Imagining exploring Egypt, Ancient Wonder, and the Red Sea? You aren't the only one. I visited Egypt for the first time after grad school. I didn't get to go to the Pyramids because of a tourist scare during our mother daughter trip. I promised myself I would return to Egypt. It is said those that drink from the Nile, return to drink from it. I returned to Egypt for a month.
On Friday, February 23, 2024, during my travel to 7 Continents, I woke up and visited the Pyramids, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. I kept saying to myself during the day, wow, I got to do this today!
I wanted to commemorate visiting my first ancient wonder in a special way. After researching various choices, I discovered and decided to go with Egypt Eye with Pyramids and a Photoshoot via Airbnb Experiences.
Here I am at the Pyramids and a Photoshoot.
Pinching myself.
About Cairo and Egypt
Cairo and Giza, two bustling cities in Egypt, are home to one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of ancient civilization: the Pyramids of Giza.
Situated on the outskirts of Cairo, the Giza Necropolis encompasses the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx, among other structures. These colossal monuments were built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, around 2580–2560 BCE, as elaborate tombs for pharaohs and symbols of their divine power and eternal afterlife.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the largest and most famous of the three pyramids, standing at a height of 138.8 meters (455 feet). It held the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
The Pyramids of Giza, along with the Sphinx, are revered as architectural marvels and are designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a testament to their enduring legacy and cultural significance. Today, they continue to awe and inspire visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and mystique of ancient Egypt's monumental achievements.
I not only dreamed about visiting the Pyramids, Egypt's Ancient Wonder of the World, I real-lifed it.
Ancient Wonder of the World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a list of remarkable constructions of classical antiquity compiled by various ancient Greek writers. These wonders were considered marvels of architecture, engineering, and craftsmanship and served as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of ancient civilizations. The list typically includes:
The Great Pyramid of Giza: Located in Egypt, the Great Pyramid is the only Wonder of the Ancient World still largely intact today. It was constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) of the Fourth Dynasty, around 2580–2560 BCE. The pyramid served as a tomb for the Pharaoh and is the largest of the three pyramids at the Giza Necropolis.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Described by ancient Greek writers as a remarkable feat of engineering, the Hanging Gardens were said to have been built in the ancient city of Babylon, near present-day Baghdad, Iraq. The gardens were believed to have been constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE to please his wife, Amytis of Media.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Created by the renowned Greek sculptor Phidias, the Statue of Zeus was a colossal seated figure of the god Zeus, made of ivory and gold-plated bronze. It was housed in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece, and was considered one of the greatest achievements of classical Greek art.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Located in present-day Turkey, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and was one of the largest temples of the ancient world. It was constructed in the 6th century BCE and was renowned for its grandeur and architectural beauty.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: The Mausoleum was a grand tomb built for Mausolus, the ruler of Caria in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and his wife Artemisia II. It was constructed between 353 and 350 BCE and was adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs, earning it a reputation as one of the most splendid tombs of the ancient world.
The Colossus of Rhodes: This enormous bronze statue of the sun god Helios stood at the entrance to the harbor of the Greek island of Rhodes. Erected in 280 BCE, it was one of the tallest statues of the ancient world, standing over 30 meters (about 100 feet) tall.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria: Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this ancient lighthouse was located on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt. Built in the 3rd century BCE, it served as a navigational aid for sailors entering the harbor and was one of the tallest man-made structures of its time.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was the only Wonder of the Ancient World located in Egypt, and it was included on the list due to its sheer size, architectural significance, and cultural importance. It is my first Ancient Wonder of the World. I have visited four of the New Wonders of the World.
About Pyramids
Nestled on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, lies one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of human ingenuity: the Pyramids of Giza. Built over 4,500 years ago during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, these monumental structures continue to captivate the imagination of people worldwide, serving as a testament to the architectural prowess and cultural legacy of ancient Egypt.
I stayed in Giza at Pyramids Icon, an incredible Airbnb room with a comfortable bed, delicious breakfast, jacuzzi, and unfathomable view of the pyramids.
All Giza Historic Sites with Egyptologist and Pyramids Photoshoot
With discovering Egypt Eye via Airbnb Experiences, I decided this would be the most magical way to explore the pyramids with an Egyptologist, photoshoot at the pyramids, and visit to a museum. I encountered extreme experience with Mena, my Egyptologist guide and Youssif, who did my photoshoot.
We started off at the Great Pyramids, followed by a camel ride to the Giza Plateau for my photoshoot, and a visit to the National Egyptian Museum of Civilizations.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
At the heart of the Giza Necropolis stands the Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu. Rising majestically to a height of 138.8 meters (455 feet), it held the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Constructed using millions of limestone blocks, the Great Pyramid is a marvel of precision engineering and architectural mastery.
Its interior chambers, including the King's Chamber and the Grand Gallery, continue to intrigue historians and archaeologists, offering clues to the pyramid's purpose and construction techniques.
The Pyramid Complex: Accompanying the Great Pyramid are two other magnificent structures: the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
These pyramids, built for Pharaohs Khafre and Menkaure, respectively, form part of the larger pyramid complex at Giza. Surrounding the pyramids are various mortuary temples, causeways, and smaller pyramids, creating a sprawling necropolis that served as a royal burial ground for Egypt's ancient rulers. The precision with which these structures were aligned with the stars and the Nile River speaks to the astronomical and spiritual significance attributed to them by the ancient Egyptians.
The Great Sphinx
Guarding the entrance to the pyramid complex is the enigmatic Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, commonly believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre.
Carved from a single limestone block, the Sphinx is one of the largest and oldest statues in the world, standing as a silent sentinel overlooking the sands of time. Its purpose and symbolism have sparked countless theories and interpretations, adding to the allure and mystery of the Giza plateau.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Pyramids of Giza, along with the Great Sphinx, are revered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a prestigious list compiled by ancient Greek scholars to showcase the most remarkable feats of human creativity and engineering.
Despite the passage of millennia, the Pyramids of Giza remain the sole survivors of this illustrious list, standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt and the awe-inspiring achievements of its civilization.
Visiting the Pyramids: Today, the Pyramids of Giza continue to attract visitors from around the globe, drawn by their mystique, grandeur, and historical significance. Travelers have the opportunity to explore the pyramid complex, marvel at the monumental architecture, and contemplate the mysteries of ancient Egypt's pharaonic past. Guided tours, camel rides, and sound and light shows offer immersive experiences that bring the history and splendor of the pyramids to life.
The Pyramids of Giza stand as an enduring symbol of human ambition, innovation, and reverence for the divine. From their towering heights to their intricate chambers, these ancient wonders continue to inspire wonder and fascination, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries of the past and the enduring legacy of one of the world's greatest civilizations.
As we gaze upon the timeless majesty of the Pyramids of Giza, we are reminded of the boundless potential of the human spirit and the enduring power of human creativity to transcend the sands of time.
Best Time to Visit Pyramids
On every blog I read, everyone said to go during the week and/or early in the morning for two great reasons. If you want to get there before the crowds, you want to get there early to get the photos and Instagram shots with no one in them. In addition, it starts getting hot. I was there around 9 am.
I recommend not going on a Friday if you can because many schools take field trips.
Pyramid Visit Solo or Not
Of course, you may take a tour to go to visit the Pyramids and/or get a guide when you come easily.
As of February 2024, it is 540 EGP / divine by exchange rate of 30 for about $15 USD for entry to Pyramid Complex. It is an added fee to enter the pyramids. I opted not to due to the burial grounds, pictures I saw, and added costs.
I contemplated going on my own, but decided to combine the guide and photoshoot to increase my knowledge and capture the moments of a lifetime. The costs of tours may vary from $45 USD to $150+ for the Day.
Shot by Youssif with Egypt Eye
Giza Pyramids: Ancient Wonder of the World
Visiting an ancient 7 Wonder of the World is unfathomable.
I am so grateful to have visited Egypt in February 2024.
It is magical and mystical, and well worth the visit in every way.
I definitely rate Giza Pyramids as a must see and do in Egypt.
Are you curious about Egypt? Stay tuned for my Top 10 Things to Do in Egypt.
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