From Cairo, we grab lunch and then get moving, heading south to Saqqara, a vast burial ground that Memphis had been making use of for thousands of years. It's here you'll find the incredible Step Pyramid of Djoser, which was built way back in the 27th century BC.
The brainchild of the legendary architect Imhotep, this is the world's first real big stone monument. It's a real showstopper, a six-layered monster that's a whole lot different from the pyramids that came later. You see, whereas those later pyramids were all one long slope, this one takes a more step-by-step approach. That bridged the gap from traditional mastaba tombs right on through to proper pyramids.
As you wander around the surrounding funerary complex, you get to really take in the ceremonial courtyards, the shrines, and colonnaded corridors that played a key role in all the royal rituals that went down there. And the more you see of it, the clearer a picture you get of how all that pyramid architecture actually started before it reached Giza.
Saqqara is way more than just Djoser's pyramid. There are heaps of other tombs to explore, with some of the most beautifully decorated wall reliefs you'll ever set eyes on. And these give a glimpse into what everyday life was like for ordinary folk in Old Kingdom society . You’ll see the daily routines, the festivals, the farming, the crafts, and the religious ceremonies. That’s a whole different side of ancient Egypt that usually gets overlooked in favour of the royal family.
Next up, we head on over to Memphis, the very first capital of unified Egypt, founded by King Narmer way back in 3100 BC. While not much of the old city is above ground these days, the open-air museum does have loads of important artifacts to check out.
At Memphis, you can see the massive limestone statue of Ramesses II, even though it's lying on its side. It's still a pretty mind-blowing sight, though, and the detail's still intact. And then there's the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis, one of the most impressive we've ever seen. These remnants all give you a sense of just how important Memphis was, back when it was the heart of Egypt's politics and worship.
Throughout the afternoon, your TRAVAIZ guide will be keeping you posted on how Memphis worked as a capital city and just how Sakkara evolved into its burial ground.
By the time we get back to Cairo, it's all over, but you'll have learnt a lot about ancient Egypt's earliest pyramids and the earliest civilisations on earth.
Step Pyramid of Djoser
The Step Pyramid of Djoser is considered to be the world’s earliest large-scale stone monument. The monument was built between 2670 BC and 2650 BC This six-tiered structure began as a traditional mastaba before being expanded into a revolutionary stepped design for Pharaoh Djoser’s funerary complex. Designed by the brilliant architect Imhotep, the pyramid marked a major turning point in ancient Egyptian architecture and royal burial traditions. Located within the Saqqara is a complex that includes courtyards, temples, ceremonial structures, and symbolic shrines that reflect the religious beliefs of the Old Kingdom.
The museum is named after the legendary architect Imhotep, who is the mastermind behind the Step Pyramid of Djoser. The museum is situated near the Saqqara necropolis and displays an impressive collection of statues, artifacts, tools, and architectural elements that are found in the Saqqara region. These collections provide a glimpse into the early pyramid construction and Old Kingdom artistry.
Next, you will explore one of the most beautifully decorated tombs of Saqqara. . The Tomb of Ti is famous because of its elaborate wall carvings, which remarkably describe scenes of daily living, agriculture, fishing, hunting, and religious practices in ancient Egypt.
These exceptionally well-preserved reliefs offer a great deal of information about the Old Kingdom society and artistic skills.
Continue to the ancient capital of Memphis, which was once among the most significant Egyptian cities. At the open-air museum, you will find amazing statues, stone fragments, and monumental remains that demonstrate the once greatness of the city.
At the end of the tour, the team at Traviaz will transfer you back to your hotel.
Embark on a fantastic tour of Old Cairo to explore its landmarks, comfort, history, traditions, and architectural beauty. This tour offers an engaging journey through centuries of history and tradition.
Set out on a trip from Cairo to Alexandria, a vibrant coastal city known for its cultural richness and historic landmarks.
Enjoy a memorable tour through Cairo and Giza, where you get to experience some cultural heritage together with an amazing moment. Here, you get to see one of the surviving wonders of the ancient world.
