Cairo

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Must See

• Pyramids and the Sphinx The world’s oldest tourist attraction and the most visited monuments in Egypt. If you only have time to see one of the monuments this is a must.
• Citadel and Mosque Built in 1176, the citadel was inhabited by nearly all Egyptian rulers for the next 700 years. The Mosque of Mohamed Ali is famous for the carved floral motives on his mausoleum.
• Egyptian Museum Over 120,000 Egyptian artefacts are on display in this museum, one of the greatest collections of its kind. The most famous display is of course Tutankhamun's tomb artefacts including the mystical funerary mask with all its gold and jewels.

Must Do

• Stroll through the Khan El Khalili bazaar, a lively street market where you can bargain for wares. Absorb the unique atmosphere and browse the stalls for hand-made gifts and souvenirs.
• Take afternoon tea at the Mena House Oberoi, situated opposite the Giza Pyramids - the inhouse café overlooks the pyramids so you can sit back and admire the fascinating view of centuries.

Food and Drink
In Cairo, dining out can range from local cafés and bars where you can grab a sandwich to the fully-fledged luxury restaurant. Cuisine reflects Egypt’s history and can include influences from Greece, Turkey and the Lebanon. For a light snack, take a meze of baba ganouche (a dip made of roasted garlic and aubergine), tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds), and homemade rustic bread.
Lentil soup is a traditional hot dish along with a lovely sweet rice pudding (Ome-lai). To accompany your meal there is an abundance of local beer and wine as well as a selection of fresh juice, lemon being the most popular.
Shopping
There is an abundance of shopping opportunities in Cairo, the Khan El Khalili bazaar is the most famous and this is where you will experience the hustle and bustle of a true bazaar. A great place to pick up local souvenirs like the elegantly designed shisha pipes, leather goods, jewellery and wooden crafts. Be prepared to bargain. Wekalet al – balah is a famous bazaar for Egyptian cottons and appliquéd fabrics that’s definitely worth a visit.
Where To Stay
You have two great choices of where to stay in Cairo. You can either stay a little out of town close to the Giza plateaus for a more relaxed stay in the city, or head straight for the centre to be in the middle of the exciting Cairo metropolis.
Things To Do

• THE PYRAMIDS AND SPHINX OF GIZA The world's oldest tourist attractions, the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza remain the most visited monuments in Egypt. The imposing pyramids are the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and the three principal pyramids form part of the funerary complexes of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. While admiring this extraordinary sight, look out for the bewitching figure of the Sphinx. Carved from a single block of limestone, the half-lion, half-human statue stands guard over the tombs. Entrance into the Solar Boat Museum is included. The tour includes private transfers and you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide.
• THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM Over 120,000 Egyptian artefacts are on display in this museum, one of the greatest collections of its kind in the world. Take an expertly guided tour around the exhibits, which range from statues and scrolls of papyrus paper to coffins inlaid with semi-precious stones and gold leaves. Marvel at the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the famous funerary mask with gold and jewels. Other amazing artefacts include the statue of Khafre, the Fayoum Portraits, the Nubian funerary cache and an impressive collection of Pharaonic art. Although it is impossible to see all in one visit, this magnificent array of antiquities is not to be missed. Duration half day.
• .MEMPHIS AND SAQQARA Explore Egypt's oldest capital, the ruined city of Memphis. View the remains of the Temple of Ptah, where the pharaohs were once crowned, and a small chapel in honour of Ptah, built by Seti I. In front of the temple lies a sphinx, which was carved from a single block of alabaster and is said to weigh over 80 tons. Nearby lies the limestone colossus of Ramses II. Continue to Saqqara, the largest necropolis in Egypt. Tour the pyramids and burial chambers of the nobility, accompanied by your expert guide, and marvel at the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the first large-scale stone structure to appear in the world.

Insider Tip
Try something different and visit the Camel Bazaar (souq al-gamal). Held every Friday beyond Sharia Sudan in the west of the city. Go early in the morning to get the most out of this bazaar.
Celebration
Treat yourself when celebrating to a fabulous meal at the famous Buddha Bar in the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah which sits on the banks of the Nile. Breathtaking views and fabulous food, a truly unique and special evening.