Cruise ships calling at Port Said offer passengers the opportunity to take a day trip to Egyptian capital Cairo, which lies some 160km (100 miles) south.

The port itself, on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, was established in the mid 19th century when work on the Suez Canal began and rapidly established itself as a fishing settlement, later becoming a popular summer resort for the wealthier inhabitants of the capital.

Although there is little of tourist interest in the city itself, Port Said does feature some very grand houses with their own distinctive architecture.

However, the majority of cruises stopping here will incorporate the trip to see the major sights of Cairo.

The trip to Cairo is a must for most cruise passengers, who are eager to see iconic ancient monuments like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. But there is far more to see, one unusual highlight being the City of the Dead, a huge necropolis nowadays inhabited by a substantial population of the living as well.

Cairo is a huge, sprawling and polluted city, thronged with people and traffic.

Highlights
• Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
• Tahrir (Liberation) Square
• Cairo Tower
• Old Cairo
• Citadel
• Al Rif'ai mosque
• Sultan Hassan mosque

Egyptian Tourist Authority
Palestine Street, Port Said, Egypt
Tel: +20 6623 5289.
Website: www.egypt.travel

Cairo's Street of the Coppersmiths is a great place for cruise passengers to head for copper and brassware, while elsewhere, in the souks, gold and silver jewellery is available for knock-down prices - haggling is essential. But beware of vendors offering ‘genuine' antiquities, even if these items are real, it would be illegal to export them.

Food in Cairo is cheap and easily found. Local specialities include foul (bean dishes), roast pigeon, kebabs and humus (chickpeas). Although Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is available in bars and good restaurants.

Rain is almost non-existent in Egypt, away from the coast. Winter temperatures are comparable with summer in northern Europe, while in summer they soar to 40°C (104°F) and occasionally more. Light clothing and sunscreen are a must.

Egypt

GMT + 2.

Egyptian Pound (E£) = 100 piastres.

Arabic.

Port Said is on the north coast of Egypt, near the Suez Canal.

500,000 (Port Said), 20 million (Cairo).

Republic.

Muslim majority, with Coptic Christian and other minorities.

The people are generally courteous and hospitable and expect similar respect from visitors. Shaking hands will suffice as a greeting. Revealing clothes should be avoided, particularly when in religious buildings.

Smoking is very common. Tourists will have to pay a fee to take photographs inside pyramids, tombs and museums.

Tipping: 10 to 12% is added to hotel and restaurant bills but an extra tip of 5% is normal. Taxi drivers generally expect 10%.