Welcome to Egypt | A three-day trip to Cairo & Alexandria
Updated: Jul 21
Egypt is worldly known for its civilization (over 4,000 years if I recall correctly), especially parts of it, such as the pharaohs, the pyramids, the Greek-Egyptian reconciliation of civilization, their growth through Alexander the Great and many more. Some of them I will mention here, others I will leave as a "surprise", because as slick as my descriptions may be, you will perceive Egypt differently when you will visit it.
In Egypt I chose to travel with an organized group. Otherwise, I was likely to get lost and lost, because most of the common people in this country do not speak English and communication would be quite difficult. If you are with a local guide or, even better, if you know the Arabic language, everything is easier. I stayed all 3 days in Cairo and would recommend it to do so, as it was very convenient.
Arriving at Cairo airport, the first thing you must do is get a visa. It costs €30.
Day 1: Sightseeing in Cairo
Cairo – the capital of Egypt, a populous metropolis on the banks of the historic Nile. The river Nile can be seen from many parts of the city, and you can cross from one side to the other via bridges, countless bridges!
I stayed on the island of Zamalek in the Nile where nearby you can visit the Marriott Hotel, to drink a coffee, a wine or to dine at its restaurant.
Cairo Archaeological Museum
The next day in the morning, the tour began. We started from the huge Cairo Archaeological Museum, and I say huge, because you can’t, and you don't have the time to turn it all around and see everything. But you will get a very important clue of the long history and the magical culture of Egypt. You will get the chance to see mummies, statuettes, household utensils, jewelry, and gigantic statues of their gods!
After such a long walk-through time, we passed by the museum shop and bought souvenirs. Tip: If there is some extra time, you can stop at the museum cafe for a refreshing mango juice or a coffee!
Giza (Pyramids , Sphinx)
Then, we hustled to the pyramids, one of my favorite parts of this trip! I was really looking forward for this moment. As we were getting closer, Ι was seeing them from the street from time to time and they caught my eyes, so when we finally arrived, they magnetized me! Have you ever felt awe? I rarely.
When we got very close to pyramids (about 2-3m), I noticed the stones. Each one is as tall as a man. I stood in front of them for a while, closed my eyes and opened my hands to take in all their energy... I don't think I've felt such a feeling before. So small in front of something so grand.
It is rightfully one of the 7 Wonders of the World!
It goes without saying that wherever you look, you see caravans, camels and – mainly – Arabian horses.
After walking past the Sphinx, we visited a Perfume store. There we had the opportunity to try pure perfumes, intoxicating scents in colorful, beautiful glass bottles. Don't miss your chance to buy some.
After we got sloshed on the fragrances, we visited the Papyrus store. We saw papyri, the papyrus plant and there is also an analysis of how papyrus paper is made from the plant is given - is fully water resistant by the way! Each drawing on a papyrus is either a story from the vast mythology of Egypt or theories from history and everyday life - characteristic designs are that of the Trial after death and the Diary.
You can buy a design that shows something of your preference (eg. your zodiac sign or your name in Arabic hieroglyphs) and frame it on the wall of your home.
Al-Khalil Bazaar
The day ends with a stroll through the narrow streets of Al-Khalil Bazaar. There while shopping, haggling is necessary as the soul asks for it and it is in the blood of the Egyptians.
But there you will see also another side of life in Egypt, you will see poverty itself with your own eyes. As I was walking, a mother approached me and offered me a pack of tissues. I politely told her that I don't need it and thanked her. Certainly, there was no question of haggling. Then I turned and looked at her daughter, a little girl of about 6. She looked me deep in the eyes and crossed her arms. How to hide from children... How to ignore and pass an innocent look... I bent down and hugged her, and she put her little hands on my shoulders. There I cried... My mood changed and after an hour I came to my senses. But I haven't forgotten her, and I won't.Day 2: One day trip in Alexandria (a must if you are Greek)
The best-known city and the only one that has kept its name from the time of its foundation is Alexandria in Egypt. One of the 17 Alexandrias around the world, it is located about 3 hours from Cairo.
Arriving in the city, we felt as we were not in Egypt, but somewhere else, like in Europe. The buildings, the streets, the colors and the general climate and environment are very similar to European cities (especially the Mediterranean ones). If you are also Greek, you feel as if you are home. At least that's how I felt. After all, there is also a Greek quarter in the city as Greeks used to live and still live there and Cavafy's (a famous Greek poet) house is also there.
Worth mentioning, visiting, and touring is the Library of Alexandria an architectural gem inside and out.
In its courtyard there is the bust of the founder of Alexandria, the Alexander the Great and at the main entrance there is the bust of the great poet of Alexandria Constantine P. Cavafy, two very important figures of Greek and Egyptian history and – personal assessment – of the long friendship of the two peoples.
If you are Greek and you visit Alexandria, but also in general wherever you go in Egypt and you say you are from Greece, they give you a big, warm smile and their welcome is truly hearty. You feel like at home...!
A good place to see a view of almost the entire city is the Qaitbay Citadel. You see Alexandria as far as your eye can see, but you won’t see all of it as it stretches 35 km into the sea. If the Lighthouse of Alexandria (another of the 7 Wonders of the World) existed, it would be visible from here. In any case, the view of the city on one side and the blue vastness of the Mediterranean on the other will compensate you. It's a nice way to end the walk in Alexandria.
Travel Tips:
Hat and sunscreen for the Pyramids of Giza is a necessity.
If you have an issue with mosquitoes, take with you a mosquito repellent, due to increased humidity. Argan is better.
A tour guide will give you more instructions about food, distances, etc.
Apart from summer period, all other seasons I think are good for your trip.