Rhapsody :: Excursions :: Egypt

Medieval Cairo

Step back in yesteryear Cairo and experience the ambience of Cairo's existence six centuries ago. Your first stop will be at Giza Plateau, where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza still stand. A stop at the Western Plateau affords great photo opportunities of the three pyramids and the sprawling city of Cairo at the background.

Your coach will stop at the base of Chephren's Pyramid where free time will be allocated to marvel at the Pyramids up close and explore the site on your own.

Afterwards, drive down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx, observes the passage of time and men in eons of silence, its mysterious expression an enigma yet to be unravelled.

At the banks of the Nile transfer to a traditional sailing vessel, the felucca, for a unique experience. Gliding gently on the longest river in the world admire Cairo's landmarks while a delicious buffet lunch is served by uniform waters, catered by a leading 5* deluxe establishment.

Continue to the Gayer Anderson Museum, two houses built in the 16th and 17th centuries reflecting the early Ottoman style of architecture. Fully restored and refurnished by Gayer Anderson, a British army officer who made his home in Egypt, the museum includes his mementos as well.

Your next stop will be at Ibn Touloun Mosque. Completed in 878AD by the founder of the Toulounid dynasty Al Amir Ahmed Ibn Touloun it is one of the largest mosques built in Islamic Cairo. Its open central courtyard measures 92x91 meters and is surrounded by an open corridor. The mosque is known for its rich collection of gypsum ornaments and engravings. The outside staircase of its minaret winding its way from the ground to the top of the minaret makes it unique in Egypt.

Then to the exotic and colourful Khan El Khalili Bazaar. A shopper's paradise and a photographer's dream come true where bargaining is an art and expected when you are negotiating a purchase. Gold, silver and gems, bronze and copper, the smell of exotic spices, leather goods, the aroma of brewed coffee sifting through elaborately carved wooden doors and coffee shops, the captivating sound of music and a plethora of an unbelievable display of merchandise together with a multitude of colourfully dressed crowds bring to life scenes from « A Thousand and one Arabian nights ».

At the end of your day in Cairo you'll visit a Papyrus Institute where a demonstration will introduce you to the art of paper making from reeds, first discovered by the Ancient Egyptians. Limited time for souvenir shopping will also be allocated before you commence the return drive to the ship.

Special Notes:
Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat recommended

Tour not suitable for elderly persons and assisted, physically challenged persons.

Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque.

Shoes must be removed while in the mosque. We will supply each person with a plastic bag to store and carry their shoes.

The visit to the interior of the Pyramids is not part of the tour and requires and extra fee. Not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia or have back and/or knee problems. The corridor is dark and low and at most of the time visitors have to stoop or bend their knees while they walk. The main chamber is totally empty. Very humid and dark inside.

No cameras or videos allowed inside.

Feluccas accommodate from 14-16 persons each depending on their size but we allocate only 12 persons for more comfort.

A total of 15 feluccas can be arranged at a time.

Lunch on the feluccas is catered by 5-stars establishments.

The sequence of visits may vary, depending on the prevailing traffic conditions in Cairo however all features and inclusions will remain unchanged.

Tour Timings:

Tours begin at times suitable for the ship's arrival in port. The breakdown of the excursions is as follows:
00hr00 -> Depart from Sokhna Port
00hr00 -> 02hr15 Drive from Sokhna port to Pyramids area
02hr15 -> 03hr45 Visit Pyramids/sphinx area
03hr45 -> 04hr15 Drive time from Pyramids to Sailing Boat
04hr15 -> 05hr15 Serving lunch onboard Sailing boat
05hr15 -> 05hr45 Drive time from boat to Ibn Touloun Mosque
05hr45 -> 07hr00 Visit Ibn Touloun Mosque and Gayer Anderson Museum
07hr00 -> 07hr15 Drive time from Mosque to Khan El Khalili bazaar
07hr15 -> 08hr00 Visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar
08hr00 -> 08hr30 Drive time from Bazaar to Papyrus Institute
08hr30 -> 09hr15 Visit papyrus Institute
09hr15 -> 11hr30 Drive time from Papyrus institute to Sokhna port