Kairo - Kapija Drevnog Egipta

Overview

TRAVEL PROGRAMME: Day 1 (11 November) Belgrade - Vienna - Cairo Passengers meet the guide at Nikola Tesla airport two and a half hours before departure. Flight to Vienna at 06.50 on flight OS726. Arrival in Vienna at 08:05, onward journey to Cairo at 11.10 on flight OS071. Scheduled landing in Cairo at 15:35. After visas are issued and luggage collected, transfer to the hotel. Check-in. Free time. In the evening, departure for dinner on a boat with a traditional programme, the Nile Cruise Dinner. Return to the hotel. Overnight. Day 2 (12 November) Cairo (Giza Plateau, Pyramids and Sphinx - Memphis, Saqqara) Breakfast. The full-day excursion begins with a visit to the famous Giza plateau, the best known archaeological site in Egypt and one of the most important places of world cultural heritage. Rising here, guardians of the greatest secrets of the ancient world and eternal symbols of the pharaohs' power, are the pyramids of the pharaohs Cheops (the Great Pyramid), Chephren and Mycerinus, which still fascinate with their dimensions, precision of construction and the mysteries that surround them. They were built more than 4,500 years ago as eternal resting places of the rulers of the Old Kingdom and are the only surviving one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the valley temple of King Chephren stands the Great Sphinx, an imposing stone figure with the body of a lion and the head of the pharaoh Chephren (30 m high, 73.5 m long), the largest surviving free-standing sculpture from antiquity. The Sphinx is considered the guardian of the pyramids, symbolises strength and wisdom, and has watched over the Nile valley for centuries, guarding the entrance to this sacred area. An unrepeatable spot for panoramic photography of the entire complex. Lunch in a local restaurant (drinks paid on the spot). After the tour of Giza, the excursion continues to Memphis, the first capital of ancient, unified Egypt and one of the most important political and religious centres of the ancient world. Founded more than 5,000 years ago, Memphis was the seat of the pharaohs' power and the place from which all of Egypt was governed. Today it is an open-air archaeological site where the remains of temples, sculptures and the monumental statue of the pharaoh Ramesses II can be seen. The route then leads to Saqqara, a vast necropolis stretching along the western bank of the Nile that served as the burial ground of Memphis for thousands of years. Saqqara is a unique archaeological complex where the various phases of the development of Egyptian funerary architecture can be traced, from simple mastabas to complex pyramid structures. The most significant part of the site is the complex of the pharaoh Djoser, home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone structure of this type in the world, built in the 27th century BC. During the tour of Saqqara, visitors can also see numerous tombs of high dignitaries decorated with reliefs and hieroglyphs depicting the everyday life, customs and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. This excursion provides a complete insight into the origins and development of one of the most fascinating civilisations in human history, revealing the wealth of culture, religion and building skill that shaped ancient Egypt. Return to the hotel in the evening. Free time. Overnight. Day 3 (13 November) Cairo (The New Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) - Islamic Cairo - Coptic Cairo) Breakfast. Departure for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the most modern and largest museum of the civilisation of ancient Egypt, with more than 100,000 artefacts telling the story of thousands of years of history, from the first pharaohs to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Entering the imposing atrium with the monumental, 11 metre statue of King Ramesses II, with a view through the glass facade of the pyramids in the distance, takes your breath away. Of special value is the unique and complete collection of the treasures of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, exhibited in one place for the first time, including the golden mask, jewellery, sarcophagi and numerous everyday objects. The museum also offers modern multimedia content that brings the history and way of life of the ancient Egyptians even closer. Lunch in a local restaurant (drinks paid on the spot). The drive continues to the sights of Islamic Cairo. The historic part of the city, under UNESCO protection, represents one of the richest collections of Islamic architecture in the world. It includes monumental and numerous mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, old trading streets and bazaars from the time of the Mamluks and Ottoman sultans, dating from the Fatimid, Ayyubid and Mamluk periods. Highlights include the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress (built in 1176 by the Muslim leader Salah El-Din to protect the city from Crusader attacks) offering a spectacular view of the city, as well as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the famous Alabaster Mosque, known for its domes and elegant minarets, Salah El-Din Square, the Sultan Hassan Mosque, an architectural masterpiece of the Mamluk period, and the Al-Rifa'i Mosque. The walk continues through the vivid Khan el-Khalili bazaar from the 14th century, a labyrinth of narrow streets with traditional shops selling spices, jewellery, textiles and souvenirs, where the authentic atmosphere of an oriental trading centre can be felt. The sightseeing continues with a visit to Coptic Cairo, the oldest part of the city and the spiritual centre of Egypt's Christians. This quieter part of Cairo preserves the rich heritage of early Christianity and includes a series of important religious buildings. Among the best known is the Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa), built above the Roman gates of the Babylon fortress, as well as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, believed to have been built on the spot where the Holy Family stayed during their time in Egypt. A special place is also held by the Church of Saint George, one of the few round churches in Egypt, built on the foundations of a Roman tower. It belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church and is known for its unique architecture and rich iconostasis. Within this quarter is also the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish houses of worship in Egypt. A walk through Coptic Cairo offers a special experience and an insight into the long and layered history of the city, where different religions, cultures and eras intertwine in a small space. Return to the hotel in the evening. Free time. Overnight. Day 4 (14 November) Cairo - Alexandria - Cairo Breakfast. A free day or an optional full-day excursion to Alexandria, the city founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. The pearl of the Mediterranean and former centre of world science offers a completely different experience of Egypt: sea breeze, Byzantine and Hellenistic traces, monumental fortresses and one of the most beautiful modern libraries in the world. Departure from Cairo in the early morning, along a road that leads through the fertile landscapes of the Nile delta towards the Mediterranean coast. Upon arrival in Alexandria, the tour begins with a visit to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, a unique underground complex from the Roman period, where Egyptian, Greek and Roman artistic and religious influences intertwine in a most interesting way. These catacombs, carved into the rock on several levels, bear witness to the rich and complex history of the city. The programme continues with a visit to the Greco-Roman Museum, which holds an extremely valuable collection of artefacts from the period when Alexandria was under strong Hellenistic and Roman cultural influence. The exhibited objects, sculptures, mosaics and everyday items provide detailed insight into the life, art and customs of that time. The tour then continues to Pompey's Pillar, a monumental Roman monument that dominates its surroundings and is one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Alexandria. The programme also includes a visit to the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, an impressive modern building inspired by the famous ancient library that was once the greatest centre of knowledge in the old world. The excursion also includes a panoramic drive along the Mediterranean coast (the Corniche), with beautiful views of the sea, fishing harbours and the city's urban landscape. The tour also takes in the medieval Qaitbay fortress, built on the site of the former Pharos lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This location has special historical significance because it is precisely here that the famous lighthouse once stood, for centuries the symbol of Alexandria. During the day there is a break for lunch in a local restaurant (drinks paid on the spot), as well as free time for a short walk and enjoying the unique atmosphere of the city. Return to Cairo. Free evening. Overnight. Day 5 (15 November) Cairo - Vienna - Belgrade Breakfast. Free time until the organised transfer to the airport. Flight to Vienna at 16.35 on flight OS072. Landing in Vienna is scheduled for 19:20. Onward journey to Belgrade at 22.25 on flight OS725. Scheduled landing in Belgrade at 23:30. End of programme. THE PRICE OF THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Return flights on the Belgrade-Cairo-Belgrade route with Austrian Airlines with a connection in Vienna, luggage up to 23 kg per person • Applicable taxes of 174€ on the day of publication of the programme (the price is subject to change) • 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis in a 4* hotel • Lunch in local restaurants in Cairo (drinks not included) during the excursions in Cairo • Coach transfers, sightseeing and visits according to the programme with all entrance tickets for the sites listed in the programme • Local guide in English • Services of a licensed guide in Serbian • Costs of organising and running the trip THE PRICE OF THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: • Egyptian visa, 30$ per passport. Travellers with Serbian passports can pay for the visa upon landing at Cairo airport, before passport control, or obtain it themselves at the Egyptian embassy in Belgrade, at least two weeks before travel. Documentation required for issuing a visa in Egypt: a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of the trip with two free pages, two passport-style photographs (on a light background), a voucher and flight reservation (issued by the agency at the traveller's request). • Tips for drivers and the local guide, customary in this part of the world, in the amount of 15€ per person for a stay of 5 days, 4 nights • Optional excursion to Alexandria with a licensed guide in Serbian, in the amount of 125€ per person for a minimum of 15 registered travellers • Individual expenses during the trip • Travel health insurance • Trip cancellation insurance, the price depends on the time of payment; travellers are advised to have both types of insurance • Other services not mentioned

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