Deciding to visit Egypt is an exhilarating experience in itself. For most travelers, it’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, one they have grown up wondering if they would ever make happen. And the moment you finally decide to go, it’s a big deal.
Very few visitors make their own travel arrangements, and for good reason. You don't want to make a mistake on such a momentous trip to an iconic destination. Most people’s biggest fear is missing the best experiences and choosing the wrong ones.
So, it’s no surprise that working with a certified and experienced travel advisor is your first stop. Together, we’ll curate your itinerary that will fit your travel style and interests. While you won’t be able to see and experience everything, we can ensure you hit Egypt's biggest and best.
We’ll start the planning in Cairo, where most visitors land. Known as the city of a thousand minarets, Cairo is the natural starting point for your visit to Egypt. Most travelers spend two or three days here, but you could easily spend more.
There’s so much to explore in the fascinating city, from ancient religious sites and bustling markets to world-class museums, not to mention the history, culture, and architecture. Plus, it’s your hub for day trips to the pyramids.
Here are some of the popular city sites:
1. Bab Zuweila
As you walk through Old Cairo, visiting Al Azhar Mosque and the Tentmakers' Souk, stop at Bab Zuweila (bab means “gate” in Arabic). It’s one of the last gates still standing in the Old City.
Here, you’ll find two of Cairo’s famous minarets. For panoramic views, head to the rooftop.
2. The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
Architecture lovers will be in awe. Home to the tallest minaret in Cairo, this massive mosque and madrasa (Islamic college) is one of the best examples of Mamluk architecture worldwide.
Built in the mid-1300s, the monument is still appreciated today for its innovative architectural components.
3. The Egyptian Museum / Grand Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square in Cairo is considered one of the best museums in the world. It has an astonishing collection of antiquities.
When it opens near the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum will replace the Egyptian Museum. The new museum will be larger, more modern, and even more renowned than its predecessor.
Whether you visit the old or new location, you won’t be able to see everything in a single visit, but you must check out the famous Tutankhamun Galleries. Beyond that, you can decide what treasures interest you most.
4. National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations
If you’re fascinated by mummies, you’ll want to stop here.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC), dedicated to telling the entire story of Egypt's human history, is the permanent home of the Royal Mummies Collection. You can expect to see Ramses II and III, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, Seti I and II, and more!
5. Coptic Cairo
Near NMEC, you can visit the Christian stronghold of Old Cairo called Coptic Cairo.
The area has many biblical sites, including the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, where local legend says Mary, Joseph, and Jesus sought refuge from King Herod.
Outside the quarter, the first mosque built in Egypt, the Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As, is located.
6. The Nilometer on Roda Island
Ancient Egyptians used the nilometer to measure the Nile River’s clarity and water level to determine whether there would be famine or flood. Head to Roda Island to see this fascinating piece of Egyptian history, often overlooked by visitors to Cairo.
And here are two popular day trips:
1. The Pyramids of Giza
You can’t plan a trip to Egypt without the pyramids! About 10 miles from Cairo, the sprawling Giza Necropolis is home to the iconic Great Sphinx, Great Pyramid, and many other structures that have endured the last 4,500 years.
The massive ancient tombs, still so mysterious to modern humans, never fail to delight and leave visitors in awe.
2. Dahshur & Saqqara
Less than 20 miles from Cairo, you can visit "the other pyramids" - pyramids that are even older than those in Giza.
In the royal necropolis of Dahshur, ancient Egyptians perfected their pyramid-building skills. Their first attempts can be seen.
And in Saqqara, you’ll find the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest. Check the news before you visit. Ongoing excavations here mean ongoing discoveries that often make headlines.
Your trip to Egypt is sure to be life-changing in many ways, and I look forward to helping you plan out the details.
Hey there, future adventurer! Are you ready to uncover the wonders of ancient Egypt in the heart of Cairo? Trust me, it's a journey you won't soon forget.
From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the bustling streets of Khan el-Khalili, Cairo is a feast for the senses. And let's not forget those unforgettable day trips – picture yourself cruising down the Nile or exploring the ancient wonders of Luxor.
But here's the thing – planning a trip to Cairo can feel like navigating a maze of history and culture. That's where Jetsetting LLC comes in. We'll take the stress out of your hands and craft the perfect Egyptian adventure just for you.
Reach out to us today, and let's turn your Cairo dreams into reality. Whether you're craving a guided tour of the city's top sites or seeking insider tips on the best local eats, we've got you covered.
Don't let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away – contact Jetsetting LLC now, and let's make magic happen in Cairo!
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