Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
In the heart of Egypt, past the eternal gloom of History of The Great Sphinx of Giza, looms a new wonder The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). In no way a treasure trove of relics, GEM is a conceptual reinterpretation of how we experience history. It marries technology, design, and storytelling to revive the ancient world that still shapes world culture.With a staggering cost of over $1 billion USD for construction, this pearl is Egypt's testament to cultural diplomacy, restoration, and tourism revival. It's not just about preserving the past—it's about preparing it for the future.
The museum concept was born in 1998, out of the need to have storage and a showcase for Egypt's growing number of priceless artifacts. The first Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square had not functioned—too small and congested for Egypt's archaeological wealth.
Its building began in 2002, but the journey was not entirely smooth:
Sidetracked by the Arab Spring of 2011, which diverted resources and attention
Brought back to life by international assistance, including Japanese loans, Belgian expertise, and guidance from dozens of foreign institutions.
Early launch of conservation laboratories, the premier illustration of the scientific along with cultural function of the museum.
Partial openings began in 2023, including visits to the Grand Staircase, Ramses II statue, and outside gardens.
Scheduled final grand opening late in 2025, when this 25-year venture reaches its conclusion.
GEM is now a symbol of the new Egypt: visionary, strong, and proud to be Egyptian.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located in El-Ramya district, on the fringes of the Giza Plateau. Its proximity to the Pyramids is an exhilarating experience:
Visitors can view the pharaohs' graves and then enter a museum of their existence.
The glass exterior of the museum is aligned with the Great Pyramid of Khufu—combining geography and architecture with spiritual purpose.
The dry environment of the museum was landscaped to create an atmosphere that responds to a sense of ancient natural landscape, which completed the atmospheric drama.
Architectural Mastermind: Ageless Design
Heneghan Peng Architects won top honors with their design, from over 1,500 submissions around the world.
Triangular shape reminds of pyramid's signature silhouette.
Grand Staircase acts as spine among major galleries, lined with enormous statues of deified leaders.
Hanging Obelisk suspended above the entrance—indicative of rising to heaven.
Natural light tunnels introduce filtered sunlight to the galleries, replicating the golden hues of the Nile sunset.
Environmental technology consists of energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and climate control that protects sensitive artifacts.
The building measures in excess of 500,000 square meters, with more floor space for interactive education and conservation than any museum in Africa.
Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, one traces 7,000 years of history through the lead of more than 100,000 artifacts that cross Egypt's ancient past. The museum has been demarcated into thematic and chronological galleries that give a clear window into the past.
The standout most looked forward to is the whole Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the very first time. There is his iconic golden death mask, throne, chariots, jewelry, canopic jars, and personal items that reveal the intimate details of the boy king's life and belief2.
Another standout is the Khufu Solar Boat, a reconstructed wooden vessel said to have been used in transporting Pharaoh Khufu's spirit in the heavens. This colossal artifact sits in a purpose-built hall where the visitor can view its craftsmanship on all sides.
Predynastic and Early Dynastic periods: Tools, pottery, and early writing systems
Old Kingdom: Statues of Khafre, Menkaure, and Pyramid builders inscriptions
Middle Kingdom: Sculptures and artifacts from the period of reunification in Egypt
New Kingdom: Objects from the reign of Hatshepsut, Ramses II, and Akhenaten
Greco-Roman and Ptolemaic periods: Synthesis art and religious remains
Beyond the galleries, GEM also has a Children's Museum with interactive exhibitions, a Conservation Center where one catches a glimpse of artifact restoration, and interactive virtual reality exhibits that bring ancient rituals and architecture to life2.
The entrance hall greets visitors with the towering statue of Ramses II, while the Grand Staircase is lined with colossus statues of gods and pharaohs, the opening overture to the great adventure ahead.
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been the largest cultural project in recent history. GEM, which is just 2 kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, was to be the world's largest archaeological museum with over 100,000 objects and a rich story of ancient Egypt2.
1998–2002: The idea was conceptualized, and an international competition was held. First prize went to Dublin-based practice Heneghan Peng Architects with a design that irretrievably links the museum to the landscape of Giza Plateau.
2005–2010: Preparation of the site, including environmental surveys, soil tests, and laying down of infrastructure, began. Financing came in the form of a $300 million Japanese government loan.
2012–2023: Official work began, and the construction was postponed because of political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, milestones like the moving of the gigantic statue of Ramses II and the Solar Boat of Khufu were completed.
Design Philosophy: The museum building follows a north-south axis, just like the ancient Egyptian temples do. Its east facade consists of seven pyramid-shaped buildings, symbolizing spiritual as well as historical continuity.
Grand Staircase: A 64-meter-long stair as a chronological history, leading the visitor from modern Cairo back in time towards the past, presenting a view of the pyramids through a large glass wall.
Folded Plate Roof: A complex, sloping roof of prestressed concrete allows natural lighting and ventilation, positioned on the axis of the pyramids, and attains sustainability4.
Ramses II Statue: The 83-ton statue was relocated to the atrium before constructing around it—a feat that required military engineers and specially designed infrastructure3.
Khufu Solar Boat: A 45-meter-long ritual boat was relocated from the Giza Plateau to its final resting point at GEM, demonstrating Egypt's engineering prowess.
Restoration & Technology
Conservation Center: A complex of the latest design featuring secure rooms for sterilization, restoration, and documentation of artifacts.
Discover now our answers to the most common questions that may come to your mind about tourism and trips to Egypt
Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
The Dead Sea, Petra in Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's historic temples, and many other famous sites can be expected to be explored with Deluxe Tours.
offer a hassle-free holiday, Deluxe Tours' packages generally include lodging, transport, meals, guided tours with experienced local experts, and entry fees to attractions.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the finest weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, making those months the best times to visit Egypt and Jordan.
These two countries are close by, only a 1.5-hour flight apart, and when combined, offer a variety of distinctive experiences. We advise you to spend at least 12 days visiting both countries for a truly unforgettable experience
Combining the eclipse viewing with visits to historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and a Nile River cruise are highly recommended.
