Egypt has always been in our dreams as travelers due to the extraordinary nature of its archaeological heritage and its incredible 7000 years of history.
The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt mark one of the most glorious periods in human civilization.
In spite of our itinerary: Egypt
In reality the main destination of our trip was Japan but by flying with EgyptAir we were able to include Egypt in our itinerary. Furthermore, since 2022 those arriving in Cairo with EgyptAir are entitled to a free tourist visa. Our visit was scheduled on the way back as a stopover on the flight from Tokyo to Rome. However, upon arriving at the airport in Rome we discovered that our flight had been rescheduled and that we had not read the email sent just a couple of weeks before the trip. So instead of flying directly to Japan, we would have had to stop for two days in Cairo. So, the length of our stay in Egypt has doubled and while our stay in Japan has been reduced by two days.
A New Travel Itinerary
It was not so easy to organize our travel itinerary which included a whole series of reservations and various visits. After an initial confusion, however, we managed to reorganize our entire trip, starting from the modification of the reservation of our hotel in Giza which was planned for the return through the entire chain of reservations made in Japan. However in 2024, if you have been a little flexible with your bookings, all these changes are fortunately possible.
Wonders of the World
From Cairo airport to Giza is about 45 minutes by car. Fortunately, taxis (if you agree on prices beforehand or better yet if you use Uber) are not expensive in Egypt, also due to the fact that gasoline only costs 20 cents per liter. Our hotel in Giza had a fantastic view of the Pyramids and was located a short walk from the entrance to the necropolis. It was an amazing experience to see the Pyramids of Giza up close, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt mark a glorious period in human civilization. They were built by three pharaohs of ancient Egypt about 4500 years ago. They are considered an architectural prodigy. The three pyramids were built on the Giza Plateau by three pharaohs, Cheops (138 meters), his son Khafre (136 meters), and his son Menkaure (62 meters), during the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt.
The Giza Plateau
The Giza Plateau also has many other smaller pyramids and temples, as well as monuments such as the Great Sphinx of Giza. Entering a pyramid is not for everyone, especially for those who suffer from claustrophobia. The corridor has no ventilation, narrow and low and in some places you have to duck down a lot. There is actually nothing special inside except a tomb at the end of the path which is believed to belong to Pharaoh Khufu. However, entering was an incredible experience, also because it will most likely no longer be allowed to do so in the future.
Despite its Beauty and Grandeur…
Despite its beauty and grandeur, the entire area around Giza is very dirty and neglected. Even the roads are in terrible condition. The place itself is beautiful but nothing is done to enhance it and do justice to this unique heritage in the world. Perhaps in the future the Egyptian authorities will pay more attention and take better care of what their ancestors left to them and for which they should have eternal gratitude. A tourist area of so much beauty and uniqueness should be at least presentable and welcoming, but there is garbage everywhere and basic infrastructure is non-existent.
Cairo Here We Go!
On our way back from Japan, we stopped in Cairo where we stayed for another two days. The Egyptian megalopolis is practically deserted until late morning. Egyptians do not have a specific opening time for shops, even if they stay open until midnight. Of course, the scorching temperatures during the day mean that the city is only full of people when it gets dark. Due to our previous experience, to avoid food poisoning this time we preferred to eat in fast food restaurants where at least the food is somewhat controlled and there is a little less risk. In the evening we took a cruise on the Nile for a couple of hours. There is really nothing more to see by boat than what you can do just by walking along the Nile. In practice it is a kind of teleshopping from when you get on until you get off and is more suited to an audience that likes to give tips for no reason. Food is included in the price but is not of great quality and drinks are not included in the price and are much more expensive than in any luxury restaurant in Cairo. In short, an experience preferably to be avoided.
Coptic Cairo
On our second day, with a temperature as high as 45 degrees, we took the subway (tickets cost just 10 cents and children free) to visit Coptic Cairo. Tradition holds that this district was blessed by the Holy Family during their travels to Egypt. The Hanging Church which is also called Al-Moallaqa (which means the suspended one in the Arabic language) is certainly one of the most famous attractions. It is called this because it was built on the southern gate of the Roman fortress. The church was built on the ruins of the Roman fortress palm tree trunks and layers of stones that were used as foundations. Other attractions in the neighborhood include the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Abu Serga Church (Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus), the Church of Saint George and the Church of Saint Barbara.
National Museum of Civilization
After our Mc lunch, we went to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. New, modern and organised, completely different from everything we had seen up to that point. There are restaurants, shops and even a children’s activity center! No photos are allowed in the mummy room. It is spectacular to see those mummies so well preserved after more than four thousand years. The teeth, toenails and hair are still visible and somewhat intact. I had so much fun because they offer educational activities for children where all the Egyptian history and culture is explained and so much more.
Epilogue
Egyptians are good people but just a little pushy and they expect to always receive something in return. If someone offers to take a photo and you thought it was a kind gesture, you can be sure that they will ask for money in return, especially in Giza. Try ignore them, because once you start talking you will end up buying something. On the plus side, Egypt is definitely an amazing and safe country for tourists.
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