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INTRODUCTION
LOWER EGYPT
see & do
ANCIENT SIGHTS OF CAIRO Today, Cairo or Al-Qahirah as in Egyptian Arabic, encompasses various historic capitals of Egypt, (Masr in Egyptian Arabic) and modern districts into one of the most populous cities in the world. A journey through Cairo is a virtual time travel: from the Pyramids, Saladin's Citadel, the Virgin Mary's Tree, the Sphinx, and ancient Heliopolis, to Al-Azhar, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-A'as, Saqqara, the Hanging Church, and the Cairo Tower. Whilst the pyramids at Giza receive all the attention, there are in fact dozens of pyramids in Egypt and for those wanting to avoid the ebbing crowds, a visit to the bent pyramid at Dashor is recommended.
SHOPPING With a great deal of experience, weve found Cairo great for shopping. Hedged against the U.S dollar, the Egyptian pound is weak against the British pound (correct at time of going to print) and subsequently sporting goods, fashion items, souvenirs and traditional crafts are all excellent value for money. For a genuine Cairo shopping experience, visit Khan El Khalili. Khan El Khalili is a hugely entertaining part of Cairo. It is an ancient shopping area, with some of the shops having their own little factories or workshops. The souk (suq) dates back to 1382. DINING There is an abundance of quality restaurants in Cairo, the best of which is available at either of the Four Seasons hotels, the Sheraton Cairo, or onboard El Pacha an entertainment complex floating on the Nile. Fish markets and charming eateries frequented by locals include the exquisite Andrea near Giza, in which we highly recommend trying some of the local cuisine such as Fuul and Taamia. In the main, you are able to take in your own bottle of wine but if choosing red, Omar Khayan is the best of the local brew.
DIVING Yes diving! If youve based yourself in Cairo then your just ninety minutes from the Red Sea resort of Ain Souhkna, a great place to also see the colossal ships pass en route to Suez. Alexandria also offers diving with a chance to view the underwater antiquities, the lost treasures of Alexandria. Due to subsidence the coast has sunk the lower-lying parts of the ancient city under water. This underwater section contains much of the most interesting sections of the Hellenistic city including the palace-quarter.
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1 Saladin Citadel, Cairo 2 Tutankhamuns mask at the Egyptian museum in Cairo 3 The scenery of Alexandria 4 Pyramids of Cairo 5 Khan El Khalili market 6 Red Sea Diving! 7 Cairo
LOWER EGYPT MAP
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INFORMATION
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Rashîd Alexandria
Bahra el Idku Bahra Maryut
Dumyât
Buhayat al Manzilah
Fuwa Disûq El Mahalla El Kubra El Mansûra
Abu Hummus Damanhûr
El Dilingat Tanta Kom Hamada
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El Sâlhîya Zifta Ismâilîya Zagazig
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Ashmûn Imbâba El Gîza
Shibîn el Qanâtir Qalyûb Cairo (El Qâhira) El Maâdi Helwân
Population: The population estimate for Cairo is 6,789,479 for the city and 14,872,204 for the greater Metropolitan Area. Language: Arabic with an Egyptian dialect, though a significant percentage of the educated population are capable in English, French and/or Italian. Currency: Egyptian pound (LE Livre Egyptienne). Time Difference: GMT +2. Electricity: 220 volts AC, round two-pin plugs are used. Souvenirs: Buy most of your presents at Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo.
Ibshawâi
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Birkat Qârûn
El Aiyat El Saff Sinnûris El Faiyûm El Wasta
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call 01306 743000 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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