As you fly into to Cairo, Egypt one will be left speechless as they look out the window and see the contrast of the setting. Out one side of the plane, you can see the vast arid desert which seems to be never ending; out the other side of the plane you see a busy city which looks like a modern day Oasis.

Travelers from all over the world have been marveling at Egypt ‘s wondrous antiquities for thousands of years. Although these antiquities still exist today, a visit to Cairo , Egypt is more than an immersion into the past but also encompasses many modern day amenities which anyone will be sure to enjoy.

Just walking around downtown and in the older residential parts inside the wall of the city where craftsmen work on the sidewalks outside their homes is also a real pleasure. It is easy to meet real Cairenes that are eager to discuss anything with you. Some of them try to lure you into their carpetshop; others are really interested and interesting to talk with.

If you are hungry make sure to try the most popular Egyptian dish, Koshray. Koshray is a traditional Egyptian meal that consists of a delectable combination of macaroni, spaghetti, rice, black lentils, chick peas, garlic sauce and a spicy tomato chili sauce, all topped with fried onions.

A visit to the pyramids and the Sphinx is a must, since these Egyptian icons are living and existing marks for the fascinating history that Egypt carries and is proud of. Just be aware for the aggressive Egyptian friendliness overthere from camel drivers or policemen who try to earn a few Egyptian pounds from you (they call it bahshis,  a tip).

Just ask a friendly tourist to assist you in making a picture from you and you will not leave the pyramids with an irritated feeling about this Egyptian earning strategy. While in the city make sure you visit the museum

first before going to see pyramites. You will appreciate more to the culture of ancient Egypt. It is advice not to make the pyramite visits on Fridays due to mass at noon time 12-13. The pyramites are closed during the  time period.

Cairo,historical and unique city, combinds old city and modern city. I enjoyed a lot travering around this city. One of the most surprising things for me, a Japanese traveler, is the price which is not fixed from taxi to a bottel of water. So I had to ask the price first and start negociating for discount. To me who traveled many countries, people in Cairo is the hardest negociator for free travelar. I was very tired. But still, Cairo is worth to go, I think, because of its historical heritage.

Just a few minutes south of Cairo on the west bank of the Nile, the Pyramids of Giza rise out of the desert expanse—a tribute thousands of years old to an ancient culture. Built about 5,000 years ago, the three large Pyramids of Giza are the most recognizable Egypt attractions, as well as one of the most recognizable destinations on the planet. No visit to this ancient nation could be truly complete without standing in the presence of the Egyptian pyramids.

In 2,589 BC, the first pyramid of the Giza complex—the pyramid of King Khufu or Cheops—was started. This was not the first pyramid built in Egypt (and these three pyramids are not the only pyramids in Egypt), but it is the largest and most well known.

Soon after its construction, Khufu’s son and grandson built the other two pyramids, completing what visitors commonly recognize as the Pyramids of Giza. While the three largest structures are obviously the most attention grabbing, the Giza Plateau is a complex including many other ancient buildings, among them the Great Sphinx.

Obviously, the Egyptian Pyramids are huge, but standing face to face with them will astound anyone, no matter how many photos or TV shows you may have seen. The largest has stones averaging 2.5 tons each and covers 13 square acres of ground. You can spot the pyramids from tall places in Cairo, but the best way to see these structures is up close.

There are a few options for how to reach the pyramids from Cairo. Taxis are cheap in this area and are a good option. Buses also depart Cairo for the pyramids.

Once you arrive at the Giza Plateau, you can tour the site on foot or ride a horse or camel. Again, be aware of anyone trying to take advantage of you and your tourist money. Do not take a picture with a camel unless you want to pay for the privilege. Before you take a camel ride, bargain to get a lower price. Prices are not set in stone here and you will pay more if you don’t attempt to bargain the price down.

Though many may find it a suprise, visitors can actually go inside the great pyramid. The climb inside is steep and the passage is narrow, but unless you are claustrophobic, this is the experience of a lifetime. Standing in a space built by the hands of laborers nearly 5,000 years ago, dimly lit and far away from the modern world, is breathtaking. Those with bad backs or knees are advised not to go.

Similar to another site, the Temple of Karnak, a sound and light show centers around the Great Sphinx each night at dark. While perhaps not an experience that will take you back to ancient Egypt, the light and sound show is worth seeing and includes interesting facts about the Pyramids of Giza. Thought to have been built by Khafre, the builder of the second highest pyramid, the Great Sphinx spent much of its existence under sand. Only for this reason is it still standing, but has eroded due to its exposure to air and pollutants.

While in Cairo, the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Sphinx on the Giza plateau is an experience that should not be missed in your visit. Just a short ride outside of the city, these ancient Egypt attractions are massively breathtaking and fascinating.

Tourist Locations:

The main tourist destinations that cruise travelers to Cairo must visit include the likes of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities; the narrow alleys and passageways of Old Cairo which are home to innumerable shops and curio stores; the Liberation Square, the Sultan Hassan mosque and the city’s citadel. The tourists when visiting the city of Cairo from their cruise ships should also indulge in trying out the local food of this part of Africa which include delicacies like roasted and grilled kabab’s , certain dishes made from beans, the famous humus made from boiled chickpea and other sweet savory items.

Even though Cairo is a Muslim country it comes as a respite top most travelers that alcohol is freely available here. Shopping also forms a major activity that most cruise travelers to Cairo like to indulge in. copper and brass items as well as gold and silver jewelry is easily available here in Cairo at very competitive rates. Surely a must do for anyone visiting here.