Bright Star Tours

Cairo:

Founded anther site of Babylon, near the ruins of ancient Memphis, Cairo has been the largest city in Africa for centuries. Modern Cairo encompasses many former cities and their monuments: the pyramids of the pharaohs, early Christian monasteries and churches, Salah al-Din's Citadel, Ottoman sultans. Five thousand years of culture are concentrated here, at the center of three continents.

Pharaonic Cairo:

The Great Pyramid :

One of the seven wonders of the World King Cheops' pyramid was ult c.2650 BC

The Second Pyramid:

Built by King Chephren south west of that of his father Cheops.

The Third Pyramid :

Built by King Mycerinus (Menkaure) son of Chephren .

The Solar Barque of King Cheops

A cedor-wood craft built to take the Pharaoh through his journey to the afterworld.

The Sphinx:

" Sacred symbol of the union of the strongest physical with the highest intellectual power on earth." Harriet Martineau on the Sphinx,1848

Saqqara:

The royal burial-ground during the Old Kingdom (2705-2155 BC). There are so many periods showing that Saqqara could almost be a book, in whose pages the story of Egyptian civilization through the pharaonic, Greek and Roman periods is told Discoveries are still being made today.

* The Mastabar of mereruka, Ti, Kagemni and Ptah-Hotep

Carved and painted tonbs vividly illustrate everday life more than 5000 yeare ago.

* The Step Pyramid:

The first proper pyramid, built for Kinz Zoser in the 27th century BC by the architect Imhotep.

* The Pyramid of Unas:

Noted for its funerary chamber covered with mortuary literature called the "Pyramid Texts".

* The Serapeum:

Famous for the tombs of the Sacred Bull, Apis.

Memphis:

One of the oldest cities on earth, legendory Memphis was the cappital of ancient Egypt throughout the Old Kingdom. It includes:

* The colossal statue of Ramses II

* The Temple for embalming the Sacred Bull, Apis.

* The Alabaster Sphinx.

The Egyptian Museum:

One of the world's most famous museums. The magnificents collection of antiquities includes mummies, sarcophagi and fabulous treasures from Tut Ankh Amun's tomb.

Coptic Cairo:

The Hanging Church (Al-Mu'allaqa) :The Hanging Church was built in the 4th century over southern gate of the Fortress of Bobylon. Dedicated to Virgin Mary, its treasures include a 14th-century wall-painting of the Nativity.

Church of St. Sergius (Abu Serga) : A 5th-century basilica, built over a crypt where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed during their flight into Egypt.

Church of St. Mercurius (Abu Sefein ) : It boasts a unique collection of Coptic art including 175 icons that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, wall paintings, etchings and stained glass.

Greek Orthodox Church of Mari Girgis: Built on one of the towers of Babylon Fortress, this basilica is round in structure with a doomed roof.

The Coptic Museum:

The finest collection of Coptic art antiquities in the world, including illuminated manuscripts, icons and textiles.

Islamic Cairo:

The Citadel of Saladin: Built between 1176 and 1182 AD, it provides a panoramic view of Cairo from Al Moqattam Hills " ... the living world spread out close beneath one's feet ..." The Citadel complex includes the Alabaster Mosque Ali, " Al Gawhara Palace " and the Military Museum.

Mosque of Amr Ibn Al Aas : Founded by Amr Ibn Al-Aas in 642, it is the oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa. It represents schools of architecture from different periods.

Al-Nasir, Al-Mansour Qalawun, Barquq complex : A medieval complex of mosques, mausoleum and madrassar (schools) built by three Mamlok sultans.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun : Built between 876 and 879 AD this is one of Cairo's oldest, intact mosques characterized by its unique minaret. It is still in use today.

Next door is the Gayer Anderson House, (El Kretleya), the Ottoman-style residence of a British major, restored and furnished in the period style and boasts his collection of Islamic art.

The Mosque and Madrassa ( School) of Sultan Hassan : A masterpiece of Mamluk architecture

Al-Azhar Mosque: The first Famid mosque and the oldest Islamic University in the world, founded in 972 AD.

Cairo Gates: Part of city's fortifications which date to 968 - 1091. These gate are Bab El-Naser, Bab El-Futuh, Bob El Mitwalli and Bob Zuwayla on whose towers the minarets of "Mosque of El-Muayyad" were added in the 15th century.

The Museum of Islamic Art :It is regarded as the largest Islamic museum in the Middle East, housing 102.000 antique art treasures ranging from large architectural pieces rescued from mosques to ceramics, manuscripts and tapestries dating from the damn of Islam to the end of Ottoman period.

Shopping , Nightlife ect....

Cairo offers an incredible selection of shopping, leisure, culture and nightlife. Shopping ranges from the famous Khan El-Khalili souk, a bazaar largely unchanged since the 14th century, to modern air-conditioned centers displaying the latest fashions. All the bounty of hte East is here: particular good buys are spices, perfumes, gold and silver, carpets, beass and copperware, leatherwork, glass, ceramics and mashrabiya. Try some of the famous street markets, like Wekalet Al-Balah, for fabris, including Egyptian cotton, the Tentmakers' Bazaar for appliqué-work, Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments. Although you probably won't want to buy, the Camel Market (Souk al Gemal ) also makes a fascinating trip. Visit Kerdasa which is famed for its embroidered cotton and silk dresses (galabeyas) as well as other hand-made products. or get away from it all at the top of Cairo Tower, a modern 187 meter-high tower where you can watch a panoramic view from all sides. topped by a circular restaurant.

Pharaonic Village:

Historical spectacle reflecting the style of life of ancient Egyptians. Visitors witness the daily activities so ancient Egypt, the cradle of civilization. The Village also contains a papyrus museum and offers adequate services to its visitors.