In a Pharaohs Footsteps (6 Days)
From $2812 (Both Private Group Tours & Small Groups Tours)
Overview
This tour traces the development of pyramid building through the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, the 4th Dynasty ruler credited with constructing three major pyramids. Sneferu was one of the most important kings of the Old Kingdom, whose building programme transformed royal monument construction in ancient Egypt. His pyramids at Meidum and Dahshur mark decisive stages in the evolution of the true pyramid and laid the architectural foundations for Giza. Sneferu was also the father of Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid, placing him at the head of the dynasty that produced Egypt’s most celebrated monuments.
This journey offers a rare opportunity to follow the career of a ruler whose innovations shaped the course of Egyptian architecture and established the dynastic legacy that culminated in the pyramids of Giza. In a Pharaoh’s Footsteps leads you to sites that remain essential to understanding the origins of Egypt’s greatest royal monuments.
The Essential Aspects of this 5-Star Itinerary
Designed for discerning travellers, this journey pairs Egypt’s timeless wonders with the comfort, privacy, and seamless service expected of a truly high-end experience. Every detail has been considered to ensure your time is not only memorable, but effortless from beginning to end.
The Signature Touches of This 5-Star Journey
- Handpicked 5-star hotels in Cairo, chosen for their elegance, comfort, and exceptional service
- A luxury-class Nile cruise experience with refined accommodation and attentive onboard hospitality
VIP Concierge Service in Cairo
- Your personal concierge will welcome you on arrival, meeting you at the aircraft gate or in the customs hall for a seamless start to your journey.
- Enjoy priority passage through customs and immigration, allowing you to bypass the usual queues with ease.
- All transfers are accompanied by our staff and provided in air-conditioned comfort for a smooth, effortless experience throughout.
A Personal Travel App for Effortless Connection
- We can provide a personal travel app for your phone, laptop, or tablet, keeping you connected with loved ones while delivering real-time flight updates and itinerary changes—your discreet, always-on travel companion.
From the moment you arrive to your final farewell, every aspect of your stay is curated with care, discretion, and attention to detail—allowing you to immerse yourself in Egypt with complete peace of mind and in exceptional style.
Gallery
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The Stepped Pyramid Was The First Stone Pyramid
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Meidum Pyramid
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Sneferu's Second Build Was The Bent Pyramid
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Black Pyramid Of Amenemhat III
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Sneferu's Third Build Was The Perfect Pyramid
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The Great Pyramid Built By Sneferu's Son Khufu
Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA. For additional information please click the button below.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
On arrival at Cairo Airport, our representative will welcome you, assist you through Customs and Immigration, and accompany you to your hotel so your journey begins smoothly.
Depending on your arrival time in Cairo, you may choose an optional introduction to the city, with either the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar or the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum offering a memorable first taste of Egypt’s culture and history.
Overnight: Cairo Marriott Hotel, Nile River, or similar — first of 5 nights. Meals: Dinner at own expense.
Cairo Marriott A Place To Relax And Be Pampered
The Khan Is The Ultimate Cultural Experience
The GEM Is The Largest Museum In The World
Housing The Entire Tutankhamen Collection
Day 2: The Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara
The Museum displays around 100,000 ancient artifacts spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history. The main galleries are divided into four eras: predynastic and Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and Greco-Roman.
The main attraction is the full tomb collection of King Tutankhamun. The collection includes about 5,000 items and was relocated from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
In August 2021, the reconstructed Khufu ship, a solar barque, was relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum from the Giza Solar Boat Museum beside the Great Pyramid.
The Largest Museum In The World
The Stepped Pyramid Was The First Stone Pyramid
Discovered Tombs In Saqqara
Day 3: Sneferu’s First Pyramid at Meidum
The 90-minute drive to Meidum gives you a glimpse of rural Egypt and sets the scene for Sneferu’s early experiments in pyramid building.
Meidum shows Sneferu’s early experimentation with pyramid design. Venturing inside gives a real sense of the challenges faced by ancient builders, though the confined space is not recommended for guests who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable in narrow passages.
Overnight: Cairo Marriott Hotel, Nile River, or similar — third of 5 nights. Meals: Breakfast and lunch included; dinner at own expense.
Meidum Pyramid
Meidum Pyramid
First Class Amenities At The Marriott
Day 4: Dahshur’s Bent and Red Pyramids
At Dahshur, the Bent Pyramid reveals Sneferu’s bold experimentation with a true smooth-sided pyramid. Its distinctive change in angle makes it one of Egypt’s most fascinating architectural milestones.
The Red Pyramid, also at Dahshur, represents the next step in Sneferu’s remarkable building programme. With its clean lines and successful design, it is often regarded as Egypt’s first true pyramid and a key milestone on the road to Giza.
Overnight: Cairo Marriott Hotel, Nile River, or similar — fourth of 5 nights. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Evening: Dinner cruise on the Nile with live entertainment.
The Mysterious Bent Pyramid Mistake Or Genius?
An Amazing Site So Many Unanswered Questions
Sneferu's Third Build Was The Perfect Pyramid
An Amaziig View From The Perfect Pyramid
Day 5: The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The Pyramids of the Giza Plateau bring Sneferu’s legacy to its grand conclusion. Khufu, followed by Khafre and Menkaure, transformed earlier experiments into one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
The Sphinx adds an unforgettable sense of mystery, standing guard at the edge of the plateau and continuing to inspire debate about its purpose and meaning.
Overnight: Cairo Marriott Hotel, Nile River, or similar — fifth of 5 nights. Meals: Breakfast and lunch included; dinner at own expense.
The Great Pyramid At Giza
The Iconic Sphinx
The 5 Star Marriott Hotel
Day 6: Departure from Cairo
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight. If you have a late departure, we can arrange an additional Cairo experience, such as Al-Azhar Park, as a relaxed finale to your time in Egypt.
Al Azhar Park Was A Gift From The Agha Khan
Islamic Garden Architecture
Al Azhar Park A Place To Relax
Inclusions
- A meet and assist by our local representative upon arrival and also assistance on departure
- 5 x nights’ accommodation at Hotel Cairo
- Breakfast and Lunch each day
- 5 x excursions to the pyramids at Saqqara, Meidum, Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid and the Giza Plateau pyramids
- Entrance to the burial chamber within each pyramid
- Night Nile Cruise and Dinner on Day 4
- Camel or horse ride in the Giza Pyramids area
- All ground transfers in Cairo
- All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat.
- Services of English-speaking guide
- Optional Tour to Khan El Kahili bazaar on Day 1 (no costed)
- Optional Tour to Khan El Kahili bazaar on Day 6 (not costed)
- One year membership of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Dinners (Nights 1,2,3, and 5)
- Visa Fees
- Optional tours
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Tips
- Drinks, extra meals
videos
We would like to acknowledge the Science Channel for this video which is publicly available on You Tube.
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0

Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt. His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.