Excursion Cairo cheops pyramid & sphinx tour at Alexandria
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Experience some of the most important, world-renowned Egyptian attractions during this immersive, full-day sightseeing tour.
Alexandria, Giza, Sahara Desert, Western Plateau, Panoramic Desert & Pyramid Views, Camels
Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.75-hour drive towards Cairo. En route, learn about the sites to be visited on your journey. Upon arrival at Giza, approximately nine miles (about 14.5 kilometres) west of Cairo, your first stop is at the Western Plateau of the Sahara Desert for a visit to the Great Pyramids and Sphinx area. A short drive takes you to the top of the Western Plateau for spectacular panoramic views across the desert and pyramids. A string of camels usually provides great photo opportunities (a fee is to be paid to the owner).
Great Pyramids, Pyramid of Cheops, Inside Visit, Grand Gallery, King's Chamber, Sarcophagus
Considered the most famous of Egypt's many attractions, the Great Pyramids are among the only remaining monuments of the 'Seven Wonders of the Ancient World'. The three main Great Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren's son, Mykiernus, to preserve each of the pharaohs' mummified bodies for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world whilst surviving the rise-and-fall of great dynasties. The highlight of your visit here is an opportunity to enter the great Pyramid of Cheops. Walk up a ramp and through the Grand Gallery before reaching the King's Chamber. In this dark, hot room is the empty granite sarcophagus of the king.
Sphinx, Cairo, Lunch, Shopping
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 B.C. Steeped in legend and superstition, the sphinx was a monument either to the sun god, Ra, or Pharaoh, Chephren. The Sphinx has the head of a man, and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, presumably to greet the rising sun and return of life each day. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a buffet lunch at one of the leading hotels in Cairo; additional food and beverages are available at your own expense. After lunch and a short stop for shopping, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 2.75-hour drive back to the pier.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Alexandria, Giza, Sahara Desert, Western Plateau, Camels, Great Pyramids, Cheops Pyramid, King's Chamber, Sarcophagus, Sphinx, Cairo, Lunch, Shopping
Note
Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 765 yards (about 700 metres), at times over uneven, natural, bumpy, and sandy surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and stairs at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility 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. Foldable wheelchairs and walkers can be accomodated. Guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests who suffer from claustophobia are not recommended to enter the Pyramids. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water. Guides are only allowed to provide commentary outside the tombs. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Regular cameras are not permitted inside the Cheops Pyramid; cellphone camera photography is permitted, but a $20 EGP fee is required for guests utilising a tripod. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately 2.75 hours in each direction. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.