We have our trip filled with all the things we should see and do while in Egypt. However, there is one day in Cairo, the day we take the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, that is "free". We are using Debbie Senters of Casual Cairo Detours for the first three days, and then again when we return to Cairo, and have scheduled in all the usual sites--pyramids/sphinx, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo, City of the Dead, Citadel, falouka ride, Egyptian Museum, Khan el Khalili, and so on. But what should we do (four of us) from when we check out of our hotel until we catch our train at 8 p.m.?

Only six weeks before we leave!!

Good choice with Debbie.

With your extra time, you can arrange to drive out to Saqqara (some great tombs) and Memphis (the first major world city) which is in the same vicinity.

The Museum, is very big with lots to see, you can always spend more time; same with the Bazaar, lots to see and buy.

Or, considering the balance of your trip will be busy and hectic, you can simply relax at your hotel.

I do hope you are arranging a visit to Abu Simbel from Aswan; something not to be missed.

Thanks, Sandi.

I spaced out Abu Simbel until just this week. My life is way too busy!! Our tour guide is trying to arrange it and we are on the waitlist; hope there are cancellations.

Try one of Mohamed Ali's Palaces. there's one in Manial (Debbie will know about it) that's been open for a while and another that isn't open to the public now (late September 2006), but may be open soon. Soon is an elastic term in Egypt.

Go and have a late lunch at the Marriott Terrace in Zamalek and view the former Palace. The Terrace opens onto a garden and is popular with people who live here. It's pretty, relaxing and green. Then walk around Zamalek with is an upscale neighborhoodand see a little of what Cairo is like for a different part of Cairo residents.

Near Ibn Toulon Mosque there's a wonderful old house, The Gayer Anderson House, which is two houses that were joined and restored by a man with taste and style.

Go to Al Azhar Park and walk among the plants & flowers. There are two restaurants, maybe three. If it's not too polluted that day, you can see a lot of Cairo from there.

I have a similar dilemma...we arrive back on our last day to Cairo from Alexandria about 5 pm, but our flight doesn't leave until 3:15 am. Since we will have already been in Cairo 3 days at the beginning of the trip, we're not sure what to do with our last evening without a hotel to hold up in...any thoughts?