The Great Pyramid Tour

What To Expect At The Giza Pyramids

• You guide will cover the history of the pyramids in briefings during the morning.
• If you go into the burial chamber of the pyramid, it will be hot and a slow walk. Think about it if you are claustrophobic.
• You can take a walk around the pyramids if you like, but always have a hat, umbrella or water if its hot.
• There are many hawkers around, and if you are with your guide, you will be left alone and not asked to buy curios.
• If you walk around by yourself, always be courteous and firm, if you decline a hawkers advances.
• Your vehicle will be parked outside the perimeter of the pyramids but will enter to take you to the viewing area.
• The viewing area is on a ridge that overlooks the pyramids and is brilliant for taking photos and videos. You are not restricted.
• Within the pyramid compound, there are Tourist Police who can be called upon at any time should you them.

All About Faith

Most people are impressed by the size of the Giza Pyramids. But the reason for their existence was the pharaoh’s faith and belief in eternal life. Pyramids were a way to transition to their new life. The reflection of light from the pyramid would, they believed, help them transcend to the heavens (based on the angle and direction of the pyramid). And their alignment with the Orion Constellation would link them to the God Osiris. This tour will give you great insight into the pharaoh’s motivations.

Pyramids As The Stairways to Eternity

There are 118 Egyptian Pyramid’s, the largest at Giza. And one family built 6 of the largest Egyptian pyramids. The pharaoh Khufu who built the largest at Giza, was preceded by his father, the Pharoah Sneferu, who built 3 pyramids in his lifetime. It’s been suggested that Khufu would have played in the shadows of the pyramids his father built. And the lessons learnt made for the impressive Gisa Pyramids. We tell you the story on our tours so that they become an incredible experience.

And Watching The Century’s Unfold Was the Sphinx

Legend has it that sphinxes were placed at the entrance of temples to guard their mysteries. Even the name was given to it 2000 years after the date of its construction (during Khafre’s rule) But Sellen Hassan, an Egyptologist wrote, that “Taking all things into consideration, it seems that we must give the credit of erecting this, the world’s most wonderful statue, to Khafre, but always with this reservation that there is not one single contemporary inscription which connects the Sphinx with Khafre”. The mystery continues. Nevertheless, impressive indeed!

And Now A Treat…..Kind Of!

If you are an adventurous type and want to get that iconic photo to show your grand kids in years to come that you were indeed in Egypt, then this may be an opportunity that you will find hard to pass up. You can get on a camel for a walk around the pyramids and you can snap away or video it for posterity. We must warn you though, it’s not similar to an air conditioned vehicle. Your choice entirely and its part of the experience.

Leaving The Pyramids for Lunch

We enjoy taking our guess out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points. We only take our guests to the best restaurants. We place good hygiene and cleanliness within those establishments as the number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety is our overriding priority.

What To Expect At Saqqara

• You guide will cover the history of the Stepped Pyramid
• You will be able to go into the burial chamber which is below the pyramids base – it’s not an upward walk! Chambers in earlier pyramids like Saqqara were below ground whilst later pyramids like those at Giza were in the centre of the structure.
• You can take a walk around the enclosure of the pyramid but always have a hat, umbrella and water if its hot.  There are very few hawkers as well. You will also be able to go inside one of the recently discovered tombs. Don’t miss this as its amazing.
• You are free to take videos and images inside (just refer to the signage and the lead of your guide) as circumstances can change.

Saqqara – The Site of the First Stone Built Pyramid

Saqqara is where the first ever stone pyramid was built. It dates to the 27th Century BC (4,693 years old). The pyramid is known as the pyramid of Djoser (after the pharaoh of that name) or The Stepped Pyramid. Today, it is the most important archaeological site in all of Egypt. It was designed by Imhotep, the architect for Djoser. The Step Pyramid stands at a height of 204 feet (62 meters) with six stepped layers. And you will also go inside the pyramid.

And Additionally, We Enter Recently Discovered Tombs

Saqqara has continued to showcase new archaeological findings. Modern technology has enabled new finds to be discovered. And hence we can enter recently discovered tombs in what is an overwhelming experience. The brilliance of the hieroglyphics and wall inscriptions is astounding. You can spend time discovering these and your guide will provide briefings. An amazing experience when you think of how well the tombs have survived the centuries.

False Doors and Brilliant Interiors

The tombs will leave you enthralled and the history they tell, of the daily life of the ancient Egyptians, can take you back to what it meant to live in that era. Our tours are living history experiences which recreates what it meant to be Egyptian. Amazing indeed when you think of the skills and application of technology that they had. Ancient Egypt was a very advanced society in almost every discipline.

And So, We Return to Cairo

We return to Cairo in late afternoon after what has been an exhilarating and revealing day. Your images will capture memories of a lifetime and we believe that they will spark a new area of interest for you. We do hope to see you again soon, inshallah. The interpretation “inshallah” …..if God wills!

Drop Off: We drop you off at your hotel – End of Tour

This half day tour can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic History), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others. Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.

• Pick up and return from your hotel
• Water
• Lunch
• All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat.
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• (Optional) Membership of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt

Exclusions

• Personal expenditure of any kind
• Tips
• Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)