Cairo, Egypt, 21 April

We docked at Sohkna in Egypt which is a three hour drive to Cairo.

As in most of our excursions, the scenery on the drive was almost as interesting as the destination.

Apartments in Cairo

Watermelon Street Stall Cairo

The purpose of our tour was to visit the Pyramids of Giza and to see the Sphinx.

Sphinx and Pyramids

Due to the recent political upheaval in Egypt and concern about the security situation in Egypt, tourist numbers are down to about 10% of what they used to be and this was apparent as we walked around the pyramids; there were not a lot of people and I was able to get many photos without unwanted extra models!

This is the bus parking area overlooking the pyramids and usually swarming with tourists (and hawkers).

Current Security Situation in Egypt Has Reduced Tourist Numbers Dramatically

The weather continued to be kind to us and temperature was in the mid twenties celsius – absolutely perfect.  There were a few scattered clouds and they served to provide some interesting character to the lighting of the scenery.  I was concerned that seeing the pyramids may be an anticlimax, but I was not disappointed.

Sue and Pyramid

Camel Driver

After seeing the magnificent sites we went to a river boat on the Nile where we had lunch while cruising along the river before starting our three hour return bus ride to the ship.

Lunch on A Boat Cruising the Nile

For lots more photos of our visit to Cairo and Luxor, click here to open a new window.