Citadel of Salah el-Din with Alabaster Mosque
One of Cairo's most popular tourist attractions is the Citadel, located on a spur of limestone that had been detached from its parent Moqattam Hills by quarrying. The Citadel is one of the world's greatest monuments to medieval warfare, as well as a highly visible landmark on Cairo's eastern skyline. Particularly when viewed from the back side, the Citadel reveals a very medieval character.

Legend has it that Salah ad-Din chose the site for its healthy Air. The story goes that he hung pieces of meat up all around Cairo. The meat spoilt within a day everywhere except in the Citadel area, where it remained fresh for several days. But in reality this location provides a strategic advantage both to dominate Cairo and to defend outside attackers.

Khan el-Khalili Bazaars
Not just any market, but one of the most historic markets in the world. Founded by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili in 1382, the khan was responsible for developing such a stranglehold on goods moving from the Eastern world to the West, that it is indirectly responsible for the discovery of the American continent. The spice markets in the Khan, a monopoly controlled by the ruling Mamluks of Egypt, forced explorers such as Columbus to find alternate routes for goods coming from the East.

Sultan Hassan
The Mosque and Madrassa (school) of Sultan Hassan, was built between 1356 and 1363, and is believed to be one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in Cairo. The mosque is also considered one of the largest, not only in Cairo but in the whole Islamic world. It is a massive structure measuring some 492 feet (150 meters) long and 118 feet (36 meters) high. The tallest minaret is 223 feet (68 meters) tall.

Memphis
Memphis, founded around 3,100 BC, is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Early on, Memphis was more like a fortress from which Menes controlled the land and water routes between Upper Egypt and the Delta. Having probably originated in Upper Egypt, from Memphis he could control the conquered people of Lower Egypt. However, by the 3rd Dynasty, the building at Saqqara suggests that Memphis had become a sizable city.

It was built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty by the architect and genius Imhotep, who designed it and its surrounding complex to be as grand as it was unique and revolutionary. Imhotep was the first to build stone tombs in honor of the king's majesty. Imhotep may have also designed the pyramid of Djoser's successor, Sekhemkhet.

Tradition tells us that Menes founded the city by creating dykes to protect the area from Nile floods. Afterwards, this great city of the Old Kingdom became the administrative and religious center of Egypt. In fact, so dominating was the city during this era referred to as the Memphite period,?it became a cosmopolitan community and was probably one of the largest and most important cities in the ancient world.

Sakkara
Sakkara is one section of the great necropolis of Memphis, the Old Kingdom capital and the kings of the 1st Dynasty as well as that of the 2nd Dynasty. are mostly buried in this section of the Memphis necropolis. Three major discoveries have recently been made at Sakkara, including a prime minister's tomb, a queen's pyramid, and the tomb of the son of a dynasty founding king.

Sakkara is best known for the Step Pyramid, the oldest of Egypt's 97 known pyramids. It was built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty by the architect and genius Imhotep, who designed it and its surrounding complex to be as grand as it was unique. Imhotep was the first to build stone tombs in honor of the king's majesty.

Take a jeep safari for the 240 kilometer trip from Sharm to the amazing colored canyon. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife including Nubian Ibex, Red Foxes and Striped Hyenas.

Hike through the different formations of the mountains with a multitude of colors reflecting in the sun. The colors are clear evidence of the oxidization of the rocky minerals millions of years ago.

On the way back to Sharm el Sheikh, stop by the sea front restaurant at Nuweiba to have lunch, before continuing to Dahab for some shopping.

Please note:
Please note the hike requires a reasonable level of fitness. This tour is not recommended for large people or those suffering claustrophobia, as you will pass through narrow passages during the hike. This tour is not recommended for the elderly, those with heart conditions or other serious illnesses.
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