Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is a city full of history and culture.
Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is a city full of history and culture. Today, we are going to explore some of the most iconic sights this city has to offer. Our journey begins with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, which are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These massive structures were built over 4,500 years ago and are a testament to the incredible engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Despite many theories of who built the pyramids, recently discovered builders’ tombs suggest that these were ordinary Egyptians doing their daily jobs in honour of the pharaoh.
After exploring the pyramids, we take a short walk over to the Sphinx, a massive statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It’s incredible to think that this statue has stood here for thousands of years, watching over the pyramids and the people who lived in this area. The sphinx’s missing nose has baffled onlookers for centuries, but the truth behind its absence remains a mystery.
We then head off for lunch at a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the pyramids. The menu features traditional Egyptian starters and grilled fish, which is both well presented and delicious. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, giving you some time to relax and reflect while enjoying the amazing views.
After lunch, we head out to the Grand Bazaar for a quick stroll to see how trade has been conducted for hundreds of years and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. This bustling marketplace is filled with vendors selling everything from spices to souvenirs. The colours and smells are overwhelming, and it’s easy to get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways and stalls. It’s a unique and very crowded experience that really captures the energy and excitement of Cairo.
We then take a drive to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which currently holds the collection of the royal Mummies, all 20 of them, 18 kings and 2 queens, which were moved here from the Egyptian Museum a couple of years ago. This museum is relatively new, having opened in 2020, and it’s a modern, interactive space that offers a unique perspective on Egyptian history. After finishing at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, we take a quick drive to the Egyptian Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts less the mummies now.
The must-see exhibits in the Egyptian Museum include the famous treasures of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, including his iconic golden death mask and his elaborate sarcophagus. There are also huge collections of ancient papyrus scrolls, statues of pharaohs and gods, jewellery, and everyday items used in ancient Egypt. Even a quick run through of a few hours would leave you mesmerized with the treasures of this ancient civilization.
To finish off our day, we take a stroll through Tahrir Square. This public space is one of the most iconic landmarks in old Cairo and is known for its role in the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. It’s a symbol of the city’s resilience and strength, and a perfect way to end our day exploring the wonders of Cairo.