Hurghada Excursions to Cairo

Showing 1–12 of 19 results

  • Giza Cairo Excursion Hurghada

    Hurghada to Cairo Day Trip

    Sale! $35,00$70,00
    Embark on a journey to Cairo, and let us take care of your comfort and safety. Our air-conditioned bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hurghada and drive you through the stunning Red Sea and desert scenery. Once you arrive in Cairo, your tour guide will be waiting to take you on a bus tour. We understand that travelling to a new place can be overwhelming, so that we will assist you every step of the way. The Egyptian National Museum is a must-see attraction, and our tour will take you there to marvel at the pharaonic treasures, including Tutankhamun's golden glory and the fascinating sarcophagi. You will also visit the famous pyramids, considered one of the World's Seven Wonders. Your guide will give you plenty of time to admire the pyramids and take in the breathtaking view from the plateau. And, of course, no visit to the pyramids is complete without seeing the Sphinx. If you still have some energy left, we offer an optional Nile trip for an additional charge. We understand that you don't want to miss out on the ancient wonders of Cairo just because you're in Hurghada. That's why we've made it our mission to provide you with a comfortable and convenient way to experience the highlights of Cairo. Our driver-guide will take you in an air-conditioned vehicle, and we'll even include a delicious lunch and a visit to the local bazaar. You'll have everything you need to make memories that will last a lifetime. We know that travelling can be stressful, so we want to make it as easy as possible for you. That's why we'll pick you up from your hotel at a time that works for you and take care of all the details. You can sit back, relax, and let us show you the wonders of Cairo.
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  • Cairo Individual Trip Hurghada

    Cairo Individual Trip Hurghada

    Sale! $90,00$250,00
    We understand you're interested in seeing the three Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx during your trip to Cairo from Hurghada. We're here to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. After visiting these impressive landmarks, you can relax and enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to the Egyptian Museum. To top off the day, we've included a boat trip on the Nile as an additional program. Our trip price includes private transfers, entrance tickets, and lunch, so you won't have to worry about anything. Our full-day guided tour to Cairo and the Giza Pyramids is perfect for travellers on a tight schedule who want to see all the top sights in Egypt's history-packed capital. Your Egyptologist guide will provide fascinating stories from thousands of years of history, and we've included free time for photos at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. You'll also get a peek at the famous relics of King Tutankhamun at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum and enjoy a tasty restaurant lunch. Our rep will pick you up at 3:00 a.m. from your hotel lobby in Hurghada, and we recommend ordering a breakfast box before bed so you can enjoy it during the four-hour trip to Cairo. Upon arrival, your guide will join you for the day, ensuring you have a comfortable and stress-free experience. The Giza Plateau is an overwhelming sight, and we want to ensure you have the time to take it all in. The Egyptian Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, and our guide will provide insights into the fascinating collection of more than 120 thousand pieces. The museum overlooks Al Tahrir Square, which witnessed the Egyptian Revolution in 2011 and its second wave in 2013. We understand that this trip is essential to you, and we're committed to making it a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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  • Sakkara Dahshur Trip Hurghada

    Sakkara Dahshur Trip Hurghada

    Sale! $140,00$300,00
    Experience the wonders of Ancient Egypt and Cairo as you embark on a day trip by plane to the Step Pyramid (Sakkara), Memphis, Dahshur pyramids, and the Pyramids of Giza from Hurghada. Explore the oldest of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World at Giza, marvel at the high Pyramid of Khufu, and learn about the unique construction techniques from an Egyptologist guide. Admire the reclining statue of the Great Sphinx, and visit Memphis and Sakkara before exploring the Dahshur pyramids. With an air-conditioned transfer vehicle, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Hurghada and driven to the airport for a 45-minute flight to Cairo. Your English-speaking tour guide will meet you upon arrival, and you'll continue in an air-conditioned vehicle to Dahshur, Memphis, and Sakkara. You'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus. The tour concludes with a visit to the Sphinx and the valley temple, and our transfer service will take you back to the airport in Cairo for your return flight to Hurghada. Please note that the order of the sights can be changed locally if necessary. This excursion can also be offered in a private form with an individual program and private guide upon request. Contact us if you're interested.
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  • Cairo Private Trip by Plane Hurghada

    Cairo Private Trip by Plane Hurghada

    Sale! $200,00$300,00
    Are you planning a trip to Cairo from Hurghada? Let us make it easy and memorable for you. Our package includes flight tickets, entrance tickets, and transfers, leaving you with nothing to worry about. We will pick you up from your hotel in Hurghada at 04:30 a.m and take you to the airport. After a short flight to Cairo, our representative will meet and assist you throughout the day. You will enjoy a private tour with our Egyptologist guide, who will provide you with detailed insight into the exquisite Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple of the Pyramid of Chephren. After that, we will take you to a local restaurant to have lunch. The next stop is the Egyptian Museum, which features artefacts from the Pharaonic period. The museum boasts a rare collection of 5000 years of art, including an exhibit dedicated to Tutankhamun's collection of treasure, gold, and jewellery. You will have ample time to explore Khan El Khalili, Cairo's old bazaar, before being driven to Cairo Airport for your flight back to Hurghada. We will ensure that you arrive safely at your hotel and that you have had a seamless and enjoyable trip. Let us take care of everything so that you can focus on making unforgettable memories in Egypt's capital.
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  • Cairo Overnight Trip Hurghada

    Cairo Overnight Trip Hurghada

    Sale! $0,00$240,00
    Are you looking for a memorable trip from Hurghada to explore the wonders of Cairo? We understand that travelling can be overwhelming, but we are here to help make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Our two-day trip will take you to the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, where you can discover the rich history of Egypt. After a delicious lunch, you will have the chance to visit the Egyptian Museum and marvel at its impressive collection of over 250,000 genuine artefacts. On the second day, your private tour guide will take you to explore the charming Old Cairo. You will get to see the Citadel of Saladin and the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the local culture. The trip price includes transfers, accommodation, and entrance tickets, so you don't have to worry about a thing. We understand that travelling can be tiring, and that's why we have arranged for a comfortable private vehicle with air-conditioning to take you from your hotel in Hurghada to Cairo and back. Our compassionate and sympathetic team will be there to assist you throughout the journey, making sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Book your trip with us today and create unforgettable memories in Egypt!
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  • Luxor Dendera Individual Trip Hurghada

    Luxor Dendera Individual Trip Hurghada

    Sale! $90,00$250,00
    If you're looking for a day trip to explore the wonders of Egypt, we highly recommend a private excursion to Dendera-Luxor from Hurghada. During this tour, you'll have the opportunity to see several incredible monuments that will leave you in awe. You'll start your adventure in eastern Luxor, where you'll visit the magnificent Karnak temple. Afterwards, you'll get a chance to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the western part of Luxor, you'll see the Colossi of Memnon, which stand at the entrance of the Temple of Amenhotep III. Finally, you'll head to Dendera to visit the temple of the goddess Hathor and also stop by the temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This private day tour will provide you with a private car and guide, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trip. We understand that travelling can be exhausting, which is why we want to ensure that your trip is as comfortable as possible. We'll pick you up from your hotel in Hurghada by private air-conditioned taxi and take you on a scenic drive to Dendera temple, which is approximately 231 km away. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Temple of Hathor, which was constructed during the Late Ptolemaic period. You'll marvel at the incredible design of the temple, which is in accordance with other classical Egyptian temples. You'll also see scenes portraying the Ptolemaic rulers, including a massive relief of Cleopatra VII and her son by Julius Caesar and co-ruler Ptolemy XV. Afterwards, we'll drive you to Luxor to visit the Temple of Karnak, the largest ancient religious site known anywhere in the world. You'll be amazed by the impressive size of the temple complex, which covers 247 acres of land. Following your visit, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on the west bank. Then, you'll visit the Valley of the Kings, which is the final resting place of Egypt's rulers from the 18th to the 20th dynasty. You'll have the opportunity to explore tombs, including the great Pharaoh Ramses II and boy Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The tombs are well-preserved and stocked with all the material goods a ruler might need in the afterlife. If you wish to visit the Tomb of The Young Pharaoh Tutankhamon, it costs an additional 200 Egyptian Pounds. You'll also have a chance to see the Colossi of Memnon, which are two massive stone statues of King Amenhotep III and the only remains of a complete mortuary temple. The two statues, known as the Colossi of Memnon, rise about 18 meters from the plain and are the remains of what was once the largest complex on the west bank, built by Amenhotep the Third. The statues are made from blocks of quartzite sandstone, which were moved 700 km to Luxor from Cairo. Finally, we'll transfer you back to your hotel in Hurghada by private air-conditioned vehicle. We hope you enjoy your private day tour to Dendera and Luxor, and we're here to help make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.
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  • Cairo Alexandria Excursion Hurghada

    Cairo Alexandria Excursion Hurghada

    Sale! $120,00$130,00
    We are pleased to offer you a two-day trip to Cairo and Alexandria, where you can explore the rich history of Egypt. We will take you on a comfortable bus from Hurghada to see the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. After lunch, we will take a boat trip across the beautiful Nile River, and we will visit the impressive Egyptian Museum. On the second day, we will travel to Alexandria to visit the Montaza Palace Gardens and the Citadel Fortress of Kite Bay. We will stop for lunch at a lovely fish restaurant and enjoy the city tour. You will also have the opportunity to see the Roman Amphitheater, Abu al-Abbas Mosque, and the famous Alexandria Library. We understand that travelling can be tiring, so we have arranged for a comfortable stay at the Movenpick Pyramids Hotel in Cairo, where you can relax and recharge. Our experienced and knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing you with fascinating insights into the history and culture of Egypt. Included in the package are all the entrance fees, two lunches at local restaurants, and mineral water and soft drinks on board the vehicle. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip, and we will take care of everything else. Thank you for choosing us to be your travel partner.
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  • Saint Barbara Church Cairo

    Three day Trip to Cairo from Hurghada

    Sale! $340,00
    Embark on a three-day excursion to Cairo from Hurghada by car and discover the city's highlights. During your visit, you will see the magnificent Giza pyramids, The Sphinx, the Egyptian museum, the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Sakkara, and Memphis. On the first day, you will be transferred from your hotel at 3:00 am to Cairo, which takes six hours to reach. Your arrival time in Cairo will be at 9:30 am. You will then visit the Giza Pyramid Complex, which includes three main pyramids, six little pyramids, the great sphinx, and the Valley Temple. This complex dates back to the 4th dynasty, 2400 years B.C. You will also see the Great Pyramid, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids of the Giza plateau, and the only one to remain intact from the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Sphinx, the largest statue in the world, standing 73 meters long, 19 meters wide, and 20 meters in height, will leave you in awe. You will also visit the Valley Temple, a granite mortuary temple used by Ancient Egyptians for the mummification process and the only remaining one at the Giza plateau. Afterwards, you will have lunch at the Pyramids/Nile view restaurant before moving on to visit The Egyptian Museum. The museum displays a rare collection of 5000 years of art, including an exhibit dedicated to Tutankhamun's collection of treasure, gold, and jewellery, which was enclosed in his tomb for over 3,500 years. You will then transfer to a hotel in Giza to spend the night. On the second day, after breakfast, you will join your private tour guide to visit Cairo highlights, including Salah el-Din Citadel, which served as Egypt's seat of government till the 1860s. It is a magnificent fortress constructed during Salah ad-Din reign. You will also visit Mohamed Ali Mosque, constructed between 1830 and 1848 and named " The Alabaster Mosque" because most of the walls were made out of pure alabaster. The mosque is a replica of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Then, you will pay a visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the most famous and oldest bazaars in the Middle East. You will spend the night in Cairo. On the third day, after breakfast, you will join your private tour guide to visit other Cairo highlights, including Djoser Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the first pyramid built in Egypt. You will also see the Ancient City of Memphis, founded around 3,100 BC, and the village of Dahshur, located about 40 kilometres southwest of Cairo. Dahshur marks the southern end of the vast pyramid field that begins at Giza. You will be transferred to Hurghada at the end of the day. Our qualified Egyptologist guide will accompany you during the 3-day trip, and all transfers will be by a private air-conditioned vehicle. You will spend two nights in Cairo, including the entrance fees. We hope you have a wonderful and memorable experience during your trip with us.
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  • Egyptian museum in Cairo

    Two day Private Trip to Cairo Hurghada

    Sale! $250,00
    Are you seeking a remarkable two-day trip from Hurghada to explore the marvels of Cairo? We understand that travelling can be overwhelming, but we are here to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Our trip will take you to the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, where you can discover the rich history of Egypt. After a delightful lunch, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Egyptian Museum and marvel at its impressive collection of over 250,000 authentic artefacts. On the second day, your private tour guide will take you to explore the charming Old Cairo, where you will see the Citadel of Saladin and the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, allowing you to shop for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the local culture. Our trip price includes transfers, accommodation, and entrance tickets, eliminating worries. We understand that travelling can be tiring, so we have arranged for a comfortable private vehicle with air-conditioning to take you from your hotel in Hurghada to Cairo and back. Our compassionate and sympathetic team will assist you throughout the journey, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Book your trip today and create unforgettable memories in Egypt!
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  • Aswan Abu Simbel Trip Hurghada

    Three Day Cairo Abu Simbel Trip by Air Hurghada

    Sale! $450,00
    Embark on a thrilling three-day tour from Hurghada to Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, and explore the magnificent attractions that Egypt has to offer. Begin your journey by visiting the renowned Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, accompanied by a private tour guide who will provide you with fascinating insights into the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Next, take a flight to Aswan and spend a night at the Basma Hotel before visiting the iconic Abu Simbel, one of Ramses the Second's greatest works. You will also have the opportunity to explore Aswan's top attractions, including the High Dam and the Temple of Goddess Isis on Phiala Island. Continue your journey to Luxor and spend a night in this ancient city, where you can discover the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Finally, drive back to Hurghada while relishing the memories of your unforgettable adventure. Throughout the tour, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation, hassle-free transfers, and comprehensive tickets to all the attractions. So, join us on this three-day flight trip and experience the most attractive temples and sites that Egypt has to offer.
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  • Wadi El Rayan protectorate

    Three Day Cairo Luxor Trip by Air Hurghada

    Sale! $550,00
    Experience a three-day flight trip from Hurghada to Cairo, Fayoum Oasis, and Luxor. Begin your journey with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple, followed by a trip to the Egyptian Museum to see King Tutankhamun's treasures. Spend the night in a hotel in Cairo before heading to Fayoum Oasis and Wadi el Hitan to witness petrified whale skeletons, shark teeth, roots of mangroves, and ancient seashells. Visit the Fossil and Climate Change Museum and enjoy lunch at the Wadi el Hitan rest house. Drive to the Magic Lake and Gebel Al-Mudawara and witness one of the most eye-catching sunsets ever. Spend the night in a 5-star hotel in Luxor and visit the Valley of the Kings on the third day. Consider an optional balloon ride for a great view of Luxor.
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  • Cairo Trip by Plane Hurghada

    Two Day Cairo Trip by Flight Hurghada

    Sale! $370,00
    Embark on an unforgettable journey to the majestic city of Cairo with our two-day excursion by air from Hurghada. This tour is designed to take you on an exciting adventure, exploring the most famous sights in Cairo, such as the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, home to King Tutankhamun's treasures. With your private guide, you'll explore the charming alleys and ancient mosques of old Cairo and shop until you drop at the bustling Khan el Khalil bazaar. Fully immerse yourself in Cairo's wonders, so we'll take care of all the ticket arrangements and transfers, leaving you free to focus on making unforgettable memories. Our Cairo Excursions by Air from Hurghada are the perfect way to explore this historic city in style. During your two-day tour, you'll be awestruck by the beauty of the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx and amazed by the world's most extensive collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts at the Egypt Museum. We'll even give you plenty of time to explore the famous Khan El Khalil bazaar before taking you back to Hurghada. We know your vacation time is precious, so we've ensured our Private Cairo 2-day Tour by plane from Hurghada is free from unwanted stops or shopping tours. We want you to have the best possible experience, so we offer private tours tailored to your group size. Please note, however, that small groups are subject to availability. Our unbeatable tour package lets you enjoy a delicious lunch and stay in a fabulous Cairo hotel with stunning Pyramids views. Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Book your Private Cairo 2-day Tour by plane from Hurghada today, and let us take care of everything else.
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Showing 1–12 of 19 results

If you’re looking for a way to see the main attractions in Cairo and Giza while staying in Hurghada, Hurghada excursions to Cairo are an excellent option. You have the choice of taking day trips or multi-day tours, depending on your preferences.

Hurghada’s strategic location means you can also visit nearby attractions such as Cairo tours. Explore the rich history of Egypt with Cairo tours, offering a range of options, including relaxing day tours to witness the Great Giza Pyramids and discover the beauty of Moez Street, Khan EL Khalili bazaar, Coptic Cairo, and Islamic Cairo.

Giza Pyramid Complex

Discover the Giza Plateau, the site of the ancient pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus; and six little pyramids, the great Sphinx, the ancient world’s most giant monumental sculpture, carved from a single ridge of limestone and the Valley Temple, which belongs to the Pyramid of Chephren. The complex dates back to the 4th Dynasty, 2400 years BC.

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian national museum is the home to the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts; The museum displays a rare collection of 5000 years of art, including treasures from Tutankhamun and artefacts dating back to 4000 BC. Over 150,000 genuine artefacts are presented .lies in busy Midan al-Tahrir.

Options to Make the Hurghada Excursions  to the Cairo

One-day Hurghada Tours to Pyramids by bus

If you’re staying in Hurghada, you don’t have to miss out on the ancient wonders of Cairo. Take advantage of this bus tour, which will transport you from the resort town to the Egyptian capital for a full day of sightseeing. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and thousands of artefacts, including the legendary King Tut’s golden mask, at the Egyptian Museum. You’ll also get to enjoy a delicious lunch and explore the local bazaar. You’ll be comfortable and safe throughout the journey with a knowledgeable driver-guide and an air-conditioned vehicle.

Indulge in a remarkable day trip to the heart of Egypt, Cairo, and discover the treasures of an ancient civilization. Your Egyptologist tour guide will pick you up from your hotel around 02:00 AM to start the journey to Cairo. Driving along the stunning coast of the red sea, you’ll cover a distance of 335 KM to Suez before moving another 120 KM to Cairo, which will take approximately 5 hours. A rest stop is scheduled in the middle of the way at Zafarana rest house for 30 minutes to enjoy a quick breakfast, coffee, and bathroom use.

The journey continues for two more hours until you reach Cairo around 09:00 in the morning. Once there, you’ll be awestruck by the breathtaking Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the unparalleled collection of thousands of artefacts at the Egyptian Museum. You’ll also have time to relish a delicious lunch and explore the vibrant local bazaar. Your safety and comfort are guaranteed with an air-conditioned vehicle and a skilled driver-guide at your service.

One-day Private Hurghada Excursions to Pyramids

Suppose you would like to do it privately; in that case, we recommend enjoying a private over-day trip to Cairo from Hurghada to visit The Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids, then return to your hotel in Hurghada by a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Head to Cairo in luxury on a private tour. Accompanied by your private Egyptologist tour guide, who will pick you up from the hotel around 03:00 AM to start the journey to Cairo, driving 335 KM on the coast of the red sea towards Suez, then moving 120 KM from Suez towards Cairo, Approximately 5 hours driving plus a rest stop in the middle of the way in Zafarana rest house for 30 minutes for breakfast, coffee and bathrooms use, then continue driving to Cairo for two more hours to reach Cairo around 09:00 at morning.

One-day Hurghada Excursions to Pyramids by Air

Embark on a breathtaking journey to the heart of Cairo via a luxurious flight from Hurghada to witness the wonders of the Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids, and Khan El Khalili. This amazing private day trip starts with a pick-up from Hurghada International Airport by your tour guide in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Upon your arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be greeted by your Egyptologist tour guide, who will accompany you on a mesmerizing exploration of Cairo. Take a one-hour flight from Hurghada to Cairo and experience Egypt’s capital city with a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide by your side.

Discover the iconic pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum and learn about their intriguing history. Travel between locations comfortably in an air-conditioned van and embrace the essence of Cairo with ease.

Your journey begins with a flight from Hurghada to Cairo, where your exciting day tour awaits. After being picked up from your hotel in Hurghada, relax in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle as you drive to the airport to board your domestic flight to Cairo.

Upon arrival in Cairo, your expert Egyptologist guide will join you to take in the sights and sounds of the city. Head over to Giza, where you will be mesmerized by the famous and impressive pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, Mykerinos, and the Sphinx. After a delicious lunch break, board a typical Felucca boat to cross the Nile to the City (optional). Continue your adventure at the Egyptian Museum, where you will be amazed by the treasures of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun and other historical artefacts.

In the afternoon, take a break from sightseeing and indulge in some retail therapy at the Khan el-Khalili market. Admire the beautiful stalls filled with local goods like platters, lamps, and cups surrounding you.

At the end of your tour in Cairo, head back to the airport to catch your return flight to Hurghada. Once there, be transferred back to your hotel.

This tour includes all transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, domestic flights (Hurghada – Cairo/Cairo – Hurghada), a tour guide, soft drinks during the drives, entrance fees to all the attractions mentioned in the itinerary, and lunch at an excellent restaurant. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey and discover the beauty and wonder of Cairo with a guide by your side.

Private Two-day Hurghada Tours to Pyramids

Enjoy a tour to Cairo from Hurghada for one Night/two days to discover Cairo highlights. You will visit the Giza pyramids and the step pyramid, then overnights at the 5-star hotel. The next day, you will see the Egyptian museum, the citadel and Khan EL Khalily bazaar then we will drive you back to your hotel in Hurghada.

Two-day Hurghada Tours to Pyramids by Flight

Enjoy a tour to Cairo from Hurghada for 1 Night / two days to discover Cairo highlights. You will visit the Giza pyramids and the step pyramid overnight at the 5-star hotel. The next day, you will see the Egyptian museum, the citadel and Khan EL Khalily bazaar then we will drive you back to your hotel in Hurghada.

Find and book top tours in Hurghada and select the best activities in Hurghada and top things to do. Read customer reviews and plan lovely day trips from door to door. All our tours included transfers from Hurghada.

Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and indeed already were even in Roman times. Each of these spectacular structures served as the final resting place of a king of the 4th Dynasty (c.2613–2494 BC). The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for King Khufu (c.2589–2566 BC), and the other two were for Khafre and Menkaure, his son and grandson. Khufu’s Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three, and the first building to exceed its height would not be built for another 3,800 years!

Although the three pyramids dominate the plateau, they are surrounded by many other monuments. Every king’s Pyramid was just one element, albeit the most important of a larger complex that included more minor, subsidiary, queens’ pyramids; an additional one that acted as a second, symbolic tomb for the king, called a satellite pyramid; mastaba tombs for nobility and other family members; burials of actual and metaphorical boats; and a pair of temples linked by a richly decorated causeway.

One of these temples called the valley temple, led into the pyramid complex, and was located on or near a body of water where boats could dock. The other, the funerary (or upper) temple, stood near the Pyramid’s base. Priests maintained the mortuary cult of the deceased king in these temples, where his divine aspect was worshipped, and rich and diverse offerings were presented to his soul so he could have a peaceful and luxurious afterlife.

The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid, the tomb of King Khufu (c.2589–2566 BC), with its original height of 146.5 meters, was the tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years. It remained the last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and took an estimated 10 to 20 years to build. To this day, it is not entirely sure how this was done.

The Great Pyramid is made of local limestone, but its exterior was once entirely covered with high-quality limestone. These casing stones were brought by ship from Turah, south of Maadi. The Pyramid has three chambers, one cut into the bedrock underneath and two high up within the masonry itself, a feature no other pyramid possesses. The coffin in which Khufu was once laid to rest can still be seen in the upper of these two rooms, the King’s Chamber. This room is accessed through the Grand Gallery, a majestic corbelled ascending passage and a masterpiece of ancient engineering and architecture.

Two large and impressive ships were discovered in pits on the south side of the Pyramid in a dismantled state. These are believed to have been used to transport the royal mummy and burial equipment to the tomb.

Tomb of Queen Meresankh III

Under the shadow of the Great Pyramid lies the mastaba of Queen Meresankh III, the wife of Khafre and granddaughter of Khufu. Both very large and exquisitely decorated, this is indeed a tomb worthy of her rank and, fortunately, contains the best-preserved wall reliefs in the Eastern Cemetery.

These are decorated with diverse scenes, including bread baking, beer brewing, fowling, herding, mat making, metal smelting, and the sculpting of statues, apparently of Meresankh herself. These, along with the elaborate scenes of offering-bearers bringing all sorts of gifts to Meresankh, were intended to magically provide her soul with a continuous stream of food and goods in the afterlife. Interestingly, among the objects brought to her are a canopy with a bed set up, an armchair, and a carrying chair. Actual examples of similar things were discovered in the tomb of Hetepheres I, the mother of Kufu, and can be seen today at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Among the most striking features of Meresankh’s tomb chapel is a series of ten giant statues of women that are carved out of the northern wall. It is believed that they represent, in addition to, Meresankh herself, her mother, and her daughters as well.

Eastern and Western Cemeteries

Two of the largest preserved Old Kingdom cemeteries form a part of the pyramid complex of King Khufu (c.2589–2566 BC) in Giza. After their positions relative to the Great Pyramid, they are called the Eastern and Western Cemeteries, which include the tombs of members of the royal family and the highest-ranking nobles. As such, they contain some of the most beautiful tomb decorations from this period.

The cemeteries consist mainly of mastabas, but rock-cut tombs are also attested. The term mastaba (Arabic for “bench”) refers to a type of funerary structure that was generally rectangular and built over the tomb proper, which was underground. Most of the mastabas of the Eastern and Western Cemeteries were constructed during the reign of Khufu, in tandem with his pyramid complex, whereas the rock-cut tombs were mainly built later.

Most of the Eastern Cemetery’s tombs dating to Khufu’s reign were intended for his closest relatives. The rock-cut tomb of his mother, queen Hetepheres I, and her funerary equipment, was discovered here. It is the site of the mastaba of his half-brother Ankh-haf, who had an important administrative position in constructing the Great Pyramid. On the other hand, the mastabas of the Western Cemetery, which are primarily arranged in an orderly grid, were reserved for very high-ranking noblemen that were not as closely related to the king. Among them is the monumental mastaba of Hemiunu, who oversaw the building of the Great Pyramid.

Workers’ Town and Cemetery

The remains of an extensive settlement site, Heit al-Ghurab, were discovered in the southeastern area of the Giza Plateau. This was where the workers who built the pyramid complexes of Khafre (c.2558–2532 BC) and Menkaure (c.2532–2503 BC) lived. The tantalizing remains of an even older settlement underneath may date to Khufu’s reign (c.2589–2566 BC). Houses, magazines, three main streets, and a royal administrative building were discovered within the city walls, as were four huge galleries. These may have been the barracks where workers who built the pyramids slept and prepared food. An enormous amount of fish, bird, cattle, sheep, goat and pig bones were found, revealing that the state ensured the workers were in good health to fulfil their physically demanding responsibilities.

The town’s cemetery is on the hillside immediately west of Heit al-Ghurab. Low-ranking overseers of workers were buried in modest mastabas on the low slopes of the hill, surrounded by even smaller mastaba or domed tombs, possibly those of their extended families and the workers they supervised. These were built mainly of mudbrick, whereas the higher-ranking overseers and skilled artisans were buried in large stone mastabas higher up the slope. Among these is the beautifully decorated tomb of the overseer of linen, the overseer of the royal house of purification, Nefertheith. Most of the bodies discovered show evidence of hard physical labour, many even featuring broken bones. Most of these had healed correctly, indicating that the workers received excellent medical care and were well-fed.

Tomb of Khufukhaf I

The term mastaba (Arabic for “bench”) refers to a type of funerary structure that was generally rectangular and built over the tomb proper, which was underground. The mastaba tomb of Khufukhaf I is located in the Eastern Cemetery of the complex of the Great Pyramid of King Khufu (c.2589–2566 BC) at Giza. This cemetery was reserved for the closest relatives of the king and contained some of the largest mastabas on the Giza Plateau. The mastaba of Khufukhaf I includes two burial shafts, one for him and another for his wife, Neferetkau.

The chapel of Khufukhaf I, inside the mastaba, where his funerary cult was conducted, is well preserved. Many beautiful scenes survive that show him and his wife receiving a wide variety of offerings, which they would both need in the afterlife.

A scene in the chapel depicts him holding his mother’s hand. The hieroglyphic inscriptions beside her reveal that she was the mother of a king, but her name is missing. It is thought that this is Henutsen, one of Khufu’s wives, who is believed to have been buried in one of the three queens’ pyramids next door. The inscriptions in Khufukhaf I’s mastaba also identify him as a vizier, the highest-ranking official in ancient Egyptian administration. As a vizier and the son of a queen, there is no doubt that Khufukhaf I was one of the most influential people in the kingdom during his lifetime.

Pyramid Complex of Menkaure

Menkaure (Mykerinos to the ancient Greeks; c.2532–2503 BC) is the builder of the third of the three large Giza Pyramids. He was most likely the son of Khafre (Khefren) and grandson of Khufu (Cheops). With a base area that is less than a quarter of their pyramids’ and with an original height of 65 meters, Menkaure’s is by far the smallest of the three. This size reduction is due to several factors, including the limited space left on the Giza Plateau. The material used for the outer casing of Menkaure’s Pyramid is another. Whereas his predecessors had used limestone, Menkaure employed granite quarried in Aswan, over 800 km away. In addition to the logistics involved in transporting the granite blocks, the material itself is much more complex than limestone. However, only the bottom quarter of the casing stones is granite. However, the rest is limestone.

Like the Great Pyramid, three smaller pyramids can be seen next to Menkaure’s as well, which were used for the burials of his queens. No satellite pyramid has been discovered, but it is believed that the largest of the three queens’ pyramids was initially intended to have been the satellite pyramid.

Menkaure died before his pyramid complex was completed, and much of the Pyramid’s granite casing blocks were not smoothed. His mortuary and valley temples were intended to consist of colossal limestone blocks encased in granite but were completed with whitewashed mud brick. Despite this, however, the mortuary cult of Menkaure was practised for another 300 years after his death.

The Great Sphinx

Colossal statues are one of the hallmarks of ancient Egyptian civilization, and the Great Sphinx of Giza is the most famous. It was carved directly from the bedrock during the 4th Dynasty (c.2613–2494 BC), making it the oldest. Ancient Egyptian sphinxes represented the king with the body of a lion in a clear demonstration of his power.

The evidence points to the Great Sphinx being carved during the reign of Khafre (Khefren to the ancient Greeks; c.2558–2532 BC), the builder of the second of the Giza pyramids. The Great Sphinx and the temple in front of it, the Sphinx Temple, lie directly next to Khafre’s valley temple and the lower portion of the causeway leading up to his mortuary temple and Pyramid. Careful archaeological analysis revealed that the valley temple was finished before work was begun on the Great Sphinx and its temple. Research of the Great Sphinx’s facial features has also shown striking similarities with those of Khafre’s statues.

The Great Sphinx has captured the imagination of travellers and explorers for millennia, even in ancient Egyptian times. During the 18th Dynasty (c.1550–1295 BC), it came to be seen as a manifestation of the sun god and was called Horemakhet, “Horus in the Horizon”. King Amenhotep II (c.1427–1400 BC) built a temple next to the Sphinx, which he dedicated to this god. His son, Thutmose IV (c.1400–1390 BC), erected a monumental stela between its front paws, called the Dream Stela, on which he recorded a fascinating event.

Pyramid Complex of Khafre

Khafre (c.2558–2532 BC), whom the ancient Greeks knew as Khefren, was a son of King Khufu (Cheops), the builder of the Great Pyramid. He built the second pyramid complex at Giza and constructed his tomb on slightly higher ground, making it appear just as tall as his father’s. At 143.5 meters in height, however, his Pyramid is only marginally shorter and a tremendously impressive monument. Its core masonry is made of blocks of local limestone. The top of the Pyramid still preserves the beautifully polished blocks of high-quality limestone that once encased most of the structure’s towering height. This white stone was quarried in Turah, south of Maadi, and transported here by ship.

Another development in the reign of Khafre is the complexity of their layout, with the elements constituting his mortuary temple becoming the new standard that its later Old Kingdom counterparts would follow. The mortuary temple of Khafre at the foot of his Pyramid and the valley temple at the end of the causeway is more significant than any of those older pyramids and among the best preserved of the Old Kingdom. The valley temple comprises massive limestone blocks encased in granite, floors made of alabaster, and its vast hall features monolithic granite pillars. A unique feature of Khafre’s complex is the inclusion of a colossal statue beside his valley temple, the Great Sphinx.

The symmetrically arranged niches along the hall’s walls once accommodated statues of the king, some of which are currently on display in the Egyptian Museum. One of these, the famous granodiorite statue of Khafre with Horus as a falcon perched behind his head, is widely considered one of the masterpieces of ancient Egyptian art.

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