Holidays to Cairo

Cairo, Egypt's sprawling capital, is an extraordinary holiday destination that effortlessly combines history, culture, and urban vibrancy. What sets Cairo apart is its rich historical tapestry, most famously embodied in the ancient Pyramids of Giza, standing as architectural testaments to the bygone era of pharaohs.

The city is a treasure trove for history buffs, with the Egyptian Museum displaying an extensive collection of antiquities, including royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts. The enchanting Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a feast for the senses, offering everything from traditional jewelry, spices, perfumes to handicrafts.
The city's thriving culinary scene provides a delightful exploration of Egyptian cuisine, including staples like koshary and ful medames.

The Nile River's captivating allure adds to the city's charm, with felucca rides at sunset offering breathtaking views. Cairo's bustling nightlife, rich tapestry of arts, music, and cultural festivals provide the contemporary contrast to its historical roots. Its warm, welcoming locals make the experience even more memorable, truly making Cairo a unique and enriching holiday destination.

Cairo, known as the "City of a Thousand Minarets," is rich in history and culture. Here are some of the best things to do and see when on holiday in Cairo:

• Visit the Pyramids of Giza: These iconic structures, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Nearby, you'll find the Sphinx, another monumental statue that's a must-see.
• Explore the Egyptian Museum: Located in Tahrir Square, this museum houses the world's most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Stroll Through Islamic Cairo: This area of the city is filled with ancient mosques, Islamic schools, and other historic buildings. Key sites include the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Sultan Hassan Mosque.
• Shop at Khan El Khalili: This bustling bazaar is the perfect place to shop for traditional crafts, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. It's also a great place to try local cuisine at one of the many surrounding food stalls.
• Experience the Culture at Al-Azhar Park: This beautifully landscaped park offers stunning views of Cairo's skyline and is home to several historic mosques. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
• Take a Nile River Cruise: A cruise along the Nile, especially at sunset, offers a different perspective of the city. Many cruises also offer dinner and live entertainment, such as belly dancing and folk music.
• Visit Coptic Cairo: This part of the city is home to a collection of historic churches, including the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church), as well as the Coptic Museum and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
• Explore Saqqara: Located just outside Cairo, Saqqara is a vast, ancient burial ground that served as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. It features numerous pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the very earliest pyramids.
• Discover the City's Cuisine: Sample traditional Egyptian dishes like koshary (a mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and tomato sauce), ful medames (mashed fava beans), and molokhia (a leafy, green soup).

Remember, Cairo is a bustling, vibrant city with traffic and large crowds, especially at popular tourist spots. It can be a good idea to hire a local guide or join a tour group to ensure you get the most out of your visit. 

Also with all travel, good insurance is strongly advised regardless of destination, Tripinsurer.com has a range of insurance policies to suit every need including Single Trip Travel Insurance and Multi Trip Travel Insurance.

Cairo, located in North Africa, has a hot desert climate but its proximity to the Nile River and the Mediterranean Sea somewhat moderates the temperatures. Here's a general guide of what you can expect:

Winter (December to February): This is the coolest time of year in Cairo, with daytime temperatures averaging between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 20 degrees Celsius). The nights can be considerably cooler, sometimes dropping to the low 50s or even high 40s degrees Fahrenheit (around 10 degrees Celsius). Rain is rare but can occur during this time.

Spring (March to May): Temperatures begin to climb and the weather can be pleasant, with daytime highs often in the mid-70s to mid-80s degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 30 degrees Celsius). However, this season also occasionally brings the Khamsin, a hot, dry wind that can fill the air with sand and dust.

Summer (June to August): Summers in Cairo are hot. Average high temperatures can reach up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) in the peak of the summer. At night, temperatures drop slightly but remain warm. Despite the heat, Cairo's summer is relatively dry, so you won't deal with humidity.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees a gradual cooling from the summer heat, with temperatures similar to those in spring. This can be a pleasant time to visit, though there can still be occasional hot days, especially in early September.

While the aforementioned seasonal breakdown can give you an idea of what to expect, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your trip to pack appropriately. Keep in mind that while the sun can be intense, particularly in the summer, it's advisable to dress modestly as a sign of respect for the local culture. This often means clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months, and always use sun protection.

The Pyramids of Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, are indisputably among the most iconic tourist attractions in the world. These awe-inspiring structures, built as grand tombs for the pharaohs and guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are steeped in history and mystery, making them a bucket-list destination for travellers.

The Giza complex consists of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus), along with several smaller satellite edifices known as "queen" pyramids, and the Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three, was built over a 20-year period and is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.

Venturing inside these grand monuments is an experience unto itself. The inner chambers of the Great Pyramid, while austere and empty, leave visitors in awe of the architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. The enigmatic Sphinx nearby, with the body of a lion and the head of a king or god, adds to the sense of wonder and mystery.

Tourists can also enjoy a panoramic view of the pyramids from the nearby sand dunes, a popular spot for unforgettable photos, especially at sunset. Many visitors also choose to experience the area via a camel or horse ride, adding a sense of adventure and authenticity to the experience. The nightly sound and light show, which illuminates these ancient wonders, is another popular activity that provides historical context in a dramatic fashion.

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is truly a journey back in time. Despite the throngs of tourists and the somewhat commercialized nature of the site, the magic and majesty of these ancient structures remain undiminished. They stand as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring allure of ancient Egypt.