Egypt - Cairo
Cairo is the capital of Egypt. Dubbed the Triumphant City with the Arabic name al-Qāhirah, Cairo is one of the world's largest urban areas - a true metropolis.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are at the very edge of the city of Cairo. Within the city limits there are also ancient temples, churches, monuments, museums, souks and tombs. Cairo is a bustling city full of life and action - and it is that way twenty-four-seven. The traffic with the noise of honking horns, street merchants selling their wears and services.
Some of the best known names in hotels are present in Cairo: Hilton, Sheraton, etc.
The climate in Cairo is generally hot and dry or hotter and drier!
When is the best time to go to Cairo? - Anytime!
Cairo is often combined with a Nile Cruise as part of a two centre holiday or even three centres - with Kenya, Jordan or Maldives.
The cuisine of Cairo is mainly Arabic based but classic European restaurants are around too.
Photography of buildings and sights is widely acceptable. Local people, especially the women, do not take kindly to being photographed without their prior permission. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video footage) of any individual - especially in a national dress or women in Purdah.
The must see sights of Cairo are probably: The Cairo Museum - home of the famous golden death mask of Tutankhamen, The Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, The "Camel Market": Makes a fascinating (but smelly) trip. The Mosques and the crypts.
The best things to shop for in Cairo are: gold, silver, spices, 
perfumes, carpets, brass and copperware, leatherwork, glass, ceramics and mashrabiya a distinctive type of wood carving particular to this area of the world, mainly used (instead of glass) for windows, allowing cool breezes to enter homes in the heat of summer - Try some of the famous street markets and souks for fabrics including Egyptian cotton.
A trip down many a back street will bring you into contact with the artisans and real people of Cairo going about their daily routine.
Cairo Hotels included in some UK Travel Brochures:
The Baron Hotel, Cairo - High up on the Heliopolis overlooking
the Baron Empain Palace, close to shops and restaurants - 140 rooms -2 restaurants
and bar - NO POOL - fitness centre.
The Grand Hyatt Hotel, Cairo - Right on the River Nile close
to many of Cairo's visitor attractions - Revolving restaurant - 716 rooms - choice
of restaurants and bar - 'English (style) Pub' - swimming pool - health club.
The Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel, Giza, Cairo - One of the
good hotels that offer views of the Great Pyramids - 546 rooms - 3 restaurants
and bar - swimming pool - fitness centre.
