After driving from Alexandria to the teeming metropolis of Cairo, you'll stop in Memphis, Egypt's first capital. Here you'll visit the ruins of the temple of Ptah, the statue of King Ramses the 2nd and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis the 2nd. A short drive from Memphis lays the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara. After visiting the complex, continue to one of the Mastabas (funerary chambers) built nearby, such as those of Ptah-Hotep, Mereruca, Idut or Ti for an inside visit. A sumptuous buffet lunch waits at deluxe hotel where you'll have some time to relax before the drive to the Giza Plateau where the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza lay. Enjoy panoramic views from the Western Plateau, and then stop at the middle pyramid where you can explore the site on your own. Continue down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx, watching the passage of time and men in eons of silence. An orientation drive through Cairo culminates your day before returning to your ship in Alexandria. At the end of the day a short stop will take place at a Papyrus Institute where you'll see how paper was made from reeds by the Ancient Egyptians. Limited time for shopping is also included. Note: This tour involves approximately 1 1/4 miles of walking with uneven and gravel surfaces at the Pyramids and Sakkara sites. Guests with breathing problems, heart problems and/or claustrophobia are not recommended to visit inside the Pyramids.