Thank you to Khalefa for a wonderful tour around Cairo! As always, I booked our private guide through my trusty tour operator Zizo King from Sharm Life Day Tours. Our driver was waiting at the airport for us in a lovely clean, air conditioned car and we had a short drive to meet Khalefa. Lovely, friendly lad who spoke great English. He has a wealth of information about Cairo, Egyptology and the local culture. We first went to visit the Great Pyramids. As soon as we got out of the car, Khalefa was telling us all about the history of the great pyramids and how they came to be. Next was a trip to the Great Egyptian Museum (GEM) I had never been before. I was amazed at the sheer scale of the complex that it is built on. I only wish I had made it there for the grand opening as that must have been awesome. Having been to the old museum in Cairo itself, I was totally blown away by GEM. I’m not going to say too much as I don’t want to give any spoilers but, it’s worth going all the way to the top level. Totally wheelchair/disabled friendly too so everyone can enjoy. Totally worth a visit. I will go back next time as there is so much to take in, you could spend at least an entire day there! Next we went for lunch in the town centre. Lovely restaurant, freshly prepared food and catered for me as I’m vegetatrian. After this, we had free time to visit a perfume shop where you are offered refreshments (for free and no obligation to buy), given the history of perfumes and get to sample the different types of essences that they have. Then we visited a local silversmiths. You are talked through the history of the cartouche and the skilled workers can, if you like at ac reasonable price, make you your own cartouche. Be prepared to haggle for everything in Cairo. Finally, before being driven back to the airport, we visited the oldest market in the world! This was an experience in itself. It is extremely busy, with narrow alleys so keep tight of your pockets/bags etc. We did not have any issues but just to be wary. You will get a lot of people offering you to tell stuff but if you give them a firm, friendly, polite “no” you will not get any hassle. Be prepared to haggle. Our tour guide advised us that whatever prices they start with, get down to 70% off. There is one shop though that sells all sorts of lovely nicknacks and they are all priced stamped. It’s down a side street and up a set of stairs. I could not get you back there without wandering a bit unfortunately! Cairo driving in itself is an experience to take in and one you will never forget! Busiest place on have ever seen We were then taken back to the airport and said our farewells. Khalefa is a gent, Mohammed our driver was so courteous. Please give these guys a tip if you can as they work really hard when they are with you and that’s not including their time to and from picking you up. Sharm Life Day tours offer so many experiences. I have booked through Zizo since 2008 after finding Sharm Life on Tripsdvisor. They offer the exact same tours, if not better and more than big companies like TUI and you pay much, much less by booking direct, Thank you Zizo, Sharm Life Day Tours and Khalefa for another great experience. See you next December!











