Cairo’s cinematic surrounding area
Like almost every city which is also a tourist destination, Cairo has outlying areas that are beautiful, interesting or historical and therefore well worth visiting. The excursion which every visitor to Cairo knows about (and which nobody wants to miss) is the one to the Giza plateau, the site of Egypt’s incredible Pyramids, the last of the seven wonders of the ancient world that is still standing. Veritable stairways to heaven, the pyramids are World Heritage Sites, and an absolute ‘must see’ on your trip to Cairo. Alongside the pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal structure with the head of a human and the body of a lion, an entrancing sight to everyone who sets eyes on it.
The same is true of Saqqara, where you can find the famous 60-metre-high stepped pyramid of Djoser, which is part of a magnificent archaeological complex. It is said to be the oldest known pyramid, and was built by the first architect known to history: Imhotep. And if you find this odd-looking structure impressive, you could also visit the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid and the Black Pyramid in neighbouring Dahshur.
Another interesting excursion is to Memphis, the capital of Ancient Imperial Egypt, with its amazing outdoor museum where you can see the gigantic statue of Ramesses II and a Sphinx.
And what about Alexandria? This very ancient city, famous for its lighthouse and its library, was founded by no less than Alexander the Great in the fourth century B.C. The city is also known as ‘the pearl of the Mediterranean’, and was the setting for the romance between Mark Antony and Cleopatra. It is located at one end of the Nile delta, and is Egypt’s main port. It has lost its ancient splendour, but still has interesting places to visit, such as the Library of Alexandria, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Serapeum Temple, the Kom el Shoqafa catacombs, and the National Museum of Alexandria.
Another sightseeing option is the White Desert of Egypt, one of the most spectacular locations in the Cairo area, but you need at least two days to visit this intriguing destination, as it is 380 kilometres away, and the journey takes a minimum of four hours. It is a strange, natural enclave scattered with white formations sculpted by nature.
Nor should you miss the chance to visit the Temple of Hibis, a particularly fascinating structure in the Cairo area. This is one of the best-preserved temples in the Khagar oasis, and the only structure in Egypt that dates from the time of Persian domination to have survived in good condition. The temple was built by Darius I (Darius The Great), and was used as a barracks until the fourth century A.D. The approach to the temple is lined with sphynxes.
Related plans
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What to see in Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt
El Cairo es la ciudad más estimulante de Egipto, bulliciosa y sorprendente a partes iguales. La capital egipcia tiene tanto que ofrecer que querrás volver una y otra vez.
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Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Being able to see the Pyramids of Giza is a very good reason to travel to Cairo. Plan your visit to one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”.
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Excursions from Cairo: ideas for making the most of your trip
Taking advantage of a trip to Cairo to visit other interesting destinations in Egypt is a wise decision. Some of the most common excursions include Alexandria, Suez, Giza and Saqqara.