Middle East and North Africa

Egypt

At a glance

Cairo

Cairo is one of the most fascinating cities in the region, where thousands of years of history live right next to modern life. It can feel very busy and loud, but seeing the ancient pyramids makes it a truly special place to explore.

Coptic Cairo

Before exploring Coptic Cairo, it helps to understand a little of the area’s history. The Copts are Egyptian Christians and form the largest Christian community in the Middle East.

Ancient history

Egypt is one of the world’s great historic destinations, with ancient monuments, temples, tombs, and archaeological sites.

Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most recognisable landmarks in the world and remain the essential first image many people have of Egypt.

A visual journey through Egypt

Cairo

Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt — **Al-Azhar Mosque blends history, religion, and everyday life.** Once a university and Islamic court, the mosque carries deep cultural significance and remains one of Cairo’s most important religious landmarks.

Complex of Sultan Qalawun in Cairo, Egypt — **The Complex of Sultan Qalawun stands out for its scale and detailed architecture.** Hidden among the streets near Khan el Khalili, the complex feels vast, with beautiful stonework, arches, and historic interiors throughout.

Church of St. George in Cairo, Egypt — **The Church of St. George is one of the highlights of Coptic Cairo.** The imposing church reflects Egypt’s rich Christian heritage and stands as one of the district’s most recognisable and important landmarks.

Interior of the Church of St. George in Cairo, Egypt — **The interior of the Church of St. George is richly decorated and full of detail.** Colourful windows, chandeliers, icons, and ornate decorations create a calm atmosphere that makes the church well worth visiting.

Historic street in Cairo, Egypt — **The streets of historic Cairo combine everyday life with centuries of history.** Markets, old buildings, cafés, and narrow streets create a lively atmosphere that reflects the character and energy of the city.

Pyramids

Base of the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt — **Standing beside the pyramids gives a sense of their scale.** The enormous stone blocks and steep sides show the engineering achivement behind these ancient monuments.

Interior passage inside a pyramid in Giza, Egypt — **Inside the pyramids, narrow passages lead deep into the structure.** The confined corridors and steep tunnels create a completely different atmosphere from the open desert outside.

Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara in Egypt — **The Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is considered the world’s first step pyramid.** Built during the Third Dynasty, it was a major turning point in ancient Egyptian architecture and pyramid design.

Camel near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt — **The desert around Giza offers wide panoramic views of the pyramids.** Camels, sand tracks, and open viewpoints are all part of the landscape surrounding the complex.