Cairo photo tour

Booked this trip billed as a Photography Tour of Cairo when I visited on a short weekend trip. I last visited Cairo over 25 years ago, before I developed any photography skills, and wanted to revisit and retake some of the photos with an improved skillset and more experienced eye. Ahmed Kamel was my guide, along with his driver Yusuf. Ahmed contacted me the day prior via WhatsApp to work out the arrangements, and ensure I was aware of what the tour would cover. Since I was traveling solo, we had a bit of flexibility, but ultimately, we stuck to the basics. Ahmed met up with me at my hotel exactly at the time agreed upon, and we headed first to the Pyramids. An experienced Guide with 6 years of education (4 year degree and 2 years post-graduate certificate in Egyptology and hospitality) and over a dozen years of guiding countless clients, Ahmed was an expert. His knowledge of Egyptian history and ability to keep the myriad dynasties straight was nothing short of amazing. I've a passing knowledge of the country's history myself, and learned a lot more from our travels that day. He even graciously entertained a discussion of some of the more 'fringe' theories that Americans like to speculate upon (i.e., ancient aliens), while steadfastly maintaining the more reasonable and likely scenario of sand ramps and manual labour. Following the Giza plateau, Yusuf skillfully navigated us downtown where we spent a couple of hours wandering the phenomenal Egyptian Museum. A new museum next to the Pyramids is under construction, and from the size of it, it will be as grand as the Pyramids themselves. It is ENORMOUS, and will eventually supplant the classic. However, the classic Egyptian museum is still the treasure trove of priceless antiquities as ever. Walking that is to have another amazing artifact at every step. Unfortunately, you're no longer allowed to take photos of King Tut's loot, and a photo permit is 50LE (but well worth it). The royal mummies are also not to be missed. Incredible to be in the presence of Ramses II again. And the building itself is a monument. Don't miss it. Following the museum, we went to eat Khoshary at a local restaurant in just a normal, non-touristy part of town. The noodles, lentils and chickpea dish was delicious, and a first for me. I spent a year in the country decades ago, and somehow never had this. Now that I've experienced it, I regret the omission. Great tour...book it! See my more detailed review on Tripadvisor!