Ancient Egypt

Cairo is the administrative capital of Egypt and one of the world's largest urban areas. Cairo is labyrinthine, congested, jostling, smelly, noisy and dirty - you will find children playing in the streets while the merchants try to make a deal in their shops. Egyptians are most at home here - this powerful, busy city where modern meets the ancient. You will be amazed at the ancient buildings that dot Cairo, reminiscent of city's many rulers - Arab, Roman, Greek, Turkish, British and French - spanning over five millennia. Visit the art galleries and music halls, such as the Cairo Opera House or discover exotic eating joints like Four Seasons; indulge in shopping or let your hair down amid the throbbing nightlife - Cairo promises never to let you down.

Weather:
Spring: May - Oct 35 - 40 C
Summer: May - Oct 35 - 40 C
Autumn: September to November 18-25 C
Winter: Nov - Apr 10 - 20 C

Shopping:
Be prepared for a completely new shopping experience in Cairo. Cairo is, by its very essence, a shopping city. From carpets to camels, tea to spices, 'ittar' to soapstone pyramids and books to shoes, Cairo has it all. One of the pleasures of Cairo is to get lost in the bazaars known as 'souqs' (Arabic name for bazaar, or market) and soak in the sights, smells and sounds of life in all its chaos and glory. Khan el-Khalili is the place to head to if you are looking for exotic souvenirs. It dates back to 1382, when Emir Djaharks el-Khalili built a big caravanserai (or khan) right here.

The caravanserai was a sort of hotel for traders, and usually the focal point for economic activity for any surrounding area. This caravanserai still exists; just ask for the narrow street of Sikka Khan el-Khalili and Badestan famous for gold, silver and perfume shops selling musk, jasmine and essential oils. One of the best buys while in Cairo is the dance costumes worn by belly dancers. The glittery two piece ensemble comes in bright colours. It is interesting to know that there are designated markets for it - Mahmoud Abd El Ghaffar, Mustafa Afifi and Yasser. These markets also sell decoration, dance shoes in all colours, tambourines, cymbals in various sizes, fringing etc. You should also visit the Wekalet al-Balah, for fabrics, including Egyptian cotton, the tent makers' Bazaar for applique-work and Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments. Keep in mind that the bustling shopping atmosphere is somewhat dampened by aggressive hawkers, but they are easily ignored. However, the general rule here is to bargain, bargain and bargain.

Must Do:
Cairo is a store house of monuments enhancing the richness and culture of the beautiful city. Old Cairo, the oldest part of the city is the original site of Babylon built by Romans, over 2000 years old. The Coptic Christian community has made this city its home and has most of the churches centred on the area and also the Ben Ezra synagogue, Egypt's oldest synagogue.

Be it The Egyptian Museum built 1897 and 1900, which houses golden, lapis-encrusted mask of Tutankhamen or the numerous mosques that line the city's landscape, each offers a uniquely fascinating experience. One of the mosques worth seeing is the mud-brick monolith of Ahmad Ibn Tulun, Egypt's ninth-century ruler, born to a Turkish slave of Mongol origins. This mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and the oldest one in Egypt to survive largely in its original state. Also a must visit is the Al-Refa'i Mosque, which contains the tombs of Sheikh Ali Rifai, a Sufi holy man, King Fouad, King Farouk and the last Shah of Iran. How can you holiday in Cairo and not pay a visit to the pyramids? There are actually more than 100 pyramids scattered along the west bank of the Nile across from Cairo, the Sphinx being the ultimate pyramid! Another must-see is the Cairo Tower, a 187m-high slender tower on an island in the Nile that offers spectacular views of Cairo. If you are tired of visiting historic buildings, just book yourself a 'felucca', an ancient sailboat that has been use on the Nile for centuries. The best time to enjoy a romantic felucca is at night when the city is as bright as the star-lit sky. You must also go on a jeep safari into the desert and enjoy the silence and mystical beauty of the desert.

You will never be bored or tired in Cairo. You can safely sum the journey in Cairo as a virtual time travel: from the Pyramids, Saladin's Citadel, the Virgin Mary's Tree, the Sphinx, and Heliopolis, to Al-Azhar, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-A'as, Saqqara and the Hanging Church.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +20
Currency: Egypt Pound (EGP) 1 EGP is approximately 8 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT +2 (+3 from May to September). IST - 2.5 hours
Voltage 220v

Renowned as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by none other than Alexander himself. This is the city that witnessed the tempestuous romance of Antony and Cleopatra as also the city that was the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Influenced by its Greek past and yet an epitome of contemporary life, here ancient structures stand alongside dazzling hotels and history is as important as an indulgent lifestyle. Its relatively temperate climate has made Alexandria a much sought after summer retreat for Egyptians and others from the Middle East.

Weather:
Spring: March to April 10-25 C
Summer: May to September 20-30 C
Autumn: October to November 18-27 C
Winter: December to February 8-20 C

Shopping:
Alexandria, with its potpourri of cultures offers a range of options for all, be it entertainment, cuisine or shopping. Everything, from original works of art to traditional jewellery is available in Alexandria's quintessential souks and plush shopping malls. Estate furniture from colonial eras, classic coin jewellery, 19th and 20th century oil paintings from around the world, it's all available in Alexandria's antique shops. Stroll through the souks for traditional rugs, leather goods, souvenirs and much more. One of the bigger souks is set on the western side of the Midan Tahrir. If it's malls that catch your fancy, visit Deeb, Mina, Zahran, Kirosez and San Stefano Grand Plaza Mall.

Must Do:
Alexandria amalgamates legends and history with 21st century modernity. The best way to explore all aspects of Alexandria is to explore ancient monuments through the day and live the high life at the Corniche through the night. The ancient structures in Alexandria, be it Pompey's Pillar or the Roman Amphitheatre, each has a captivating effect. As does the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest Roman cemetery in Alexandria, which dates back to the second century and is a beautiful blend of Pharonic and Roman art. A numismatist's dream is the Greaco-Roman Museum, which has a vast collection of coins, dating back from 630 BC, besides precious antiques. A royal treat is the Al Montazah Palace, the summer residence of the former royal family, which is set amid acres of gardens and overlooks a beautiful beach. Also visit the Citadel of Quaitbay and the Mosque of Abu El-Abbas al Mursi, the city's prominent religious building. For art enthusiasts, Alexandria has a plethora of galleries that display contemporary paintings alongside age-old works of art. Every two years, the Museum of Fine Art organises the Alexandria Biennially, an exhibition to promote contemporary Mediterranean art. The Corniche boasts of numerous antique shops besides its famous casinos built on stilts and rows of beach huts. While the city is amiable throughout the year, the weather in Alexandria is tricky through November to February, with occasional thunder storms, heavy wind and rain.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +20
Currency: Egypt Pound (EGP) 1 EGP is approximately 8 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT +2 (+3 from May to September). IST - 2.5 hours
Voltage: 220v