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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Situated on the east bank of the Nile in the south of Egypt, Aswan is an arid, modern and popular city with a relaxing atmosphere. The city is home to a number of significant archaeological sites and also makes an excellent base for exploring the many world-class attractions in the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views by way of slow walks along the wide corniche, or while dining on fresh seafood at one of the town’s charming floating restaurants. In the evenings, dancers, musicians, and folklore troupes perform at the Cultural Centre, providing memorable entertainment. City highlights include a large, lively market, and the Nubian Museum, which showcases some of Southern Egypt’s most important historical artefacts.
Resting on the east bank of the infamous Nile River in southern Egypt, the city of Luxor is renowned for its many well-preserved monuments, so much so that it has been described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Luxor is often divided into three different areas; the city of Luxor on the east side of the Nile, the town of Karnak further north and Thebes on the west side of the Nile, across from Luxor. Visitors can look forward to a variety of accommodation and an abundance of exciting activities – Luxor knows how to accommodate tourists as it has been doing since ancient times. Don’t miss the Karnak and Luxor Temples, as well as the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
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