CAIRO
City of a Thousand Minarets
القاهرة
CITY GUIDE
BIRTHDAY -
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969 CE
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19,295,000
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al-Qāhiratu,
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Fustat
MEANING -
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Mother of the World" (Um al Dunya), The Victorious, Place or Camp of Mars, The Vanquisher, The Conqueror, The Subduer, The one who won
RIVER -
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The world's longest, the Nile River
HISTORY -
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2000 BC ruled by King Menes,
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Romans were here in the 1st century,
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Fatimids in the 10 century,
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Cairo became a key link in the East West spice route,
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Saladin the first Sultan came in the 12th century,
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the Mamaluks seized power in the 13th century,
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the Ottomans took over from them in the 16th century, with the rise of Constantinople (Istanbul) Cairo declined in power,
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Many people died when the Black Death came to visit,
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The British occupied the country in 1882 and ruled until the Egyptian Revolution in 1952,
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Nasser took the reins and Cairo became one of the biggest cities in Africa,
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in 2011 the Arab Spring removed the dictator Mubarak and Morsi was removed in a coup in 2013.
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March to April and October to November. It is shoulder time and the crowds are less and the prices are lower.
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December to February has warm days cool nights and swarms of tourists.
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May to September is summer and it gets pretty hot. Too hot to get out of bed and you will join people eating ice cream and window shopping at 3 am.
BOOKINGS - everything should be booked well in advance and always go for skip the queue options when available for anything popular
NAVIGATING - before you go download Maps.me and all the maps you'll need plus Google Maps and download the offline maps
VISA - Click here for information
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Pyramids of Giza
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Egyptian Museum
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El Fishawy Cafe
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The Nileometer
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Cairo Tower
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Felucca ride on the Nile
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Ride in a Cairo taxi
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Mena House Hotel and pool
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Sound & Light Show @ the Sphinx
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Khan Al Khalili (Bazaar with oldest shop)
FUN FACT -
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The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest building in the world for 4,000 years / Cairo is the cheapest place in the world to buy a Big Mac - US$1.46
TIPS -
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Don't drive in country areas at night
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Drinking alcohol in public is illegal - stick to licensed premises
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Public affection is frowned upon
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Public drunkenness is really frowned upon
FLIGHTS -
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Cairo International Airport (CAI) has direct flights from 128 destinations in 56 Countries. Not including South America or Australasia. Madrid would be a good connection for South America and Bangkok or the United Arab Emirates would work for Australasia.
AIRPORT TRANSFER - Cairo International Airport (CAI) 20 km
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Shuttle bus,
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taxi ("avoid eye contact until you have chosen one" - from the official Airport literature)
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Limousines
Madman on a Camel
Mena House Pool
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Once you've bought your tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself
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Cairo & the Nile
SAFETY -
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Quite safe, a lot of people around even late at night (and they're all sober!) and many families.
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Women may sometimes get unwanted attention (don't take cheap buses and do ride in the back of taxis).
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Tour scams are a problem,
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Cross the road with locals and do what they do.
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Stay hydrated especially in summer,
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Don't listen to touts
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And use the tourist police other than the normal ones (It's hard to say no to a man carrying an AK-47)
STAY -
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Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
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Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.
FOOD -
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Hawawshi (pita stuffed with meat and peppers),
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Koshary (weird mix of pasta, lentils rice etc - Cairo makes the best)
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Shawarma,
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Fuul (Egypt's national dish typically eaten for breakfast, stewed fava beans, spices and other extras)
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Felafels and Koftas,
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There is also a tasty bread sauce which goes well with chicken
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It's pretty easy to get a beer around the place and it's not a bad drop.
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Christians are allowed to drink so you will find a few bars etc. for them.
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Those who can't drink are still out there having a good time well into the night in summer time as it's the best time of the day.
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Hookah pipes are popular as are late night open air restaurants, ice cream and window shopping, there are some pretty weird mannequins in the shop fronts to keep you entertained.
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There are also dinner cruises down the Nile with Belly Dancing and Whirling Dervishes.
SIDETRIP -
COSTS -
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Cairo is pretty cheap and since you won't be drinking the night away, even cheaper.
GETTING AROUND -
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Walking will get you around to most of the places you want to go,
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take the bus out to the pyramids (and don't listen to the touts who try to get you to get off early no matter how persistent and convincing they are),
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Go for at least one taxi (battered type) ride just for the thrill of it.
MUST DO -
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Play golf in the shadow of the Pyramids and then 19th hole by the Mena house pool
SHOPPING -
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Khan Al Khalili (World famous Bazaar and Souq),
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The First Mall
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MEET CAIRO 12N
HIGHLIGHTS - khufu, Khafre & Menkaure
Giza 3N - Cairo 3N - Naiyoum 2N - Alexandria 2N - Cairo 2N = 12N
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Almost see two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
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The Pyramids, The Sphinx, The Egyptian Museum Of Antiquities - no cameras - (Tutankhamen's Death Mask), the Nile, The Nileometer (Yes it measures the Nile), Old Cairo, many other museums, markets and historic buildings
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El Fishawy Cairo’s Oldest Cafe (open 24/7 for 250 years) in Khan el Khalili Bazaar one of the World's first markets - buy spices, perfume, antiques, copper brass and silverware, jewellery, tacky souvenirs and gentlemen should think seriously about the very comfortable gallibaya the traditional costume for men which is a long loose shirt (dress). Trousers optional.
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Experience Ancient Egypt by the Nile at the Pharaonic Village
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Meet the very friendly locals
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Movies - Watch the Nile Hilton Incident released in 2017
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Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids
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Golf by the Pyramids then drinks and a swim at the historical Mena House Hotel swimming pool.
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3am Window Shopping, Sober, not alone
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Ride in a Cairo taxi, Cruise the Nile in a Felucca
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Take in the view from Cairo Tower
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Belly dancing and Whirling Dervish floating dinner show
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Alexandria - founded by Alexander the Great in BCE331, home to Cleopatra and one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World the Pharos, the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria which unfortunately isn't around anymore. But don't worry you haven't just missed it, it was destroyed by a massive earthquake in the 1300's. Visit the Souk, the Palace, the museums and learn about the history of this very old city. Stroll along the Corniche for your evening meal, the lights, the stunning views and the atmosphere.
1 - 3 Giza - 3N
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Fly into Cairo Airport and take an official airport taxi, Uber or London Cabs out to your hotel overlooking the Pyramids -
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Stay at or near the Great Pyramid Inn - incredible views of the pyramids from the spacious rooftop terrace, rooms with great pyramid views, you can watch the sound & light show from your balcony, 5 minute walk from everything, free airport pick-up if you stay more than one night, very good authentic Egyptian breakfast included, free tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day, restaurant, bar
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Splurge at the Mena House Hotel ***** - Unbelievable location right by the pyramids, a truly memorable hotel, first swimming pool in Africa, 40 acres of gardens, spa & fitness centre, 3 restaurants, bar,
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Spend your 3 days here discovering the Pyramids and the Sphinx. View the sound and light show. Have a round of golf with the Pyramids as a backdrop. Hang around the historical Mena House Hotel pool with the Pyramids as a backdrop. Check out the local rooftop cafes and restaurants with the Pyramids as a feature. Ride a camel around the pyramids, race around on a Quad bike or go for a sunset horse ride. Soak it all in.
4 - 6 Cairo - 3N
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Time to head into the big city. Cairo is one of the world's great cities and it's quite awe inspiring just to be there. Plenty to see and do here and you can walk around to a lot of it. Fill up your 3 days with as much of the following you can fit in.
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Here are some of the local dishes to look for while you're out eating.
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Stay near the centre of Tahrir square and the Egyptian Museum where you will find Tutankhamen's death mask. Cameras are not allowed inside.
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Stay at or near the City Stars Hotel *** - terrace, continental breakfast included, outdoor dining area
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Or the Up Town Hotel - restaurant, bar, BBQ facilities, terrace, outdoor fireplace, outdoor furniture
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Although it is a sprawling city, attractions in the centre are quite walkable. They also have a metro to get around, Uber and you must have one ride with a crazy Cairo cabbie. If you want a reliable, hassle free service and don't mind paying a little more book London Cabs online. Use Google Maps to find out which Metro Stations you need to travel from.
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Once you're checked in to your new hotel and ready to go, make your way to the Cairo Tower. Check out the amazing views of Cairo and the Nile. It should be around lunch time which is handy because they have the El Dawar revolving restaurant featuring Egyptian and International dishes.
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Make your way to the Khan El-Khalili Market, Uber or taxi is best. Remember the Golden Rule with taxis - never get a stationary taxi parked outside a highly touristed attraction. Flag one down driving past or walk away from the area and get one. This is Egypt's most famous market and they have been trading here since the 14th century. It is a good place to pick up some souvenirs. I recommend men to buy a dress, or Gallibaya as it is known. Actually it is a long shirt and really comfortable for lazing around in when you get home.
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Also around here is Islamic Cairo with mosques, citadels and all sorts of things to see.
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Here is a walking tour and map for doing a loop of the area.
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There are plenty of cafes to seek respite and a particularly famous one called El Fishawy. It has been open continuously 24/7 since 1797.
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Head back to the river and get there an hour before sunset. Drop any shopping off at the hotel on the way. Pick up some cold beers and snacks along the way. Some non-alcoholic drinks for the boat crew is a good idea. Organise a sunset sail with one of the Felucca captains you will find by the river. Ask at the hotel reception for the best location. You don't need to go all the way down to Maadi.
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Back to the hotel for a rest before heading out for dinner. Try one of these places to taste the local food. After dinner you could try some of these bars - the Cairo Jazz Club - and Eleven more.
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Have an early breakfast on the hotel rooftop terrace. The Egyptian Museum opens at 9 am so it's a good idea to get here early and get to the front of the line. You can't take your camera in. Some people skip through museums quickly and others can spend all day in there. For the sake of this exercise we'll work on a couple of hours. The number one exhibit here is the famous death mask of Tutankhamen. It is a big place and there is a lot to see. Take a tour if you want to learn about what you are looking at. There are plenty of guides hanging about.
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Time for lunch. It's a 10 minute walk up to the historic Café Riche. It would be good to get here around 11.30am. En-route organise your hire car for tomorrow from Xpress Auto (see Marker Map) which is on the way. If you can find something better, cheaper, closer use it. Cafe Riche was founded in 1908 and it has been a meeting place for intellectuals and revolutionaries over the years. Jimmy Carter is one of many famous names that have paid this place a visit. Another one shut the place down when he became President.
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It's a 20 minute walk to the lavish Abdeen Palace Museum. It's actually 5 museums in one. How many times have you been to 6 museums in the same day. Never, I'll guess. Don't worry this one is nothing like the Egyptian museum and has different categories like the Presidential Gifts Museum, War Museum and Royal Museum with Royal Family belongings. It closes at 3 pm and would be good to have a couple of hours looking around here.
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That's probably enough museums for one day. Time for a change of pace. Take a taxi / Uber to Al Azhar Park to relax in the gardens and have a coffee break.
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When you're ready Uber / taxi back to the hotel to freshen up for tonight's dinner cruise with belly dancing and whirling show. If you're looking for some different bars afterwards try some of these.
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Skip the hotel breakfast and make your way to Abu Tarek the King of Koshary, a weird mix of lentils, chick peas, tomatoes, noodles etc. There is only one dish on the menu and the only decision you have to make is large or small. It's a 10 minute walk and they open at 7 am.
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Go to Cairo Tours 2
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Time to cross anything you haven't gotten to off of your list. You'll be back after Alexandria so there will still be a bit of time. Later on The Greek Club has cheap beers and a beer garden of sorts. It is above a famous chocolate shop, the Maison Groppi which you should definitely go to. The refurbishments are complete and it is open.
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For something a bit special why not try La Palmaraie Moroccan restaurant at the Sofitel Nile El Gezirah. Unique water views, live traditional Moroccan music and delicious food. You can walk there in half an hour.
7 - 8 FAiyoum - (El Rayan / Tunis) 2N
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Leave your main pack at the hotel and live out of your day pack for around 5 days.After an early breakfast go out and collect your chariot. You'll need to book it for 2 days and pick up and drop off in Cairo. It's a 2 hour drive south to the oasis of Fayoum. There's a lot to see and do around here and you've got two days to do it in. You'll also want some quiet time to relax and soak in the experience. Just remember NO night driving. It's best to be off the roads before dark, where ever you are and what ever your driving when it's a rental. And especially around here.
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Tonight you will be staying at Tache By The Lake - where you have the choice of canvas or stone, parking is free, check in is 2 pm, dinner, breakfast and star gazing are included. At the time of writing none of the places around Wadi El Rayan Lake were contactable online. You could try just turning up and if there's nothing around move on to tomorrow night's accommodation. You could also try this glamping place Remal El Rayan.
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DAY 2 will see you back at the magic lake in Faiyoum. You have the choice of staying in Tunis Village a short walk from the shops and restaurants or staying on the lake shore a short drive from the village. Both have outdoor swimming pools.
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In the village is Tzila Lodge - free parking, restaurant, breakfast & dinner included, outdoor pool, terrace, BBQ facilities, outdoor fireplace, garden, outdoor furniture, table tennis
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Lakeside is Lake House by Tunisia Green Resort - free parking, outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace, night-club, spa & wellness centre, coffee house, mini-mart
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Today will see you around Tunis Village and the Magic Lake. It is a very pretty spot and there are a lot of things to do here. You can go on a dune bashing tour, horse riding, sand boarding, take a boat ride see Pink Flamingos, birdwatching, pottery making, the UNESCO Listed Wadi El Hitan, shopping and eating in the village. They are famous for their duck. Don't forget to check out the Marker Map above.
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Medinet Al-Fayoum
9 - 10 Alexandria - 2N
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Off to the seaside today, so after breakfast and perhaps another excursion make your way back to Cairo and drop the car off. Grab a taxi to Ramses Train Station and off to Alexandria. It is 220 km and will take 2.5 - 3.5 hours to get there depending on what train you catch. They leave every 10 to 15 minutes so no need to book. Don't get off at the first stop Sidi Gaber Station, stay on until the main station in the centre of town and the end of the line.
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All of these hotels are in an excellent location close to the seafront and each other. The first 3 are classic old heritage 4**** hotels. If you can't find a good deal on one of them the 4th one is a very good value apartment.
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Stay at the Windsor Palace Luxury Heritage Hotel Since 1906 by Paradise Inn Group **** - a beautiful old hotel in a great location with a rooftop restaurant and bar with stunning views over the Med, it has another restaurant too and a very good breakfast is in included, open air cafe with sea views, Skyroof Club Lounge, access to the swimming pool and private beach (with a charge) at Paradise Inn Beach Resort, 2 minute walk from the train station
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Or the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria **** - restaurant, the Monty Bar (named after the famous Field Marshall Montgomery), night club, terrace, coffee house
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Or Le Metropole Luxury Heritage Hotel Since 1902 by Paradise Inn Group **** - rooftop terrace, stunning views of the Med, extensive breakfast buffet is included, guests have access to the swimming pool and private beach at Paradise Inn Beach Resort with additional charge, Skyview Restaurant, 2 minute walk to the train station, snack bar, happy hour, entertainment
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Or Downtown Sea View Suites ***** - 4 apartments, great sea views, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, bidet, mini-mart on-site
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Alexandria (founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great) like Cairo once had one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the enormous Pharos - Lighthouse of Alexandria. It was destroyed by successive earthquakes in the 14th century and nothing is left of it these days. The Citadel of Qaitbay was built on and from the ruins of the Lighthouse. So you can sort of see it. Today it houses a small Naval Museum. It's a nice place to sit down and do a bit of people watching. You can get a cold beer or wine at the Greek Club out the front. You can also get a good meal here but leave it until tomorrow night. So make a left when you head out for your first walk along the Corniche (the 16 km seaside promenade). Along the way you will find the Fish Market Marina restaurant which has a wonderful location on the sea front.
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On the way back call by the Sidi Morso Abo Al Abass Mosque - one of the most beautiful Mosque's in Egypt and a significant site. Further along wander through the streets of the Souk at the western end of El-Tahrir Square. Just before you get back to the hotel stop in at Trianon for a sweet treat and some coffee. They've been in the business since 1905 so they must be doing something right.
Pharos - Lighthouse of Alexandria
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Come dinner time walk over to the historic Cecil Hotel and head up to the top floor to Le Jardin Restaurant and fantastic views of the harbour. On your way up you might want to stop in Monty's Bar - named after Field Marshall Montgomery who led the allied troops against Rommel in WWII. Other famous visitors propping up the bar were Churchill and writer Lawrence Durrell from the books and TV series The Durrells. Here is a list of some of the bars around town.
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Head to nearby Delices for breakfast. This place opened in 1922 and is still run by the same Greek family. Try the Full Greek Breakfast.
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Off to see the further out attractions along the corniche today. You can make use of the red Alexandria Tour Bus as well as trams and taxis. The best way would be a combination of all three. The bus travels along the entire corniche, one leaves every 30 mins and you can flag it down anywhere. The trams are a unique experience and worth a ride on one leg. Taxis, Uber and Careem are cheap and should be used for convenience. You could hire a bicycle but it would be a fair way to ride.
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Head to nearby Delices for breakfast. This place opened in 1922 and is still run by the same Greek family. Try the Full Greek Breakfast.
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Off to see the further out attractions along the corniche today. You can make use of the red Alexandria Tour Bus as well as trams and taxis. The best way would be a combination of all three. The bus travels along the entire corniche, one leaves every 30 mins and you can flag it down anywhere. The trams are a unique experience and worth a ride on one leg. Taxis, Uber and Careem are cheap and should be used for convenience. You could hire a bicycle but it would be a fair way to ride.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
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Start off by walking to the Bibliotheca Alexandria. Alexandria once had the greatest library in the world and it burned down twice! You will also find the Anwar El Sadat Museum here.
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Hop on the bus and get off at the Stanley Bridge. Go for a stroll across this iconic bridge and see what the fishermen are up to. Head to one of the waterfront cafes for morning coffee.
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Next stop the Royal Jewellery Museum. Housed in a palace and all very opulent.
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At the end of the line is the Montazah Palace Gardens. You can't go in the palace but you can wander through the gardens.
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Keep wandering until you get to Zanilli's Coffee & More for a waterside lunch with a great view.
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The afternoon is yours. make your way back along the corniche stopping at interesting places. Find a waterfront cafe where you can have a few drinks. Or take a taxi back to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Pompey's Pillar.
Image by Moustafa Elsamadouni from Pixabay
Montaza Palace
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Greek for breakfast and Greek for dinner. The Greek Club is one of the best restaurants in town and the view also is one of the best. They specialise in seafood and Greek dishes and they serve alcohol. While away the evening here and pop into a few bars on the way home.
11 Cairo - 2N
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Grab some breakfast at your favourite patisserie and take a few snacks for the train. Retrace your steps back to the hotel in Cairo. Check in, pick up your left luggage and get ready to go out. catch a taxi out to the Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi Citadel. There's a lot to see here and it should fill in the afternoon nicely.
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Take a taxi to the Citadel view restaurant in Al-Azhar Park and get there before the sun starts to go down. Make sure you get an outside table on the terrace and watch nature put on a show. Book ahead. Take a taxi back to town later and head up to the Rooftop Zamalek.
12
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Walk up to iconic restaurant Felfela (just before Cafe Riche) and have the national breakfast dish Ful Medames. The restaurant was founded in 1959. Get a taxi and get him to stop while you look at the Nilometer then continue on and drop you off at The Pharaonic Village. Spend the morning here in this living museum. Go into an authentic replica of Tutankhamen's tomb. Tour the village, sail down the canals and immerse yourself in Egyptian history.
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It's your last afternoon so go and do what you want. Last minute shopping, find a nice Rooftop bar, go for a swim, see some more museums, or scrub up in a Hammam (Turkish Bath) it's all up to you.
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If you want one last look at the Pyramids before you leave get out to the Cheristo Restaurant (#9) before the sun starts to set. It is a seafood restaurant and has wonderful views of the Pyramids. 139 Pavilion at the Mena House Hotel has excellent views as well.
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If you don't care, make your way to one of the Rooftop Bars mentioned earlier to watch the sunset. They all have good food as well.
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After dinner try Shahrazad Cairo for some Belly Dancing (#2) open until 4am. Try some of the others and find a few bars nearby.
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Try to get a bit of sleep before your flight out then it's off home. If you want to extend the trip and do a Nile Cruise, Aswan, Luxor and the Red Sea have a look in Hotels and Honeymoons.
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