Cairo & Fayoum Travel Guide｜Journey Through Millennia

Itinerary Highlights 1. Cairo—The Cradle of Millennia-Old Civilization -Giza Pyramid Complex: Explore the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of Khafre, two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take photos with the Sphinx and experience the splendor and mystery of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. -Egyptian Museum: See the golden mask of Tutankhamun, mummies, and nearly 120,000 other artifacts up close for an immersive experience of ancient Egyptian civilization. -Khan el-Khalili: Wander through this ancient market dating back to the 14th century. Shop for handicrafts and spices, and savor authentic roasted pigeon and fresh juice. -Muhammad Ali Mosque: Overlook the panoramic view of Cairo from this white marble mosque, and experience the splendor of Ottoman architecture. 2. Fayoum—A Secret Oasis in the Desert -Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley): A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site! Explore marine fossils from 40 million years ago, scattered throughout the desert like an archaeological site frozen in time. -Lake Qarun: The largest saltwater lake at the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. Take in the surrounding date palms, go birdwatching, boating, or capture the magical blend of desert and lake with your camera. -Desert Activities in Wadi El-Rayan: Go sandboarding, ride a camel, camp in the desert, gaze at the Milky Way at night, and experience the poetic charm of the vast desert. -Temple of Qasr Qarun & Fayoum Museum: Explore Hellenistic architecture and Fayoum mummy portraits, and uncover the ancient agricultural civilization of the oasis. --- 🚗 Transportation -International Flights: Direct flights from Shenzhen to Cairo (approx. 12 hrs) -Cairo → Fayoum: -Chartered car/Group tour: Approx. 2-hr drive. Enjoy the scenery of the Nile River along the way. --- 🍴 Dining Recommendations -Cairo: Pyramid View Restaurant: Enjoy views of the pyramids while dining. Roasted lamb chops and hummus are recommended. Koshary: A national dish consisting of rice, pasta, and hot sauce. Enjoy a filling meal for EGP 10 per person. -Fayoum: Lake Qarun Fish Feast: Grilled fresh-caught fish served with local date juice. Bedouin Tribal Dinner: Experience traditional barbecue and mint tea at a desert campsite. --- 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations -Cairo: Five-star hotels in the city center (e.g., hotels along the Nile River) offer convenient transportation. Some hotels have rooms with pyramid views. -Fayoum: Eco-lodges or desert campsites. We recommend the unique wooden houses by Lake Qarun for quiet stargazing at night. --- 📌 Travel Tips 1. Visa: Chinese passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival (USD 25). Please prepare your return ticket and hotel booking confirmation. 2. Clothing: The desert has large temperature differences between day and night. Pack sun-protective clothing, scarves, and warm jackets. 3. Cultural Etiquette: Shoes must be removed before entering mosques. Women are advised to wear headscarves. 4. Safety: Avoid walking alone at night. Keep valuables with you at all times. --- 📸 Photo Spots -Cairo: Sunrise at the pyramids, colorful lights at Khan el-Khalili, silhouette of the mosque dome. -Fayoum: Contrast between whale fossils and the desert, reflection of date palms in Lake Qarun, action shots of sandboarding in the desert.