Family-Friendly Adventures in Giza!

Giza Pyramids

Why Visit?

Morning: Arrival at Giza Pyramids

Start your family adventure by arriving early at the Giza Plateau. If staying in Cairo, you can easily take a taxi or book a tour bus to avoid the bustling traffic. Aim to arrive by 8 AM to beat the crowds and the heat. Begin with the iconic Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It"s the largest pyramid built and stands at 146 meters tall. Families can marvel at its grandeur and even explore the inner chambers if the kids are up for a small, adventurous climb.

Mid-Morning: The Great Sphinx

A short walk from the Great Pyramid, visit the mystical Sphinx, guarding the Giza Plateau. This mythical statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh is a must-see. Take a family photo here and discuss the legends that suggest the Sphinx"s nose was broken off by Napoleonic soldiers!

Lunch: Local Egyptian Cuisine

Around noon, head to a nearby restaurant serving Egyptian staples like falafel and kofta. Many places offer picturesque views of the pyramids, perfect for a meal with a view.

Afternoon: Solar Boat Museum

Post-lunch, visit the Solar Boat Museum located beside the Great Pyramid. The museum displays a reconstructed ceremonial solar barque that was buried to transport the pharaoh to the afterlife. This will captivate the kids" imaginations with stories of ancient Egyptian beliefs and engineering prowess.

Late Afternoon: Camel Ride

Conclude your day with a fun camel ride around the plateau. It"s an exciting way to see the pyramids from another perspective and a big hit with the kids. Make sure to negotiate the price before you hop on.

Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and carry hats for everyone, ensuring a comfortable and memorable family trip to the historic Giza Pyramids.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities)

Why Visit?

Embark on a fascinating journey through time at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts. A visit here is like walking through the pages of history, where each artifact tells a story of Egypt"s rich cultural heritage.

### Preparing for Your Visit

- Location: The museum is located in Tahrir Square in the heart of Cairo.

- Getting There: The easiest way to reach the museum is by taxi or Uber. If you prefer public transport, the Sadat Metro Station is conveniently located nearby.

- Tickets: Purchase tickets at the entrance. Consider hiring a guide at the entrance for a more insightful experience, or download an audio guide app.

- Timing: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring. The museum opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM.

### Tour Itinerary

1. Grand Entrance Hall:

- Start your adventure in the Grand Entrance Hall, where you"re greeted by giant statues, setting the stage for what"s to come.

- Highlight: The statue of King Ramses II welcomes you.

2. Tutankhamun Galleries:

- Next, make your way to the Tutankhamun Galleries. Marvel at the young king’s golden mask and the exquisite jewelry discovered in his tomb.

- Fun Fact: The mask is made of 11 kg of solid gold.

3. Royal Mummy Room:

- Visit the Royal Mummy Room (requires a separate ticket). Here, you can see the preserved mummies of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs.

- Interesting Fact: The mummy of Ramses II was issued an Egyptian passport for travel to France in the 1970s.

4. Animal Mummy Room:

- A hit with kids, this room showcases animal mummies, from cats and crocodiles to birds.

- Learning Point: Animal mummification was an important aspect of ancient Egyptian religion.

5. Afternoon Break:

- Take a break at the museum café. Grab some refreshments and discuss the amazing history you’ve encountered.

6. Exit Through the Gift Shop:

- No trip is complete without souvenirs! The gift shop offers a variety of Egyptian-themed gifts and books.

This well-rounded visit to the Egyptian Museum offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Egypt, ensuring an educational and memorable experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Saqqara (Sakkara)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Saqqara (Sakkara), Egypt

Morning: Arrival and Step Pyramid of Djoser

Start your adventure early by driving or taking a guided tour from Cairo, which is approximately 30 km away. Upon arrival, make your first stop at the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world"s oldest monumental stone building, constructed in the 27th century BC for Pharaoh Djoser. Kids will be fascinated to learn that this pyramid, with its unique step design, was the template for the later smooth-sided pyramids at Giza.

Interactive Fact: Let your children know that the Step Pyramid is considered the earliest large-scale cut stone construction!

Mid-Morning: Imhotep Museum

Just a short walk from the Step Pyramid, visit the Imhotep Museum. Named after the architect of the Step Pyramid, this museum offers engaging exhibits, including artifacts from various excavations in Saqqara and a model of what the pyramid complex originally looked like. It’s a great way for kids to visually connect with the history they’re seeing.

Lunch: Picnic at the Archaeological Site

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas of the archaeological site. Enjoying a meal outdoors surrounded by history will be a memorable experience for the family.

Afternoon: Tomb of Mereruka

Post-lunch, head to the Tomb of Mereruka, one of the largest and most decorated tombs in Saqqara. It features vivid wall paintings depicting everyday Egyptian life, which are both educational and captivating for all ages.

Interactive Fact: Kids can look for scenes showing ancient games and sports, some of which are similar to games they play today!

Late Afternoon: Pyramid of Teti and Mastaba Tombs

Conclude your tour with a visit to the nearby Pyramid of Teti, where you can enter the burial chamber (if open to the public) and explore the mastaba tombs surrounding it, known for their beautiful reliefs and inscriptions.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring hats and sunscreen for protection against the sun. Always have bottled water on hand to stay hydrated.

This family-friendly itinerary to Saqqara will provide an educational yet fun-filled day exploring ancient Egyptian history and architecture.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sphinx (Great Sphinx of Giza)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to the Great Sphinx of Gina

Morning: Arrival at the Sphinx

Start your adventure early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. The Great Sphinx of Giza, situated on the Giza Plateau, is easily accessible from central Cairo. You can take a taxi or organize a guided tour that includes transportation. Once you arrive, marvel at the Sphinx, which has stood as a symbol of Egypt for millennia. This limestone statue with a lion"s body and a human head is believed to represent the Pharaoh Khafre and measures a staggering 73 meters long and 20 meters high.

Interesting Fact: The Sphinx faces the rising sun and has inspired countless legends, including tales about the hidden chambers beneath it.

Mid-Morning: Explore the Sphinx Complex

Join a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the Sphinx and the nearby Pyramid of Khafre. Children will be fascinated to learn how the Sphinx was carved from a single piece of limestone left over from the construction of the Pyramid of Khafre. Don"t miss the chance to take a family photo with the Sphinx in the background!

Lunch: Picnic at the Panoramic View Point

Pack a picnic and head to the Panoramic View Point, where you can enjoy your lunch with a breathtaking view of the entire Giza Pyramid Complex. This spot is perfect for panoramic pictures and letting the kids play around.

Afternoon: Camel Ride and Sandboarding

Wrap up your day with a fun camel ride around the plateau. Several local vendors offer short rides suitable for families. For the more adventurous, sandboarding down the smaller sand dunes can be a thrilling experience.

Departure

As the day winds down, head back to your accommodation in Cairo, filled with unforgettable memories of one of Egypt"s most iconic landmarks.

This itinerary ensures that your family not only sees the ancient wonders but also enjoys engaging activities suitable for all ages. Have a great trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu Pyramid)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to the Great Pyramid of Giza

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure early to beat the crowds and the heat. The Great Pyramid of Giza is located just outside Cairo. You can get there by taxi or through a guided tour bus which is recommended for convenience and insightful commentary. Arrive by 8 AM when the site opens, to enjoy the cooler morning weather.

Explore the Great Pyramid

Begin at the iconic Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three pyramids. Constructed around 2560 BC, it"s one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at this 481-foot structure, originally built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. Booking a guided tour in advance can provide an enriching experience, as the guide will explain the pyramid"s historical and architectural significance.

Camel Ride Around the Pyramids

Next, take a short camel ride around the pyramid complex. It’s a fun way for the family to see the sights and get a true feel of the desert landscape. The rides are available directly from local vendors outside the pyramid entrance.

Visit the Solar Boat Museum

Head to the Solar Boat Museum, located beside the Great Pyramid. Here, you’ll see a reconstructed ancient Egyptian solar ship. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian engineering and religious practices.

Afternoon at the Sphinx

Finish your tour with a visit to the Sphinx, the mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It"s a short walk from the Great Pyramid. Snap some family photos and enjoy a packed lunch at the nearby viewing area.

Practical Tips

- Wear comfortable walking shoes and hats.

- Pack sunscreen and plenty of water.

- Consider small binoculars for kids to explore detailed carvings.

Enjoy your journey back in time at one of the world"s most awe-inspiring ancient monuments!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.