Touched by every great civilization through the ages, from the Pharaohs and Assyrians to the Persians, Greeks and Romans to the Umayyads, Abbasids and the Ottomans, the history of Egypt is deliciously rich. Its modern capital, Cairo, is an exhilarating testament to the fascinating cultures that have left their mark over the years. Noisy and bustling, this heaving city of a thousand minarets surrounds you with the warmth of its populace, who are kind and welcoming, and enchants you with its contrasts, which juxtapose contemporary comforts with time-honored traditions.

The biggest city in Egypt, and indeed, Africa and the Middle East, Cairo is an unforgettable experience and a gateway to the awe-inspiring riches in this beautiful country. History buffs are in for a delight! The city itself offers a host of discoveries from the fascinating Coptic churches of Old Cairo, the astounding artifacts in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to the medieval markets near Khan El-Khalili. Cinemas, theatres and modern malls provide great weekend distractions, while excursions out of the city abound: visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza or travel further afield to Dahshur, Memphis and Saqqara. Take a weekend road trip to the Western Desert, or longer holidays to the captivating cities of Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria.