Description
The Grand Egyptian Museum is the most significant new cultural institution of the 21st century — and it sits right at the base of the Giza Pyramids. Our **New Grand Egyptian Museum & Giza Pyramids from Hurghada by Bus** gives you a full day at both: the GEM's extraordinary 100,000-artefact collection (including the complete King Tutankhamun collection of 5,398 pieces displayed together for the first time in history) and the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple — all guided by a qualified Egyptologist.
This is the definitive Cairo day trip from Hurghada. Not the old museum. The new one. Built for the 21st century, directly adjacent to the Pyramids, designed to present Egypt's ancient heritage at the highest possible standard.
## The Grand Egyptian Museum — The World's Largest Archaeological Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened in 2023 after two decades of construction and is the largest archaeological museum in the world. Purpose-built at Giza at a cost of over $1 billion, it was designed specifically to house Egypt's most important pharaonic artefacts in a state-of-the-art environment — with the Pyramids of Giza visible through the museum's dramatic glass facade.
The museum's collection exceeds **100,000 artefacts**, of which at least **20,000 are displayed here for the very first time** — pieces that were previously in storage and had never been seen by the public. The scale and quality of what's on display is simply unprecedented.
## The Complete Tutankhamun Collection — 5,398 Pieces
The centrepiece of the Grand Egyptian Museum is the **complete King Tutankhamun collection** — all **5,398 objects** from his tomb, displayed together for the first time in a dedicated gallery space. When Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, he found it packed with treasures: the golden death mask (perhaps the most recognisable artefact in human history), golden coffins, the throne, the chariot, jewellery, weapons, musical instruments, food, clothing, and thousands of ritual objects.
Previously scattered across different display cases at the Old Egyptian Museum, the entire Tutankhamun collection is now presented as a single, cohesive exhibition in the GEM — allowing visitors to grasp the extraordinary wealth and detail of the burial assemblage for the first time. Your Egyptologist guide explains the significance of each major object and the story of the tomb's discovery and excavation.
## Massive Statues of Pharaohs and Gods
The GEM's entrance hall is anchored by one of the most dramatic moments in any museum on Earth: a **20-metre-tall statue of Ramesses II**, relocated from Cairo's Ramses Square to stand at the base of the museum's grand staircase. Ascending the stairs past this colossus — the pharaoh who ruled Egypt for 66 years and was arguably the most powerful king in ancient history — is a genuinely overwhelming experience.
Throughout the museum, a series of extraordinary colossal statues of pharaohs and gods line the grand staircase and galleries. The GEM was specifically designed around these monumental pieces, with ceiling heights and gallery proportions calculated to display them at their proper scale.
## The Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Valley Temple
After the GEM and lunch, the afternoon takes you to the **Giza Plateau** — directly next to the museum — to visit the three Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple of Chephren.
The **Pyramid of Cheops** (Khufu) — the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World, 146 metres tall at completion, constructed from 2.3 million stone blocks. The **Pyramid of Chephren** — slightly shorter but appearing taller due to its elevated position, retaining original smooth limestone casing near the summit. The **Pyramid of Mykerinus** — the smallest and latest of the three, equally extraordinary in its precision.
The **Great Sphinx** — 73 metres long, carved from a single bedrock outcrop, dating to the reign of Chephren — guards the plateau as it has for 4,500 years.
The **Valley Temple of Chephren** — the granite and alabaster reception temple where the pharaoh was mummified, one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian monumental architecture.
Your Egyptologist guide provides full historical and archaeological context throughout the afternoon, connecting what you saw in the GEM to what you're standing in front of.
## Traditional Egyptian Lunch
Between the GEM and the Pyramids, enjoy a **traditional Egyptian lunch at a local Cairo restaurant** — included in the tour price. A proper sit-down meal to rest and refuel between the two extraordinary sightseeing sessions.
## Who Is This Trip For?
- **History and archaeology enthusiasts** who want the world's most important pharaonic collection, properly guided
- **First-time Egypt visitors** who want the GEM experience — not just the old museum — combined with the Pyramids
- **Anyone** who wants to see the Tutankhamun collection as it was meant to be displayed: complete, 5,398 pieces, all together
- **Photographers and architecture lovers** who want the GEM's dramatic architecture alongside the Pyramids
- **Returning visitors** who did the old Egyptian Museum last time and want to experience the GEM
## Important Notes Before You Book
- **Pickup is 1:00–2:00 AM** — a night bus departure is necessary to reach Cairo for morning opening. Pre-order a **breakfast box from your hotel reception the evening before**.
- **Passport or ID card required** — bring your identification document on the day of the tour.
- **Guide availability:** English guide available Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday–Thursday. German guide available Saturday and Wednesday. Please confirm guide language availability when booking.
- **Entrance inside the Pyramid of Chephren** is not included — it's an optional extra payable on site.
## Price & Inclusions
At **€90 per person** — children 6–11 years €45, under 5 free — this trip includes the return bus transfer, Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx, and Valley Temple, traditional Egyptian lunch, and all taxes.
Itinerary
1:00 – 2:00 AM -
Hotel Pickup in Hurghada
Pickup from your hotel between 1:00 and 2:00 AM depending on your hotel location. Travel to Cairo in a comfortable air-conditioned bus equipped with toilet facilities.
~6:00 AM -
Arrival in Cairo — Meet Your Guide
Arrive in Cairo and meet your Egyptologist guide who will accompany you throughout the full day trip.
7:00 AM -
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Explore the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum — home to over 100,000 artifacts, including at least 20,000 displayed for the very first time. Marvel at the complete King Tutankhamun collection of 5,398 pieces, massive statues of pharaohs and gods, and treasures spanning Egypt's ancient civilization.
11:00 AM -
Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Cairo
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo.
12:30 PM -
Great Pyramids of Giza
Head to the Pyramids of Giza to discover the exquisite Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Admire the extraordinary precision of the ancient builders.
2:00 PM -
Great Sphinx & Valley Temple
Stand before the Great Sphinx — a pharaoh's head on a lion's body, dating to the reign of King Chephren. Visit the Valley Temple of Chephren, a magnificent work of ancient architecture.
3:30 PM -
Optional: Shopping & Nile Sailing
Optional free time for shopping or a sailing boat on the Nile (at own expense).
5:00 PM -
Departure Back to Hurghada
Board the comfortable bus for the overnight return journey to Hurghada.
~11:00 PM -
Arrival at Your Hotel
Return to your Hurghada hotel around 23:00 after a full 24-hour Cairo adventure.
FAQ
Q: What is the price of the Grand Egyptian Museum day trip from Hurghada?
A: €90 per adult. Children aged 6–11 years: €45. Children under 5: free. The price includes the return bus transfer, Egyptologist guide, all entrance fees (Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Valley Temple), and traditional Egyptian lunch. All taxes included.
Q: What is the difference between this trip and the Cairo day trip with the Old Egyptian Museum?
A: This trip visits the New Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) at Giza — the world's largest archaeological museum, which opened in 2023. The other trip visits the Old Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square in central Cairo. The GEM houses the complete Tutankhamun collection (5,398 pieces displayed together for the first time), 100,000+ artefacts, 20,000 of which are on public display for the first time, and is located directly adjacent to the Pyramids. The GEM is the premium, state-of-the-art experience; the Old Museum is the historic original.
Q: Does this trip include the complete Tutankhamun collection?
A: Yes — the Grand Egyptian Museum houses the complete King Tutankhamun collection: all 5,398 objects from his tomb displayed together for the first time in history. This includes the golden death mask, golden coffins, the throne, the royal chariot, jewellery, weapons, musical instruments, and thousands of ritual objects that were previously in storage and never publicly displayed. Your Egyptologist guide covers the key pieces in detail.
Q: Is a passport required for the Grand Egyptian Museum trip?
A: Yes — you must bring your passport or national ID card on the day of the tour. This is a requirement for entry to the GEM. Do not forget your identification document.
Q: What pickup time is the Grand Egyptian Museum trip?
A: Pickup is between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, depending on your hotel location in Hurghada. The night departure is necessary to reach Cairo for the museum's morning opening. Pre-order a breakfast box from your hotel reception the evening before. Return to Hurghada is around 11:00 PM — a full 24-hour trip.
Q: Is the guide available every day?
A: Guide availability varies by language: English guides are available Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday–Thursday. German guides are available Saturday and Wednesday. Please confirm your preferred guide language and check availability when booking.
Q: Is this suitable for children?
A: The trip is suitable for older children who can manage a very long day (24 hours including overnight travel). Children 6–11 pay €45 (half price) and under 5 are free. The GEM is particularly engaging for children given its scale and the Tutankhamun collection. Bring comfortable shoes and snacks.