Outline If you hear the words ‘city break’, Cairo may not spring to mind. Less than five hours from London, it should. Warm weather is guaranteed – a balmy 20C in winter and at least 30C in summer. Not a sun lover? The Egyptian capital has dozens of museums to dip into for a hit of culture (and air-con).
Storyline Just south of the Nile Delta, the Cairo area was a focal point of ancient Egypt, but was largely destroyed by Persian invaders and abandoned in the first century BC. After the Muslim conquest around 969AD, the city of al-Qāhira (or Cairo, when anglicised) was founded. Aside from ancient ruins, it’s the Islamic influence that remains. Cairo is known as the City of a Thousand Minarets, most of which you can explore for free in the old town.
Beeline The prime culture fix is the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (visit-gem.com). At around 90,000 sq m, it’s the largest archaeological museum in the world: a fitting home for 100,000 artefacts, many of which are 5,000 years old. Walk in and you’re greeted by a 3,200-year-old, 11-metre figure of Ramses II. Soon to be seen are the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Pool time at the Waldorf Astoria
Skyline A ten-minute drive from the city is the Great Pyramid at Giza. Built in 2,600BC, this last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is 147 metres tall and made from 2.3 million blocks weighing around six million tonnes. Standing next to it you realise each block is nearly as tall as you are. Stop off for lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge, where tables look out over the surrounding desert.
Ramses II statue at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Form a line If you’re after mummies, head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (nmec.gov.eg). Here you’ll find the mummies of 20 ancient pharaohs – 17 kings and three queens – including Ramses II and Hatshepsut. There are no cameras allowed. Be warned, the mummies are pretty grisly.
Clothesline Cairo old town, a Unesco heritage site, is famed for its Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Narrow alleys are lined with everything from traditional silks to exotic spices, and souvenirs are far cheaper than in gift shops – although you’ll have to haggle.
Waistline Finished shopping? Time for Egyptian food, served up at any of the small restaurants off the old town alleyways. Naguib Mahfouz Cafe looks unassuming, but this shrine to the Nobel-winning novelist (who often visited the restaurant) has irresistible food. The falafel is divine, as is the dolma: beef mince and spices stuffed into vine leaves.
Waterline The Nile runs through Cairo, so a cruise is the perfect way to take in the views. A two-hour evening ride (£26 per person from emotoursegypt.com) includes a buffet dinner and tanoura (folk dance) show, while you take in the setting sun. For a longer trip, Riviera Travel has a voyage from Cairo to Luxor, stopping at ancient sites (rivieratravel.co.uk).
The Giza Pyramids are only 10 minutes from the city
Fine line For a luxe stay, the new Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis (hilton.com) is the place to be. The five-star hotel has 252 rooms and suites and a living-garden atrium with palm trees and water features. The Waldorf clock at the centre is said to represent the pupil of the Eye of Horus, an Ancient Egyptian symbol of health.
Recline The Waldorf spa, like most in Cairo, performs psammo (sand) therapy: a centuries-old Arabic treatment. You lie on a bed filled with heated quartz sand and your body slowly sinks into it for an hour. Not only is it incredibly relaxing, it’s been used for years to soothe chronic pain and arthritis.
Airline There are several daily flights from London, but allow plenty of time to catch the plane home – airport security is as chaotic as the bustling roads outside.
Next week TOPLINE WELLNESS: Perfecting your posture
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