Cairo Bustling, busy city with over 20 million inhabitants. Built on the iconic River Nile, it has been at the centre of most of the country’s ancient history.

Once you get over the initial shock of just how big Cairo is, bustling with over 20 million inhabitants, you will find yourself drawn into its busy, chaotic atmosphere - just learning to cross the roads is an experience in itself! Built on either side of the Nile River, Cairo is the largest city in the Middle East and the second largest in Africa. Founded in 969 AD, it has been at the centre of much of the country’s catastrophe and unrest over the years, but still remains a focal point of ancient Egypt.

The Cairo Museum contains the vast golden treasures from King Tutankhamen’s tomb including his death mask and the jewellery which adorned his entombed body. Arguably a highlight of the museum however, is the hermetically sealed Royal Mummy Room. This serene resting place is often overlooked by visitors. For a small entry fee, you can view eleven mummies each encased in glass coffins including the great Ramses II (builder of Abu Simbel), Tuthmosis III and Amenhotep III.

Located on the outskirts of Cairo, you will find the archaeological site of the Giza Necropolis. Synonymous with Egypt herself, the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx were built around 5,000 years ago and are an ancient legacy of three generations of pharaohs. The largest and oldest of the three Great Pyramids is the Pyramid of Khufu; followed by his son’s, the Pyramid of Khafre - builder of the Sphinx. The Sphinx is a portrait of Khafre and represents the sun god, Ra-Harakhte. Its famous nose was destroyed in 1798 by Napoleon’s army who used the structure as target practice. The third and smallest pyramid belongs to the son of Khafre, Menkaure. Visit Khafre’s funerary boat (also known as the Solar Boat), built to transport his body along the Nile to his final resting place.

Wander around the streets of Old Cairo, also called Coptic Cairo, which features many medieval churches, the interesting Coptic Museum and atmospheric Ben Ezra Synagogue. Haggle for a bargain in Khan el-Khalili, a major souk in the Islamic district of Cairo. It’s where you can pick up your souvenirs or mix with the locals doing their shopping at the traditional workshops. Visit the breathtaking Al-Azhar Mosque with its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance. To escape the chaos of the city, wander around the expansive and serene Al-Azhar Park. Cairo’s most significant park, enjoy the emerald green of the grass and trees, seek respite on the banks of the lake or admire the view of the city from one of the park’s many cafes and restaurants.