Day 5 - Manial Palace, Coptic Cairo & NMEC

You'll appreciate the fact that today's activities will start a little later. Remember, this is a vacation. 

After a hearty fully catered breakfast you meet your local English-speaking Egyptologist for the drive toward Old Cairo where you set off on a private tour of the Museum of Prince Muhammad Ali’s Palace in Manial, one of the most beautiful and important historical museums in Egypt. This museum exhibits an important period in the history of modern Egypt and is characterized by its architectural design. Its modern Islamic style not only  merges with Persian and Mamluk elements, but it was also inspired by Syrian, Moroccan and Andalusian motifs, as well as Ottoman style. The building thus harmonizes between several Islamic architectural traditions.

Next, you set off to view the historical treasures of the Coptic Christian community of Cairo in the captivating neighborhood of Old Cairo.

There, you'll visit several icon-adorned churches including the Hanging Church dedicated to Saint Virgin Mary, and Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church where it is believed the holy family sought refuge, and several other important sites. In this treasure trove of ancient artifacts that tell the story of one of the world's oldest Christian communities, you'll visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue which, according to folklore, is located on the site where baby Moses was found. 

Lunch today is at a local restaurant where you'll enjoy both western and Egyptian cuisine.

After lunch at a local restaurant you visit the exquisite and brand new NMEC - the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Here, the exhibits highlight the most important achievements through different eras starting from prehistoric times, through the pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods, Coptic and Islamic eras and concluding with modern day Egypt.

It is here where you will come face-to-face with the Royal Mummies which is a breathtaking experience. But if that weren't enough, our alliance with Egypt over the years affords us the opportunity to take our guests on a 'backstage' tour into the conservation center to view the ongoing conservation restorations taking place. 'Backstage', you'll enjoy a private tour by an active conservator. 

Whether you like to think so or not, by now, you do need a break and so we drive to the east bank of the Nile River where we board a traditional sailing vessel known as a felucca and sail back to the hotel enjoying Egyptian mezze and light beverages en route as the sun sets in the west, behind the pyramids.