Cairo/Giza

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa. Giza is located on the west bank of the Nile, some 20km southwest of central Cairo.

Note: As Egypt is a Muslim culture, it's wise to dress appropriately in more traditional areas and mosques. Women should cover their upper arms, cleavage, midriff and legs when visiting a mosque.

The archaeological site in Giza will give visitors an external view of the magnificent pyramids, Valley Temple and the Sphinx.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the first and largest pyramid built at Giza, is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can climb into the mausoleum through a corridor that descends into an unfinished chamber.

The Solar Boat Museum houses the Lebanese cedar boat intended to deliver King Khufu to the afterlife. It is thought to be the oldest boat in existence.

The eroding Sphinx, enclosed by fencing to protect it, has been a symbol of Egypt for thousands of years.

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities contains more than 120,000 artefacts, most recovered from the nation's tombs and temples and includes King Tut's death mask, made of solid gold and jewels.

In the Royal Mummy Room, there are 11 of Egypt's pharaohs and queens, including Ramses II.

The Citadel, located on a spur of limestone above Cairo, was built in 1176. The fortress is home to several museums and monuments.

A fun option in Giza is to take a camel ride.

'The Sphinx' is a 50 minute sound and light show at the Pyramids, telling the story of how the ancient monuments were built, a good way to experience this is at night.

A Nile dinner cruise is another way to experience night-time Cairo.

Cairo's main public gathering place is Tahrir Square, where the Egyptian revolution unfolded in January 2011.

Coptic Cairo is a neighbourhood in Cairo and one of the oldest areas in the city, Sights include the Hanging Church, the Babylon Fortress and the Coptic Museum.

Seafood is popular on menus, choose from red snapper, silver bream, lobster, sole, shrimp or clams. Salads, hummus with tahina, baba ganoush and traditional bread (hearty and thick Eish Masri)
are usual accompaniments. For non seafood lovers, grilled meat dishes are also widely available.

Cruise ships usually dock in either Alexandria or Port Said, both about 2½ hours drive from Cairo. Excursions to Cairo from both ports are offered.

In Alexandria, ships dock right at the passenger marine terminal. There are many stalls of souvenir sellers at the dock. You'll need your passport to exit the port and Egypt does require a visa, which is handled in advance onboard your ship.

It is possible to walk to Corniche, the city's waterfront boulevard in around 30-40 minutes but there is usually plenty of taxis available as you undock. Agree a price beforehand but don't be surprised if this has gone up by the end of the journey.

The cruise terminal in Port Said is at the entrance of the Suez Canal. The town has some nice 19th Century buildings along its waterfront and outside are taxis and souvenir stands. The town itself is within walking distance.