A vibrant, exhilarating, exotic, fascinating and welcoming city. Resting on both banks of the River Nile, Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. Cairo has been inhabited for over 6,000 years and has served as the capital of numerous Egyptian civilisations. At the heart of the city is Tahrir Square, a busy tourist hub which features the world-renowned Egyptian Museum displaying an array of antiquities including royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts. Nearby, Giza is the site of the iconic pyramids and the Great Sphinx, dating back to the 26th century BC. While these and countless other ancient treasures are undoubtedly the main drawcards, the cosmopolitan Cairo is certainly not lacking in modern attractions. Visitors can get to know the locals at boisterous Baladi bars, enjoy excellent shopping at the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, watch the sunset from the impressive Cairo Tower, or catch a show at the stately Cairo Opera House.
Situated in northern Egypt, the port city of Alexandria is a renowned historical city, which serves as a commercial hub and the cultural capital of Egypt. This dazzling jewel of the Mediterranean was founded by the legend, Alexander the Great and ruled by the iconic Queen Cleopatra. It is home to the Great Library of Alexandria and the colossal Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Soak up the old-world atmosphere whilst sipping coffee at a cafe, wander through the vibrant souk, stroll along the harbour area and take in the impressive Belle-epoque-era architecture. Don’t miss the ultra-modern, disc-shaped Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Other highlights include a number of Greco-Roman landmarks, some lovely sandy beaches and a 15th-century seafront Qaitbay Citadel, which has been converted into a popular museum.
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Aswan is a tranquil city on the Nile in southern Egypt, known for its warm climate, river islands and strong Nubian heritage. Further south than Luxor, it offers a more tranquil base for exploring the ancient sites of Upper Egypt and is a popular starting point for Nile cruises. Travellers can take a felucca along the Nile, visit the island temples of Philae, explore the Unfinished Obelisk and wander through the colourful markets and Nubian villages. Elephantine Island and the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island offer opportunities to explore Aswan's history and landscapes at a slower pace. The city also provides a base for excursions to Abu Simbel, while its combination of ancient monuments, desert scenery and Nile views gives it a distinctive atmosphere.
Luxor is a historic city on the Nile in Upper Egypt and one of the world's foremost destinations for ancient Egyptian heritage. Centred on the remains of ancient Thebes, it is home to monumental temples, royal tombs and archaeological sites spanning thousands of years of history. Visitors can explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex and atmospheric Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the tombs and temples of the Theban Necropolis. Felucca cruises and hot-air balloon flights offer striking perspectives of the river and surrounding desert landscape, while traditional markets and riverside streets provide a glimpse of modern Egyptian life.
As previously described
