Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & the Pyramid of Sakkara
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Port
Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$319.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 12 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
An approximately 3.5-hour motorcoach ride along the desert road leads from Alexandria to Sakkara -- the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis.
The pyramids here include the distinctive Step Pyramid of Sakkara, dating back to 2686 BC and believed to be the oldest stone structure on earth. It was built at the decree of King Zoser and thus began the tradition of pyramid building. A colonnaded temple lies in ruins in the same area and is thought to be part of the necropolis walls.
A chance to browse for souvenirs at a local shop, time permitting, before lunch served at a leading hotel in Giza.
Then, you will proceed to the site of the magnificent pyramids of Giza. These stark and lonely sentinels in the desert are simply an awesome sight. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is said to have 2.3 million stone blocks, each one weighing 2.5 tons. What makes these statistics truly astonishing is that the pyramids of Giza were built around 2000 BC. Continue to see the mysterious Sphinx. With the face of a man and the body of a lion, the Sphinx has puzzled travelers for centuries with its inscrutable expression. It looks to the sun rising in the east, is carved from natural rock and measures 190 feet long by 66 feet tall.
The drive back to Alexandria takes approximately three hours -- time to reflect on the amazing sights you have seen.
Notes:
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. If time permits, independent entrance to the pyramid may be possible (at your own expense, which is approximately US$10); not recommended for those with claustrophobia or a heart or respiratory condition. It is very hot and stuffy inside the pyramid, and you must be able to bend over and crouch down at times while you are inside. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Tight-fitting, transparent, or translucent clothing is not permitted. Do not wear white clothing, as it is seldom adequately opaque. Please err on the side of conservatism with your attire. Due to site regulations and preservation considerations, no service animals are allowed at the Pyramids. There are many stray dogs in the area, which may lead to potential conflicts. At the Museum, service animals are restricted by the management. Minimum age is 6 years.