Cairo Tours
Welcome my friends everywhere in the world, in this page, I will explain the best places you can visit in Cairo in just two days, and I called this page's title a two-day tourist program in Cairo and Giza, I present a tour to everyone who wants to visit Egypt and enjoy its atmosphere and monuments.
Egypt is a destination visited by tourists from all over the world, Egypt includes many unique tourist and historical landmarks, as well as wonders and archaeological treasures, which have always been the distinctive feature of Egypt, as many tourists visit Egypt to discover the pyramids and the Sphinx, in addition to exploring the ancient Egyptian Pharaonic civilization, in addition to Islamic, Coptic, Roman and Greek history.
Tourism in Egypt is famous for being the home of ancient civilization, with its art and temples, and it is also a distinctive destination among lovers of enjoying Egypt beaches, in addition to ancient temples and handicrafts, as each city in Egypt has its own charm that you can discover through Egypt's history, culture and various activities.
Egypt achieved the highest rate in the number of incoming tourists during the first half of this year, reaching 7.069 million tourists, which was reflected in an increase in the number of tourist nights, and achieving record revenues of $ 6.6 billion.
The number of tourists arriving in Egypt increased from 7.062 million tourists during the first half of 2023 to 7.069 million tourists for the same period of this year. It also exceeded the number of tourists during the first half of 2010, which witnessed a tourism boom, and the number of tourists at that time reached 6.9 million tourists.
Egypt received the largest number of tourists during the first half of 2024 from Arab countries as well as from European countries and Russia, and Egypt aims to increase the number of tourists from markets such as the United States of America. Let's go together and learn about the tourism program to visit Cairo in two days. Are you ready? Let's go, friends.
The number of tourists arriving in Egypt increased from 7.062 million tourists during the first half of 2023 to 7.069 million tourists for the same period of this year. It also exceeded the number of tourists during the first half of 2010, which witnessed a tourism boom, and the number of tourists at that time reached 6.9 million tourists.
Egypt received the largest number of tourists during the first half of 2024 from Arab countries as well as from European countries and Russia, and Egypt aims to increase the number of tourists from markets such as the United States of America. Let's go together and learn about the tourism program to visit Cairo in two days. Are you ready? Let's go, friends.
Pyramids of Giza
The three primary pyramids on the Giza plateau were built over the span of three generations by the rulers Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Each pyramid was part of a royal mortuary complex that also included a temple at its base .
The causeway of the Khafre (Chephren) pyramid complex, taken from the entrance of the Khafre valley Temple .
Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx, near Giza, Egypt. Great Sphinx of Giza, colossal limestone statue of a recumbent sphinx located in Giza, Egypt, that likely dates from the reign of King Khafre (c. 2575-c. 2465 BCE) and depicts his face. It is one of Egypt's most famous landmarks and is arguably the best-known example of sphinx art.
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World .The last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the great pyramids of Giza, are perhaps the most famous and discussed structures in history. These massive
monuments were unsurpassed in height for thousands of years after their construction and continue to amaze and enthrall us with their overwhelming mass and seemingly impossible perfection.
Memphis and Saqqara visits
Our program includes visits to Memphis and Saqqara. Both sites are located in Giza city. We are going to start our program by the visit to Memphis.
Memphis is an ancient city in Egypt that served as the capital of the Old Kingdom and was a center for culture, trade, and religion. Located near modern-day Cairo, Memphis was established around 3100 BCE and remained an important city during ancient Egyptian history.
The city of Memphis was dedicated to the god Ptah, who was considered the creator of the universe. The city was home to a grand temple complex dedicated to Ptah, which included the famous Temple of Ptah, as well as a large necropolis where many pharaohs, nobles, and important officials were buried.
One of the most famous landmarks in Memphis is the statue of Ramesses II. This statue was originally located in the temple of Ptah and is now housed in an open-air museum at the site.
Today, Memphis is an important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds great historical and cultural significance, offering valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian civilization and its religious and political practices.
After the visit, we are going to dedicate an hour for the visit a Papyrus institute and a Pharaonic Perfume shop, to check-out these main important authentic industries.
Afterwards, we are going to enjoy our lunch in a typical BBQ restaurant.
After lunch we are going to proceed with our visits program to next historical point after Memphis; Saqqara.
Saqqara Monuments
Saqqara monuments complex is located near the ancient capital of Memphis. It is home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is one of the earliest and most significant pyramids in Egypt. The complex also includes several other smaller pyramids, tombs, and temples, making it a significant archaeological site.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser was designed and built by the architect Imhotep at about 2700B.C, and marks the 3rd dynasty’s evolution in burying, and is considered to be the earliest burial building of stone in Egypt. In addition to the Step Pyramid, the Saqqara monuments complex also contains the Pyramid of Unas, the Pyramid of Teti, and the Pyramid of Userkaf, as well as numerous mastaba tombs and the ruins of several temples.
The important festival of Heb-Sed used to be celebrated in Saqqara complex, since Imhotep dedicated an area for it in front of the Step Pyramid.The complex is a popular tourist destination and is often visited as part of a larger tour of ancient Egyptian sites, including the nearby Giza pyramid complex. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is an important part of Egypt's rich archaeological heritage.
After this visit, our program ends for today, and will head back to hotel for overnight, with possibility for night activity -against extra charge- to attend to the famous Sound and Light performance in the Giza Pyramids area.
Dahshur Pyramids
Dahshur pyramids is a necropolis located about 40 kilometers south of Cairo, Egypt. It is known for its pyramid complex, which includes some significant ancient Egyptian structures. Dahshur is a popular archaeological site and is open to tourists. Visitors can explore the pyramid complexes and the surrounding area to gain insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices and architecture.
Dahshur reflects the experimentation and architectural development in pyramid construction during the Old Kingdom of Egypt.The pyramids at Dahshur are considered important in understanding the evolution of pyramid design leading up to the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Here's some detailed information about the Dahshur pyramids: or Pyramids of Sneferu.
Both of The Bent and the Red Pyramids are attributed to king Sneferu, who was the father of Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Sneferu is considered one of the most prolific pyramid builders in ancient Egypt. Sneferu, was a ruler of the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt.
The Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid is attributed to Pharaoh Architectural Features: It is the third-largest pyramid in Egypt and is called the "Red Pyramid" due to the reddish appearance of its limestone blocks. The pyramid is known for its well-preserved casing stones.The Red Pyramid is the third-largest pyramid in Egypt, following the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of Khafre. It is called the "Red Pyramid" due to the reddish appearance of its limestone blocks, which are now mostly exposed due to the loss of the outer casing stones. Originally, the pyramid was encased in Tura limestone, which would have given it a smooth and polished finish.
The Red Pyramid is significant in the history of pyramid construction as one of the earliest successful attempts to build a true smooth-sided pyramid. It represents an important step in the evolution of pyramid design, leading to the development of the iconic structures at Giza. The Red Pyramid is one of the earliest successful attempts at constructing a true smooth-sided pyramid.
The construction of the Red Pyramid is estimated to have taken place during the 26th century BCE.The Red Pyramid has a more traditional pyramid shape with smooth sides, representing a transition from the earlier step-sided pyramids. Its original height was approximately 104 meters (341 feet), and the base length is around 220 meters (722 feet).The entrance to the Red Pyramid is located on the north side at a considerable height above the ground.The internal structure consists of a series of corridors and chambers, including a burial chamber. The burial chamber contains a red granite sarcophagus, believed to have once held the pharaoh's remains.
The Red Pyramid is open to tourists, and visitors can explore both the exterior and interior of the pyramid.The Red Pyramid is a fascinating archaeological site that offers insights into the architectural advancements of ancient Egypt. Visiting the Red Pyramid allows tourists to explore the history and engineering achievements of the Old Kingdom.
The Bent Pyramid
Also attributed to Sneferu, the Bent Pyramid is named for its unique bent slope. It is believed that the angle of the pyramid was changed during its construction, giving it a distinct.The lower part of the pyramid has a steep angle, while the upper part has a shallower angle, creating the bent appearance. The Bent Pyramid is also known for its polished Tura limestone casing.
It represents a transitional form between step-sided and smooth-sided pyramids. Purpose and Significance:
The unique design of the Bent Pyramid has sparked much speculation about its construction and the reasons behind the change in angle.
Some theories suggest that the original steep angle may have been adjusted to prevent structural instability during construction.
The construction of the Bent Pyramid is believed to have taken place during the mid-26th century BCE, in the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The Bent Pyramid gets its name from the fact that the angle of its sides changes partway up, creating a noticeable "bend" in the structure. The lower part of the pyramid has a steep angle of approximately 54 degrees, while the upper part has a shallower angle of around 43 degrees. The original casing stones were made of Tura limestone, giving it a smooth finish.
The Bent Pyramid has a more transitional form between the step-sided pyramids of earlier dynasties and the smooth-sided pyramids of later periods. The pyramid has a square base with sides measuring about 188.6 meters (619 feet), and its original height was approximately 104 meters (341 feet).The entrance to the Bent Pyramid is on the northern side, and the internal structure includes a series of passageways and chambers.The burial chamber contains a red granite sarcophagus, which was found to be empty when it was discovered. The Bent Pyramid is open to tourists, and visitors can explore both the exterior and interior of the pyramid.
Climbing the pyramid provides a unique perspective on its architectural features and the surrounding landscape. Like other ancient structures, the Bent Pyramid has undergone conservation efforts to preserve its integrity. Ongoing research and excavations contribute to a better understanding of the pyramid's construction and historical context.The Bent Pyramid, along with the nearby Red Pyramid, showcases the experimentation and development of pyramid architecture during the early stages of ancient Egypt's pyramid-building era. Visitors to Dahshur can explore these structures and gain insights into the evolution of pyramid design.
Khan El Khalili
Khan El Khalili is a historic market in the heart of Islamic Cairo, Egypt. Here is a comprehensive overview covering various aspects of Khan El Khalili,Khan El Khalili has a rich history dating back to the 14th century when it was established by the Emir Djaharks El-Khalili, a prominent Turkish nobleman. Khan El Khalili is Situated in the historic center of Cairo, Khan El Khalili is located near the Al-Azhar Mosque and the famous Citadel of Saladin.The market is characterized by narrow lanes and alleys, creating a labyrinthine structure that adds to its charm. Many of the buildings in Khan El Khalili showcase traditional Islamic architecture.
Khan El Khalili is renowned for its vibrant and bustling market where visitors can purchase a wide variety of goods, including traditional crafts, jewelry, textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Shops in the market often specialize in specific types of products, reflecting the historical nature of the market. The market has been a center for trade and commerce for centuries, playing a crucial role in the economic life of Cairo. It has witnessed the passage of numerous rulers, traders, and travelers, contributing to its cultural significance.
Al-Hussein Mosque
A significant religious site located near Khan El Khalili. Mamluk-era monuments: The market area is surrounded by historical structures from the Mamluk period, adding to its architectural significance. Khan El Khalili is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of an authentic Middle Eastern market.
The market is home to traditional cafes and restaurants where visitors can savor Egyptian cuisine and enjoy the local atmosphere. Khan El Khalili occasionally hosts cultural events, showcasing traditional music, dance, and arts.Efforts have been made to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of Khan El Khalili, ensuring that its unique character is maintained for future generations.Khan El Khalili has been a source of inspiration for numerous writers, artists, and filmmakers who have depicted its charm in various forms of art.
This overview provides a broad understanding of Khan El Khalili, but for in-depth research, you may want to explore academic papers, books, and articles that delve into specific aspects such as its historical development, economic significance, and cultural impact.
What do tourists do in khan el khalily?
Tourists visiting Khan El Khalili can engage in a variety of activities that showcase the rich cultural and historical offerings of this vibrant market in Cairo. Here are some common activities that tourists often enjoy in Khan El Khalili:
Shopping:
Khan El Khalili is renowned for its bustling market where tourists can shop for a wide array of goods. This includes traditional crafts, jewelry, textiles, spices, perfumes, and souvenirs. Haggling is a common practice, so visitors can negotiate prices with the vendors.
Exploring the Labyrinthine Streets:
The market is a maze of narrow lanes and alleys, providing a unique and atmospheric setting for exploration. Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets is part of the experience.
Visit Al-Hussein Mosque:
Tourists often visit the nearby Al-Hussein Mosque, an important religious site with a rich history. The mosque is a significant destination for both worshipers and those interested in Islamic architecture.
Enjoying Traditional Food and Drinks:
Khan El Khalili is home to traditional cafes and restaurants where tourists can savor Egyptian cuisine, including local specialties and traditional beverages.
Discovering Mamluk-Era Monuments:
The market area is surrounded by historical structures from the Mamluk period. Tourists interested in history and architecture can explore these monuments, such as the Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex.
Participating in Cultural Events:
Depending on the timing of the visit, tourists may have the opportunity to witness or participate in cultural events, such as traditional music and dance performances, adding an extra layer to the experience.
Photography:
The vibrant colors, intricate architecture, and lively atmosphere make Khan El Khalili a prime location for photography. Tourists often capture the essence of the market through pictures of the bustling streets, vibrant stalls, and historical landmarks.
Trying Traditional Arts and Crafts:
Some shops in Khan El Khalili offer tourists the chance to try their hand at traditional arts and crafts. This can include activities like jewelry-making or pottery.
Enjoying Street Performances:
Street performers, such as musicians and entertainers, often contribute to the lively ambiance of Khan El Khalili, providing impromptu performances that add to the overall experience.
Relaxing in Cafes and Tea Houses:
Tourists can take a break from shopping and exploration by relaxing in one of the traditional cafes or tea houses, enjoying a cup of Egyptian tea or coffee while soaking in the atmosphere.
These activities collectively offer tourists a multifaceted experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the cultural, historical, and social aspects of Khan El Khalili.
Salah El-Den El-Ayoba’s citadel
One of the most important landmarks of the Islamic Cairo, and one of the most luxurious military citadels built in the Middle Ages. It was built by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in the year 1176 AD to be a fortress for Egypt in which the army would protect himself if the country faced an external invasion. After that, it became the place of the government, receiving sultans and princes until the era of Khedive Ismail in the year 1875 AD, and then a place to visit.
The citadel contains many monuments dating back to the different Islamic eras, including mosques, palaces, museums, and towers. The most famous of them are the Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque, Al-Jawhara Palace, the Military Museum and the Police Museum. The citadel witnessed bloody historical events, from which the army liberate the country from the crusaders, also crowned the sultans and slaughtered others. It also witnessed the fall of the Mamluk state in Egypt.
The citadel contains many monuments dating back to the different Islamic eras, including mosques, palaces, museums, and towers. The most famous of them are the Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque, Al-Jawhara Palace, the Military Museum and the Police Museum. The citadel witnessed bloody historical events, from which the army liberate the country from the crusaders, also crowned the sultans and slaughtered others. It also witnessed the fall of the Mamluk state in Egypt.
The Egyptian museum
Egyptian Museum, museum of Egyptian antiquities in Cairo, which was founded in the 19th century by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette and which housed the world’s most valuable collection of its kind into the 21st century. The museum is unique in its presentation of the whole history of Egyptian civilization, especially of antiquities of the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. On the ground floor are a number of large and heavy objects, including colossal figures situated inside the middle atrium. At the peak of its collection, the museum stored more than 100,000 items. Most of the artifacts were never displayed, however, because of the museum’s crowded and small space.
Treasures include reliefs, sarcophagi, papyri, funerary art and the contents of various tombs, jewelry, ornaments of all kinds, and other objects. The Tanis collection—sometimes compared in spectacle to that of Tutankhamun’s tomb, although discovered later and less well known—boasts silver coffins, gold masks, royal sarcophagi, and jewelry. There are granite figures of Queen Hatshepsut, as well as colossal figures of Amenhotep IV (Akhenaton) from Karnak. The museum also houses a small but fine collection of Fayum portraits from Hellenistic and Roman times.
In the late 2010s the Egyptian government began transferring tens of thousands of the museum’s items to the larger Grand Egyptian Museum under construction in nearby Giza, including thousands of pieces from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Other objects moved to the new museum from the museum in Cairo included a block statue of Queen Hetepheres, one of the earliest examples of its type, and a black granite sculpture of Queen Nefertiti. A sculpture of Amenhotep II, showing him as the god Tenen, was also moved.
The Egyptian museum Masterpieces
1. The Palette of Narmer
The Palette of Narmer, which dates back to the 31st century BC and contains some of the earliest known hieroglyphic paintings, is considered one of the world’s oldest historical documents. To mark King Narmer’s ascension to power, a 23-inch-long dark green schist stone was fashioned into a ceremonial tablet in the shape of a shield. This sculpture, which depicts Narmer winning the struggle for the union of upper and lower Egypt, is on display at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada.
2. The Statuette of King Khufu
The 7.5-inch (3-inch) ivory statue of King Khufu (Cheops) is one of the smallest and most valuable artifacts ever discovered in ancient Egypt, and it is also the sole image of him ever discovered. He is said to be the king for whom the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed. The statue was discovered on the southern corner of the temple of Osiris in Abydos’ ancient necropolis and is now housed in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. The statue was found headless, and after two weeks of excavating, the statue’s head was uncovered. A serekh name of King Khufu appears on the left shoulder of the statue, suggesting that it is his.
3. Triads of King Menkawre (Mycerinus)
Triad of King Menkawre An English excavator called George Reisner discovered 5 triad sculptures of King Menkawre accompanied by Goddess Hathor and nomes gods in the mummification temple of King Menkawre a.k.a. the valley temple in 1910. Grey-Green Schist is used to create the triads. The Egyptian Museum has three of the triads, while the Boston Museum of Fine Arts houses the other two. The triad depicts the king in a very powerful strict image, with his left leg stepping forward and the white silver crown of upper Egypt above his head, while Hathor stands to his right, wearing her typical crown composed of the sun disc between two cow’s horns, and the other lady is wearing the symbol of her nome.
Complex of seven old churches.
We will head to Mar Gerges Station which is just few steps away from the religious complex.Once we are there we will start with St George church and we will see its unique architecture. We will then head to the main attraction which is the hanging church and we will explore together the reason it's called the hanging church.
We will head to Mar Gerges Station which is just few steps away from the religious complex.Once we are there we will start with St George church and we will see its unique architecture. We will then head to the main attraction which is the hanging church and we will explore together the reason it's called the hanging church.
We will also illustrate its importance in the Coptic Church history and the role it played from the 11th century to the 15th Century. We will also see some unique old icons.
After we are done with the hanging church we will move straight to the St.Sergoois church, which is a very old one, we will go through its old history and some important events took place there and its importance to the newly consecrated popes, we will experience together the cave in which the holy family took shelter for three months and we will see the water will that they used to drink water from.
We will then go quickly through the remaining churches, and we will explain the reason behind the ship looking shape of these churches and see some great old icons. We will then give time for photos and buying souvenirs and shopping.
Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque
The Tulunids established the first independent state in Egypt during the Abbasid period, during which Egypt was able to keep all of its wealth. Ahmad ibn Tulun, the founder of the dynasty, initiated many economic and cultural reforms. He started by establishing a new administrative center, called al-qata’I, where he built his mosque, currently known as the Ibn Tulun mosque. The Tulunids ruled for about thirty-five years, after which came the Ikhshids.
The mosque of Ibn Tulun was commissioned by Ahmad Ibn Tulun (254–270 AH/868–884 AD), ‘Abbasid governor of Egypt, who in 266 AH\ 872 AD ruled Egypt as an independent state.
Construction began in 263 AH/876 AD, and finished in 265 AH/879 AD. Located on Jebal Yashkur (in modern-day Ahmad Ibn Tulun Square, Sayyida Zaynab), the mosque was meant to serve as the main congregational mosque of Ibn Tulun’s new administrative capital, al-Qata’i. The building of this mosque was a further step in asserting Ahmad Ibn Tulun’s independence from the ʿAbbasid Caliphate.
The mosque is distinguished by its spiral minaret, which echoes the designs of the al-Abbas mosque in Samarra, Iraq. The arches and the windows of the mosque’s courtyard contain stucco designs of geometric and floral designs.
A water fountain is positioned in the center of the courtyard, surmounted by a dome supported on marble columns. The interior of the mosque contains six mihrabs. The mihrab is a niche in the wall of a mosque that marks the qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer. The main mihrab is hollow and elaborately decorated.
Mosque-school of Sultan Hassan
The Sultan Hassan Mosque is one of the most Islamic world’s valuable monument. As the Giza Pyramids is the stunning of Ancient Egypt, Sultan Hassan Mosque is the one for ancient Islamic Egypt. It was founded by Sultan Hassan, son of the great Mamluk Sultan Al Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalawun.
It was Constructed during the mid-14th century, and completed in 1359, it was an great architectural achievement for its age. At 150 meters. It's one of the largest mosques in the world. As enormous as this Mosque, it's equally elegant.
The greatness of the mosque reflects the dramatic life of the Sultan who ordered it to be built: after coming to power at the age of 13 years old.
shortly after one of the four planned min
National Museum of Civilization (NMEC)
The National Museum of Civilization is a mirror that reflects the effects of all successive civilizations in Egyptian history, which gives its visitor an important and unique message, the only one and the first of its kind in the world, that a tourist and cultural forum includes cultural symbols from successive civilizations in different time periods
The history of the National Museum of Civilization dates back to the year 1982, when the Egyptian government asked the United Nations Educational, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to launch an international campaign to establish the museum. An architectural competition was announced to design the museum’s structure, and the current design was tested. In 1999, an area was chosen. Al-Fustat to be the site of the museum, then the foundation stone for the museum was laid in the year 2002 following the excavations that took place on the site since 2000, and in 2017 a temporary exhibition hall was opened in the museum under the name “Egyptian Crafts Through the Different Ages,” and the year 2021 witnessed the opening of The central exhibition hall in a global forum represents the transfer of 22 royal mummies from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir to the National Museum of Civilization.
There are many reasons that emphasize the importance of the National Museum of Civilization. On the cultural level, the museum is considered one of the best museums in Egypt, because it introduces tourists and various foreign institutions to Egyptian civilization and the richness it has enjoyed throughout the ages. On the material level, it is considered a center for attracting currency. difficult foreign affairs, as the museum has received great demand since it was established.
The National Museum of Civilization includes many collections, including the main hall, which contains distinctive artifacts from the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras, and finally from the modern and contemporary era. The museum also includes the Pharaonic Mummies Hall, the Egyptian Textile Hall, the Temporary Display Hall, and the Capital Museum. And the ancient dye.
The National Museum of Civilization includes many collections, including the main hall, which contains distinctive artifacts from the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras, and finally from the modern and contemporary era. The museum also includes the Pharaonic Mummies Hall, the Egyptian Textile Hall, the Temporary Display Hall, and the Capital Museum. And the ancient dye.
The museum also includes special places for cultural activities and events, such as a meeting hall, a lecture hall, a cinema, a theatre, a Roman theatre, and museum education classes for children. It also includes a hall for receiving VIP visitors, restoration centers and laboratories, a library, an advanced printing press, a gift house, and a private area. To receive the antiquities, there is a bus and car parking lot, as well as many commercial areas, which include shops, cafeterias and restaurants, some of which overlook the “Ain al-Hayat” lake. The museum will soon host the School of Egyptian Civilization, which aims to increase tourism and archaeological awareness among citizens
