You might not associate the large and bustling city of Cairo with the great outdoors, but beyond the ancient sites and thriving markets there are plenty of opportunities to get away from it all in the green parks and surrounding deserts. If you’re visiting Cairo this summer then don’t miss out on these top outdoor activities.

Camel rides: This is the truly authentic way to see Cairo’s awe-inspiring pyramids; and, if you’re brave enough, you can venture further afield into the desert. Plenty of stables around the city offer camel rides, ranging from one hour site-seeing trips to day-long excursions. Arrange your ride at sunset to enjoy the best views away from the heat of the day and to hear the mingled Call to Prayer from the city’s many mosques.

Get sailing: Forget expensive Nile cruises – you can enjoy your very own budget river experience by hiring a felucca and seeing Cairo by water. These traditional Egyptian boats can be crewed by only one man, and an hour should cost you just 60 LE.

A walk in the park: Al Azhar Park is the largest of its kind in the city; and, despite the fact that it was originally built atop a rubbish tip, is a haven of peace and relaxation. The gardens are beautifully tended and the hilltop location offers fantastic views over the city. Best of all, you’ll have a choice of four restaurants or cafes to relax in when walking becomes thirsty work.

Swing a club: Experts and beginners alike will relish a round of golf at the Mena House Operoi, which lies in a sheltered location just below the Giza Pyramids. The 18-hole course is known as one of the best in the area, and the chance to pursue their favourite activity in such a special spot is one which most golfers simply won’t be able to resist. For a little variety, head to the nearby Dreamland Golf and Tennis Resort with its superb 18-hole course and floodlit range. You could even try out your tennis skills if golf begins to pall.

Of course, there are also plenty of fantastic outdoor-themed day trips around Cairo to tempt those with a thirst for adventure. If you decide to venture outside of the city, make sure you choose a reputable tour company and don’t forget to take out travel insurance to cover any potential hitches. Remember, if you’re a regular holidaymaker then annual travel insurance with a budget provider such as Go Travel Insurance could be better value than single trip cover. Travel insurance will give you peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday.

You might not think Opera, when you conjure up images of Egyptian culture and massive deserts, but you may be surprised when you really look at what you can find in this culture rich metropolis. It might be a fairly new, expanding as of late facility, but Egypt does attract its fair share of entertainment and performers.

Originally erected in 1869, the original attractor and bastion of Egyptian opera and entertainment was the Khedivial opera facility. It was a celebratory erection, heralding the finish of the Suez canal and a great one it was. Opening with its first presentation of Rigoletto and later Aida. It stood as a beacon of fresh entertainment for over a hundred years until its demise due to a fire in 1971. Though it would still be nigh on two decades before a new facility was born.

Built in 1988, taking the place of the burnt down Khedivial facility, the Cairo opera house soon rose to the position of premier facility in Egypt. It is home to nearly every major and minor act who seeks to present themselves to the public. It was such an appealing structure and pleasing concert hall that London’s Philharmonic had made its decision to perform a concert there, their first ever middle eastern showing.

The facility boasts a rather impressive structure in and of itself, most likely leading many acts not only out of necessity, but desire to perform and be housed there. Main hall seating sits around 1300 persons with spacious placement of seats designed to maximize the acoustic properties of the facility. The smaller hall off to the side can take 500 people as well. There is for larger performances an open air space. This theater is also acoustically designed to utilize outdoor properties for those desiring such a performance.

All together an impressive facility in its history, as well as its construction. There may not be a large number of concert halls and opera facilities, but Cairo House exists to exhibit the best of the best, and that is something they do quite well, with the amazing architecture and diverse selection of artists performing.