Tours of the City
Walking Tours
In fume-filled Cairo, there are few obvious walking tours on offer and none in the blistering summer months. However, personalised tours can be arranged through some of Cairo’s cultural organisations (see Culture), or the Community Services Association (tel: (02) 350 5284 or 376 8232) and the American Research Center in Egypt (tel: (02) 354 8239 or 355 8683).
Official guides for individual tours can be arranged through hotels and tourist offices, at a fixed hourly rate (plus a tip). Unofficial guides approach people in the street and range from the abysmal to the excellent. Personal judgement is all that can be used. If unsure, visitors should decline politely but firmly.
Bus Tours
Any hotel will be able to offer the standard range of bus tours for guests, usually including the highlights of the Egyptian Museum, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar, the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Alternatively, a local travel agent, such as American Express (tel: (02) 370 3411), Misr Travel (tel: (02) 393 0010) or Thomas Cook (tel: (02) 356 4650) can also arrange tours.
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