Cairo

Cairo has at various times been called Memphis, Babylon-in-Egypt, Heliopolis, El-Fustat and most recently, Al-Qahira (the Conqueror). With a population of 16 million, Cairo is the largest city in the Middle East and Africa, and is the centre of all routes leading to and from three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. Here, past and present meet in a glorious diversity of cultures. Modern Cairo is an architectural fusion of old and new, where skyscrapers and ancient monuments stand side by side. The Pyramids of the Pharaohs, The Sphinx, early Christian monasteries and churches, Salah El-Din's Citadel and mosques of the Mamluke and Ottoman sultans form a historical mosaic. Set on the River Nile, it is today home to an amalgam of peoples - Bedouins from the desert, sophisticated businessmen and Islamic scholars from all over the world. Cairo boasts one of the world′s most famous museums housing 250,000 antique pieces including mummies, sarcophagi and the renowned treasures of Tut Ankh Amum′s tomb. Visiting ‘The Mother of the World’ you can travel through time in a city that is a living index to civilization whilst enjoying the comforts of a cosmopolitan 20th century capital.

Our Thoughts

Cairo can be quite chaotic due its population size and the millions of tourists visiting each year. Allow plenty of time to get from A to B and be prepared for long queues when sightseeing. If your main interest is to see Pyramids and Sphinx it is advisable to book one of the hotel′s in the Giza area. A tour guide is a must here and we recommend you use only official tour guides which can be pre-arranged locally with our ground handler or any of the hotels we feature. Cairo offers an amazing selection of shopping, leisure, culture and nightlife. Shopping ranges from the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, to modern air-conditioned shopping centres. Don't miss the most essential after-dark experience, the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids, a unique combination of light and music recounting the story of antiquity.

Transfers

Journey time from the airport to Cairo city is 45 minutes, and from the city to Giza is an additional 30 minutes. Journey times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions.