Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and See the City’s Landmarks
You will begin your 2-day trip to Cairo and Alexandria from Aswan. First, travel to Cairo, where you will meet your tour guide. Then, you will visit some of the significant tourist sites in Cairo, including:
Giza Pyramids Complex
The Giza Pyramids Complex stands as a testament to over 4,000 years of history. It contains three enormous pyramids, six minor pyramids, the single guardian, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. These structures inspire awe and wonder.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Khufu serves as a passage across the skies to paradise. Built in 2580 BC, it stands at 147 m (481 ft). This pyramid was the first of its kind in ancient Egypt. Constructed using 2,300,000 limestone blocks over 20 years, it was the world’s tallest building for about 3,800 years until the 14th century.
The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx rises 73 meters (240 feet) tall and 19 meters (66 feet) wide. Its design features the body of a lion and the head of King Khafre. This colossal sentinel immortalizes his power and wisdom.
The Valley Temple
The Valley Temple is one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient constructions. Created during Egypt’s Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC), it was used for the mummification process. Constructed entirely of limestone and granite, it houses stunning diorite sculptures of Chephren and other monuments. Afterward, you will enjoy a fantastic lunch at a restaurant with a view of the pyramids. Then, you will head to:
The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove, containing over 120,000 rare artifacts made from rich materials like gold, silver, and precious gems. It also displays a number of mummies dating back over 4,000 years. This museum ranks among the largest in the world. Afterward, you will check into a 5-star hotel in Cairo for the night.
Day 2: Alexandria Sightseeing Tours
In the morning, enjoy your breakfast and check out of your Cairo hotel. Afterward, you will continue your journey to Alexandria, the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea. You will see top tourist sites, including:
Citadel of Qaitbay
The Citadel of Qaitbay holds the immortal spirit of the Alexandria Lighthouse. Built in 1477 by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf Al-Din Qaitbay, it stands on the legendary site of the lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes between 956 AD and 1323 AD. The citadel itself uses stones from its ruins. Perched on a stunning cliff, this fortress showcases remarkable Islamic-era designs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The Library of Alexandria
The Library of Alexandria serves as a memorial to the ancient library of the same name. Today, it is one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated libraries. Notably, it is the sixth-largest Francophone library, featuring works in Arabic, English, and French.
Additionally, it houses the largest storehouse of French literature in North Africa and the Middle East, along with a collection of rare books. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local Alexandria restaurant. Then, continue your journey by visiting:
Pompey’s Pillar
Pompey’s Pillar rises as the largest monolithic column ever built outside of Rome. It reaches a height of 28 meters and a width of 2.7 meters. A Greek inscription dedicated to Emperor Diocletian adorns its western upper side. During the Middle Ages, the Crusaders mistakenly named it after Pompey, believing they had discovered the remains of the great Roman general at the top.
Kom El Shoqafa’s Catacombs
Dating from the 2nd century AD, the Catacombs Necropolis blends Hellenistic and Roman aesthetics with ancient Egyptian design. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, it features three stories rich in treasures and decoration. Afterward, you will fly back to Aswan, concluding your 2-day journey to Cairo and Alexandria from Aswan.
