Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is an ancient city. It dates back to its founding in 969 AD, but the region of north Africa that the city occupies has had settlements for thousands of years before that. Cairo’s location on the River Nile, not far south from the Nile Delta and the Mediterranean Sea, has contributed enormously to its success through the ages. Nowadays, tourism is an important industry, thanks to the climate and ancient heritage going back to the pharaohs and beyond. It’s a fantastic city to visit, and at edreams we’re pleased to help you make it happen. Check out our excellent flight and hotel packages to Cairo.
US citizens can take a flight to Cairo and purchase a visa on arrival at the airport for a period of 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the time you arrive, and that it has at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Currency restrictions apply, so you can’t bring in or take out more than $10,000 or its equivalent in any currency. Egypt’s local currency is the Egyptian Pound, and its sub-unit is the piastre. One Egyptian pound equals one hundred piastres.
Cairo has a hot desert climate. Temperatures in January range from 48°F to 66°F, while in July, they range from around 65°F to 95°F. Rainfall is extremely limited throughout the year and even non-existent in the hottest months. The weather is very predictable, and warm sunny days are the norm. Remember to bring high protection sunscreen, too. Choose when you’d like to go and take advantage of our flight and hotel package to Cairo. You can take a flight from New York to Cairo or a flight from Los Angeles to Cairo.
Other venues in the city displaying artifacts of ancient Egypt include the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which houses many ancient treasures including the world famous Tomb of Tutankhamun. For spectacular views of the city, ascend Cairo Tower. It stands 614 feet in height and has a revolving restaurant at the top. As the River Nile, the world’s longest river, flows through Cairo, you can take a very enjoyable trip on a graceful felluca sailboat. One hour trips are common, inexpensive and very relaxing. There’s so much more to do and to discover in Cairo, you’ll never get bored. Our all-inclusive flight and hotel packages for Cairo are designed to make your vacation in Cairo easy and effortless.
No vacation in Cairo can be complete without a visit to the neighboring city of Giza. Giza is home to the last remaining member of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the Great Pyramids of Giza. They are truly awe inspiring. Giza is also home to the Sphinx as well as other ancient structures. Walking around the sandy ground is more difficult than it looks, so take advantage of the paid camel rides to explore this amazing area in comfort.
A very popular dish in Cairo is kushary. It’s made with rice and macaroni and flavored with tomato-vinegar sauce. It also contains chickpeas and onions and optional spices. It’s both delicious and filling. Much of Egypt and the wider Middle East’s cuisine has spread across the world, so you may be familiar with foods such as shawarma, falafel and kebabs. You’ll also find a range of appetizing desserts including Baklava, a sweet filo pastry dish containing nuts and syrup. The semolina-based dessert called Basbousa, made with syrup and almonds is also popular. With our flight and hotel packages in Cairo, you can enjoy discovering the sweet and savory delights of the city.
For both soft and alcoholic refreshments, you have a wide choice, too. Tea is the country’s national drink and is served everywhere, in restaurants, cafes, and people’s homes. Black tea with added flavors, such as mint or lemon, are especially refreshing even when served hot. Coffee tends to be Turkish coffee and is less popular but still available. The most popular juice is sugar cane juice. As Egypt is an Islamic country, alcohol is restricted but available in tourist areas, bars, clubs and hotels. Beer is the most popular local drink and there are several breweries producing a range of beers and spirits, too. Egyptian wine is less popular despite having been produced in the region for thousands of years, but it looks like it's making a comeback.
Are you planning your flight to Egypt? If the allure of Cairo for your getaway doesn't quite captivate you, consider delving into the charm of other vibrant cities from this country, and other near countries. Browse through our enticing flight and hotel bundles for your upcoming holiday escapade!