Day Trip to Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids

Egypt is an important country with many cool places to visit. If you want to see all the best things like the Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids, it's smart to take a guided day tour. This way, you won't miss any of the awesome stuff that makes this country so interesting.

The cost of a typical daily tour in Cairo can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of tour, the duration, the number of attractions visited, and the level of customization. Here are some general guidelines to give you an idea of what to expect:

Group Tours: Group tours in Cairo are often more budget-friendly, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 or more per person for a full-day tour. The cost may include transportation, entrance fees to attractions, and the services of a guide. Group tours are a cost-effective way to explore popular sites like the Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.

Private Tours: Private tours offer more flexibility and personalization but tend to be pricier. Prices for private full-day tours can range from $100 to $300 or more per person, depending on the itinerary and the level of luxury. These tours often include a private guide, transportation, and customized experiences.

Specialized Tours: If you're interested in specialized tours such as culinary tours, photography tours, or adventure tours (e.g., hot air balloon rides in Luxor), the cost can vary widely based on the type of experience and the duration. These tours may have additional fees.

Half-Day Tours: Half-day tours are typically more affordable than full-day tours. Prices can range from $20 to $80 or more per person, depending on the itinerary and inclusions.

Entrance Fees: Keep in mind that entrance fees to specific attractions may not always be included in the tour price. You may need to budget separately for entrance fees, which can vary from a few dollars to around $20 or more per attraction.

Add-ons: Some tours offer optional add-ons or experiences that come at an additional cost. For example, a Nile River cruise or a visit to a sound and light show might have an extra fee.

Seasonal Variations: Tour prices can fluctuate based on the season. Peak tourist seasons (e.g., winter and early spring) may see higher prices than off-peak times.

Giza, located near Cairo in Egypt, is renowned for its historical and archaeological landmarks, primarily associated with ancient Egyptian civilization. Here are the must-visit historical landmarks in Giza:

The Pyramids of Giza: These iconic pyramids are among the most famous historical landmarks in the world. The Giza Plateau houses three main pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. They are symbols of ancient Egypt's architectural and engineering prowess.

The Great Sphinx of Giza: Adjacent to the pyramids, the Great Sphinx is a colossal statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre. It is one of the world's largest and oldest statues.

Solar Boat Museum: Located near the Great Pyramid, this museum houses a reconstructed ancient Egyptian solar boat, which was buried near the pyramids and is associated with Pharaoh Khufu. The boat's purpose was to transport the pharaoh's soul to the afterlife.

Sound and Light Show: The Giza Plateau offers nighttime sound and light shows that illuminate the pyramids and Sphinx while narrating the history and legends of ancient Egypt.

Pyramid of Djoser (Step Pyramid): Located in Saqqara, just south of Giza, this pyramid is one of the earliest monumental stone structures and a precursor to the Giza pyramids.

Saqqara Necropolis: This vast archaeological site is home to numerous tombs, mastabas, and pyramids, including the Pyramid of Teti and the Tomb of Mereruka.

Giza Solar Boat Museum: This museum near the Pyramid of Khufu features a reconstructed ancient Egyptian solar boat that was originally buried near the pyramids.

Ancient Egyptian Tombs: Explore the intricate tombs, hieroglyphics, and art at various locations on the Giza Plateau, including the Valley Temple and tombs associated with the pyramids.

Panoramic Viewpoints: Some locations around Giza provide panoramic views of the pyramids and the Cairo skyline, making them excellent spots for photography and appreciation of the landscape.

Old Giza Market: Explore the local market in Old Giza for souvenirs, traditional Egyptian products, and local cuisine.

Restaurants with a View: There are several restaurants and cafes in Giza that offer stunning views of the pyramids while enjoying a meal or refreshments.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Some tour operators offer hot air balloon rides over the Giza Plateau, providing a breathtaking aerial perspective of the pyramids and surrounding areas.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), also known as the Giza Museum, is a massive museum complex that is located near the Giza Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the most ambitious museum projects in the world and has been designed to house Egypt's most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Here is an overview of the history of the Grand Egyptian Museum:

Origins and Concepts:
The idea for the Grand Egyptian Museum was conceived in the early 1990s, when it was recognized that the existing Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square was insufficient to accommodate and properly showcase Egypt's vast archaeological heritage.
The new museum was designed to serve as a world-class facility that could house and display Egypt's most significant historical treasures.

Design and Construction:
In 2002, an international design competition was held to select the architectural design for the museum. The winning design was submitted by the architectural firm Heneghan Peng Architects.
Construction work began in 2002, and the museum complex was built in close proximity to the Giza Pyramids, making it part of the historical and archaeological landscape of ancient Egypt.
The museum's design takes inspiration from ancient Egyptian architectural elements, including the pyramids, and incorporates modern sustainable design features.

Collections and Artifacts:
The Grand Egyptian Museum was conceived to house an extensive collection of artifacts, many of which had been stored in warehouses or displayed in the existing museum. The most notable collection is that of King Tutankhamun.

   Tutankhamun Galleries:
The museum has dedicated a significant portion of its space to the King Tutankhamun galleries. These galleries are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience of the young pharaoh's tomb and the treasures it contained.

   Historical Artifacts:
The museum's collections encompass a wide range of artifacts from various periods of ancient Egyptian history, including statues, jewelry, pottery, and more.

   Official Opening:
The Grand Egyptian Museum officially opened its doors to the public on March 7, 2021, with a partial display of its collection. It was inaugurated in an event attended by Egyptian and international dignitaries.

   Ongoing Development:
The museum is planned to be developed in phases, with additional galleries and features opening in the future.
One of the most anticipated phases will be the complete installation and display of the artifacts from King Tutankhamun's tomb.

Genieh, L.E, or Pound is the Egyptian money, which is divisible into 100 piasters (PT). Notes are available in denominations of E£100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 50, and 25 piasters. Coin denominations include 20, 10, and 5 piasters. Egypt has had 200 Pound notes in circulation since 2007. The fact that each note is written in two languages, Arabic and English, is a plus.

Tipping is a common practice in Egypt. It's customary to tip tour guides, drivers, and service staff. The amount may vary, but it's a way to show appreciation for good service.

The best months for tourists to visit Egypt, considering crowd sizes and weather, are typically during the shoulder seasons and cooler months:

• Spring (March to May): This period offers pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, making it an ideal time for sightseeing. Crowds are generally smaller than during the peak season.
• Fall (September to November): Similar to spring, the weather is comfortable, and tourist numbers are relatively lower. It's a good time to explore without the intense heat and large crowds.
• Winter (December to February): Winter can be popular among tourists due to cooler temperatures, especially in northern Egypt. However, this period may attract more visitors, especially during the holiday season.
• Avoiding Peak Season (June to August): Summer in Egypt can be extremely hot, especially in southern areas like Luxor and Aswan. It's the peak tourist season due to school vacations, but the heat can be challenging for sightseeing.

It's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, as you'll be exploring archaeological sites. Sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are also advisable, especially in the hot Egyptian climate.

A Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids Tour is a guided excursion that combines visits to two of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt: the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramids. The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza Plateau, is a state-of-the-art museum that showcases Egypt's ancient treasures, while the Giza Pyramids are iconic structures that date back to the time of the pharaohs.