Port Said Shore Excursion

This 12 hour Port Said shore trip packs a lot into a single day including the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Another highlight is a visit to the Egyptian Museum with the famous King Tut treasures.

After meeting your driver and Egyptologist guide at the port you depart for Cairo which is Egypt's capital and most populated city with nearly 18 million people in the metropolitan area. It is a modern city and yet so closely associated with Ancient Egypt due to its proximity to the ancient cities of Memphis, Fustat and Giza.

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 Great Pyramids from the exterior but there is also the optional opportunity to 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 have free time for lunch before visiting 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.

Later this afternoon you return to the pier 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.