It’s hard to believe that this tranquil and lush oasis – the largest in Egypt -- is less than 100 kilometers southwest of dizzying Cairo. Egyptians have been vacationing here since 13th dynasty pharaohs. Al Fayoum is an extremely fertile section of the country, a 70 by 60 square kilometer basin that was periodically flooded by the Nile thousands of years ago. Although considerably more stable nowadays, the area remains continuously irrigated by the river, retains two natural lakes and is ideal for farming and harvesting. Some of the richest olives in Egypt come from its groves. Although it seems like a peaceful, sleepy retreat from the capital, Al Fayoum is still home to more than two million people. An archeological wonderland, the area also brings us artisan goods that have been perfected since prehistoric times and admired throughout the Middle East. You can find examples of glossy Al Fayoum pottery front row and center in Cairo’s Museum of Islamic ceramics.