Things to Do in Egypt in Two Days

Start with the Pyramids of Giza. During the summer, Cairo is likely to see blistering temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. Get an early start to the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World since many of the other historic sites are air-conditioned. If you are arriving outside of a tour group, you pay an entry fee per person. Tours inside the pyramids are at an additional cost, as is access to the boat museum. The museum features the fully restored Khufu ship, which was buried alongside the famous Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt's Fourth Dynasty. Plus, the air-conditioned museum offers a reprieve from the desert heat.

The second stop should be the Egyptian Museum (touregypt.net). Home of King Tut, dozens of mummies and much of what's left of Egypt's historic past, the air-conditioned museum is best visited midday. It is highly recommended to hire a private tour guide, who offer their services at the entrance to the museum. Moving eastbound, next on the list should be one of Cairo's oldest buildings, the Citadel (touregypt.net). This 12-century mosque was originally built as a military fort. On the rare clear day, the Citadel offers amazing views of downtown Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza. Be sure to respect Islamic tradition by removing your shoes and remaining quiet while touring the inside of the mosque. Finally, Khan el-Khahili (touregypt.net), Cairo's largest marketplace, features hundreds of merchants selling food, drink, souvenirs and artwork. It is best visited during the evening hours since it is less crowded and the temperature more moderate at that time.

Located 80 miles northwest of Cairo, Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and a major port on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is noted for its recreation; the city sports many marinas, public parks, zoos and gardens. The Alexandria National Museum (touregypt.net) features more than 1,800 artifacts from the prehistoric, Greco-Roman and Islamic periods. Alexandria makes for an excellent day-trip -- trains running between Alexandria and Cairo's downtown Ramses Station take two hours and cost only a few dollars.