Nasser’s deep dive into Cairo’s Ancient Egyptian sites

Ancient Egyptian sites and I booked this private full-day tour for our first full day in ancient Egypt. I’ve had a deep and abiding love of ancient Egypt since I was a child, studied Middle Egyptian in college, and did my homework before the trip — my expectations were high. Nasser exceeded those expectations and then some! The day was perfectly organized. We got an early start at the pyramids of Giza, which helps avoid some of the crowd. Definitely arrange to enter the Great Pyramid’s burial chamber, and check out some of the smaller, more intimate architects’ tombs in the surrounds (including the Tomb of Qar, which Obama got a first peek at in 2009!). Nasser was a well of knowledge, answering all our questions at every step. Ask about the Dream Stela between the Sphinx’s paws! We then stopped off at the Key of Life Papyrus Shop for a little souvenir collecting (prices are negotiable, and the images aren’t handmade, but you’ll be treated well). Our lunch stop on the way to Memphis was well-timed, the food was excellent, and it wasn’t a tourist trap by any stretch. The colossal statues at Memphis are especially impressive — see how many times you can spot Ramesses II’s cartouche. The trinket vendors will lay off with a little cold shoulder. Saqqara was maybe my favorite: the Imhotep museum was the best organized/curated we saw in ancient Egypt, the tombs are beautifully detailed (we saw the tomb of Kagemni and the pyramid of Teti), and the Step Pyramid complex is mind-blowing. Architecturally, the enclosure wall and entrance colonnade are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere: walkthrough, and you’re transported. If you’re visiting in wintertime, you’ll arrive at this site just as the sun is beginning to set behind the pyramid — amazing photo opportunities. Again, Nasser was there to explain everything: the site’s importance, its excavation history, and the festivals and ceremonies that would’ve been held there (ask about the Heb-Sed festival!). We wrapped up the day with a visit to a perfume vendor, and pulled over for some fresh mango juice, courtesy of Nasser, while the rush hour traffic cleared. All in all, it was a jaw-dropping first day in Egypt, organized and led by one of the most personable, knowledgeable, and engaging folks we met on our two-week tour of the country. Running into Nasser at the Egyptian Museum two days later was like encountering an old friend. He is highly recommended, along with Kemet Ancient Egypt Travel!