Cairo is known as the ‘City of Minarets’, the semi-mythical capital of the Arab world and today a vibrant and energetic metropolis. Founded on top of earlier settlements by the Fatimid dynasty in the 10th Century and dramatically expanded by the Egyptian Khedive Ismail in the mid-19th Century, Cairo has an extremely rich cultural, religious and architectural heritage and serves as a fascinating gateway to this ancient land.
- Egypt’s historical capital and the gateway to the country
- Close to the mesmerising Pyramids at Giza
- Home to the Egyptian Museum and its remarkable relics
- Atmospheric shopping in the bazaars of the old city
Giza is situated on the outskirts of Cairo and is renowned as the home of the great Pyramids. The sole survivors from the ancient Wonders of the World, the Pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction since their construction some 4500 years ago. These incredible stone monuments and the nearby Sphinx are some of Africa’s most wondrous attractions.
Other fascinating sights in and around Cairo include the Egyptian Museum, Memphis and Sakkara, the Coptic Museum and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar for some excellent shopping opportunities.