Port Said Shore Excursion

This two day Port Said shore trip includes overnight accommodations, a dune buggy drive in the desert, a Nile River Dinner Cruise; plus top sites including the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum with Mummy Room.

Day 1 - After meeting your Egyptologist guide at the pier you immediately depart for the open air Memphis Museum. At the ancient city of Memphis and the necropolis of Sakkara you will see the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first freestanding stone structure in the world and the oldest known of Egypt's 97 pyramids. The Step Pyramid was built for the 3rd Dynasty King Zoser by the architect Imhotep, who was considered one of the most revolutionary architects and a genius.

Your Egyptologist will guide you to tombs belonging to some of the nobles of the past. These tombs show the beauty and excellence of Ancient Egyptian art on their walls and give the visitor an insight into the daily life of Ancient Egypt. At the site of Memphis, you will see the ancient capital that once stood as a flourishing metropolis during the time of the Pharaohs.

Three major finds have recently been discovered at Sakkara including a prime minister's tomb and a queen's pyramid. The area is surrounded by lush palm groves and bushes which isolate the site of the old city from modern civilization.

Next you enjoy your desert adventure as you drive dune buggies through the desert terrain and around pyramids. These custom made dune buggies are capable of traveling at speeds of over 50 mph. You will enjoy views most tourist will never get to see with this most exciting way to see the ancient wonders. This is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that you will be talking about with all your friends.

Lunch is included in this tour.

Later this afternoon you check into your hotel. The Meridien Pyramids Hotel and Spa is a 5-star property which is located within view of these amazing pyramids.

Later this evening you enjoy a Nile Dinner Cruise. You will admire the lights and sights of Cairo by night as you cruise gently down the river and enjoy a 5-star meal. After dinner, you will be entertained by a spectacular mix of Egyptian folkloric music and dancing, and a belly dancer.

Day 2 - After breakfast (included in price) you meet your Egyptologist guide in the lobby of the hotel and depart for the Great Pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and it, along with the Sphinx, are Egypt's most visited monuments.

The Great Pyramid is also referred to as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops. The pyramid was constructed around 2550 BC and is the largest of the three pyramids at Giza. At 480 feet high, this pyramid was the tallest man made structure for over 3,800 years. You visit the interior of The Pyramid of Khufu.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a statue of a sphinx lying on its stomach with its head raised and legs pointed forward. This mythical creature has a human head and lion's body and stands almost 70 feet high and 250 feet long on the Giza Plateau near the west bank of the Nile.

While you are at Giza you also visit the Solar Boat Museum where you see the Khufu ship which was discovered in 1954, making it one of the most important archaeological finds since the Tomb of King Tut. The ship was built for Khufu (King Cheops) around 2500 BC and is the oldest, largest, and best-preserved vessel from antiquity.

Next you visit the Egyptian Museum with the famous King Tut treasures. The museum is located at the Tahrir Square in Cairo. It opened in 1902 and has over 100 exhibit halls including larger statues on the ground floor and smaller statues, jewels, the Tutankhamen Treasures and the mummies on the upper floors. While you are here you see some of the most precious items from Ancient Egypt. For many people, the Mummy Room is a highlight.

Early this afternoon you have time for lunch before the ride back to the port in Port Said.

Important Information about Tours in Egypt

Egyptologists - Your private tour includes a guide who speaks English and has graduated from the faculty of tourism and hotels and is licensed and authorized by the Ministry of Tourism.

Overnight Tours - Overnight tours are available from the ports of Alexandria and Port Said. It is possible to start an overnight tour in one port, and the next day, end in the other port. Many ships visit one port on day 1 and another port on day 2, these overnight tours are designed to accommodate this scenario. Please advise us at the time of reservation if you need to return to a different port.

Photography - Photography is prohibited inside most museums and inside the Pyramids of Giza. While it is possible to photograph the exterior of the Pyramids, it is not permitted in the interior. Some sites charge a fee for the use of video cameras.

Ramadan - During the Holy Month of Ramadan, sites and shops close earlier than normal. Because of this, the tour itineraries are changed so that you visit all sites and then end your day with a stop for lunch. Due to the late lunch, we recommend that you bring a snack box which you can eat at the typical lunch time.

Restaurants - In Egypt, many of the best restaurants are located in hotels. These restaurants are authorized by the Ministry of Tourism and provide international and local cuisine which is suitable for the Western diet.

Security - Tourism is very important to Egypt's economy. Because of this, tour coaches and vehicles typically travel in convoys with police security provided. With a private tour, you have your own vehicle, driver and Egyptologist guide but while traveling, you travel in convoys with other vehicles.

Shopping - Most shops are open daily, but some close on Sundays. On tours, guides typically only recommend government approved shops. Local bazaars can be found in downtown areas and at major ports. The local currency is the Egyptian Pound, however other major currencies are often accepted.

VISA Entry - Most visitors are required to have a VISA entry stamped in their passport to enter Egypt. These are provided on all major cruise ships by Egyptian government officials who board the ship upon arrival.

Water- It is recommended that you only drink bottled water.

Mobility: Please inquire about tours with wheelchairs.