Sacred Gateway: Giza, Saqqara, and Cairo’s Spiritual Legacy

Imhotep Museum in Saqqara

The Imhotep Museum is an archaeological museum located at the foot of the Saqqara necropolis complex near Memphis in Lower Egypt.
This museum was established in honor and commemoration of the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep, the executor of the pyramidal group for King Djoser, as he was the first to erect a pyramidal building and the first to use stone in constructing huge buildings.
The museum consists of several halls containing more than 500 rare artifacts excavated from the Saqqara archaeological site. The museum display includes a model of Djoser’s funerary collection, and one of the halls in the museum was designed in the form of a complete tomb in which a mummy, a wooden coffin, and a number of vessels made of pottery and alabaster are displayed. The museum also includes the library of the French engineer Jean-Philippe Loire, who devoted his life to restoring King Djoser’s pyramid collection and restoring its features.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

NMEC exhibits several objects intended to educate the visitor about the Egyptian civilization across various key historical phases, starting with the Predynastic and Ancient Egyptian periods, and continuing across the Graeco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and contemporary modern times.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. The collection consisting of King Tut’s tomb and tens of thousands of other rare and unique archaeological finds has found a new home in a museum built on the plateau of the pyramids of Giza.
Encompassing a massive 490,000 square-meters, the Grand Egyptian Museum will display around 100,000 ancient artifacts spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history. The main galleries are divided along four eras: predynastic and Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and Greco-Roman.

Solar Boat Museum

Or as we call it “Khufu Boat Museum” holds the largest royal vessel ever found in Egypt.  It is known to be the worlds’ oldest boat, aged around 4500 years!!! Made entirely of cedar wood and rope, it is considered to be an engineering masterpiece even today. It has been restored to its original condition and is housed in its own museum next to the Great Pyramids… not generally visited by tourists you should never miss this one!

Great Pyramids & Sphinx

Located on the West bank of the Nile; Giza Plateau is home to the Three Great Pyramids and their Guardian Sphinx. Considered to be the only remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramid complex stands on the Giza plateau and rises from the desert as a bonfire of strength, inspiration, history & loads of mystery.
For centuries, people from all over the world visited Egypt astonished by their magnificence. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest and largest of them all standing 137 meters tall (originally 147 meters) and containing 2.3 million stone blocks. Some archeologists believe that still today there could be hidden chambers containing the Kings treasures.
The Sphinx stands guarding the Plateau with a body of a lion and head of a human being that comes from a great wisdom that the protectors of the Land should enjoy the wisdom of men and physical power of the lion king!
A matter of doubt has always risen up about how the ancient Egyptian people built the Pyramids, some believe it was magic with others saying it was the tallest man on earth who did it – we will continue to seek the truth!

Memphis and Saqqara

Did you know that there are at least 118 Pyramids sprinkled between Giza Plateau to the Fayum Oasis? Every now & then as the landscape changes Egypt unveils more of them. A short drive south of Cairo lies Memphis, the first capital city of the Egyptian Empire. It was a thriving commercial center and retains many ancient ruins including a giant statue of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. In Saqqara, the oldest complete stone building complex known in history was built and is known as Djoser’s Step Pyramid.

Hanging Church

With a history dating back to the 3rd century, Saint Virgin Mary’s Church (the Hanging Church) or as we call it in Arabic “Al Mo’laaka” is one of the oldest churches in Egypt.
Its name refers to its location above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortification and was the first to be built in Basilican style; holding more than 110 icons dating back to the 8th & 18th century.!

Saladin Citadel

Dominating the skyline the Citadel stands to guard over the City offering a fresh breeze & magnificent panoramic views of the whole city. Well known to be a primitive Islamic Defense against the crusaders it was a royal residence for more than 700 years!
This complex holds the Gawhara Palace, small museums, and several mosques, most notably the imposing Mohammed Ali mosque which was built by the Ottoman king Mohammed Ali as a replica of the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Egyptian Museum

Famed to be one of the largest museums in the world, it offers you the chance to immerse yourself in 50 centuries of Egypt’s ancient history. Founded in 1857 the museum holds more than 120,000 antiques from the ancient Egyptian era; including the treasures of the boy king Tutankhamun and his famous Golden Mask to the Royal Mummy Room on the upper hall where 9 royal mummies are displayed; well preserved and sharing many secrets about the mummification process.
The Egyptian Government is currently working on relocating the whole museum to Giza where the Pyramids stand. It is a massive project that will take a couple of years but will be worth the wait with hidden treasures not currently on displayed.

Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)

Digging deep into Cairo; Coptic Cairo is a unique place which embraces the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church the Greek Church of St. George and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. It is believed that the Holy Family visited & stayed in this area at Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga).

Saints Sergius & Bacchus Church (Abu Serga)

It is a matter of debate when exactly this church was founded with some saying the 5th & other historians believing it to be the 8th century!
One of the imperative spots in this church is the cave where the Holy Family stayed during their expedition into Egypt.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Cairo was built as the capital of Egypt in 969AD but the site of Old Cairo is even much older than this. Cairo is a special city even more evident today where the synagogue, the Church, and the Mosque embrace each other in unity; where different religions live together in one community in peace and love! This is Egypt.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

If you are seeking something special & looking for a unique experience; then you can’t leave Egypt without visiting the largest & oldest souq in Egypt “Khan El Khalili Bazaar”. It is not just a market; NO … it is the web of Old Egypt with handicraft makers, tent makers “Al Khyamaya”, oriental perfume makers, accessories, customs of belly dancers, Egyptian Galabya & you can even get a tattoo!
Deep inside you will find a number of coffee shops where you can get hot & cold drinks, fresh juices or maybe try the Egyptian Shisha! One of the oldest coffees is “Fe Sha wy” it is always crowded but one of the best!

Nile Dinner Cruise

An enjoyable 2 hour trip sailing on the mighty Nile River with an amazing view of an enlightened Cairo by night! During dinner there will be a live show; folkloric with Sufi dancing well-known worldwide as “Tanoura Show”a live band & with belly dancers.

ALEXANDRIA

The pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria is Egypt’s second largest city named after Alexander the Great who founded the city in 331 B.C. and the capital of Egypt during the Greek-Roman era.

It was the knowledge & cultural center of the ancient world for quite a while. Famed for the Lighthouse of Alexandria or as we say it in Arabic “Al Manara”, (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), holding the most popular Library “Bibliotheca Alexandria” & the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. It is the main center of the international shipping industry and one of the most important trading centers in the world.

Qaitbay Citadel

Qaitbay fort is one of the most amazing places; Yes! It is a glorious fortress facing the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most important defensive strongholds along the Mediterranean Sea coast built in the 15th century.
The fortress’s current form is not the original; It was heavily damaged during the British bombardment of Alexandria during a nationalist uprising against British hegemony in 1882 and rebuilt around the turn of the 20th century. The citadel gave up its military functions ages ago and for the time being it holds a small marine museum, of course, the current shape of the citadel is not how it was as it was seriously damaged.
Most of the tourists long to see how it is by night; the entrance is lovely and always crowded; full of ice-cream sellers and vendors who offer pretty souvenirs! Our advice is to get as many photos as you can.

Pompey’s Pillar

This colossal Roman column is the largest of its type, build in 297 A.D. from a single piece of red Aswan granite to memorialize the victory of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Its height is about 28 m with the diameter at the base 2.7 m pointing towards the capital, at the top it points to 2.3 m.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Or the Mound of shards was used as a burial ground during the 2nd & the 4th centuries AD, one of the still standing of the Seven Wonders of the middle ages, actually it remains in a pretty well shape! The necropolis consists of a series of tombs, statues and archaeological objects. It has been used as a burial chamber from the 2nd century to the 4th century before being rediscovered in 1900 by accidentally by a lost donkey. Three coffins have been founded, along with other human and animal remains.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

It is not only a library, as it holds halls for music concerts, conference centers, 4 museums, 4 art galleries and a planetarium. Located on the sea front makes for an amazing visit (tickets & administration office is located in the back area).

Luxor

The world’s premier travel destination, Luxor is the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. Separated by the beautiful River Nile the East and West Banks of Luxor each hold their own magnificent monuments. On the East Bank stands the breathtaking Karnak Temple Complex which connects to Luxor Temple via the Avenue of Sphinx; while the West Bank is home to the mortuary temples and tombs such as the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Medinat Habu and much much more.

Karnak Temple

A massive temple complex and the largest ancient religious site in the world with a religious center consisting of temples, chapels, obelisks, sanctuaries, the sacred lake and the impressive Hypostyle Hall of 134 enormous columns; Karnak Temple is well known to be the second most visited historical spot in Egypt, after Giza’s Great Pyramids.
Roughly 30 pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach the size, complexity, and diversity which is neither compared to or found anywhere else!

Mummification Museum

Ancient Egyptian people have always believed in life after death; no wonder they were the first to create the mummification process; they succeeded keeping the remains of royal mummies (human) & even remains of animals.
At the mummification museum in Luxor, you will find well-preserved mummies dating back to the 21st-dynasty high priest of Amun, “Maserharti”, as well as a multitude of mummified animals and the tools & materials used during the process!

Valley of the Queens

A rare location between the southwest of the village & temples of Medinet Habu and almost 500 m. West of Deir el-Medina. This location has been carefully chosen as to protect the tombs from over pouring of the water from the rock cleft.
The Valley holds like 90 of the tombs for the Princesses, Queens and higher category of officials in the New Kingdom. Many of the tombs, sadly have been a robbery victim.
Tomb of Queen Nefertari considered one of the most beautiful tombs ever; has been discovered in the early 1900’s through an Italian scientific excavation by Ernesto Schiaparelli. The tomb is one of its kind, yet it is closed to the public due to its flimsy condition.

Karnak Temples evening Sound and Light Show

Karnak Temples comes alive at night with stories and secrets revealed during the Sound & Light show performance. As you walk through the temples music flows through the complex with ancient voices telling stories recalling the birth of the temple and the gallant achievements of our ancient pharaohs.
It is a captivating experience to gaze at the glorious ruins specially illuminated to tell the tale!

Valley of the Kings

Located on the Western Bank of Nile River. It is the main burial site for ancient pharaohs, housing tombs for pharaohs from the new kingdom.
The valley holds 63 tombs they know of and 26 tombs carved for the Kings and other tombs believed to be for the royal family. Most of them are not usually opened for visitors, even when they are opened there are strict rules about touching and photography to preserve them as they are. tour guides are not allowed to lecture inside the tombs to minimize time spent inside in order to keep the surface of the decoration.

Luxor Temple

“Ipt-Rsyt” as known in the new kingdom! “Al Aksur” in Arabic which means the Palaces!
Temple has located anciently in the Capital of Egypt “Thebes” situated on the Eastern Bank of the Nile & dedicated to the king ” Amon-Ra”. It has always been a sacred sight, majestically standing as a remembrance to the ancient Egyptian civilization. It has an amazing entrance “Pylon” built by king Ramses II; anciently; the entrance of that complex was exclusively for the Pharoah, priests and some of the official’s ones. Now it is one of the top visited sights in Egypt.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Rise high above the ancient temples, tombs and monuments of the West Bank of Luxor, watch the Mighty Nile floating tenderly on the rocks, guard the sun rising over the open air museum “Luxor” where the village wakes up so early starting their day. It is “One of its type Adventure”, A ride like no other to catch such a superb view of the city of Luxor and the lush green Nile Valley. The trip starts early in the morning to avoid sun heat & it takes almost 45 minutes; make sure not to miss this one!

Colossi of Memnon

In glorious view facing the Mighty Nile River and the rising sun with both hands rested on their legs they were there to guard the mortuary temple of Amenhotep. The twin statues are believed to date back to the 14th century BC made from blocks of quartzite sandstone, with a height of 60ft!

Dead Sea

Believed to be a real living miracle; a place where you can revive your spirit and body. Well-known as the well of “Salt Sea” due to the waters of the Dead Sea being extremely saline with almost ten times the salt as the world’s oceans. It is a landlocked Salt Lake bordering Israel and Jordan.
Jordan Rift Valley is a vividly gorgeous landscape stretching aong the dead sea for almost 400 km below sea level; this vast expanse of water obtains a good number of incoming rivers including the River Jordan.
As soon as the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked with nowhere to go; accordingly, they evaporate, leaving behind an impenetrable, rich, mixture of salts as well as minerals considered as a source of industry, medicine and agriculture with some of the finest products produced. The unique attentiveness of the Dead Sea waters has widely been known for its medicinal value.
Located 30 minutes’ drive out of Amman it is a stunning sight when the sunset touches the distant hills with ribbons of fire across the waters of the Dead Sea; you can relax by the beach or float in the salty waters.

Kharga Oasis

Located South of Cairo is Asyut the Capital of the New Valley and very famous for “Hybis Temple”, “Bagwat Cemeteries”, “Temple of Qasr El Zayan”, “Dush Temple” and the “Antiquates Museum of El Kharga”. Well known for the for the sulfuric water wells that have the ability of healing diseases like Rheumatism, flue, stomach aches and more!

Dakhla oasis

Situated North West of Cairo is El Kharga Oasis also famous for the water spring “Mot” with its natural hot water of 45c and housing a variety of historical spots; “Village of El Qasr” ‘Deir El Hagar”, “Village of Bashandy”, ‘Village of Balat” and “Necropolis of Muzawaka”.

Farafra Oasis

Positioned 320 KM North West of Dakhla Oasis Farafra is well known for holding ruins of “Farafra Palace” & “Abu Monkar Palace” dating back to the Roman époque.

Siwa Oasis

Reflects the idea of an Oasis with its fascinating Palm trees, natural water springs and surrounding mountains combined with the ruins dating back to the Pharaohs & Roman eras. Its natural water spring offers a cure for lots of diseases, with the well-known wells of “Cleopatra Bath”, “Arayes, Moulol”, “Hamawat” and much more.
The not to be missed “City of Shaly” with the fortress in the middle, “Temple of Oracle”, “Mountain of Dead” or gabal el mawta is a must.

Bahrya Oasis

Located 360 km North of Cairo, housing more than 260 natural water springs; a terrific place where you will be impressed with the breathtaking nature, culture and a desert rich with superb monuments; “Valley of the Golden Mummies”, “Temples of Ain Muftella”, “Necropolis of El Mozawaqa”.

Fayum Oasis

One of the adventures that you should not miss when you visit Egypt; a unique place offering an exclusive combination of nature, culture and activities! Fayum is tremendously rich with many archeological sites. Holding many Pyramids like ‘Hawara” ,”Pyramids of Meidum” & Pyramids of “Lahun” along with many monuments dating back to the Pharaohs, Coptic and Islamic eras “Qasr Qarun”, “Obelisk of Senusert”.
Housing the famed lake “Lake Qarun”, which is becoming a targeted place for many tourists visiting Egypt for hunting, water skiing and much more. The home of the natural protectorates of “Wadi El Rayan” and “Wadi Hytan”; you will never lack activities as you can enjoy bird watching, hiking, trekking, sand-boarding and fishing.
One of the not to be missed visits is “Tunis Village” or the pottery village, you can watch and even learn how to make pottery! In addition to the standard hotels at Fayum Oasis you will find many comforting eco-lodges that you can stay at like “Kom El Dikka” & Lazib Inn Resort” and more…

Petra

“Red Rose City” or the “Lost City” is a world wonder and no doubt it is one of the attractions visited by tourists in Jordan. It is a unique city carved into the utter rock face by the Nabataeans (Arab nomadic tribes who settled there 2000 years ago).
In 1985 the Archaeological Park in Petra was declared as a UNESCO heritage site.
Carved into vivacious red, pink, white & sandstone cliff faces, the primitive Jordanian city of Petra was “lost” to the Western world for hundreds of years. That’s how it gained both the name “Red Rose” & Lost City”. Nothing can describe the beauty & unique combination of this city!

Wadi Rum Protectorate

Wadi Rum has been declared as a natural protectorate in 1988 as the government of Jordan recognized its unique wild nature & history.
You can reconnoiter Wadi Rum in various ways; jeep, camel ride, horse ride or even on foot. The camel ride short trip is a common activity as well as hiking (Bedouin Local Guide will help you with this).
From the dramatic sandstone mountains; to the wildlife where you can catch a view of few animals; as most of those desert creatures are nightly ones!
Furry small mammals are also communal in Rum, like gerbils -active only at night time; you can rarely get a chance to watch them.
As for the weather; well it is extreme both seasons, wild summer heat & as well as extreme cold winter.

Jerash

Is a Piece of Rome positioned in Jordan dating back 6500 years ago and is considered to be the third favorite destination in Jordan after Petra and Wadi Rum. Striking Hadrian’s Arch in Jerash was built 129 AD honoring the visit of Emperor Hadrian.
On the South gate stands the well-designed remains of Zeus from the Temple of Zeus, believed to be built 162AD.

Madaba

The ancient town at Jordan Plateau, 30 km away of Amman seen as one of the most unforgettable places to visit. Madaba is famous for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George; you will be astonished to know that it is made out of two million pieces of brilliantly colored local stones, which portrays the hills, villages, valleys and towns.

Aqaba

An awe-inspiring mixture of history, nature and city life encircled with stunning mountains and blue waters. This city enjoys a stable warm climate all year round and offers beach relaxation, water activities and coral reef exploration with rare colorful fish. Swimming with the welcoming sea turtles and dolphins as they missile among the schools of multi-colored fish is exciting and will leave you with a feeling of being a part of the wild.
Nightly dives divulge the nocturnal sea creatures like crabs, shrimps and lobsters as they go seeking their nighttime snacks.
You will be impressed with the great number of antiquity that has been found there which you can enjoy watching in the Museum and in Archaeological Parks.

Umm Qais – Ancient Gadara

30km northwest of Irbid you can visit the Decapolis city “Gadara” which is a day trip worth taking. Exploring the Archeological remains of the Decapolis city “Gadara” the ancient city of Palestine shaped by the borders Jordan, Israel & the Golan will transport you back in time.
After Alexander the Great passed away in 323 BC, Gadara was taken by the Ptolemy’s and used as a borderline station with the Seleucids to the north.
In 218 BC, the Seleucids took the city yet it came under control a century later from the Jewish Hasmoneans. Once the Roman general Pompey forced an order throughout Syria in 63 BC for the reconstruction of Gadara in favor to one of his favorite freed men Gadarene. It is well known for a place to spend public holidays especially Fridays.