Travelling to Cairo is a great way to explore Egypt’s historical landmarks and experience its diverse cultural life. Flights to Cairo land at Cairo International Airport (CAI) and some of the carriers that offer flights to Cairo from the UK are British Airways, BMI, TAP, Northwest and Emirates.
Travelling from the airport to the city centre takes around 45 minutes. There is an airport shuttle that takes you to and from the city along the Pyramids Road. Airport taxis operate according to flat fees, which are around US$5 plus an airport exit fee. You can also choose from buses, air-conditioned coaches or car rentals, which are available from Avis, Europcar, Budget and Hertz.
Antiquities and museums are the major tourist attractions in Cairo and the surrounding area. The Egyptian Museum houses antique coins, papyrus, amulets, household items, Tutankhamen’s treasures and monuments dating back to pre-dynasty and Middle Kingdom eras. The world-famous Tutankhamen Collection comprises jewellery, statues, sculptures and perfume. The museum also has a special hall housing 11 royal mummies.
The Pharaonic Village is a recreation of ancient Egypt. Dr. Hassan Ragab created this living museum with the goal of bringing the past civilisation to a contemporary audience, while showcasing endangered plants. The Pharaonic Village is surrounded by structures that recreate ancient architecture and civilisation, with actors dressed in ancient costumes portraying ancient life and culture.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the largest of its kind in Egypt. Located on the Giza Plateau, near Cairo, the structure is named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, owing to its size, impressive architectural detail, and the tremendous amount of labour spent on its construction.