Destination introduction
Book one of our luxurious Egypt holidays and discover the breathtaking Pyramids of Giza, dive among coral reefs in the Red Sea's clear waters, admire the treasure of Tutankhamen and take a romantic cruise down the Nile.
Shopping
Try your luck at Khan el-Khalili, Cairo's celebrated bazaar, where you can still practise your bargaining skills though the custom is dying out. There's also a shop specializing in handicrafts right next to the Egyptian Museum; others are scattered through the touristic parts of Cairo with more at Giza, near the pyramids.
The alabaster for cigarette boxes and other decorative items comes from the Nile valley.
Brass and copper are hammered into trays, coffee sets and samovars. You can watch it being done at Khan-el-Khalili.
Egyptian cotton, among the finest in the world with its long fibres and smooth finish, is used in gallabiyas, those long, flowing robes sold for men and women. Shirt- and dressmakers are ready to provide you with custom-made cotton clothing in next to no time.
The jewellery can be extremely beautiful, whether it's based on old designs or modern. It is good value, too, if you know how to choose wisely. Exquisite workmanship goes into gold and silver pieces set with precious or semi-precious stones. Take your pick from pharaonic styles inspired by King Tutankhamun's treasure.
Leather goods such as handbags, satchels and wallets, make interesting buys, but be sure to examine each article carefully for flaws.
The excellent woodwork includes mashrabiya, the delicate lattices through which Muslim women used to dare a timorous look at the world. Marquetry objects are finely designed and executed-choose perhaps a chess board or cedar or sandalwood box skilfully inlaid with bits of ivory, mother-of-pearl and ebony.