Cairo Tours: Places to Visit
Hailed as the Jewel of the Orient, Cairo is a must visit when you travel to Egypt. Home to magnificent pyramids, ancient churches, museums and several other attractions, the capital city of Egypt is indeed a place that will keep you busy throughout your visit. These are some of the best hot spots when you go on Cairo tours.
The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
Egypt is widely recognized for its majestic pyramids and Cairo is where you can see most of them. In fact, pyramids are what will come first in people’s minds when they hear of the word Egypt. The Giza Pyramids are never missed on Cairo tours, located near Pyramids Roads. These show the best architectural work of ancient Egypt’s civilization. Together with the Sphinx, these symbolize ancient Egypt.
Saqqara, Maidum and Dashur Pyramids
Saqqara is where the Djosers Step-Pyramid is located. This pyramid was built in the 27th century B.C. for Pharaoh Djoser with reeds, stone, wood and mud-brick. It shows how the earliest pyramids were constructed in Egypt.
The Pyramid of Maidum, also known as the Collapsed Pyramid, is located south of Cairo. It was originally built for Pharaoh Huni who ruled the Third Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. His successor Sneferu made some changes during his rule by constructing the steps to make it a ‘true’ pyramid. However, it collapsed during the New Kingdom and the ruins are now what remain these days.
The Dashur Pyramids should not also be missed since these will show you the transition of the construction of pyramids. Here you will be able to see the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid and the Black Pyramid.
You can explore the pyramids of Egypt by taking one or more of these Cairo Pyramid Tours.
The Cairo Citadel
Built in the 12th century, the Saladin Citadel of Cairo is located on Mokattam Hill near the center of the city in Islamic Cairo. It is an Islamic fortification built during Medieval times, and was even strengthened during the rule of Saladin to protect it from the invading Crusaders. Inside the Citadel is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali which was built in honor of his oldest son who died at a young age. There are other sites here which include the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha, the Mosque of Al-Nasir Muhammad, the National Military Museum, the Al-Gawhara Palace and the Police Museum.
Going here during your Cairo tours will not just allow you to view the spectacular city but also learn about the importance of this place and its impact on society.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Khan El Khalili is a souk or marketplace that was started back in 1382, and is the largest in Egypt. Your Cairo tours should definitely include this attraction, giving you a chance to shop in both traditional and modern shops. If you want to go shopping, there are shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, perfumes and a lot more. You can shop till you drop but make sure that you are getting them for the right prices. Haggling is a must! There are several coffee shops and restaurants where you can dine.
The Egyptian Museum
There is no better place where you can learn about the history of Cairo and the whole of Egypt than the Egyptian Museum. The museum houses more than a hundred thousand display items, a collection of antiquities of ancient Egypt. Among other things you will be able to witness how the ancient Egyptians did funerary work represented in mummies and other displays. There are also sculptures, jewelry, precious stones and other treasures of the ancient pharaohs of Egypt.
The Nile River
Herodotus, the famous Greek historian once said that ‘Egypt is the gift of the Nile’. No one should miss the source of sustenance of Egypt, from the ancient times up to these days. Experience the calm and beauty of the Nile River by boarding one of the feluccas (traditional Egyptian sailboats). Take a break from the city’s busy streets during your Cairo tours and have a wonderful peaceful evening watching the sunset in one of the ships which offer Nile dinner cruises.
You will never run out of things to do or places to visit when you embark in one of the Cairo tours. Every penny you spend will surely be worth it as you marvel in this city’s beauty and learn about the amazing history behind it.