Hi There,
We will be arriving in Cairo on the 27th of December. We do not meet with our group until the next day (or in the evening). Can somebody give us some suggestions on what we should do during our free day. Obviously we would like to avoid seeing the same things we are planned to see with the tour guide on the 28th. I looked into the "backstreet tour" however at $185 per person it sounds a little pricey for us. How safe is it to just walk around?
Also, will it be hot enough to enjoy the Red Sea (swimming)?
Thanks
Re: Cairo-What do to? (River & Reef)
Hi George,
I haven't gone into your tour itinerary, so not certain what you will be doing/seeing in the Cairo area as part of your tour.
Cairo is quiet safe to just wander about on your own. You can book a taxi to take you to 1 or several places & the driver will wait for you. This can be organised through the front desk of your Hotel. Just agree on price before you set off & pay when you are dropped back at the Hotel. This way you don't have to worry about finding your way back in a strange city.
If you are interested, Khan El Khalili is worth spending a day, just wandering about from one street to another. There are many places to stop & eat or buy drinks......you HAVE to try Fishawi's & the Egyptian Pancake shop! You don't even have to buy anything, just enjoy the sights & the sounds, the hustle & bustle. Of course if you see something you like you MUST haggle.....& haggle like mad!!! Otherwise you could venture out to the step pyramids at Saqqara & Dashur, maybe even Memphis? (not sure where you are going with your tour)
The Red Sea at that time of year can be beautiful. I was last there on the 25/12/03....it was a cool day, but the water was still lovely. The day before was as hot as!!! But I have to say the experience was amazing, would love to venture back to Dahab again some day.
Hope this helps. All the best..Debbie
Re: Cairo-What do to? (River & Reef)
Hi there,
The maximum daily temperate at this time of year is about 20 degrees celcius, so you could go swimming if you wish.
On Day 2 of the tour you go for a guided tour of the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. So you could go into the city and look around the various sights there. You could get a guide book such as a Lonely Planet one and see what they suggest to do in the city for a day.
Hope this helps