The Grand Egyptian Museum & Pyramids of Giza
In 2020, Lynn and I went to Egypt.
We were setting up the destination for Fleewinter, so needed to make sure we’d been to the country and seen and experienced as much as possible, to fully research trips for our clients. It was an amazing trip!
These are some of the example itineraries we planned after our visit.
When were in Cairo, the Grand Egyptian Museum was still in construction, just a mile away from the Pyramids of Giza. Apparently, it was a running joke that halfway-ish through each year, the opening would be postponed to the following year.
But on the 4th November 2025… it’s actually opening.
And my word, does it seem to be worth the wait! Our friends and partners in Egypt have been enjoying the soft launch – and Lynn and I will be heading there ourselves as soon as possible.
What you can expect from the Grand Egyptian Museum…
Walking through the main entrance, which are modelled on the iconic pyramids, one of the first things you’ll see is a status of Ramesses II, a mighty Egyptian Pharaoh who ruled more than 3,300 years ago.
He’s actually been on site overseeing construction since 2006, one of the first artefacts brought to the new location, but carefully protected from the construction and shielded from view.
This astonishing piece of history is 32 feet high and carved from more than 80 tonnes of granite – a statement of intent as you enter a building containing what feels like a journey through history itself.
Ramesses II, and more than 100,000 other ancient treasures, are now visible to the public for the first time in nearly two decades. Somewhat poetically, artefacts spanning more than 5 millennia are housed in this new museum spanning more than 5 million square feet.
A perfect itinerary to slot in a trip to the museum is our Best of Egypt Tour – from £2,600pp for 7 nights. Add an additional night or two, to spend more time at the Museum.
Why the Grand Egyptian Museum took 20 years to build
It’s taken 20 years for the museum to open its doors.
Political uprisings slowed construction, wars in neighbouring countries caused uncertainty, and of course in 2020 a global pandemic all but halted proceedings. When the museum opens, it will be 20 years since construction began in 2005.
This is a project of deep national love, pride, and determination for success – the largest museum for a single civilisation in the whole world – and a rightful jewel in Egypt’s crown.
Read our guide on When to Visit Egypt to begin planning your trip.
Fleewinter’s Egypt experts, Lynn and Alba, can’t wait to see for themselves.
“I can hardly believe it — the Grand Egyptian Museum is finally opening its doors! A new chapter of history is about to unfold. Imagine standing among thousands of ancient treasures, each telling its own timeless story — all gathered beneath one breathtaking roof.
When I visited the ‘old’ Egyptian Museum, I was already mesmerised by the sheer beauty and mystery of its artefacts, so I can only imagine how awe-inspiring the new museum will be. I honestly can’t wait to experience it for myself soon.”
~Lynn
The Pyramids of Giza
One of the most exciting features of the new museum is a platform offering an unobstructed view of the 4,600-year-old Pyramids of Giza, just over a mile from the museum.
Eventually, the plan is to develop a walkway between the two so you can step as the ancient Egyptians did, to the foot of these incredible monuments. In the meanwhile, viewing them from this platform offers one of the most exquisite ways to appreciate the scale and grandeur of these wonders of the world.
What’s held in the museum?
As well as large pieces not seen for years, some of the most iconic artefacts will be on display. The ‘Boy King’s’ throne, royal jewellery, two golden sarcophagi, and his iconic 25lb gold funerary mask – will be on display.
A separate annex that will display two royal boats discovered in 1954 will open for viewing after the grand opening in November.
There are a further three galleries, cleverly laid out following themes, containing papyrus manuscripts, stone carvings, ceremonial tools and jewellery, a replica of the Rosetta Stone – and so much more. This is the sort of place you could spend a week and still not see every piece: a modern library, filled with history.
Check out our Essentials Guide to Egypt for tips on planning your trip with us, and how to make the most of your time in this astonishing country.
Why you should visit the Grand Egyptian Museum as part of your holiday to Egypt
You should visit for a couple of reasons.
To start, there are only a few instances in our lifetime where you can truly be ‘one of the first.’ Certainly as far as travel is concerned, the opportunities become fewer each year. This, however, is one such opportunity.
Secondly, this colossal library of years past offers a rare return to the sense wonderment we felt as children. Think back – when did you first see a picture of the Mask of Tutankhamun? Perhaps it was on the cover of National Geographic?
Do you remember the moment you learned about the wonders of the world, including the Great Pyramid of Giza?
It’s almost certain that you remember learning about the Ancient Egyptians an early age. Not just about the individuals, but also about civilisation itself, and the inter-connectivity of our world.
Now, you can walk through the corridors of that civilisation yourself. See King Tutankhamun’s mask with your own eyes. Stare at the mighty Pyramids, as millions have done since their construction during the Old Kingdom, over 4000 years ago.
Revisit the wonder you felt, stepping through your own history as much as Egypt’s.
If you’d like a real ‘bucket list’ trip – then use our Best of Egypt Luxury Itinerary as a starting point, and add more days as you wish. Or, for a shorter break, our Luxury Weekend Escape to Cairo is a perfect option.
“Every time I return to Egypt, I feel an instant connection to its rich history — as if the spirit of the ancient world still lingers in the air.
Until now, the highlight of any trip to Egypt for me has always been a serene Nile Cruise — gliding along the same river that has witnessed millennia of history.
But with the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, there’s a new must-see on the list. It will be well worth extending your stay in Cairo to let history come alive before your very eyes.”
~ Alba
Contact Lynn and Alba to start planning a trip to the Grand Egyptian Museum as part of a wider itinerary – or call 0207 112 0019 and ask for the Egypt team.
