can start planning your holiday.