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There isn’t any lack of issues to do in Egypt, because the nation is brimming with historical areas, seashores, landscapes, dive websites, and museums. Guests can discover the long-lasting Pyramids of Giza and the traditional temples of Luxor, cruise alongside the Nile River, or head to Nefertaris’s tomb.

Nevertheless, Egypt is just not all about temples and historical historical past; the nation has a stunning coast and is house to one of many oldest civilizations on the earth. Its tradition is a heady combine, and its affect the world over is, at occasions, shocking. Even the nation’s delicacies will go away guests wanting extra. All of it meant that tourism within the nation has been ongoing for almost a century, and regardless of latest hardships, the nation nonetheless receives 15 million guests yearly.

Even after our almost three-week journey to the nation, we left desirous to discover the nation’s desert landscapes, teeming coral reefs, and bustling streets extra. After all, there may be all the time one other historical website to go to, Abu Simbel or Karnak. This Egypt journey information is right here that can assist you plan a journey to Egypt and fill your days with what pursuits you most.

The Finest Issues to Do in Egypt

Cairo

It’s unimaginable to go to Egypt and skip its capital metropolis. Cairo is the most important Arabic metropolis and is known for its Islamic structure (and copious minarets). In case you’re a photographer or a historical past buff, this can be a must-see, primarily in case you are within the historical past of the traditional world.

Cairo is related to Historic Egypt as a consequence of its proximity to the Nile Delta, the traditional metropolis of Memphis, and the Nice Pyramids of Giza. A number of the greatest issues to do in Cairo are go to the Khan el-Khalili well-known bazaar and step contained in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Pyramids of Giza

You’ll be able to’t go to Cairo and never head to the pyramids; they’re amongst these unbelievable trip spots on the earth to go to. The Pyramids of Giza have been an icon for the nation for tons of of years, and everybody visiting the nation may have visiting on their listing.

It’s straightforward to go to the pyramids your self, however to listen to all of the tales and get the knowledge; it’s greatest to rent a information for the day to share all of the thrilling information and information about Egypt.

Camel rides can be found, and you’ll 100% get requested if you would like a camel journey. We declined the journey because the camels seemed like they had been in poor situation.

It’s attainable to go contained in the Pyramid of Kofu for an additional ticket. Nevertheless, if you happen to get claustrophobic, I’d keep away from it. It’s boiling, humid, and tight.

Be sure to see the Sphinx earlier than leaving. It’s an extended stroll or a brief drive away from the principle pyramid complicated, however nicely value a cease and photograph op. Our information for the day introduced us right here, which was extraordinarily useful, and we had been pleased we had him information us across the giant website within the warmth.

Luxor

As soon as once more, this can be a must-see for Egyptology fans or anybody who loves a great historic website. Luxor is a metropolis on the banks of the Nile, recognized for being the positioning of the traditional metropolis of Thebes—the pharaohs’ seat of energy throughout their reign.

Karnak and Luxor Temples are the principle sights to see right here (two huge surviving buildings from the golden age of Thebes). For many who like tombs, royal burial websites of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are additionally within the space. Visiting Luxor to tour the temple complexes is one among greatest issues to do in Egypt and is on most guests’ Egypt bucket lists. In case you ebook a Egypt Tour, it is going to 100% take you to Luxor.

Aswan

Aswan is a metropolis positioned in southern Egypt that’s recognized for a number of issues. Essentially the most well-known attraction in Aswan is the Aswan Excessive Dam, a big dam constructed within the Nineteen Sixties to manage the Nile River’s circulation and generate hydroelectric energy.

Aswan additionally has a number of historical temples, together with the Temple of Philae, which is devoted to the goddess Isis and was constructed within the 4th century BC. Aswan is house to many Nubian communities, and guests can expertise Nubian tradition and traditions by visiting conventional villages, making an attempt Nubian delicacies, and searching for Nubian handicrafts.

All in all, Aswan is a must-see in Egypt. Issues to do in Aswan embrace seeing an enormous (unfinished) obelisk, an open-air museum, a mausoleum, and Elephantine Island, which is chock filled with archeological websites.

There’s even a monastery in the course of the desert. Being positioned proper on the banks of the Nile, contemplate taking a ship cruise up the river, whether or not only for the day or to sail to your subsequent vacation spot.

Nile River Cruise

Among the best issues to do in Egypt is cruise up or down the Nile. There are lots of cruise firms in Egypt that can take guests up and down the Nile with numerous value factors. We booked the luxurious Steam Ship Sudan, and this five-day journey allowed us to test lots of the websites on this greatest issues to do in Egypt list.

A Nile River Cruise will be a good way to see all Egypt gives between Luxor and Aswan. There’s no higher feeling than watching the solar go down on the banks of the Nile from the precise Nile River.

The ship we went on needs to be essentially the most distinctive in all of Egypt. The SS Sudan is essentially the most luxurious method to cruise the Nile. This ship is over 100 years previous, and between 1922 and 1935, it loved the “golden age” of Nile River cruising. In 1933, Agatha Christie launched into an archaeological mission and was impressed to put in writing Dying on the Nile, with individuals she met on the cruise turning into real-life characters within the ebook. We made a whole video to showcase this nice ship!

From the Second World Warfare to the Nineties, the SS Sudan sat docked till she was revitalized on the flip of the century. Now it sits as one of many final reminders of the golden period in Egypt. See our full evaluate of our time on this ship right here.

Hurghada

After spending time landlocked amongst temple and pyramid ruins, we will’t blame anybody for desirous to soak in a little bit of solar by the ocean. Hurghada is a beachside resort city alongside the Pink Coastline, famed for its world-renowned scuba diving (there are even many diving faculties right here that can assist you study).

The Sekalla district is extra fashionable, with nightclubs, eating places, and bars. On the identical time, the “previous city” (El Dahar) is house to extra conventional cultural ventures like souks and traditional Egyptian espresso outlets (so there’s one thing for everybody).

Soma Bay

Lower than an hour away from Hurghada is Soma Bay. Soma Bay is a coastal resort space tucked away on its peninsula. It’s among the finest issues to see in Egypt and the place you’ll discover honeymooners, households, and passionate divers.

It’s among the finest locations in Egypt to have a very stress-free vacation, go diving, or attempt your hand at golf. It has all of the enjoyable journey issues like windsurfing, kitesurfing, crusing, and quad biking throughout the desert.

Marsa Alam

If lengthy stretches of white sand, crystalline waters, and coral reefs are remotely up your alley, there’s a robust likelihood you’ll like Marsa Alam. And having fun with the Pink Sea is likely one of the greatest issues in Egypt!

Additionally positioned on the Pink Coastline, this is a great spot for diving and snorkeling, notably if you wish to see the ocean turtles or dugongs (much like manatees) that decision the area house.

Among the many different issues to do, there are historical gold mines, emerald mines, a transport port, and close by Karnak Temple (see under for more information) for many who can’t get their fill of historic websites.

Temple of Karnak

One of many primary Egyptian factors of curiosity is Karnak Temple. Essentially the most exceptional factor in regards to the Temple of Karnak is that it’s much less a single temple a lot as it’s a whole complicated of temples, chapels, pillars, and different buildings in various states of decay. It’s not removed from Luxor, so it may very well be labored into your time staying there as a day journey.

Development on the temple started round 2055 BC, although a lot stays from barely extra fashionable occasions (eleventh century AD). The grounds of the temple are huge and even embrace an open-air museum. Of the 4 components of the complicated, the most important one (the Precinct of Amun-Re) is the one one open to vacationers.

Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm El-Sheikh is a resort city positioned on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and among the finest issues to do in Egypt for these after a little bit of R&R. It’s recognized for its lovely seashores, crystal-clear waters, and plentiful marine life, making it a well-liked vacation spot for these enthusiastic about diving and snorkeling.

The city is surrounded by the Pink Sea and the Sinai Mountains, providing gorgeous views whereas having fun with the clear waters of the Pink Sea. In style issues to do right here embrace taking a 4×4 jeep tour to discover the close by desert, or go on a ship tour to find the coral reefs and the plentiful marine life that inhabit the Pink Sea.

Sharm El-Sheikh is well-known within the Arab world for its assortment of luxurious resorts, resorts, and high-quality eating places. For these not trying to get out on the water or sandy within the desert there may be ample purchasing right here on the Previous Market.

For these enthusiastic about historical past and tradition, Sharm El-Sheikh can be a gateway to a number of necessary historical websites, together with the UNESCO World Heritage Web site of St. Catherine’s Monastery, which is positioned on the foot of Mount Sinai, and the historic city of Dahab, which was as soon as an necessary buying and selling submit on the traditional Spice Route

Alexandria

Whereas many guests to Egypt could choose to provide Egypt’s second largest metropolis a skip, there may be a lot extra to Alexandria than meets the attention. Along with having coastal metropolis magnificence, and unbelievable cultural range, there may be loads of historical past right here too. Alexandria was based by Alexander the Nice in 331 BCE.

It was as soon as the mental and cultural heart of the traditional world, which may nonetheless be seen as we speak. Guests can discover the traditional metropolis’s well-known landmarks, such because the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and the Roman Amphitheater.

Temple of Edfu

Whereas many ruined temples in Egypt are simply that (in ruins), the Temple of Edfu is likely one of the best-preserved buildings within the nation. The partitions of this temple are inscribed with near-endless textual content that offers essential historic context into life within the Hellenistic interval in Egypt.

The location comprises statues, busts, and wall carvings of Egyptian gods. There are even regional-specific buildings equivalent to a nilometer (a construction to measure the readability and water stage of the Nile River throughout its flooding season).

Kom Ombo

Kom Ombo is a must-visit in Egypt and so far as the traditionally uncommon goes, the Temple of Kom Ombo might be a front-runner. It’s a double temple, for starters, that means that each one of a temple’s normal buildings had been in-built double, in dedication to 2 units of gods.

Since one of many gods revered right here was Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, some 300 crocodile mummies had been found at this website and housed within the close by Crocodile Museum. This temple’s partitions and large columns are inscribed with textual content and coloured hieroglyphs.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a valley on the western financial institution of the Nile throughout from Luxor, the place pharaohs and the Aristocracy had been buried in rock-cut tombs. Whereas the valley comprises 63 graves, a number of have been found previously decade, indicating that many extra might exist.

Most of those usually are not open to the general public. Time spent inside is restricted and silent (information lecturing occurs outdoors, and vacationers are instructed to journey single file quietly by the tombs to attenuate potential injury from guests over time). Regardless of this, it’s a world-renowned website value seeing.

Valley of the Queens

There can’t be a Valley of the Kings with out having one for the Queens, too. The Valley of the Queens is the place the wives of pharaohs from the 18th, nineteenth, and twentieth dynasties of historical Egypt could be buried. This valley comprises 91 recognized tombs within the central valley, most of which date again to the New Kingdom interval of historical Egypt.

The earliest tomb carved right here is considered that of the spouse of Ramses I, and maybe the best-known tomb is Nefertari, Ramses III’s favourite queen. The Temple of Nefertari is broadly thought to be one of the vital lovely and well-preserved tombs in all of Egypt and is superbly adorned with colourful work that depict Nefertari in numerous scenes from her life and the afterlife.

Just like the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens was made a UNESCO World Heritage website within the 90s. 

Temple of Abydos (Temple of Seti I)

On the Temple of Abydos / Issues to do in Egypt

Whereas the one remaining construction is the Nice Temple of Abydos, it’s half of a bigger complicated referred to as the Temple of Seti I. The temple was devoted to Seti and early pharaohs, and there’s a wall throughout the temple on which the names of kings and pharaohs acknowledged by Seti (generally known as the Abydos King Record) are carved.

The temple grounds contained a number of chapels, most of which had been in various states of decay. Whatever the temple’s situation, its historical ruins are not any much less spectacular and price seeing.

Dendera Temple Advanced

One of many nation’s best-preserved temple complexes is positioned lower than two miles from Dendera. A website of human habitation way back to 1500 BC, this was possible an oasis owing to its location on the banks of the Nile river.

The Hathor temple is the most important construction within the 40,000-square-meter complicated, however the space additionally contains a number of chapels, shrines, and basilicas all through. 

Temple of Isis, Agilkia (Temple of Philae)

One other among the finest locations to go to in Egypt is the Temple of Isis, in Aswan. Whereas Egypt’s limitless historical temples are all spectacular, there’s one thing a few temple on an island that has just a little further one thing. The Temple of Isis is positioned on Agilkia Island, having been moved within the Nineteen Sixties from its unique location of Philae Island as a consequence of flooding within the area.

The temple is likely one of the final buildings constructed within the classical Egyptian fashion and one of many final to worship Isis. You’ll be able to take a river cruise with a cease right here, and at night time, there’s a lovely gentle and sound present on-site.

Metropolis of Memphis

When this metropolis was on the peak of its glory, it served because the capital of Historic Egypt and the doorway into the Giza area, because of its location on the entry to the Nile Valley. This was a website of all the things from kings to commerce to faith.

Of its most well-known occasions, Alexander the Nice was topped pharaoh, and the Rosetta Stone originated from town. Town declined to nearly nothing after being annexed by the Romans and turning into Christianized, and as we speak is a formidable array of preserved ruins to discover.

It’s also possible to see a colossal statue of Ramesses II right here.

Saqqara

Positioned close to Cairo and the stays of the traditional metropolis of Memphis, Saqqara served as a big cemetery complicated for the latter. The realm comprises a number of pyramids and enormous tombs, essentially the most well-known of which is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is broadly thought to be Egypt’s first giant stone construction (a precursor to the Giza pyramids, constructed some 70 years earlier).

To this present day, routine excavations are revealing discoveries, together with animal mummies, uncommon burial masks, and, most just lately, almost 2000 mummies of noblemen.

Abu Simbel

Because of the rise of Instagram journey images, this may be one among Egypt’s most recognizable buildings and are amongst one the perfect locations to go in Egypt. The temples of Abu Simbel embrace the Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari.

Most well-known is the facade of the temple construction—it consists of a single entrance door flanked by 4 65-foot carvings of seated Ramesses.

The temple was designed in order that on October 22 and February 22, the solar would gentle up the inside room and the sculptures on the far wall. Many individuals collect yearly to witness this, as it’s an awe-inspiring scene.

Deir el-Medina

Positioned simply throughout the river from the place town of Luxor stands as we speak, Deir el-Medina was the place artisans who constructed the Valley of the Kings lived and labored.

It’s a number of the greatest and most detailed group documentation in Egyptian historical past, with an in depth account of all the things from social interactions to residing and dealing situations spanning 400 years—all because of tons of of surviving texts detailing day-to-day happenings. Notable sights when visiting embrace the wall across the metropolis, housing foundations, and the pyramid tomb.

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is a must-see in Egypt. Courting to 1400 BC, Luxor Temple stands in as we speak’s metropolis of Luxor and was, in historical occasions, one of many nation’s most necessary websites of spiritual worship.

Constructed all through a number of reigns, together with these of King Tutankhamen, Ramses II, and Amenhotep III, as we speak what’s left are partially reconstructed ruins (which embrace a formidable complicated of almost 30 20-foot excessive pillars full with carvings) and the Nice Colonnade Corridor.

Hatshepsut Temple

Devoted to the solar god Amon-Ra, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is constructed into the cliff face throughout from modern-day Luxor. Made within the classical fashion and considerably modern-looking in its linearity, the construction features a terrace full with arcades, courts, a chapel, and a sanctuary.

Whereas as we speak it’s primarily ruined and what stays has been dutifully reconstructed, in its day, it might have been fairly a sight, with lush gardens and a causeway flanked by sphinxes. Go to within the morning, as this location is likely one of the hottest locations on the earth.

Colossi of Memnon

Nonetheless questioning what to do in Egypt? Don’t miss the Colossi of Memnon after visiting the Valley of the Kings close by. The Colossi of Memnon are two monumental sandstone statues of a seated Amenhotep III, simply east of Luxor, alongside the Nile. Although they seem freestanding as we speak, they flanked the doorway to the king above’s mortuary grounds of their day.

This construction now not exists, because of common flooding and the apply of utilizing current buildings as constructing supplies for brand spanking new ones, however the seated guardians have persevered and are marvel to see.

Blue Desert

The Blue Desert is what it appears like: a Belgian artist, impressed by the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty of 1979, was permitted to color rocks within the desert blue. This brightly-hued set up sits the place many battles occurred between the 2 international locations, as a testomony to the peace made between them.

They make for an thrilling photograph because of the uncommon and distinguished coloring that differs drastically from the amber hues round them. Because of its proximity to Mount Sinai, this has turn out to be a revered website the place God is believed to have spoken to Moses.

White Desert

One of many distinctive issues to do in Egypt is go to the White Desert. Although the White Desert is rather less accessible than many sights in Egypt (it entails a five-hour drive to get to the area), it’s definitely worth the go to in case you have time.

The white calcite rocks have worn down finely sufficient to resemble sand, giving your entire panorama a vivid, nearly lunar-like look. It’s a number of the most lovely sunsets and sunrises you’ll ever see. In case you courageous the chilly nighttime temperatures, you will notice a number of the starriest skies you might ever see in your lifetime.

Previous Cataract Resort

After we departed our Nile River Cruise, we had been transferred by Felucca to the Previous Cataract Resort in order that we might get pleasure from and discover Aswan.

The Previous Cataract is essentially the most iconic resort in all of Egypt. It’s over 100 years previous and has had many notable friends, together with Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, Princess Diana, and Agatha Christie. It’s a dreamy place to remain and the right spot to start out or finish your journey between Aswan and Luxor.

When is the Finest Time to Go to Egypt?

Egypt is visited year-round, however the excessive season is October and November, when issues begin to cool off. The very best occasions to go to are between October and April when the climate is cooler. In the summertime, temperatures in Egypt can get nicely over 35°C (95°F) and may have you continuously looking for warmth reduction.

Learn all about the perfect time to go to Egypt right here.

Is Egypt Protected to Go to?

For the reason that Nineteen Seventies, tourism has been one of many main drivers of Egypt’s economic system. Tourism is essential to employment, revenue ranges, and the economic system. In 2010, Egypt was a stylish place to go to, drawing in individuals worldwide. At its peak, the nation noticed nearly 15 million guests a 12 months.

Throughout and after the Egyptian Revolution in 2011, tourism plummeted to lower than 9 million guests. Greater than a 30% drop within the nation’s high sector harm Egypt. What adopted was a sequence of terrorist assaults that solely crippled the nation extra. However now tourism is bouncing again.

So is Egypt a secure place to go to? Effectively, after all, I can’t say that as a result of nothing occurred to us that it’s secure. However after our latest journey, I felt safe and nicely seemed out for throughout my whole journey.

Tourism firms and the federal government have gone to nice lengths to make their nation safer. We by no means entered a single website with out having to go by a number of safety checkpoints; we acquired police escorts to sure temples in the course of nowhere. After we flew from Cairo to Hurghada, we needed to go by three safety checkpoints on the airport.

If you wish to go to Egypt however are nervous about your security, it’s greatest to ebook by an organized journey agent.

Our Finest Egypt Journey Ideas To Know Earlier than You Go!

Ought to You Rent a Information in Egypt?

We don’t sometimes rent guides once we journey. However in Egypt, we knew we would have liked one to take us to the implausible websites and inform us all in regards to the historical historical past of what we noticed.

There are not any placards or pamphlets to tell you about historical statutes and historic websites at most of this stuff to do in Egypt. Our information was important to our Egypt journey. The one place the place we didn’t have a spotlight was on the coast of Hurghada, the place we spent more often than not stress-free and diving.

We employed our information in Cairo by our Airbnb, and our information from Luxor to Aswan was all a part of our Nile River Cruise tour.

In case you’re on the fence, contemplate supporting the native economic system and hiring a information on your journey. Egypt is just not costly, and you’ll rapidly get a information on your entire group for below $100 a day. Please bear in mind to tip on the finish!

It’s additionally value noting that any Nile River Cruise tour you ebook, will often robotically include a information to deliver you round to the locations in your itinerary.

What to Put on in Egypt

Considered one of my high journey Egypt ideas is to decorate appropriately. It will get HOT in Egypt, particularly the additional south you go. Peak vacationer season in Egypt runs from mid-October to Might, throughout winter and spring. You’ll continuously search warmth reduction if you happen to go to in the summertime (June – September).

We visited in mid-October, and whereas Cairo and the Pink Sea had been fairly comfy, as soon as we acquired to Luxor, it was stifling scorching till we departed Egypt. Our days began round 4:30 am, so we’d sightsee earlier than the warmth of the day at midday. We usually stayed within the shade or AC from 12-4, then ventured again out within the night.

It’s necessary to decorate for decent temperatures whereas respecting that you simply’re in a conservative nation. This implies white and tan free clothes. Clothes previous the knee, gentle pants, and shirts that aren’t too revealing are perfect.

I choose linen in scorching temperatures like this. Additionally don’t overlook to deliver a hat, sun shades, and solar safety! – See extra Egypt packing ideas right here! You’ll be able to try our packing suggestions on the backside of this submit.

Finest Issues to Do in Egypt Map

Fast Egypt Journey Ideas

Language in Egypt – Arabic. Nevertheless, English has broadly spoken because of a sound training system and a robust vacationer business.
Forex: Egyptian Pound
Visa: Most guests can get a 30-day entry on arrival for $25
What to Pack: Pack for desert temperatures. Mild, free, and conservative clothes works greatest right here!