Cairo, "Al Qahira", is Egypt's capital city, and is a destination in itself: a bustling and crowded metropolis full of intriguing contrasts - old and new; western and oriental; modern hotels next to traditional bazaars and coffee shops; 5,000-year-old pyramids and 19th Century palaces.
Cairo is usually the starting and ending point of all itineraries. The largest city in Africa, Cairo is home to 17 million people. Although today's modern bazaars are but a pale reflection of former worldwide trade, the city remains a crossroads between Africa and Arabia, as well as a meeting ground for Europe and Asia, thereby playing a crucial role in East-West relations. Today the city throbs with ever increasing energy and has a booming western-style nightlife with a wide variety of restaurants and bars, as well as more traditional entertainment such as local coffeehouses and Arabic nightclubs with belly dancers.
KEY ATTRACTIONS IN CAIRO
Pyramids & Sphinx
the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are Egypt's most visited monuments, ranking among the world's greatest tourist attractions. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the only surviving "Wonder of the Ancient World". For centuries the great pyramids have intrigued and puzzled visitors, and even in the 20th century it is difficult to stand before them and not be overwhelmed by their splendor. For 4½ millennia, surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties, and outlasting Egypt's many conquerors, they have shared the desert plateau of Giza with other monuments: smaller attendant pyramids, some for royal wives; rows of mastabas (rectangular mud-brick tombs with a flat roof and sloping sides), the tombs of 2nd and 5th dynasty princes and nobles; and the imposing figure of the enigmatic sphinx.
Also located at the pyramids is the impressive Solar Boat Museum beside the Great Pyramid of Cheops, considered to be the single most important archaeological find in Egypt since the Tomb of Tutenkhamun. Discovered in a pit by the Great Pyramid in 1954, the entire boat was carefully reconstructed and placed in the museum you see today.
Memphis & Sakkara
The ancient city of Memphis and the necropolis of Sakkara are also not to be missed. At vast Sakkara, you will see the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first freestanding stone structure in the world. Your Egyptologist will guide you to some tombs belonging to the nobles of the past. They show the beauty and excellence of Ancient Egyptian art on their walls and give an insight into the daily life of Ancient Egypt. At the site of Memphis, you will see the ancient capital that once stood as a flourishing metropolis during the time of the Pharaohs. The place is thickly surrounded by lush palm groves and bushes, isolating the site of the old city from modern civilization.
Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
Although located in the heart of Cairo, this turn-of-the century museum has a pleasantly calm atmosphere once inside its formal gardens. To enter the museum is to take a tour through over 7,000 years of Egyptian history, starting from the Archaic Pre Dynastic Period to the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. The museum houses the world's most important collection of Egyptian antiquities from 2700 BC to the 6th century AD. There are thousands of statues, jewels and art efacts from nearly every period of ancient Egypt. Admire the amazing treasures of the young king, Tutenkhamun, including his famous mask made out of solid gold and in a perfect state of preservation. There are 12 rooms filled with treasures from King Tut's tomb, which was discovered in 1922 virtually untouched.
A tour of the Museum can also include an optional visit to the Mummies Room, a specially-built area dedicated to the mummies of ancient Royal Kings and Queens, including the mummy of Ancient Egypt's greatest Pharaoh, Ramses II.
Islamic Cairo
The Citadel dominates Cairo from it's high vantage point on the Mokattam Hills and was the heart of the city beginning in 1176 for more than 200 years. The Citadel was erected by Salah El Din, the legendary Saladin who conquered the Crusaders in Palestine. This fort was later occupied by Napoleon and the reigning Royal Family. The complex contains other later-built elements and buildings such as palaces and mosques. The last great phase of the Citadel, and its real highlight, is the great Mosque of Mohammed Ali. It was built imitating the Blue Mosque of Istanbul, with two high minarets and numerous domes.
The Sultan Hassan Mosque was built between 1356 and 1363 AD, with stones that historians believe were taken from one of the pyramids of Giza. The interior is devoid of decoration to make it easy for worshippers to concentrate on prayers. Hundreds of chains, which once held oil lamps, still hang from the ceiling of each hall.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar ,
once known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period, was built in 1382 by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili in the heart of the Fatimid City and is reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 12nd century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets you will find workshops and stalls selling all manner of things from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities. Remember to bargain hard!
Old & Coptic Cairo
The area of Cairo known as Coptic Cairo contains the remains of the old Fortress of Babylon, built at the time of the Romans in Egypt to protect the country from invading enemies. The walls of the fortress enclose the Church of St. Sergius, which is built on a crypt considered to be one of the resting places of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt 2000 years ago.
The area is also home to the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, from the time of the once thriving Jewish community in Egypt under the leadership of Rabbi Ben Ezra. Inside were discovered the so-called "Geniza Documents", which showed an unparalleled source of information about life of the Jews in Egypt's past. The Coptic Museum in the same area displays a wonderful collection of medieval statues, bells, bone carvings, frescoes, icons and colourful textiles.
Golfing in Cairo
In recent years, several golf courses have sprung up in and around Cairo. All are of international PGA standard, and many have been designed by famous names such as Peter Harradine and Karl Litten. Cairo's oldest course, next to the Mena House Oberoi hotel, lies in the shadow of the Great Pyramids themselves - an incredible experience for any golfer.
Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids
The Sound and Light Show at the foot of the Great Pyramids is an incredible spectacle. Narrated by the enigmatic Sphinx, the show will lead you on a fascinating tour through the history of the Pyramids. An unforgettable experience!
Cruising Dinners on the Nile
Cairo has a range of high quality river boats available for dinner cruises - or for larger groups, charters for either breakfast or lunch. Admire the lights and sights of Cairo by night as you cruise gently down the river and enjoy a 5-star meal. After dinner, you will be entertained by a spectacular mix of Egyptian folkloric music and dancing, and an expert oriental belly dancer.
