Home of the ancient Pharaohs, Egypt is a destination full of dazzling temples and tombs that wow all who visit. It’s not all historic treasures and tourist attractions, though. With vast tracts of desert for adventures, the Red Sea’s world-class coral reefs and wrecks for divers, and cruising on the famed Nile River, there are plenty of things to do in Egypt for all types of travelers.
Beach lovers head to the Sinai or the Red Sea Coast to soak up the sun, while archaeology fans will have a field day in Luxor.
Cairo is the megalopolis that can’t be beaten for city slickers, while Siwa oasis and the southern town of Aswan offer a slice of the slow pace of the countryside.
With so much to see and do, Egypt offers visitors a chance to create itineraries that combine culture, adventure, and relaxation all on one trip.
Pyramids Of Giza
The last surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Having awed travelers down through the ages, these tombs of the Pharaohs Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus), guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are usually top of most visitor’s lists of tourist attractions to see in Egypt and often the first sight they head to after landing.
Most visitors limit their site visit to the three pyramids and the Sphinx, but there is plenty more to see on the Giza Plateau. If you can, reserve time to explore the funerary complexes of the eastern cemetery (on the east side of the Pyramid of Khufu). The tombs of 6th dynasty high officials Qar and Idu and the tomb of Meresankh III (who was one of Pharaoh Khafre’s wives) are all open to the public.
Valley Of The Kings
Once called the Great Necropolis of Millions of Years of Pharaoh, or the Place of Truth, the Valley of the Kings has 63 magnificent royal tombs.
On the West Bank of the Nile across from modern Luxor, cut into the Theban Hills, lies the Valley of the Kings (KV). Chosen as the burial-place for most of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers, it was selected for several reasons. It lies only a kilometer or so west of the temples and villages of the Theban people, it is a small valley surrounded by steep cliffs and is easily guarded, the bedrock in which it was cut by torrential rains millions of years ago is limestone of generally good quality, and towering above it is a mountain known today as the Qurn(meaning “the horn” in Arabic). The shape of the Qurn may have reminded the Egyptians of a pyramid, a shape associated with the sun god, Re, and long associated with royal burials.
White Desert
Covering more than 2.8 million square kilometers, this vast desert starts at the western banks of the Nile and continues into Libya and contains five isolated, but thriving, oases: Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra, Bahariyya and Siwa. There are magnificent rock formations that form from wind erosions. The colors change at times from the sun, a beautiful sight to see.
Temple Of Karnak
The Karnak temple complex at Luxor developed over more than 1,000 years, principally between the Twelfth and Twentieth Dynasties. It was, at its peak, the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt. The most significant structure, and the largest religious building ever built, is the Temple of Amun-Ra, considered to be where that god lived on earth with his wife, Mut, and son, Khonsu, who also have temples at the site. The Temple of Amun-Ra is particularly famous for the vast Hypostyle Hall constructed during the reign of Seti I. After Memphis became the new dynastic capital, many of Luxor’s temples declined in importance. In later centuries, Ptolemaic rulers and Coptic Christians altered parts of the complex for their own uses.
Ras Muhammad National Park
Ras Muhammad National Park is located in Egypt on the Sinai Peninsula. It is found at the most southern tip of the peninsula. The national park encompasses an area of 185 square miles (480 sq km). This was the first national park for Egypt.
Of the 185 square miles (480 sq km), 133 square miles (345 sq km) is marine and protects the Red Sea Reef. Along with the Red Sea Reef, there are two islands just off the peninsula which are part of the park’s protected area.
On land, the park protects a small mangrove forest at the end of the peninsula. Further inland, the landscapes include mountains, sand dunes, wadis, and coastal mud plains.
The Red Sea Reef and surrounding reef areas include both fringing and hermatypic type reefs. There are over 220 species of corals accompanied by over 1,000 species of fish, 40 species of starfish, 150 species of crustaceans, and 25 species of sea urchins.
The green turtle and the hawksbill turtle are two of the sea turtles which can be found swimming amongst the reefs fairly regularly.
The Red Sea is the most northern tropical sea and it stretches 1,400 miles (2,250 km) with a surface area of 169,000 square miles (438,000 sq km). The Ras Muhammad National Park only protects a small portion of the Red Sea Reef.
Khan El-Khalili
Established in the 14th century, the Khan El-Khalili market in Cairo has a rich and fascinating history, making it an important district for both cultural and economic activity. This historic bazaar has been a hub of trade and commerce for centuries, showcasing the enduring traditions of Egyptian craftsmanship and merchant culture. Stepping into Khan El-Khalili is like taking a journey back in time, where you can immerse yourself in the history of this bustling marketplace and explore its intricate alleyways, lined with stalls offering a wide array of goods, from intricate jewelry to colorful textiles and aromatic spices.
Siwa Oasis
Sitting in isolation, in the western corner of the Western Desert, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt’s cities. This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous hot-water springs, is one of the Western Desert’s most picturesque spots.
Siwa town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel, known as the Fortress of Shali, which dominates the view, while various temple remnants, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area.
Temple Of Hathor
Although Dendara was a significant religious site from the beginning of Ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor was constructed during the late Pharaonic era and expanded throughout the Roman era.
Given its young and its status as one of the most complete remaining temples in Egypt, a day journey from Luxor is well worth it.
The reliefs and decoration here are in an excellently preserved state. In particular, while in the hypostyle hall, which was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, note the columns topped by heads of the Egyptian god Hathor, and the wall reliefs of the emperor paying tribute to the Egyptian gods.
St. Catherine’s Monastery
It stands at the foot of Mount Horeb where, the Old Testament records, Moses received the Tablets of the Law. The mountain is known and revered by Muslims as Jebel Musa. The entire area is sacred to three world religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The Monastery, founded in the 6th century, is the oldest Christian monastery still in use for its initial function. Its walls and buildings of great significance to studies of Byzantine architecture . Also, The Monastery houses outstanding collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons. The rugged mountainous landscape, containing numerous archaeological and religious sites and monuments, forms a perfect backdrop to the Monastery.
Diving or Snorkeling the Red Sea’s Famed Sites
In the Red Sea region, diving and snorkeling are the most popular sports.
The best diving spots for expert divers may be found off the southernmost portion of the coast. The finest places to see Red Sea dugongs are these “deep south” locations, which are well-known for their marine fauna.
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