CAIRO

Walking the streets of Cairo, the capital of Egypt and one of the most densely populated cities in the world is like exploring a vast archaeological site, where the remnants of bygone eras mix with the modern day. It is not only the largest city in Africa but also the political and cultural pivot of the Arab world.

However, any visit to Cairo is not complete without going to see the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to survive, the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. As you travel along the highway, conscious only of the urban disruption, suddenly your eyes feast on these colossal triangular monuments as they stand with their awe-inspiring majesty towering over the chaos of this modern-day city.

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The Giza plateau is home to the three great pyramids built by three generations of Kings- father, son, and grandson, built during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (2686-2181BC). Feast your eyes on these monstrosities of ancient civilization and wonder at how exactly their dimensions were built to coincide with Orion, the multitude of stars above. The pyramids are guarded by their Guardian Angel the Sphinx, sitting with the body of a lion symbolizing royal power whilst its head is a portrait of the Pharaoh Khafre.

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They are not the only Pyramids in Cairo, as the first stone-built building in the whole world was the Step Pyramid at Saqqara about 20 km from Giza. The iconic Step Pyramid of the Pharaoh Djoser was built 100 years before the Pyramids and was constructed in the 3rd Dynasty by Imhotep the pharaoh's architect. Saqqara is the largest archeological site in Egypt with many tombs being found every season, a truly magical place to visit and is full of surprises.

The new Grand Egyptian Museum will be opening to the public in late 2023 or early 2024.It has taken over twenty years to build and covers an area of 82000 sq ft of space and is the monumental showcase of all 5000 of the treasures of Tutankhamun, unbelievable. This is the largest museum in the whole world and is situated 2km from the Giza Plateau so a must-see when you visit the famous Pyramids at Giza.

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This huge cosmopolitan city is full of life and character with a mixture of culture, history, and urban confusion. The smog and the towering multi-story buildings urge you to take refuge in one of the many souks like the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Aladdin’s cave of spices, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs. Haggle with the locals over the best prices, and smell the aroma of the perfumes made from natural plant extracts and oils. Explore The Citadel with the Mosque of Muhammed Ali, built in the 12th Century, home to Egypt’s ruler for almost 700 years until his death in 1849. Try the local Egyptian street food, it’s delicious and freshly made, sometimes in front of you.

There is so much more to experience in Cairo and no trip to Egypt is complete until you have been there.

Why not add it on to your Nile Cruise itinerary then you will have experienced the holiday of a lifetime with so many memorable moments.