The Gazef team headed on an adventure – experiencing the magic of Cairo in just 8 hours! Buckle up, because this is a story of ancient wonders, bustling markets, and delicious street food, all packed into only 8 hours.
The Pyramid Power Rush:
Our journey began at 11:20 am, a race against the clock as we dashed from our office to the iconic Pyramids of Giza. The Giza Pyramids are magnificent examples of the brilliance of ancient Egyptians. The pyramids’ names—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—refer to the kings for whom they were built. If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, a visit to the Pyramids is an absolute must.
Treasures Discovered:
Next stop: The Egyptian Museum! Housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts, it was a treasure trove of pharaohs, mummies, and fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian life. We wandered through the halls, mesmerized by the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, intricately carved statues, and countless stories whispered from the past. It has the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world. The Museum’s exhibits span the Pre-Dynastic Period till the Graeco-Roman Era (c. 5500 BC – AD 364).
An Adventure of Spirituality:
Continuing our expedition, we visited The Hanging Church also referred to as the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa. The Hanging Church is a magnificent architectural gem perched atop a Roman fortress gate. Logs of palm trees and layers of stones were constructed above the ruins of the Roman fortress to be used as a fundament. The Hanging Church is unique and has a wooden roof in the shape of Noah’s ark. From the 7th century to the 13th century, the Hanging Church served as the residence of the Coptic Patriarch. Al-Moallaqa has witnessed important elections and religious ceremonies. We climbed the narrow stairs, captivated by the beautiful icons and the sense of serenity within this historic landmark.
Citadel & Ancient Mosques:
By 2:30 pm, our pace quickened as we ventured to the Citadel, a majestic fortress offering panoramic views of the city. We explored the impressive walls, mosques, and museums, steeped in history and stories of power. Its strategic location on the Muqattam Hills gave it a formidable defensive position. The Citadel witnessed some of the most significant events in Egyptian history from the time it was built to the end of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, which was in power from the early nineteenth century until the 1952 revolution when the modern Egyptian republic was born.
Next on the list – the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa’i Mosque, architectural wonders adorned with intricate details and exquisite mosaics. The Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan is one of the largest and architecturally exquisite mosques in all of Egypt. The mosque consists of an open courtyard with a fountain in its center. The courtyard is surrounded by four iwans (a rectangular space that is open on one side). Opposite its nineteenth-century neighbor al-Rifa’i mosque. The mosque gets its name from the tomb of Ali who was known as “Abu Sheibak”, he was the grandson of imam Ahmad al-Rifa’i. when the mosque was completed, it was imputed directly to Ahmad al-Rifa’i who founded the Rifa’i Sufi order. Each stop offered a glimpse into Cairo’s rich Islamic heritage.
Off the Beaten Path:
3:35 pm saw us venturing beyond the usual tourist trail. We discovered the hidden gem – the Gayer Anderson Museum, a charming house-turned-museum showcasing beautiful Islamic art and offering a fascinating peek into a bygone era. Geyer Anderson Pasha was an English officer who studied medicine in London. He was assigned as a doctor for the English military in 1904 and was deployed in Egypt in 1907. The house is a combination of two houses dating to the Ottoman period (16-17th century). Geyer Anderson, a British doctor, requested to live in two historic houses in Cairo and furnish them with Islamic and Arabic art. He also planned to collect pharaonic and Asian antiquities, all of which would eventually belong to the Egyptian people. The authorities agreed, and after Anderson left Egypt in 1942, the houses became the Geyer Anderson Museum.
Nearby, the Ibn Toloun Mosque, with its elegant minaret and serene atmosphere, provided a welcome respite from the city’s buzz. The mosque is distinguished by its spiral minaret, which echoes the designs of the al-Abbas mosque in Samarra, Iraq. The arches and the windows of the mosque’s courtyard contain stucco designs of geometric and floral designs. A water fountain is positioned in the center of the courtyard, surmounted by a dome supported by marble columns.
A Sensory Overload:
Exhaustion was taking over, but we dove into the heart of Cairo – the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar. We stopped for some icey sugar cane juice. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful displays of spices, and friendly vendors eager to bargain fueled our energy. We stopped for some street Hawawshi- It is a pita stuffed with minced meat and spiced with onions, pepper, parsley, and occasionally chilies. Khan el-Khalili market is one of the most iconic attractions in Cairo, Egypt. Established in 1382, this sprawling bazaar is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Egyptian capital. This bustling marketplace is home to hundreds of stalls selling everything from traditional souvenirs to local spices and handicrafts.
A Culinary Adventure and A Felucca Farewell:
By 6 pm, our stomachs were rumbling. We couldn’t resist indulging in a local favorite – a plate of steaming Koshary from the renowned Abo Tarek restaurant! The delicious mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy fried onions was the perfect way to refuel for the final leg of our journey. And we had some rice pudding to soothe the heat from the Koshary. We headed to Graden City and we boarded a small sailboat, a Felucca, for a Nile River cruise as the sun was setting at 6:30. And at 6:50 we headed back to the office.
Back with a Bang (and 20 Seconds to Spare!)
Exhausted but exhilarated, we returned to the office at precisely 7:21 pm, a mere 20 seconds to spare! This whirlwind adventure through Cairo’s ancient wonders, bustling markets left us with a profound appreciation for the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming spirit.
So, is Cairo doable in 8 hours?
Absolutely, with a well-planned itinerary and a healthy dose of energy! Would we recommend slowing down to savor each location? Definitely! But this challenge proved that even a short visit can offer a taste of Cairo’s magic.