Ancient and Modern in Egypt

Pyramids, mosques, palaces and the Nile: Cairo is vast and sprawling but take it bit by bit and let yourself enjoy the chaos and good humour of the ‘Mother of the World’ and you will be greatly rewarded.

Markets: Khan al Kalili market is a confusing but irresistible maze of alleys. Perfect for souvenir shopping; take a break from haggling and stop for tea at Naguib Mahfouz Café Restaurant.

Pharaonic Egypt to the present day: Attend Coptic Mass in the al Muallaqa Church on Friday or Sunday morning and experience the ‘language of the pharaohs’.

Minarets and Palaces: Sharia al Muizz li Din Allah is home to some of Cairo’s most glorious mosques and buildings; climb one of the minarets for stunning view over the historic centre.

Wonder of the Ancient World: Take a horse or camel ride around the Pyramids at Giza early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Temples and Tombs: Fly from Cairo to see Abu Simbel at dawn; continue to Lake Nasser, take a sunset felucca trip at Aswan and pick up your Nile cruise arriving in Luxor three days later, your imagination fired by the Temples at Philae, Kom Ombo and Esna.

Deserts and Diving: The coral reefs of the Red Sea attract divers from all over the world. Explore too the mountains of the Sinai interior to see early Christian monasteries such at St Paul’s and climb Gebel Musa to witness a spectacular sunset where Moses received the Ten Commandments. At the foot of the mountain is the remarkable 6th century monastery of St Catherine’s Monastery.

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