Dive Into Cairo’s Rich History on a Sightseeing Tour. Cairo, a city teeming with history and culture, offers an unparalleled adventure for travelers.
My journey through this ancient city was nothing short of unforgettable, thanks to the incredible guidance of Encounters Travel.
Booking with Encounters Travel My adventure began with booking a guided sightseeing tour with Encounters Travel.
I was fortunate to have Rose, a local tour guide in Cairo, accompany me throughout my trip.
Her extensive knowledge and genuine passion for Egyptian history made a massive difference, enriching my experience in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Here’s a detailed account of my two-day sightseeing tour in Cairo, filled with remarkable experiences and awe-inspiring sights.
Day 1: Walk around Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo
Exploring Islamic Cairo Our tour commenced in the Islamic areas of Cairo, starting with the Citadel of Saladdin.
This historic fortress, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the city.
The highlight of the Citadel is the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
The mosque’s grand domes, intricate carvings, and spacious courtyard left me in awe.
Venturing into Coptic Cairo Next, we ventured into the Coptic area of Cairo, where the Romans constructed the fortress of Babylon.
Our first stop was the Hanging Church, also known as the Church of St. Mary. Built over the ruins of two towers of the fortress, this church is a remarkable architectural feat.
The serene atmosphere and beautiful icons inside were truly mesmerizing.
Our journey continued to St. Sergius Church, believed to be the resting place of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt.
The church’s historical significance and serene ambiance made it a memorable stop.
Explore the Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar at night
Ending the Day at Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar We concluded the day at the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, a vibrant marketplace brimming with shops and stalls selling everything from spices to souvenirs.
The lively atmosphere and rich scents filled the air as I wandered through the narrow alleys, picking up unique treasures to remember my trip.
Depending on your schedule, you might not have time to visit all these sites, but each one is worth the visit.
Day 2: The Egyptian Museum, Pyramids, and Sphinx
Day two of our tour began with a visit to the famous Egyptian Museum.
Home to an extensive collection of ancient Pharaonic exhibits, the museum is a treasure trove of history.
The highlight, of course, was the Tutankhamun exhibit, showcasing the young pharaoh’s golden mask, jewelry, and other burial artifacts.
With the guidance of our local Egyptologist, the stories behind each artifact came to life, making the experience even more enriching.
I could have easily spend the whole day looking at all the incredible displays across all the floors. the museum packs a lot, but this is ancient Egypt after all.
Soon some of the items on display will move to The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). More about that later.
More on Cairo. The city of Cairo is massive and you have loads of different areas such as Cairo city, Old Cairo, Old Old Cairo, Giza, New Giza, Old Giza. You get the picture.
Having a guide will help you plan your itinarery, help you navigate around the large Cairo landmass seemlessly, allowing you more time to explore over the parts of the city that you want to discover.
Without a guide I would have easily been lost as Cairo can be an overwhelming city to explore.
Head back in time to ancient Egypt and Take a Journey to Giza
The Pyramids and Sphinx From the museum, we headed to Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, to witness the iconic Sphinx and the three great pyramids of Egypt.
The sheer size of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), standing at 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base, is awe-inspiring.
Constructed of giant stone blocks, the pyramid’s hard limestone casing has mostly eroded over the years, exposing the inner block structure.
Alongside Khufu’s pyramid are the smaller but equally majestic pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus).
The sight of these monumental structures rising out of the desert is breathtaking.
Although tickets to climb inside the pyramids are limited, I opted to admire them from the outside, which was spectacular in itself.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
A trip to Cairo wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the soon-to-be-fully-opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
This modern marvel will house over 100,000 artifacts, including select treasures from Tutankhamun’s collection, presented with meticulous detail and innovative display techniques.
The climate-controlled environments emphasize preservation, ensuring the artifacts are displayed in pristine condition.
The Grand Egyptian Museum will undoubtedly be a must-visit when it opens its doors to the public.
Hotel in Cairo: Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
During my stay in Cairo, I stayed at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. Perfect location to be based to see all the sights. Comfortable rooms with great views and wonderful breakfast. Great place to stay in Cairo.
Thank you for reading about my guided trip to Cairo
Exploring Cairo with a knowledgeable guide made my trip incredibly enriching.
From the historic Islamic and Coptic areas to the awe-inspiring pyramids and the fascinating Egyptian Museum, every moment was filled with wonder.
If you’re planning a trip to Cairo, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with Encounters Travel to make the most out of your experience in Egypt.
Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure seeker, Cairo has something to offer for everyone.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Egyptian history and culture on an unforgettable sightseeing tour.
Egypt is a place that you will visit time and time again and I’m happy my first introduction went so well.
