PORT SAID, EGYPT

We shall depart the pier by coach for a drive of approximately three hours to Cairo, the capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa. More then 16 million people live here alongside some of the most astonishing masterpieces of the ancient world.

We shall depart the pier by coach for a drive of approximately three hours to Cairo, the capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa. More then 16 million people live here alongside some of the most astonishing masterpieces of the ancient world. We will first visit the unforgettable Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. As we stand beside these incredible Egyptian monuments, we marvel at the sheer size of them and the enormity of their construction. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) rightly deserves its place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For literally thousands of years it was the tallest structure on earth. Carved from a natural rock, the Sphinx – which has the body of a lion and the face of a man – is 58 metres (190 feet) long and 20 metres (66 feet) tall at its highest point. The face around 5 metres (16 feet) high, looks towards the rising sun in the east, symbolising the return of life each day. Following our visit to the pyramids we shall have a short drive to the local hotel where we shall stop for a buffet lunch. En route we will make a brief stop where we can enjoy some free time and browse in a few souvenir shops. After lunch, we shall proceed to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Completed in 1902, the museum is considered to house the world’s finest collection of Pharaonic artefacts. We will view objects d’art dating back to 4,000 BC, including the palette of King Narmer, the New Kingdom Hathor Shrine of Tuthmosis III, and over 1,700 delicate treasures from the Tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun. We will then return to our awaiting ship in Port Said.

Please note that this tour involves a lot of walking around the Egyptian Museum, and uneven, sandy ground will be encountered near the Pyramids – a total walking time of approximately 3 hours can be expected. There are steps leading up to the museum and also inside it. There will be an opportunity to enter one of the Pyramids (not the Great Pyramid), however, this experience is not recommended for anyone who suffers from claustrophobia, a heart condition or breathing problems. At the panoramic viewpoint of Giza, there may be chance for a short camel ride, but this isn’t included in the tour price and participation will be at passengers’ own risk. Price is US $3.00 per person, to be paid directly to the camel man. Should you only wish to sit on the camel, to have your photo taken, it will cost you US $1.00 per person. (Prices correct at the time of printing.) PHOTOGRAPHY FEES: The use of still cameras and video cameras is free within the area of the Pyramids and Sphinx, but the use of either inside the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum is strictly prohibited. Regulations are correct at the time of printing, but are subject to alteration without notice. For our convenience, there is a toilet on the coach and complimentary mineral water is available. Refreshments are served with lunch, including a glass of local wine or a bottle of local beer.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES