In a Pharaohs Footsteps
Includes Giza, Saqqara, Meidum and Dhashur Pyramids
Overview
This tour brings you an entire history and experience of how the pyramids’ design and structure changed and developed through the efforts of one Pharoah who built 3 of those pyramids.
By any analysis, the Pharoah Sneferu would have to be considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of Egypt and the world. His intellect, design, planning skills, and innovations are on a level unequaled in history.
Building three pyramids during his life (the 4th Dynasty 2,600 BC) would place him on a scale of achievement that few have ever attained. The pyramids that he created, at Meidum and Dahshur which ultimately led to the construction of the Giza pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure resulted in a legacy lasting 4,500 years. And yet, not many realise that it was the skills and leadership of Sneferu and the knowledge that he acquired which led him to achieve his vision and to enshrine his legacy.
But building the pyramids was not just the product of his organizational skills. His purpose, passion, and drive in undertaking such enormous tasks reflected his ultimate belief in a life beyond his mortality. In seeking perfection for his pyramids, in the way they captured and reflected light, in their compass positions and alignment with the stars of Orion, it was believed would help him transcend from earth to the Gods.
The constellation Orion had been associated by ancient Egyptians with Osiris, the god of rebirth and it was this alignment between his pyramids and the Gods that Sneferu sought to achieve.
This experience you are about to embark on is one of the most fascinating adventures you will ever undertake. You will walk in the footsteps of this most amazing Egyptian man and leader. The tour “In the Footsteps of Sneferu” will take you to places that most travellers to Egypt rarely venture. And in doing so, you will walk in the footsteps of a man whose legacy drew you to Egypt in the first place.
The Essential Aspects of this 5-Star Itinerary
- Luxury hotel in Cairo
- Please note that hotel ratings in Egypt are different from the USA or Europe. One Horizon Africa will never compromise the quality of your accommodation and hence we only recommend 5 star and/or luxury hotels.
- Our preferred hotel is the Marriott Hotel (Nile) in Zamalek which is one of the most outstanding hotels in Cairo.
Concierge Service
- Your concierge will meet you as you disembark your flight or in the Customs Halls.
- You will be ushered with priority through Customs and Immigration – no waiting in long queues.
- All transfers will be accompanied by our staff in air-conditioned comfort.
Your Private Tour
- Your tour is conducted as a private tour where you will have exclusive use of your vehicles each day with your own guide
Your Personal Guide
- Your guide will be an expert Egyptologist who will be with you at every venue providing a complete brief with information at every venue
Gallery

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
Arrival In Cairo and Your Accommodation
Our representative will be on hand to facilitate you through Customs and Immigration and then to book you into your hotel. The first of 5 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel or equivalent. Dinner at Own Expense.
Optional Tour: Depending on your arrival time in Cairo you may want to do some shopping at Khan El Khalili Bazaar.


The Stepped Pyramid Inspires Sneferu
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC)
This amazing museum houses the mummified remains of over 30 rulers of Ancient Egypt. It is here that we put into perspective the life and times of the many pharaohs, the development of pyramids and what they represented.
Lunch: The tour takes lunch at a local restaurant
Saqqara & The Stepped Pyramid: King Djoser, was the first to build his tomb entirely in stone. and in a stepped arrangement. The tour takes you inside the pyramid and the outbuildings. Later the pharaoh Sneferu would develop the design one step further.
The second of 5 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel or equivalent. B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.





Sneferu's First Pyramid at Meidum
The 90-minute drive to Sneferu’s first foray into pyramid building gives you a glimpse of rural Egypt and sets the scene for the day.
An Obelisk or Monument that Became a Pyramid Sneferu added to an existing and partly completed obelisk type structure with 3 layers of construction. We venture inside. However this small space is not for the claustrophobic or faint hearted. The problems of construction and design were lessons learned and prompted Sneferu to new sites and revised pyramid designs.
Lunch: We will enjoy our lunch at a local restaurant. The third of 5 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel or equivalent. B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.


Day 4: AM - The Bent Pyramid - A Mistake or Genius?
The Bent Pyramid was the name given to Sneferu’s second attempt. at pyramid building. It became referred to as an architectural mistake. But was it?
Cracks started to appear in the façade which likely led to reducing the inclination from 53 to 43 degrees. Regardless it was the first attempt to build a smooth sided pyramid. The Bent Pyramid is one of the oldest pyramids in the world. It has some fascinating features and we will enter its inner sanctums to explore.
Lunch: We will lunch at a local restaurant.



Day 4: PM – The Red Pyramid – Was it Perfection that Underwhelmed Sneferu?
The Third Pyramid of Sneferu is referred to as the Red Pyramid and is located close to the Bent Pyramid in Dahshur. It is also the pyramid with the most shallow angle, so it reached only 105 meters in height. It has been described as the perfect pyramid but was it as grand as Snefru had wanted? Had Sneferu finally got the design right?
The fourth of 5 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel or equivalent. B L D included
Night Cruise Dinner on the Nile: We will enjoy a Dinner Cruise on the Nile where belly dancing and musicians entertain.



Lessons Passed to A Son and a 4500 Year Legacy Begins
The Pyramids of the Giza Plateau Sneferu’s reign ended after 33 years and he was succeeded by his son Khufu. Khufu would be followed by his son Khafre and his son Menkaure. Building pyramids had become a family affair but the reputation of Sneferu as a designer, intellectual, and master planner eclipsed them all. Sneferu had built 3 pyramids – simply an outstanding achievement.
The Sphinx – much is still to be learned about the building of the Sphinx and what it represents
Lunch: The tour takes lunch at a local restaurant. The fifth of 5 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel or equivalent. B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.




Departures to Cairo Airport and End of Tour
Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy breakfast before being transferred to Cairo for your onward flight.
Transfers to Cairo International Airport
At a previously arranged time, you will transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Last Minute Shopping
(Optional) If you have a late evening departure we can organise some last-minute shopping for you at Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
End of Tour



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.

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