CAIRO
Capital of Egypt, largest city in the Middle East and in Africa in terms of area and population, the heart of Arab world and a city where East meets West, Cairo knew settlements as long ago as 6,000 years.
A cosmopolitan city that blends charm of the east with a Mediterranean flavor which accommodates 25% of Egyptian population, a dynastic city proud of its warm and friendly people known for their traditional hospitality. What mainly attracts the visitor in Cairo is that vital blend of a majestic past and a glorious present. A centre of cultural, social, intellectual, economic and political activity has a wealth of monuments, mosques, tombs, churches, forts, palaces, and a diversity of world famous hotel chains, glittering nightclubs, casinos and discos.
Its ancient civilization, unique history and culture blend harmoniously with the modern refinements of the 21st century, representing over fifty centuries of civilization. The very existence of the country depends on the slender ribbon of the Nile, the world’s Second longest river. Although Cairo translates as "the victorious", it is called by the dialect's name for the country and known locally "Misr" which it meaning "Egypt".
Cairo offers its visitors an incredible selection of shopping leisure, culture and attractions. Modern Cairo encompasses many former cities and their monuments; in fact the site of the city can be traced back to 4225 BC. But most visitors come to experience the spectacular monuments of ancient Egyptian culture. Cairo is world renowned for being "the jewel of the Nile." This description is not very far from the truth for Cairo presents their visitors with an experience to remember.
Modern Cairo is a dazzling varied metropolis that hums with activity all year round. A city of contrasts, it is a place where a thousand minarets adorn the skyline alongside a sea of skyscrapers. It is full of life and movement throughout the day and night.
You can enjoy the numerous historic buildings of the city's many rulers - Arab, Roman, Greek, Turkish, British, French - spanning over five millennia. And of course there are the Pyramids and the Sphinx just outside Cairo, in Giza. Cairo is also a great place to shop and soak up some Islamic culture.
There are many attraction and incredible sights to visit, many of the amazing Egyptian Pyramids, such as the great Pyramids of Giza, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser situated about 12 miles southwest of Cairo and located in Sakkara, which is quite near to Memphis,the capital of ancient Egypt and served as the capital of Upper and Lower Egypt some 5000 years ago during the First Dynasty. Situated on the spur of Muqattam Hills, the Citadeldominates Cairo’s skyline. Its construction was initiated in 1776 by Salah Al Din and completed by Mohamed Ali who built the Alabaster Mosque. Facing the Citadel is the Mosque of Sultan Hassanand Al Refaee Mosque, for shopping try some of the famous street markets with the Bazaars dated back to the late 14th century and Khan El Khalili market making a fascinating trip. Close by you will find Al Azhar Mosque founded in 975 and Ibn Tulun Mosque built in 876. Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo and it is believed that visited this area; modern tourists visit locations such as the Hanging Church and other Coptic churches, the Babylon Fortress and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Today, Fustat is part of Old Cairo, where you can visit the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa in 641, the Mosque of Amr. Carpet School, Papyrus Institute and Perfume Factory are one of the most exciting places to visit and to find out the finest hand-made collection of Egyptian art in the world.
Cairo provides great culture and history in its ancient temples, tombs, magnificent Muslim and Christine monuments, and of course, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum all within or nearby this magnificent city. Guests can enjoy a fabulous 45 minute show at the feet of the Pyramids of Giza with Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids, and it held every evening. Also, they can enjoy a typical Egyptian dinner at a big tent near the Pyramids in Giza or abroad a riverboat on the Nile. The evening includes a spectacular Egyptian show with belly dancers and other folkloric performers.
Greater Cairo extends on the banks of the Nile River to the south of the delta. Cairo bares a significant, flourishing historical background that starts from the Pharaonic period passing through the Greco-Roman and Coptic, till the Islamic period.
Climate in Cairo is fine all over the year. It's mild cold in winter, sunny, hot in summer but with nice breeze, during spring and autumn weather is great and perfect for outside activities and traveling within the country. Cairo is a large city, bearing about 21 million inhabitants, so considered to be the largest city in Africa. Cairo is a complex blend of different civilizations and therefore is unique to live in.
Cairo, invites you to come and enjoy its beautiful sites, all year-round perfect sunny weather, and visit the immortal monuments.
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