DAY 2 – EXPLORING CAIRO – EGYPT

THE TOUR

We usually like to be backpacker style and do everything by ourselves but here in Egypt we found better to get organized tours and we did the tour of El Cairo.

If you get the tour by the link below you help us to continue Flying With Flow! 

www.civitatis.com/es/el-cairo/tour-el-cairo/?aid=6322

 

THE ROUTE. WHAT TO SEE IN EL CAIRO.

• Citadel of Saladin and Alabaster Mosque (Mosque of Muhammad Ali)
• Coptic Area
• Khan Al-Khalili Street Market
• Egyptian Museum

 

ADVICES
– We got a full day tour visiting Cairo which includes Citadel of Saladino, Alabaster Mosque, Coptic Area, Khan Al-Khalili Market, Egyptian Museum.
– The tour was 60€ per person during 8 hours and included a spanish speaking guide, transportation, entrance fees and lunch.

INFORMATION
– Cairo population is 9.5 million and Greater Cairo is 20.5 million, which includes surrounding areas of Cairo, is biggest city in Africa.
– Cairo was under the control of Pharaohs, Romans, Turks, French and British.
– Currency is Egyptian Pound (EGP) which is 1EGP=0,05EUR
– Traffic jams are usual as Cairo has around 4.5 million cars.
– “Shukram” means “Thank you”
– Cairo means “The Victorious” or “The Triumphant” and in Arabic is “Al-Qahirah”

 

THE DAY

The good morning view from out hotel room.

 

8.00am – Tour of El Cairo

Already ready to explore! This day, we explore the biggest city of Africa and one of the most historical cities in the world, Cairo!

We got a little van like the one on the picture which picked us up in our hotel for the tour.

 

9.00am – Citadel of Saladin and Alabaster Mosque (Mosque of Muhammad Ali)

Also know as Mosque of Muhammad Ali, an Ottoman Albanian commander who got the position of Governor (known as “Pasha”, higher rank in the Ottoman Empire political and military system) and became “Wāli” (position during the Caliphate and Ottoman Empire for governors of administrative divisions)

INFORMATION
– The mosque was built between 1830 and 1848.
– Main material is limestone, but lower parts and forecourt is alabaster.
– Located in highest point of Citadel of Saladin offers panoramic views of Cairo.

 

VIDEO INSIDE ALABASTER MOSQUE (MUHAMMAD ALI)

It is very interesting to learn about this mosque.

On the way with the van, views from the window.

 

10.30am – Coptic Area

More van windows views.

 

11.30am – Khan Al-Khalili Street Market

As part of the visits of the day tour in Cairo, we explore around the Khan el-Khalili souk and we have a tea and sisha in the famous Fishawy Cafe, also known as the mirrors cafe.

ADVICES
– Deal and bargain to get best prices. By comparing some stores you may have an idea of the highest/start price. Then try to get the third part of price from the average started price.
– Some stores has fixed prices which also helps to have a real idea of the real prices.
•
INFORMATION
– Khan el-Khalili is a huge souk in the historic center of Islamic district of Cairo.
– It is said to be the oldest open air market in Middle East.
– You may find clothes, spices, jewelry, perfumes, souvenirs and more.
– It is located next to Al-Hussein Mosque.
– The famous “Fishawy Cafe” is here with the mirrors in the entrance.

 

VIDEO KHAN EL-KHALILI BAZAR SOUK WITH MANOLO EL DEL COBRE

 

12.00pm – Jordi Souvenir Shop

Jordi is a super crack! Jordi is also known as «El Cabronazo» (Spanish slang). He speaks Spanish very good and he will be happy to welcome you!

I would get everything for my room!

Below you can see the prices in EGP. Remember:  1EGP=0,05EUR

Yes! This super cool statue of God Horus is only 20EGP! Which means 1 euro! Oh my god! I want 100 of them, please!

 

VIDEO JORDI IS THE BEST SHOP IN KHAN EL-KHALILI BAZAR SOUK

We have to say that Jordi has the best spot in all the bazar!
We got many items and souvenirs in his shop! (many, many!)
Good fixed prices and very kind offering tea or a drink.
Also we had the pleasure to lunch with Jordi one day and he speaks Spanish and is a very cool guy with many life stories.
Visit Jordi!

 

1.30pm – Egyptian Museum

ADVICES
– Visit the museum first of all as it will give you a general overview of information and timings.
– It is not allowed to get inside with big cameras and also not allowed to take pictures and record inside, unless you get special permission.
– The room of the royal mummies of Kong’s and queens has an extra cost.
– We got a full day tour visiting Cairo which includes Citadel of Saladino, Alabaster Mosque, Coptic Area, Khan Al-Khalili Market, Egyptian Museum.
– The tour was 60€ per person during 8 hours and included a spanish speaking guide, transportation, entrance fees and lunch.
•
INFORMATION
– The Museum of Egyptian Antiquies is the actual name of the museum.
– More than 120.000 items, some on display and some in storerooms.
– Tutankhamen has importance presence with most of the treasures and items from the intact founded tomb, including his solid gold mask.
– Admission: General is 60EGP; Royal Mummies Room is 100EGP; Centennial Gallery is 10EGP
– Currency is Egyptian Pound (EGP) which is 1EGP=0,05EUR

 

VIDEO THE BEST TOUR GUIDE IN THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM IS TAMIR

“Super TourGuide Tamir”
Do you want to know about Egypt?
Quick Tour at “Egyptian Museum” of Cairo with:
The Best TourGuide @tamaretoo

Egypt is about learning and history, being essential to get the best possible information.
Best on this, our dear tour guide Tamir, adding so much fun and unforgettable memories.
Shukran yazilan Tamir!

He is Tamir, our super cool tour guide! If you are visiting Egypt, contact him for the best experience! His instagram is @tamaretoo.

The Tutankhamon Tomb.

 

4.00pm – Al Saraya Restaurant

The day tour have included the lunch and we enjoyed some typical Egyptian food in this beautiful boat in the Nile River.

After eating we have finished the organized tour, and we decided to come back by walking to our hotel and we got this amazing sunset over the Nile River.

On the way we had to walk a lot to surround the hotels, or…cross them! We simulate to be guests of the Hotel Ritz-Carlton and we crossed through! To see it and to save time!

The alcohol in Egypt is not easy to find/get. There some specialised shops as «Drinkies» where you can get some alcohol.

Why here 100 dollars in this place? It´s a looong story…

It is very curious that they play many mannequins everywhere!

 

10.00pm – Dinner in Akher Saa

We were walking around our hotel area and we decided to dinner here.