Cairo+Egypt

The roots of Egyptian civilization go back more than 6,000 years to the beginning of settled life along the banks of the Nile River. The country has an unusual geographical and cultural unity that has given the people a strong sense of identity and a pride in their heritage as descendants of humankind’s earliest civilized community. During our trip to Egypt we will stay mainly within the city of Cairo. Here we will see many fascinating sights, some new and others anciently old. There is much to see and experience in Cairo, including the world famous pyramids. We will depart from Johannesburg on July 22 at 21:45 and arrive in Egypt on July 23 at around 5:40.

// Activity One: // Coptic Cairo –This is the oldest city in Egypt and has ancient landmarks to see. To reach Coptic Cairo we will take the Metro to the Mari Girgis stop, located just a few blocks from the Coptic Museum. // Activity Two: // Giza Pyramids – For the second half of the day we see the Giza pyramids. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, these pyramids have stood the test of time, remaining intact for roughly 4,500 years. To reach the Giza pyramids we will travel south of central Cairo, taking either the Metro or taxis.
 * Day 1 **

// Activity One: // Salah El-Din Citadel – This is one of the largest attractions in Egypt, surpassed only by the pyramids. Inside the citadel lay countless mosques and museums, all free of charge to visit. To reach this Citadel we will travel to Southern Cairo, the best way to get there is by taxi. // Activity Two: // Mosque of Ibn Tulun- This is the oldest mosque in Cairo. It was built to house and entire army during Sunday prayers. To reach the mosque we will travel west of Salah El-Din Citadel.
 * Day 2 **

= Day 3 = =// Activity One: //= Egyptian Antiquities Museum – This massive facility contains more than 120,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, including sarcophagi, jewelry, and pottery. To reach this museum we will travel to central Cairo, just a short walk from the Sadat Metro station. // Activity Two: // Zamalek - This historic island was once the choice location for trade between Britain and Egypt. What were once lavish Victorian mansions are now embassies, galleries, and trendy boutiques. This is a great place to rest and relax. To reach this island we will travel to the heart of Cairo, near to the Nile River.

// Activity One: // Islamic Cairo – Islamic Cairo is renowned for its beautiful architectural designs. This part of the city is filled with merchants and vendor stalls. This location will give us a true feel for Cairo and its culture. To reach the Islamic Cairo we will travel into eastern Cairo to the Naguib station via Metro. // Activity Two: // Al-Azhar Park – This park features an array of fountains, manicured gardens, recreation areas, and restaurants. To reach this park we will travel via taxi or on foot from Islamic Cairo; the park is just a short walk from the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
 * Day 4 **

**Hotels:** = Night 1 – The Kempinski Nile Hotel ($169+) = = Night 2 – Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah Hotel ($162+) = = Night 3 – Dusit Thani Lakeview Hotel ($141+) = = Night 4 – Pyramids View Inn ($34+) = = = = Currency: = = -Egyptian Pound = 1 Egyptian Pound = .14 US Dollar

Sunshine = 13 hours Average Temp = 82degrees F
 * Weather: **

Hotel = $550 Food = $200+ Tours and Events = $150 +/- Airfare = $700 __Total Cost:__ US Dollar =$1600 Egyptian Pound = 2976
 * Cost: ** (Approximations)