Cairo holidays transport you to the heart of an ancient civilisation that has enchanted visitors for centuries.
Embark on an adventure into the past with a trip to the Giza Pyramid complex. Marvel at the mythical Sphinx and discover the fascinating stories of how these elaborate tombs were constructed.
Soak up the Cairo skyline from the top of ‘Nasser’s Pineapple’, the largest tower in the country and head to Khan al-Khalili, the city’s vibrant bazaar, in search of delicious food and treasures of all kinds.
In the Egyptian Museum, you’ll come face-to-face with the rulers of old, including the mask of the legendary boy king, Tutankhamun. Cairo’s museum is home to a breathtaking 120,000 artefacts from papyrus scrolls to mummified kings.
Food lovers will find plenty to indulge in here, from upmarket options on the riverside Corniche, to tasty treats in the city’s markets. Experience it all with a Cairo holiday from Etihad.
Whether you’re hunting for treasures in Khan Al-Khalili or marvelling at wonders from the ancient world, Cairo holidays have something for everyone.
No visit to Cairo is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid complex. The pyramids of the Giza plateau have fascinated archaeologists and visitors alike for centuries.
Discover the tombs of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, the three largest and most iconic of the Giza pyramids.
If you're feeling adventurous you can explore inside Khufu’s final resting place, winding through the pyramid’s interiors via tight and twisting passageways.
Near Khafre’s tomb lies the Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and a woman’s head. The exact origins of this 240-foot (73-metre) statue remain a mystery to this day.
See the spectacular collection of Egyptian artefacts and antiquities at Cairo's wonderful Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
Come face-to-face with mummified kings, ornate sarcophagi and impressive relics from an ancient world.
Marvel at the opulent mask of the child king, Tutankhamun, composed of solid gold. Other must-sees include the enormous statue of Amenhotep III and Tiye, the ruling King and Queen in the 18th dynasty.
The museum is due to be replaced by the Grand Egyptian Museum in the near future, which will be much larger and will show some parts of the Tutankhamun collection for the very first time.
Find trinkets and treasures in the lively bazaar of Khan el-Khalili.
Basket weavers and lamp-makers, spice sellers and souvenir shops line the narrow alleyways of a market that has been a centre for trade in Cairo for centuries.
Soak up the aromas of coffee and perfume as you’re swept up in this fast-paced and unforgettable corner of the city.
The bazaar is also a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends or to treat yourself to a trinket to remind you of your holiday in Cairo.
Built in the Ottoman architectural style between 1824 and 1857, the Mosque of Muhammed Ali is a wondrous sight to behold.
Guided tours take you around the building, where you’ll learn all about the mosque’s fascinating history.
Take some time to appreciate the stunning stained-glass windows and intricate craftwork.
Not only is the Mosque of Muhammed Ali captivating, but the view from the outside gardens offer breathtaking panoramic views across Cairo.
Known as ‘Nasser’s Pineapple’, the Cairo Tower is the best place to go for spectacular views of the Cairo skyline.
At 614 feet (187 metres) the structure is the tallest building in Egypt and gets its nickname from its distinctive lattice-work design.
Head to the viewing platform as evening arrives to catch the sun setting behind the Giza Pyramids beyond, bathing the ancient structures in brilliant hues of orange and red.
Afterwards, enjoy the bright lights of Cairo over dinner at the tower’s revolving restaurant.
Zamalek is a lively, contemporary district that makes an ideal base for city centre sightseeing.
Situated on the Gezira Island in the Nile, you’ll find an array of cafes and restaurants here where you can dine accompanied by romantic views of the iconic river.
The neighbourhood has a collection of upmarket and boutique hotels, such as the Golden Tulip Flamenco, so you can unwind in comfort after a busy day seeing the sights.
For a luxury holiday in Cairo, consider a stay at the five-star Nile Ritz-Carlton in the downtown area.
The hotel features sweeping dining rooms overlooking the city skyline and elegant rooms decorated in a traditional style.
Garden City’s waterfront is well-placed to reach Cairo’s key city centre landmarks, with plenty of restaurants and shops lining the promenade.
Just minutes from the Egyptian Museum, the Ramses Hilton is a perfect choice for a family holiday in Cairo.
Feed hungry mouths at one of the five-star hotel’s four restaurants or spend a lazy afternoon by the outdoor pool.
Wake up to views of the Nile, with many of the modern rooms overlooking the majestic river.
The local currency in Cairo is the Egyptian pound. ATMs can be found in the city centre and many places will accept major credit and debit cards.
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim nation and observes many Islamic festivals as well as national celebrations, such as Revolution Day on 25 January and Arafat Day in July.
The official language of Egypt is Egyptian Arabic, though Sa’idi Arabic is almost as popular. Many locals will speak some English, especially in the tourist areas and resorts.
The Metro is the quickest way to get around, but buses and taxis are also available. You can arrange car hire if you plan on venturing further beyond Cairo.
Egyptian cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern, North African and eastern Mediterranean flavours.
Try koshary, Egypt’s national dish – a base of lentils, rice and macaroni topped with a spiced tomato sauce and garnished with fried onions and chickpeas.
Breakfast is typically a bowl of ful medames. This fava bean dish is traditionally served with fried or boiled eggs, cheeses and fresh bread.
You’ll find fresh falafel and shawarma wraps in the city’s bazaars, a delicious and filling option for lunch on-the-go.
Upmarket dining can be found on the Corniche, the popular riverside walk is home to a wide variety of restaurants offering global cuisine, from steaks to Italian specialities.
Modern Cairo was first established in the 10th century, as the Fatimid city of Fustat. However, life in the fertile valleys of the River Nile can be traced back even further.
The ancient city of Memphis, the ruins of which now lie 15 miles (24 kilometres) outside of Cairo, was founded in 2000BC during the reign of the Pharaoh Menes.
Modern Cairo became an important trade route, with fabrics and spices being sold between tradesmen from Europe, the Middle East and southern Africa.
Muslim influences arrived in the 12th century, under the fabled sultan, Saladin, with Islam soon becoming the predominant religion.
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