Pharaohs & Pyramids

  • From $10,499
  • |
  • 12 Days
  • |
  • 11 Guided Tours
  • |
  • 1 Country

Cairo, Egypt

  • Historic mosque under vibrant blue sky

For centuries, Cairo has played a central role in religious and cultural developments in Egypt. Today, the city is home to the only Wonder of the Ancient World still intact—the Great Pyramid of Giza. And the city’s historic district, Old Cairo, boasts the world’s highest concentration of Islamic architecture. In addition to these monuments, Cairo has been making efforts as a member of the UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art to preserve its traditional craftwork heritage including glassblowing, coppersmithing, pottery, ceramics and jewelry.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Camel and handler near ancient pyramid

The Sakkara Step Pyramid & Cairo Citadel

Visit two UNESCO sites, an ancient burial ground and a Citadel that was Egypt’s seat of government for 700 years.

Included
Camel and handler near ancient pyramid

The Sakkara Step Pyramid & Cairo Citadel

Duration: 8 hours      

Egypt’s First Pyramid and an Imposing Fortress

Visit two UNESCO sites, an ancient burial ground and a Citadel that was Egypt’s seat of government for 700 years. Meet your guide and journey to the necropolis of Sakkara, believed to be the first pyramid built in ancient Egypt. Enter the complex via a narrow portal in a great wall that once surrounded the necropolis. See the enduring structure of the step pyramid, then enter  one of the tombs, some of which are decorated with the finest paintings from the Old Kingdom period. Enjoy lunch before returning to Cairo to explore the Citadel of Saladin (or the Citadel of the Mountain). Perched on a rocky hill, its great dome and towering minarets dominate the Cairo skyline. Home to 60 mosques spanning the centuries, its most notable is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, sometimes called the “Alabaster Mosque” for its gleaming interiors.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Colorful glass ornaments in vibrant market

Khan el-Khalili Market & Dinner

Experience the energy and centuries-old tradition of shopping in Cairo, followed by a traditional dinner.
Colorful glass ornaments in vibrant market

Khan el-Khalili Market & Dinner

Duration: 4 hours      

Cairo’s Bustling and Colorful Souk

Experience the energy and centuries-old tradition of shopping in Cairo, followed by a traditional dinner. Join your guide for a drive to Khan el-Khalili, the sprawling outdoor marketplace where Old Cairo comes to life. Its narrow warrens are teeming with all manner of goods. After an orientation, you will have time to browse its stalls selling brassware, lanterns and jewelry. The infinite wares tell only part of Khan el-Khalili’s story; this was a terminus on ancient trade routes and its rich atmosphere has changed little since Berbers, Turks and others converged here on camelback. After time to explore, and perhaps join in the long and good-natured tradition of haggling, you will continue to a local restaurant and enjoy a typical Egyptian dinner.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Videos

Museum visitors admire ancient sculpture

Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.