Cairo's fascinating past and dynamic modern identity are on vibrant display in every pocket of the city. Delve into the Egyptian capital with a knowledgeable guide for an inside look at Cairo the way that locals know it, checking out landmarks and street art on your way to a market for tasty Egyptian cuisine.

Meet up with your guide in Zamalek, a quiet, 19th-century residential area on Gezira Island, and wind your way through the streets and the centuries as you explore Cairo past and present. Head to Liberation Square as your guide shares stories about the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and the significance of the Arab Spring.

As you stroll, check out graffiti and street art alongside beautiful 19th- and 20th-century architecture in downtown Cairo. Discuss the symbolism of each work, and learn how the colorful murals and scrawled messages express opinions about the revolution and various political parties. Make your way into lively Ataba, the medieval heart of the city.

Cap off your outing at an authentic restaurant, where you can savor a delectable Egyptian dish known as kushari. This hearty plate combines rice, pasta, lentils, fried onions, and chili sauce, and is a favorite local street food. You can also sample herb-scented fava bean falafel, and then end your adventure on a sweet note with a scoop of creamy keshta ice cream in exotic flavors like saffron, rosewater, maple, lime, or pistachio.