Giza
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The 18 km wide area of Giza lies on the west bank of the Nile. It includes the site of the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre (better known as Cheops; and the biggest of the three) and Menkaure, all built between 2600 and 2520 BC. These pyramids have been considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World since Greek times; it is an overwhelming feeling standing in front of them, you will get a feeling of being very small and vulnerable. The site can be very hot and crowded during the day. Every evening a light and sound show is displayed which attracts many people as well, so the best time to visit is early in the morning.
The pyramids can be visited inside, but they are closed every several years for preservation, so only one or two pyramids can be visited at any time. You can go to the burial chamber in the center of the pyramids, but a separate ticket has to be purchased for that. Camel rides around the site can be made, but beware of scams. The camel riders will often raise there price during the ride and won't let you off the camel unless you pay first.
The pyramids are build of blocks of rock weighing 2500 kg each. For the Cheops pyramid 2,300,000 such blocks where used.
Walking from the pyramids towards the Temple of Chefren you will pass the 20 m high and 73.5 m long Sphinx of Giza.
Egyptian sphinxes are always male, with a human head on a lion body.
There is a number of smaller pyramids and temples on the site.
The Solar Boat Museum is next to the Cheops pyramid and houses a collection of ancient boats, including what is regarded as the world's oldest boat, that served to carry the pharaoh into the next world.
