Cairo

If I had to rank the ancient wonders we've visited so far, the Pyramids of Giza would probably sit at number one. We've already seen the Acropolis, Machu Picchu, and the Colosseum, so the only place that might challenge the pyramids for the top spot is Petra, whenever we finally make it there.

If it weren't for the pyramids, Cairo would probably have been an average experience. It's dirty, polluted, overcrowded, and as a tourist you quickly realize that, to many locals, you're essentially a walking dollar sign. Conversations often sit somewhere between genuine hospitality and aggressive salesmanship.

Fortunately, we came here for one reason: the Pyramids...

For this three-day Bank Holiday trip, we booked a hotel with a direct view of them.
Having breakfast while looking at one of the most iconic sights on the planet is one of those Instagram moments... if I actually had an Instagram account.

The pyramids themselves exceeded expectations. The Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Sphinx, the surrounding tombs... every time you think you've seen enough, you turn a corner and find another angle that makes you stop and stare (and take a photo). The scale is impossible to appreciate from what you see in the slideshow. You have to stand next to them to understand just how ridiculously huge they are.

Another surprise was the new Grand Egyptian Museum. It's one of the best museums I've ever visited and, dare I say it, puts the Acropolis Museum to shame, a statement that would probably get my Greek passport revoked.

We also ventured into downtown Cairo to visit Khan el-Khalili Market, climbed Cairo Tower for panoramic views over the city, and took a boat trip to the Pharaonic Village. The contrast between ancient Egypt and modern Cairo is fascinating, even if the traffic occasionally makes you question your life choices.

I'll let the slideshow do most of the talking. There are only so many times I can write "and then we saw another incredible pyramid" before sounding repetitive...