Fustat - seat of government of the first Arab conquerers

Ibn Tulun Mosque - one of the largest in world, this was erected by Ibn Tulum, the Mamluk leader who ended the Abissids' rule from Baghdad

• Mosque of Qijmas al-Ishaqi - master of sultan's horses and took charge of annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Best example of architecture from 15th century Mamluk period.
• Mosque of Sultan Hassan - built 1363 AD during Mamluk rule, with stones taken from one of the Great Pyramids of Giza
• Mausoleum of Shagarat ad-Durr - the only Muslim sovereign in hostory

Cairo - this city was founded under the Fatimid rulers

• Al-Azhar Mosque - one of the world's greatest centers of Islamic studies, the oldest university in the world, was built in the new city of Cairo
• Mosque of Salih Talai - best example of Fatimid style of architecture
• Bab Zuweila - one of three original remaining gates of medieval Cairo, last Mamluk sultan Tumanbay was hanged here 3 times - survived first 2 attempts.

Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'I - founder of one of the four major schools of Sunni Islam, that most practiced in Egypt today

The Citadel - first built by Salah ad-Din to fortify against the Crusaders (who he eventually drove from Jerusalem), this fortress was home to most Egyptian rulers from the 12th to the 19th century. It was also the site of the massacre of 469 Mamluks by Mohammed Ali to seal his control.

Mosque of Sayyidna Al-Hussein - the grandson of Mohammed, involved in the schism between Sunni and Shi'ite

Mausoleum of Qait Bey - tomb of the last Mamluk with any real power, and rated as one of the greatest buildings in Cairo

Abu Qir - site of a battle in which the French defeated an army of Turks, backed by the British

Suez Canal - opened by the grandson of Mohammed Ali, who also led the country to independence from the British

Sphinx - during the period of the Ottoman Empire, the Turks usd the Sphinx for target practice, knocking off its nose and beard

During WWI, Egyptians joined Allies. Formation of nationalist political party called the Wafd (Delegation), and a monarchist party. WWII - Egypt served as vital British base in Middle East.

Ismailia - town on the Suez Canal that flourished under British and French influence

El Alamein - scene of a decisive Allied victory over the Axis in WWII, which altered the course of the war in North Africa

The Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser - constructed by President Gamal Abdel with funding from the Soviet Union. Will include a visit to the Temple of Philae.

Arab League headquarters - the current home of this organization which helped set up the PLO and was part of the pan-arab movement, which Nasser headed for many years.

Abu Atwa war museum - features five captured Israeli tanks and displays about the 1973 October War.

October War Panorama

Tomb of Anwar Sadat - leader of Egypt who signed Peace Accords with Israel in 1979

Site of Anwar Sadat's assassination

Imbaba - slum neighborhood where 12,000 suspects were rounded up in response to Islamic fundamentalist terrorism

Northern and Southern Cities of the Dead - home to thousands of detitute and homeless people

Meditteranean coastal areas - where over 540,000 migratory birds are netted for food each year

Visits to Khan al-Khalili - largest bazaar in world, and a visit to the Birqash Camel Market

Visits to Berber, Bedouin, and Nubian communities (Kharga Oasis, Al Arish, and Elephantine Island)

Visits to agricultural sites affected by decreasing water supplies and lack of siltation

Arab Music Festival - early Nov, classical, traditional and orchestral Arabic music, 10 day festival at Opera House.