Bilbeis

Introduction

Bilbeis is an ancient fortress city on the eastern edge of the southern Nile Delta. It stands on the site of the ancient city of Phelbes, which was also a bishopric, and it remains a Latin Catholic titular see. The city lies roughly 50 km from Cairo and about 20 km from the city of 10th of Ramadan.

Three days in Bilbeis

Day one: Arrive in Bilbeis, a city in the Nile Delta known in antiquity as Phelbes. Settle in and take a first walk through the streets to get your bearings, noticing the Latin Catholic presence in the city. In the evening, eat where the locals do and rest early.

Day two: Give the day to Bilbeis itself. Wander its neighbourhoods on foot, pause at the Latin Catholic church, and let the pace of the Delta set your rhythm. Keep the afternoon loose, and save your appetite for a proper dinner in town.

Day three: Use Bilbeis as your base for a wider look at the Delta, or make the journey to Cairo if the city is calling you. If your visit falls during Ramadan, the evenings take on a different character, with the day's fast broken after sunset. End your stay with a final walk before you leave.