2-Day Private Guided Tour of Highlights in Cairo and Giza

Get to grips with the culture of ancient Egyptian Memphis and historic Cairo on this private, 2-day tour by air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel in either Cairo or Giza. On the first day, you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Giza Pyramids, then you will enjoy a camel ride in the Sahara desert around the pyramids,Sphinx, and Valley Temple, Memphis, the old capital of Egypt, and Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid, the tombs of the nobles, and the pyramid texts. On the second day, begin at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, then you will enjoy a felucca ride on the Nile, progress to Old Cairo for the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Roman Babylon Fortress. Then explore the Citadel of Saladin, the Alabaster Mosque, and the Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Lunch at a good quality restaurant is included for both days.

Day 1: Cairo
Your personal Egyptologist guide will collect you from your Cairo or Giza hotel at 8am for the short drive to the UNESCO-listed Giza Pyramids in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Your first stop will be the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, followed by the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. This iconic triad of pyramids entombs three generations – father, son, and grandson – and was constructed around 3,500 years ago. Next, stroll across the sands to a viewpoint where you can capture timeless images of the pyramids silhouetted against the desert. From here, enjoy a 25-minute camel ride, led by a professional cameleer. Finally, walk down to the Valley Temple, where your guide will explain the secrets of mummification, and witness the mighty Sphinx. After a restaurant lunch, drive to Memphis, the first capital of Egypt, to explore its open-air museum, home to a giant statue of Ramses II, builder of the Abu Simbel Temples, as well as an alabaster sphinx. Finally, head to Saqqara. Here you'll visit the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the Pyramid of Teti, home to some of the world's oldest religious texts, and the tomb of King Teti's counsellor, Kagemni. As this is a private tour, the precise duration depends on your level of interest, but most visitors return to their hotel around 4pm.

Day 2: Cairo
The day begins at 8am when your guide collects you to visit the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, home to one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world. Discover statues of the heretic King Akhenaten and the rich treasures of his son, King Tutankhamen, as well as magical papyri and mummies of animals from cats to crocodiles: for an additional charge, you can visit the Royal Mummy Room and view the remains of pharaohs including Ramses II. Next, drive to UNESCO-listed Old Cairo, to visit the Coptic Christian Hanging Church, the remains of the Roman Babylon Fortress, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, built on a site where folklore claims Pharaoh's daughter found Moses in the Bible. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll discover the medieval Citadel of Saladin, and the famous Alabaster Mosque built by Mohammed Ali in honor of his dead son (please dress appropriately). Finally, haggle for souvenirs in the historic bazaar of Khan al-Khalili. As this is a private tour, the precise duration depends on your level of interest, but most visitors return to their hotel around 4pm.