the nile valley

Words like breathtaking and unmissable are much over-used, but they are the only adequate description for the stretch of Egypt between Cairo in the north and Abu Simbel in the south. There are many options for trips to the Nile Valley from the Red Sea & Sinai region, and which you will choose will depend on your time and budget. Many airports have regular services to Cairo and Luxor and other main cities and local operators will offer good value packages to make the most of your trip. Some travellers prefer to go overland and, while it’s obviously a longer trip than by air, you do get some great scenery and a sense of the scale of the country. One such road trip begins with a drive west across the dramatic Sinai Desert
before going through the Suez Canal Tunnel to reach Cairo. Egypt’s capital is a fascinating experience in itself – a huge bustling city with a vast range of great hotels, excellent restaurants – and priceless treasures.


Don’t miss the Egyptian Museum, right in the centre, with one of the best collections in the world – including the shining gold of Tutenkhamun. Every life should include a visit to the Pyramids and the Sphinx, just outside the city. The tourist experience is now of a very high quality, and you can’t fail to be moved, and humbled, as you gaze up at perhaps the most famous creations on the planet.


For unforgettable experiences, which too many people miss, see the Nile at night (many good dinner cruises available) and browse through the famous Khan el Khalili market as thesun goes down. Luxor itself is well worth a visit and, like the Pyramids, it has stunning sound and light shows at its temples of Karnak. Perhaps one of the most popular ways to really drink in all that is special about Egypt is to take a Nile Cruise. A gives you very comfortable a - commodation with a good quality cabin, a restaurant, and usually a sun deck and small swimming pool.


 Most start from Aswan and take a few days to make their way North to Luxor before their return. It’s usual to visit the fascinating sights earlier in the day before the sun gets too high and then head back to the boat to relax as the rich farmland of the Nile Valley seems to float past you. There are also some very high quality luxury cruises available, including top class boats journeying between Aswan and Abu Simbel. It’s also possible (usually by air) to take a trip towards Egypt’s southern border to visit Lake Nasser and the incredible temples of Abu Simbel. As you may know these enormous edifices were dismantled some years ago to save it being engulfed by the new Lake Nasser which now supplies much of the country’s electrical power. It was then raised up the cliff and rebuilt stone by stone. Even the Pharaohs who build it would have been impressed by that! Wherever you choose for your additional trip, you’ll be overwhelmed by what you see – and it will certainly give you an appetite to return again and
again. 

Practical Info TRANSPORT

Egypt Air, the national Carrier, has very effective international and domestic flights network, and links Egypt with most countries and most of the tourist cities in Egypt. Wherever your home base is, you will find many airline operators offering services to the tourist airports of Red Sea and Sinai. Taxis are plentiful in the area and are very good value. Air conditioned buses and coaches offer a good way to enjoy the scenery while travelling. It is possible to hire a car with valid driving licence documentation.

Ramadan program at Makan Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9pm

“Nass Makan”
(People from Makan) Every Tuesday at 9:00 pm The latest project of ECCA Makan, Nass Makan (« The people of Makan ») brings together the greatest musicians of Egypt and Sudan on stage in a new sound. Famous custodians of the legacy of musical tradition, such as Zar performers Om Sameh and Om Hassan join
Sudanese Singer Asia, singer Sayed Imam and Sayed Rekabi together with many unique instrumentalists. Gypsy Music from the Delta joins hands with Zar songs and Sudanese music styles, traditional instruments join contemporary ones. In the thoughtful and exhilarating arrangements, each singer and each music style is presented on a platform that respects the diverse musical tradition and brings out its in a new way.Zikr & Sufi songs Every Tuesday at 9 pm The inshad is a melodic vocal performance set in religious
contexts, most notably in the context of the hadra of Sufi brotherhoods. Dhikr or “remembrance” (of Allah) refers to rhythmic chanting of the names of Allah. Zikr and Inshad can be finding in the context of public celebrations, such as saints’ festivals (the mulid), the Prophet’s birthday and celebrations of rites of passage, such as memorials, circumcisions and, in Upper Egypt , weddings. These draw a wide range of participants, both men and women, and comprise a mix of adherents of particular Sufi brotherhoods, as well as a more general public coming for the ecstatic emotional and spiritual experience. 

Fawanees Ramadan Festival

In light of “Egypt’s Spirit in Ramadan” the Egyptian Tourist Authority, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, has announced the launch of “Fawanees Ramadan Festival 2010 “ and a series of festivities starting Ramadan of this year for four consecutive years. The slogan “Egypt’s Spirit in Ramadan” in Arabic conveys two meanings; it is both an invitation to tourists to come and spend Ramadan in Egypt, and that Ramadan is an incompatible experience in Egypt. “Mahragan Fawanees Ramadan 2010” will aim to promote Arab tourism to Egypt especially to visitors from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Libya and the United Arab Emirates. The festival’s message will convey the spirit of Ramadan with all of its celebrations comprised in its food and drink traditions, religious songs, folklore shows and other Egyptian customs taking place during this holy month in both Egypt and several Arab countries. On the eve of Ramadan, a parade of feluccas decorated with Ramadan themes will sail from the Grand Hyatt Hotel up to Kasr El Nil Bridge. At the same time, fireworks kicking off the start of the festival will take place, accompanied by a folkloric show on board of a floating theatre on the Nile River and followed by a Ramadan-themed event at Citadel . On the other hand, festivity events will be held every Thursday during the holy month in Cairo , the festivities will also be visible in Alexandria & Port Ghalib where a public festival will be held on the second day of the Bairam Feast. Also, a Ramadan tent will be arranged in Kuwait, Tunisia and Turky during the second week of the holy month to portray the identity of Ramadan. During that time, customary Egyptian food and drinks, offered during the month will be introduced, as well as folkloric shows such as the Tannoura dance, religious and Sufi songs and other customary celebrations.
Visitors to Egypt will feel the spirit of the festivities when they board Egypt Air’s planes (the official carrier for the festival) where special Ramadan decorations will be branded all-over; and as soon as they land at Cairo International Airport. The festival will also be evident in the main streets and squares of Cairo, as well as Alexandria - officially dubbed as the Capital of Arab Tourism for .Over and above, several institutes are also effortlessly working on making the festival successful to evoke the spirit of Ramadan to the Arab Family especially the governorates of Cairo, Giza and Alexandria and the Ministry of Culture which will be organizing several cultural events. Egypt Air will also offer several benefits to Egypt Air Plus Members, as well as an extra 500 of air mileage on travels during the month of Ramadan. The Tourism sector will also participate in the festival, where major hotels in Cairo, Alexandria & the Red Sea will offer special promotional packages to the Arab family during Ramadan and the Bairam feast & will also hold special events in the Ramadan tents during the holy month. On the other hand, travel agencies will also cooperate by offering promotional packages for visitors from the Arab countries during the festival that will be held in Kuwait & Tunisia. This is in addition to a huge campaign in the Egyptian and Arab media that will include advertisements and editorials, televised ads on the Egyptian and Arabic channels, website promotions, as well as featuring “Celebrities’ Recipe in Ramadan” in several mainstream Arabic magazines. Last but not least, media trips to Egypt will be organized to familiarize Arab media representatives with the festival

Have An Unforgettable Eid Vacation

Spend a special Eid El Fitr vacation at Crowne Plaza
Port Ghalib Resort, enjoying the man-made saltwater swimming lagoon, water activities, Lulee Kids Club, Lazy River and much more. Special rates complemented with comfortable accommodation, appetizing food and thrilling nightly live entertainment.

Ramadan at Mena House Oberoi

An elegant setting at Churchill Gardens; a buffet Iftar featuring Egyptian, Lebanese, BBQ and Ramadan specialties, as well as a rotation of other different cuisine like Moroccan or Indian are all available at the Mena House Oberoi this Ramadan.

Ramadan at Ramses Hilton

The Terrace Café will be offering Oriental Iftar Buffet served daily from sunset and overlooking the River Nile, while Al Mandara open-air terrace will be offering Sohour with a variety of Oriental
dishes, Ramadan juices and shisha. The Garden Court Café will also serve a la carte Sohour dishes with live entertainment by a traditional oriental band. Guests can experience Ramadan night s in an authentic Egyptian atmosphere and around the swimming pool at “Ayam We Layaly” tent with daily live entertainment.

BAB EL NIL, RAMADAN NIGHTS AT FAIRMONT NILE CITY

With the holy month of Ramadan right around the corner, the Fairmont Nile City brings guests Bab El Nil. Located on a terrace, Bab El Nil bases its theme around Egyptian pop art. Pop art, which originated in Britain, is all about using popular images and icons and simultaneously incorporating them and redefining them in the art world. That is why Bab El Nil will re-expose all the major Egyptian icons of the past, who contributed to our culture. Open for iftar daily, The Fairmont Nile City is flying in a Lebanese chef who will be catering Bab El Nil, creating an Arab buffet. Starting 9pm, the restaurant features tables that come fully equipped with all the traditional games such as chess, cards and backgammon. Several TV screens will be placed around the terrace, as well as live takht that will playing traditional songs.

Ramadan Food Desserts

For some reason, this month is associated with the sweet tooth, where most pastry shops and homes innovate in theircreations of desserts. Among these are the Baklava which is made of Phyllo dough and filled with either nuts, cream or ricotta cheese, The Basboosa with Semolina cake, Konafa with shredded dough, also filled with nuts or cream, and Qatayif that is pancake like dough stuffed with nuts and deep-fried. One of the interesting scenes during Ramadan is to watch the Konafa shop swirl the dough, round and round in a huge round open oven and produce a hair thin dough.

The Cannon and Breaking the Fast

The firing of the cannon f rom atop the Citadel is a tradition that all Egyptians wait for to break their fast at sunset. It may not be heard today all over, but people still enjoy turning on the television set to watch the cannon being fired before they all sit down to eat. Legend has it that this tradition started by Khedive Mohamed Ali (1805-1848) when he ordered a number of cannons for the Egyptian army, and so it happened that one cannon was accidentally fired during sunset in Ramadan and people then thought that this was a new tradition ordered by the Khedive.

The Drummer in ramadan

Each morning during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, an hour or two before dawn, drummers (mesharati) tour the streets, hammering out a repetitive beat to wake people up to have their sohour (pre-dawn meal). This tradition dates back to the Ottoman era when people didn’t have alarm clocks to wake them for sohour, drummers would walk through the streets beating their drums. They would also sing a rhyming couplet -- a reflection of the popular culture. At the end of Ramadan, the drummers go to houses in their street to ask for money for the wake-up service they provided for the neighborhood during the whole holy month. Almost all phases of the drum-beating tradition, from walking through the streets beating the drum to singing rhyming couplets and collecting money, are still observed. This centuries-old tradition keeps ongoing as it
carries the spiritual aspect of old Ramadan days.

Al-Muizz El-Din Allah Street

This street is named after the Fatimid Caliph who conquered Cairo in 969 AD and it was once the main route of this period where people used to enter the road from Bab Zuweila in the south and exit through Bab El Futuh in the north. Recently renovated and becoming a pedestrian street, it is a delight to walk through, day or night, and one of the most historical, representing Cairo’s largest open air museum of Islamic and medieval monuments where there are many monuments on the street to view besides Islamic edifices found along its neighbouring alleys, including several important mosques and Sabils. Not to miss on that street is the Textile Museum that displays 250 textile pieces and 15 carpets dating from the late Pharaonic era through Coptic and Islamic eras, including clothes from various times in the Islamic era.

Islamic Style Houses in Medieval Cairo to visit

Beit Al Razzaz,in Darb Al Ahmar was constructed from the late 15th century through the late 18th century. Eighteenth century Beit Al Suhaymi in Gamalia is the finest example of the Ottoman era house now turned museum and originally built in 1648. Beit El Kritliyya which is the only fully furnished Arabic house in original pieces in Islamic Cairo. Beit El  Harrawi built in 1731 is considered to be one of the fine examples of the Islamic houses representing the Ottoman Era, and Beit Sit Wasila next to El Harrawi is a 17th century example. Beit Zeinab Khatoun in Azhar built at the end of the 14th century, a remarkable house to visit, and Prince Taz Palace located on Suffiya Street is an example of a house in the Mamluk Era. Beit Gamal ad-Din built in 1637 is typical  of Cairo’s upper class of the 17th century.

Fishawy Cafe,Al Hussein in Azhar,Ramadan on the Nile,Darb al-Ahmar (Red Road)

Fishawy Cafe
Visitors should take advantage of being in the Azhar area during Ramadan and experience this famous two-century old café. Waiters balancing trays of minted tea and the clanging of glasses that is part of the fun, while sitting and watching passersby at a traditional Egyptian café.


Al Hussein in Azhar
That may be an experience on its own, walking through the area with the shops open all night, watching people enjoying life after breaking the fast and experiencing the taste of feteer (Egyptian pancakes) at the Pancake shop served with sugar and honey or with several cheeses.


Darb al-Ahmar (Red Road). This area of Islamic Cairo was built up in the late Mamluk era and this is one of the finest examples of the era’s architecture. Though plain on the outside, inside is wonderful stained glass windows, inlaid marble floors and stucco walls. Ramadan on the Nile Many of the open air cafes are a fun place to spend the evening where there is light enter-tainment and snacks with a spectacular view. Among those would be Kholkhal and Rotana Cafes in front of the Cairo Marriott Hotel, The Blue Nile Boat, Seqouia in Zamalek, Sangria in Maspeero, Le Pacha Boat in Zamalek and Saraya. Besides, some of the major hotels have their Ramadanthemed cafes directly on the Nile, as well as tents where
tradtional food and drinks and entertainment are offered.

Exploring the region: things to see and do around

Cairo and its rich past
Cairo really does have the power to amaze you. From where the city stretches along the banks of the Nile, it’s just a short walk to three of Egypt’s most magnificent pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Cheops and its two companions, the pyramids of Chephren (the indomitable) and Mykerinos (the unfinished). After your daytime visit, return in the evening to enjoy the impressive sound-and-light show. Symbol of the city, the Sphinx at Giza invites you to fathom its mysteries. And in the Egyptian Museum you will find some of the most beautiful works of Ancient Egyptian art, including the treasures of Tutankhamen and the fascinating Royal Mummy Room. 


Old Cairo


Discover Cairo’s Coptic past, starting with the Coptic Museum. The museum nestles in a garden amid the ruins of the ancient Babylon fort, built in Roman times – some of the fort’s walls are still standing. You will find all kinds of artworks here, including carvings, textiles and manuscripts dating from the city’s lengthy
Christian period. This district is the oldest part of town, and boasts a number of Coptic churches. Externally they have few striking architectural features, but their interiors are richly decorated. Discover why the oldest of them is known as the Hanging Church!


Islamic Cairo


As one-time capital of the Islamic world, Cairo contains almost all of Egypt’s great Islamic monuments. You can venture through the doors of mosques, Koranic schools, museums and the unmissable Jewel Palace. As you tour the city, don’t overlook the lovely Al-Azhar Mosque, a thousand-year-old gem. In the
world-famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, you will love strolling down the narrow thoroughfares in search of souvenirs and craftwork, or simply enjoying a glass of tea on a cafe terrace. In the evenings, the subdued lighting confers an unexpected peace and tranquillity upon the souk’s usual hustle and bustle.


Saqqara excursion


A day trip to Saqqara, 30 km south of Cairo, is a worthwhile expedition for anyone interested in Egypt’s ancient past. Formerly the necropolis of Egypt’s ancient capital, Memphis, it still preserves some of the potent atmosphere that must have prevailed when the first pharaohs were buried here. The necropolis is best known for its stepped pyramid, the oldest in Egypt. But Saqqara also boasts another 16 pyramids, in varying states of preservation. Don’t forget to visit the burial chamber of Pharaoh Unas, where you can
admire the extraordinary Pyramid Texts and well-preserved wall paintings 

Relax, be well – set your body clock to Egyptian time!

Egypt has a tradition of health and healing that dates back thousands of years. The great authors of Antiquity wrote with passion of Cleopatra’s extraordinary beauty – she who mesmerised the most powerful men of her era. One of history’s most famous adepts in the cult of Beauty, the queen bathed regularly in asses’ milk strewn with fresh rose petals. The growing popularity of health therapies with holidaying tourists, the ready availability of skilled specialists and the growing number of luxurious hotel resorts have all conspired to transform Egypt into one of the world’s most popular destinations for visitors in search of relaxation and recuperation. Over the past few years, specialist therapy centres have sprung up across the country, catering to overworked travellers who just want to get away from it all. Now you can pamper yourself anywhere in the country – you too can take a “Cleopatra” bath before plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Now you can visit the mythic city of Alexandria on the sun-kissed coastline of the Mediterranean and savour the gentlest of exfoliations while gazing out across beaches of the finest white sand. Uncover the secret beauty treatments of the Bedouin as you visit their encampments in the middle of the Sinai desert. Or rid yourself of the last vestiges of stress in the lushly languorous surroundings of Dakhla Oasis after crossing the ethereal landscapes of the White Desert. The more adventurous can try papyrus-wrap treatments in the stunning settings of Luxor or Aswan on the banks of the Nile. And every visitor to Cairo is sure to enjoy a true Pharaoh’s massage in the shadow of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. You will find that taking part in the aesthetic rituals of Egypt is a profoundly satisfying way of uncovering the country’s true soul – because everything around you is impregnated with ancestral philosophy and traditional culture. Your wishes are instantly translated into our commands! The therapists working in our spa resorts are highly qualified, professional, attentive and focused on your serenity. As a result, they are famed throughout the world for their ability to raise your physical and spiritual health to hitherto unattained levels of wellbeing, by subtly reawakening every one of your senses. Traditional, yet attuned to the very latest technology, we have turned the science of relaxation into an art, ready to transport you on a sensual, visual and spiritual voyage of self-discovery. Relax in the tranquil pleasures of an Egyptian spa resort – truly the closest thing to paradise on earth… Join us and discover the spa resort of your dreams! 

Egypt recovers 200 artifacts from the Al-Ahly Bank

The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) received 200 artifacts from Al-Ahly National Bank and have stored them in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo for restoration and documentation. The recovered collection was stored in the bank’s treasury since the early 20th century and it included objects from the ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. Among the objects are limestone statuary heads of ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman deities such as Horus, Hathor and Ptah, as well as Roman terracotta statues and
twenty coins from the Islamic and Modern period. Two archaeological and legal committees inspected the collection and confirmed the objects’ authenticity. Chairman of the Al-Ahly Bank stated that these objects were in the possession of foreigners who lived in Egypt during the late 19th and 20th centuries. The foreigners were obviously antiquities collectors and had stored their collection inside two treasuries of the bank. Since the early 20th century nobody had asked about the objects and they remained under the bank’s care until the executive board of the bank decided to offer the pieces to the SCA. The committee that inspected the objects, said that all of the objects, which were stored in three boxes in the bank’s vaults, are totally genuine and most of them are very well preserved.

Ramadan Nights

There is so much to see and do during Ramadan that you can spend many evenings enjoying events and happenings in a very special atmosphere. Ramadan hours are different from the other months, it is advisable to check the times at your hotel. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Egyptian music at Makan: Mazaher ensemble,
Mawawil Baladi, Jaafra (Arabic tribes from Aswan), Nubian music & songs, zikr & Sufi songs, Sudanese music & songs). Almost every evening, there will be special events varying from Arabic Takht,
music concerts by popular singers, folklore shows, poetry recitals, oud concerts or Arabic classic concerts at the following places: *El Amir Taz Palace: A restored Bahari Mamluk palace of Amir Saif El Din Taz. *Bayt El Sihaymi on Darb Al Asfar alley off El Muizz Street. *A Turkish Sama’ Khana within the precincts of the
Mausoleum- Madrasa of Amir Sunqur Sa’di Located on Sewifiya Street off Saliba Street and right next to Amir Taz palace *Al-Geneina Theatre the open-air amphitheatre situated inside Al-Azhar Park on Salah Salem Road. * El-Sawi Cultural Center in Zamalek * Gomhouria Theatre situated downtown near the Abdeen Palace and is run by the Cairo Opera House * Kobet El Ghouri (El Ghouri complex) is not only an architectural arts center, but also organizes Tanoura dances, as well as music concerts and poetry recitals.
* The Salah Eldin Citadel: music concerts take place in the garden of the citadel.  Iftar and Sohour options *Khan El Khalili is one of the places where you will find the true flavor of Ramadan. Naguib Mahfouz Café offers typical Egyptian dishes in a perfect setting for the occasion, while at Al Fishawy Café, one of the oldest cafes, offers sweet minted tea, chickpea hot drink and flavored shishas. You can also try the Feteer House, which offers salty and sweet Egyptian pancakes. *Enjoy a nice breeze on the Nile, you should not miss out the chance to rent a felucca boat and sail the night away with a catered picnic. * For an authentic Egyptian cuisine, visit one of Abu El Sid restaurants, available in Zamalek, Heliopolis and Maadi. * Enjoy an evening out with a view of the Nile while enjoying entertainment, good food and shisha at Le Pacha, Nile Maxim or Blue Nile boats, Sequioa in Zamalek, or Sangria in Maspeero * The Marriott gardens offers grills and freshly baked bread in green surroundings

Accommodation and Authentic Bars and Spas & Health Centers

Cairo boasts a large number of 4 and 5 star chain hotels. However, there are several budget and boutique hotels that we recommend, among which are:
Villa Belle Epoque
Opened a few months ago, initially a pair of 1920’s villas, the hotel was turned in a 13–room hotel. The hotel’s dining services offer international cuisine for non-guests, with last orders taken at 10:30 pm. Only beer and wine are served, but you can bring bottles.


Le Riad Hotel de Charme


The hotel is designed like a traditional house or palace that is now widely spread style in Morocco, as well as Syria and Turkey. A tea-lounge, 17 uniquely designed suites and an oriental garden roof.


Windsor Hotel


This is a hotel where memories sail through time. It was built by an Italian architect as a 6-storey building in 1899. Its manual-lever elevator is listed as one of the oldest in the world. All the rooms are made of real gold antique furniture, and most of them have bathrooms and AC’s.


Hotel Longchamps


A family-run mid-range hotel that has been in operation for 50 years. The hotel’s lobby walls are covered with posters of artists and musicians. A mélange of ethnic and bohemian décor with classical furniture make this a very interesting setting.


Authentic Bars


The Barrel Bar
Originally built in 1901, the bar has Viking chandeliers and Swiss style barrel shaped chairs. Many international movie scenes have been filmed in the hotel. 


Le Grillon


Le Grillon has been around since the 40s, and used to be frequented by local celebrities. It still remains to be anintellectual hub as shown in the paintings inside where journalists, writers and directors meet.


Horreya
Quite a popular coffee house that attracts people from all walks of life. Tourists and young artists come to enjoy its cheap Stella beer. The café was established in 1946.


Golf Courses


Katemeya Heights Golf & Tennis, a 5-star resort, features 27 holes of championship golf and practice facilities. The Clubhouse features restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, health spa, fitness center and a fully stocked Pro shop. Located on the outskirts of Cairo, the Dreamland Golf and Tennis Resort, is set on 2,000 acres that include a theme park, shopping center, cinemas, equestrian riding center, hotels and a 9-hole course. 


The Mena House Oberoi’s golf course overlooks the Pyramids. One of the oldest hotels in Cairo, it has an interesting  historical background.


JW Marriott Mirage City and Golf Course is known for its enormous clubhouse and golf academy. The golf course is home to 18 holes.


Gezirah Sporting Club is actually famous for being the first golf course in Egypt. The par-72 course has 18 holes, and extensive sporting facilities, which include swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts and horse ridingSpas & Health Centers


The Four Seasons at the Nile Plaza and Four Seasons First Place Spas offer a comprehensive range of massages and all-natural spa treatments. Treatment rooms sauna, steam rooms, whirlpools, cold plunges and a serene relaxation area. The Spas also feature indoor swimming pools. Beverages and light snacks are served on the adjoining pool terraces.


Le Spa at Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah is a great place for relaxation and well being. The tranquil place is filled with candlelight and soft music, and features treatments, massages, Jacuzzi and a fitness center.


The JW Marriott Spa has been recently redesigned andincludes one of the largest spa swimming pools in Egypt, as well as Swedish and Thai massesuses, full treatments and a snack bar, as well as a comprehensive gymnasium.


 Recommended Outings 
• To enjoy a nice breeze on the Nile, you should not miss out the chance to rent a felucca boat and sail the night away enjoying the glittering lights of Cairo, or take the boat during dusk and watch the sunset. You will find most of them scattered along the Nile Corniche, mostly by the Semiramis InterContinental or Four Season’s hotel in Garden City. Most felucca owners will treat you to some authentic Arabic music, but also welcome the guest’s own music.


• Khan El Khalili is the perfect destination for a night stroll through the old town. Enjoy several places to dine at. The Naguib Mahfouz café features a great traditional cuisine with a live band playing classical Egyptian and Arabic music or next to the Mosque of al-Hussein, is Al Fishawy Café surrounded by magnificent mashrabiya. A good strong minted tea or hot chick pea drink is well recommended. 


The Egyptian Pancakes House is a must-try. There is only one famous outlet on the Azhar Road.
• To escape the summer heat, you can indulge in a day by the pool at the many country clubs in the city. 


Katameya Heights offers guests a day at the pool, where you can enjoy a nice meal. Seasons Country Club also offers a “day use” package, which includes swimming and having lunch at the tranquil venue. The JW Marriott features an artificial beach and snacks.


• Al Azhar Park, designed by the Agha Khan Foundation, has well-manicured gardens, fountains and authentic outlets for a meal or snack.


• The Pharoanic Village. Sail on a motorized barge down a network of canals and view tableaux of the recreation of the ancient Egyptian life. The village also has a museum showing the modern history of Egypt Take a Walk Al Muizz li-Din Allah Street. A promenade down the recently restored streets of Fatimid Cairo will leisurely guide you to one of the most eminent and historical sites in Cairo. Sightseers strolling down the street at the northern end of Khan El Khalili market, will be overwhelmed with quite a striking mélange of ancient houses, mosques, Sabeels as well as palaces. The area was once famous for two great Fatimid palaces; thus was commonly known as Bein Al-Qasreen (between the two palaces). The Fatimid architecture brought to light few surviving monuments, the most significant being the mosques of Al–Azhar, Al Hakim, Al- Salih Talaai, Al-Guyushi, the remaining three city gates (Bab Al-Futuh, Bab Al-Nasr and Bab Zuwayla), Al Aqmar mosque…etc. A walk down this area will unquestionably enrich your historical and cultural taste with all what this area has to endow to its inhabitants and visitors. A Walk Downtown If you are an architecture fan, downtown Cairo is an impressive site to see. To truly enjoy the multi-style buildings, it is best to either take a walk around 7 or 8 am, or anytime until noon on a Friday, when not too many pedestrians and cars are around. The architecture is a pleasant mix of art deco, art nouveau, baroque and neo-Islamic. The buildings were designed and constructed mostly by Italian architects in the first part of the 20th century. The best buildings to view are in Talaat Harb, Abdel Khalek Tharwat Street, Hoda Shaarawi Street, Alfi and Kasr El Nil Streets. Once you are done with your walk, you should pass by Café Riche for breakfast and a good cup of tea and coffee. It was once famous as an intellectual hotspot in Cairo. It is probably one of the only two cafés in town that not only witnessed history, it actually wrote history, too. Or go to Felfela on Hoda Shaarawi Street, for a traditional breakfast of Falafel, Beans and eggs with all the condiments that go with it.

Restaurants

The following is a selection of small fine dining restaurants and bistros at reasonable prices.


Indigo
A relatively newly opened restaurant lounge with a very retro design, serving Vietnamese, Spanish and Malaysian cuisine.


Estoril
A tiny bistro tucked away in a small alley, gives diners a chance to experience a bygone era. The Franco-Egyptian menu includes a variety of dishes, all masterfully prepared. Artists’ paintings are displayed on site for sale.
Abu El Sid restaurants
Experience an authentic Egyptian cuisine in the atmosphere of bygone days. The restaurant is a popular
destination for tourists who want to taste an Egyptian dish and enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer.


Sequoia, in Zamalek
An exquisite destination where you can have a splendid view of the Nile, in an all-white setting. Make sure to
reserve a table as the place tends to get crowded in the summer.
Montparnasse
A fine restaurant serving continental food in a cozy setting  You can enjoy your dinner there with a glass of wine, a tasty full menu with some of the best seasoned salads.


Nightlife
Most hotel chains have discotheques, bars and some have gambling casinos. Outside the hotel environment,
we have selected a few places that you will enjoy visiting.
Tamarai
The latest rave in Cairo, this restaurant/bar has an incredible breezy terrace and a panoramic view of the Nile. DJ music with a large LCD screen. It can get crowded on weekends and reservation is a must.


Sangria
Nice outdoors ambiance right on the Nile, as well as great food and music. It offers a mixture of Egyptian, Italian and Indian cuisine, as well as sushi. Sangria has a parking lot and a valet service.


After 8
Tucked away in an old building downtown, After 8 Pub and Restaurant is a good place to listen to some of the best local bands, as well as enjoy some poetry recital. The venue admits couples only and no one under 25.


The Cairo Jazz Club
Famous for hosting several musical numbers and renowned acts. The club can get crowded, especially on
weekends; reservation is, therefore preferred.


Club 35 & Buddha Bar
Located in the Four Seasons First Mall in Giza, Club 35 is the place to be for dining and entertainment. They serve a good international cuisine and have a great atmosphere at night for dancing. You can also enjoy at the


Sofitel Hotel in Gezira, the famous French club the Buddha Bar with great music and Asian cuisine. It is also the only Buddha Bar in the world with a Nile view.


Cruising Ships
The Nile Pharoah and the Nile Maxim Boats offer Belly Dancing shows, whirling dervishes and bayonet bearing synchronized team dancing, as part of the entertainment. There are usually two sailings each evening, that cruise around the Nile and offer good buffet meals.