Full description
The pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most popular touristic destinations in the world, and indeed already were even in Roman times. Each of these spectacular structures served as the final resting place of a king of the 4th Dynasty (c.2613–2494 BC). The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for king Khufu (c.2589–2566 BC), and the other two for Khafre and Menkaure, his son and grandson. Khufu’s pyramid is both the oldest and largest of the three, and the first building to exceed it in height would not be built for another 3,800 years!
Although the three pyramids dominate the plateau, they are in fact surrounded by many other monuments. Every king’s pyramid was just one element—albeit the most important—of a larger complex that included smaller, subsidiary, queens’ pyramids; an additional one that acted as a second, symbolic, tomb for the king, called a satellite pyramid; mastabas tombs for nobility and other family members; burials of actual and/or symbolic boats; and a pair of temples linked by a richly decorated causeway. One of these temples, called the valley temple, led into the pyramid complex, and was located on or near a body of water where boats could dock. The other, the funerary (or upper) temple, stood near the base of the pyramid. Priests maintained the mortuary cult of the deceased king in these temples, where his divine aspect was worshipped, and where rich and diverse offerings were presented to his soul so he could have a peaceful and luxurious afterlife.
The Egyptian Museum is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, and houses the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world. The museum displays an extensive collection spanning from the Predynastic Period to the Greco-Roman Era.
The architect of the building was selected through an international competition in 1895, which was the first of its kind, and was won by the French architect, Marcel Dourgnon. The museum was inaugurated in 1902 by Khedive Abbas Helmy II, and has become a historic landmark in downtown Cairo, and home to some of the world’s most magnificent ancient masterpieces.
Among the museum’s unrivaled collection are the complete burials of Yuya and Thuya, Psusennes I and the treasures of Tanis, and the Narmer Palette commemorating the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under one king, which is also among the museum’s invaluable artifacts. The museum also houses the splendid statues of the great kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the builders of the pyramids at the Giza plateau. An extensive collection of papyri, sarcophagi and jewelry, among other objects, completes this uniquely expansive museum.
Included & Excluded
- transfer (2 ways )
- all tickets
- tour guide
- lunch
Tour Plan
Sahl Hasheesh - Cairo (2ways)
We will pick you up around 4 am. Drive in comfort with your private a/c transport towards Cairo(it takes about 4 hours and half to get to Cairo).Enjoy all the natural views and have unique photos all over the way to Cairo. On arrival you will be met with your Egyptology tour guide to start your amazing day tour in Cairo. Open your eyes, you are in Cairo the land of real civilisation.
After the great day tour drive back in comfort to Sahl Hasheesh with unique photos and unforgettable memories.
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
The first place will be the largest Museum, where you will visit it and add to your knowledge more information about the ancient Egypt. During your guided tour with one of the most qualified guides in Egypt. There you will have the opportunity to see the golden mask of the golden king (Tut Ankh Amen). Listen well to your Egyptology tour guide who will inform you by details the great history of the museum.
Pyramids of Giza
Start your next tour by visiting the plateau of Giza, where you visit the Great Pyramid of Cheops and the pyramids of Chephren and Mycerinus. Take a few pictures from the panoramic area, before moving on to the Valley Temple and the Great Sphinx. Lastly, ride a camel for 30 minutes around the pyramids.