Visit to Ancient Civilization of Egypt

An unexpected reward for a 6 days 5 nights trip to Cairo, Egypt.

I was among the 21 employees selected into our Company Top Performers Club (TPC) in 2008.  It was an reward given to employee  and spouse (if you were married). Due to my husband was on planned business trip, i went on the trip with my two sons and forked out the extra tour cost for third person.

 

Flying via Emirates for the first time, our group left on the 0055 hours flight on 29 May 2008 and reached the award winning Dubai airport early in the next morning.  After breakfast, were were on half day Dubai city tour since our transit flight to Cairo will only be 10 hours later.  A beautiful clean city with lots of landscapes.

When we reached Cairo International airport, we were tired and all I looked forward was a warm shower and cosy bed as we checked into Cataract Hotel.

The next morning, we visited Egyptian Museum, Pyramids, the Sphinx and Valley Temple at the Giza Plateau.  We were disappointing as tickets to Great Pyramids was sold out as daily ticket was limited and controlled.  We went on to explore the smaller pyramid which was narrow and steep.

Next we were at Center El Bazaar to purchase papyrus and khartoush pendants where name could be engraved in hieroglyphic (ancient Egyptian) alphabet.  We also visited the essence factory which produced all kinds of branded perfume.

By evening, we boarded the 5-star Nile Cruise enjoying the buffet dinner and performances especially the belly dance.

On the 3rd day, we were on our way to Alexandria, approximately 3 hours from Cairo to visit the King Farouk's Palace and Montazah Gardens.  Next we were at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a library which has eight million books.  The complex also has a three museums, four art galleries, a planetarium and a manuscript restorations laboratory.  Then we drove back to Cairo for dinner at a poolside restaurant.

On the day 4, we visited the Citadel of Salah al-Din, Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque.  Then we went on 2 hour shopping at Khan Al-Khalili bazaar.  Dinner was at Chinese Peking Restaurant with an Egyptian flavour.

Day 5 we drove to El Fayoum, only an hour away from Cairo.  Fayoum means "The Sea" which refers to large inland Lake Qaroun.   We visited the Seven Water Wheels and Lake Qaroun.  That night we went to Sound and Light Show at the Great Pyramid.

On the final day, some of us requested for another trip to the Giza in the morning and we managed to got hold of the tickets and entered the Great Pyramid.  We also had our camel ride.  Lunch was at Malaysia Hall before we bid our goodbyes.  We touched down at KLIA at 1415 hours on 4 June 2008.

Inside Pyramid

                                                              

First time camel ride

                                                                

Sphinx

                                                              

Nile Cruise

                                                                  
                                                               

Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque