Situated on the Nile River, Cairo straddles two principal areas, Africa and the Middle East. It is one of the oldest civilizations that exist and one of the largest cities in the world as one will find out on your way to the city center from the airport.

Only advice for those who want to drive in Cairo – DO NOT! One will soon find out that more driving involves the horn than the steering wheel.

With these caveats, Cairo is an exciting and ancient city, full of enchanting sights and containing one of the Eight Wonders of the World. One should take advantage of a tour company, or at least a licensed, private guide who has transportation.

Here are the “Must See” sights and not all can be done in one day. If one only has one day, one simply has to choose what is most beneficial.

· Giza Pyramids & Sphinx

· Egypt Museum

· The Khan Bazaar

· The Citadel

· Northern Cemetery

· Luxor

· Alexandria

1. Giza with its Pyramids & Sphinx can easily take up an entire day. One can look inside the ancient Pyramid; however, if one suffers from claustrophobia, it is not advisable. A camel drive is needed; however, one must be prepared to negotiate before and after the ride as the driver will ask for more money. The Sphinx, as well as the Pyramids, is a mystery as to how they were built.

2. Egypt Museum is the home of the sarcophagus of King Tut, dating thousands of years. One should not seek a visit on their own as the markings of the exhibits are not visible, and some are more valuable than others are.

3. The Khan Bazaar is another must see. Like the Bazaar in Istanbul, this is a city on its own. One can find anything from a spice to a camel for sale here, and one can easily spend hours in.

4. The Citadel, crowned by the Mohammed Ali Mosque, built by Mohammad Ali Pasha during the Ottoman Period. One will have a spectacular view of Cairo from this spot.

5. Northern Cemetery or better known as The City of the Dead, or the Necropolis, is a fascinating sight. One will find not only the dead here, but also the living. Many poorer families have set up their homes here. Not morbid, but fascinating.

6. Luxor is a terrific plane or train ride and is well worth the trip. There one can see Karnak and Thebes as well as the Valley of the Kings, burial place of many of the Pharaohs.

7. Alexandria is a fantastic day trip, noted as being the learning center of the world in ancient times. It contained the most popular library of its time and today contains the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a wonderful attempt to restore it to its former glory.

As one can see, there is so much to see and do in this great city of the world. There are many superb hotels and restaurants that one can enjoy. It is well worth spending a week in if possible.