Did you know that the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization houses an extraordinary collection of 22 royal mummies — kings and queens of ancient Egypt — preserved in an unparalleled state? It is truly one of Egypt’s finest museums, offering a captivating journey through time: starting with the 35,000-year-old skeleton of “Nazlet Khater Man,” then moving through the prehistoric era, the Early Dynastic Period, the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, followed by the Greco-Roman era, and finally the Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic periods. Yet the crown jewel of this magnificent museum remains the awe-inspiring Royal Mummies Hall, home to Egypt’s legendary pharaohs.

The area of Old Cairo — also known as Coptic Cairo — is home to an extraordinary collection of religious landmarks representing Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. At its heart stands the famous Hanging Church, built atop the ancient Babylon Fortress around the 3rd century AD, featuring its remarkable basilica-style architecture. Nearby rises the iconic Church of St. George with its distinctive Byzantine design, as well as the Cave Church, where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed for three months and where the very well from which Jesus and the Virgin Mary drank still survives. Just steps away lies the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, considered one of the oldest Jewish temples in Egypt. And beyond this sacred district stands the first mosque ever built in Egypt and all of Africa — the revered Mosque of Amr ibn Al-As, established in 641 AD.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, built in the 13th century, is not only Cairo’s oldest marketplace — it may very well be the oldest in all of Africa and the Middle East. Here, you’ll step straight into the magic of the East: the fragrance of famous spices drifting through the air, the charm of centuries-old shopfronts, and the exquisite Islamic architecture that adorns every corner of this historic souq. Wander through its narrow alleys and vaulted passageways, explore its vibrant shops filled with every imaginable treasure, and enjoy a cup of traditional Egyptian tea or the rich, aromatic spiced coffee the bazaar is known for. An unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you leave.