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The great cities of Cairo and Alexandria, both over centuries of civilisation the capitals of this wondrous country, both bustling throngs of cars, people and spectacular sights.
lower egypt
historical & bustling
Surrounded by desert, the eternally vibrant city of Cairo, is as spectacular in its creation as the historical foundations on which it sits. Little prepares you for the labyrinth of roads and arteries of traffic that cross the desert and the Nile, a sheer sea of cars and people. On the banks of the Nile farmers still today depend on the produce grown with the aid of water from the great river. To the north, Alexandria, built on the Nile Delta, as the fresh waters of the Nile meet the Mediterranean. The gate way to the desert, the northern shores and stunning beaches of Mersa Matruh, Alexandria is home to antiquities from both ancient Egypt and Rome, a fascinating mix from the days of Cleopatra.
in a word
Ancient Egypt was divided into two Kingdoms, known as Upper and Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt is in the south and Lower Egypt is in the North. Old Cairo or Al-Fustat was founded in AD 648 near other Egyptian cities and villages, including the old Egyptian capital Memphis, Heliopolis, Giza and the Byzantine fortress of Babylon-in-Egypt. Today, Cairo attracts visitors to the spectacular sights on the Giza plateau, the sights at Memphis, Fayhoum, Sakara and some of the oases in the surrounding desert including Siwa and Baharaiya. Despite the mass of traffic reminders of the countrys ancient civilisations are visible throughout the city. An incredible amount of bars and restaurants create a very cosmopolitan atmosphere making Cairo a great venue for a long weekend away. The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria is home to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Montazah Palace. Alexandria is set overlooking a series of open bays enjoying golden sandy beaches, frequented by the Egyptians in the summer months as they escape the heat of Cairo. The city makes an ideal stop over en route to the far reaches of Egypts Mediterranean coast where the beaches are simply stunning.
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