ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

Discover the incredible Pyramids and Sphinx of Alexandira, as well as taking in the Egyptian Museum.

Our tour begins with a coach ride of approximately three hours to the outskirts of Giza, where upon arrival, we can embark on an unforgettable tour of the Pyramids of Giza.

The pyramids were built in approximately 2500 BC for the Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus, with blocks of limestone from the plateau and Turah Hills on the outskirts of Cairo. As we stand beside these incredible Egyptian monuments, we can marvel at the sheer size of them and the enormity of their construction. The Great Pyramid of Cheops alone – the only present-day survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – required over 2,300,000 blocks of stone, each weighing approximately two and a half tonnes, while at its base it covers 13 acres of land. 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, which is approximately five metres (16 feet) high, looks towards the rising sun in the east, symbolising the return of life each day. Almost a thousand years after its construction, King Thutmose IV placed a stela (an inscribed slab) between the front paws of the Sphinx, describing how it had spoken to the then prince in a dream, promising him kingship if he cleared away the desert sand that was choking the Sphinx. We can explore this and many other legends surrounding this timeless regal figure. We shall then transfer to a local souvenir shop, where we have an opportunity to purchase gifts.

Next we drive to a local hotel where we can enjoy a buffet lunch. Feeling refreshed, we proceed to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which exhibits over 120,000 objects in its 107 halls. Completed in 1902, the Museum is considered to house the world’s finest collection of Pharaonic artefacts. We can view objects dating back to 4000 BC, including the palette of King Narmer, the New Kingdom Hathor Shrine of Tuthmosis III, and treasures from the world-famous tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun. We then re-board our tour coach for our return drive to Alexandria and our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a lot of walking around the Egyptian Museum and uneven, sandy ground will be encountered near the Pyramids. There are approximately 12 steps to enter the Egyptian Museum (a ramp is available) and 30 steps to access the second floor. A total walking time of approximately three 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 any passengers suffering from claustrophobia, heart conditions or breathing or circulation problems. At the panoramic viewpoint of Giza, there may be a chance for a short camel ride. This is not included in the price of this tour, and participation is at the passengers’ own risk. The price is US $3 per person (price correct at the time of printing) for a short ride, or US $1 to sit on the camel for a photograph, and is payable directly to the camel owner. The use of still cameras and video cameras is free within the area of the Pyramids and Sphinx, however 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 reference, the drive from Alexandria to the outskirts of Giza will take approximately three hours each way. For our convenience, there is a toilet on the coach, and complimentary mineral water is available. Lunch is served with refreshments, including soft drinks, tea or coffee, a glass of local wine or a bottle of beer.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES