A Christmas tour to Cairo and the Red Sea

Your professional tour guide will meet you at the hotel after your first buffet breakfast to begin your private tour of Cairo, which will take you to the Giza Pyramids. Your tour of the Giza Pyramids will pique your curiosity about everything related to ancient Egypt, and your personal tour guide will make every effort to answer any questions you may have while you're standing next to the Great Pyramid of King Cheops, a 146-meter-tall structure constructed during the Old Kingdom—specifically, the fourth dynasty—by one of the greatest Egyptian kings.

King Cheops, also known as Khufu, was the grandfather of Mycerinus, the owner of the smallest but no less significant pyramid that can be seen from the plateau while taking the optional camel ride through the Giza Pyramids to experience the magnificence of this legendary land, the land of the pharaohs. King Cheops was the son of Snefru, who also owned four impressive pyramids. He was also the father of Chephren, who built the middle pyramid in Giza and still has its outer casing at the top end.

Proceed to observe the Valley Temple of King Chephren, where his regal remains were preserved for the afterlife by mummification, and the massive statue of the Sphinx, fashioned like a man-headed lion, symbolizing strength and wisdom.

Next, let's visit Saqqara Necropolis, which is 200 years older than the Giza Necropolis and home to the Step Pyramid complex of King Djoser from the third dynasty and the Pyramid of King Teti from the sixth dynasty, which controlled the kingdom until the start of the first intermediate period. Enter one of the nobles' graves to view the exquisite artwork from ancient Egypt. This is the tomb of Kagemni, the vizier of justice and husband of King Teti's daughter.

We will now travel to the location of the most ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, which is now known as Mit Rahina. This area is regarded as an outdoor museum that holds many fascinating artifacts from the old, middle, and new kingdoms of ancient Egyptian history. See the massive statue of Ramses II, one of the most significant monarchs of the 18th dynasty, and the alabaster sphinx of Memphis, the second largest sphinx in all of Egypt.

Enjoy your lunch on our way back to the hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your tour guide will take you on an incredible tour of Cairo's city, beginning with a visit to the Cairo Citadel and Islamic Cairo. 

You will see Saladin Citadel, which was constructed by the Sultan Saladin to protect Cairo from potential threats. Saladin enlisted some mercenaries to serve in the Egyptian army, but they quickly amassed wealth, power, and the support of the populace, which allowed them to rule the nation until Mohamed Ali Basha executed them in the well-known Citadel Massacre.

Speaking of Mohamed Ali, his exquisite alabaster mosque is housed inside the citadel and is regarded as one of Cairo's highest points, from which, on clear weather, you can see the Giza Pyramids.

Now that you've started the Coptic Cairo tour, head to Old Cairo to see the oldest Christian churches in the history of Christianity. Historians claim that the holy family visited Egypt while fleeing King Herod, staying here for about three to four months. They sought safety in a crypt, and subsequently a church known as the Church of Abu Serga was constructed above it. You may also view the Hanging Church, which is situated over two towers of the former Roman fortification of Babylon. You will enter the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the Middle East, after your Coptic excursions in Cairo.

Savor your fine dining meal before visiting Khan El Khalili market in the Al Hussein neighborhood of central Cairo. Al Hussein was the grandson of the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), and the region is home to several mausoleums of the Prophet's associates and family members in addition to numerous ancient mosques dating back to the ninth century. After your enjoyable walking tour of Cairo's narrow streets and a delightful tea-mint beverage, you'll be returned to your hotel for the night. 

Lunch and breakfast are served.

 

After checking out of the hotel today, we will travel the 90 minutes to the Red Sea Ain Sokhna resort. There, we will spend a relaxing day at the beach or in the pool, with a buffet lunch provided starting at 3:00 PM and supper served before to the night performance. 

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Meals

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and get started on your trip right away! We'll travel for about 30 minutes to the well-known resort of Porto Sokhna, where you can ride the Cable Car (Teleferik) up Galala Mountain and have a delicious seafood lunch at a classy restaurant with a view of the mountains and the Red Sea. Before returning your car to Cairo, inform the driver exactly where you want to be dropped off. Explore the resort's shopping and take stunning pictures along the water. 

Lunch and breakfast are served.