What to do in Egypt?

Answer 1

What to Visit in Egypt

When you visit Egypt, there are so many sites that you will want to visit, the length of your trip will never seem long enough! We often meet people during our tours , that have been to Egypt more than 15 times, and they keep returning to see something new! They ask about this newly discovered site, or some new tomb that has been recently uncovered, or even places that they have heard other people talk about! Here in Egypt, you will always find new sites to visit and enjoy.

The adventure that is Egypt never ends! That is why it is a shame if you come to Egypt, especially for the first time, and miss the grandiose sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel or the west bank of Luxor, to name but a few. There are so many travellers who fly direct to Upper Egypt to see Luxor and Aswan, hoping that they will be stumble across the Pyramids as well, and then they realize that they have to travel 720Km to Cairo, where the Pyramids actually are, and end up paying $400 extra to travel and see one site, which is most probably about half of what they paid for their entire trip!

So my advice for you, dear traveller, is to plan well for your trip before you come. Advance planning is the best way to save time, money and effort, and of course to ensure that you get to see the sites that you have been dreaming about for some time.

Try, as much as possible, to visit as many of the places that your trip will allow! There is nothing worse than going home and wishing you had visited somewhere you didn't! We both know that you don't get the opportunity to visit Egypt everyday!

Areas To be Avoided:

When travelling through Egypt, you should avoid certain areas, particularly sites located in the centre of the Nile Valley! About 20 years ago there was rising tensions at these sites, Islamic fundamentalists had targeted tourists in order to destroy the tourist industry and the economy. This was part of a larger plan to bring down the government, seize power themselves, and install the political ideas of their own vision, a vision which no more resembles the rules of the Qur'an than the Inquisition resembled the Christianity of Christ.

Some certain incidents occurred during the '80s and the '90s, a handful of events took place again targeting the tourist industry. Without for a moment trying to deny the reality of these events, the situation has been blown out of all proportion by the world's press, while the situation in other countries with flourishing tourist industries is far worse, their incidents rarely make headlines. But in Egypt, if anything happens, it becomes front-page news! In the mid '90s, a widespread, and harsh, government crackdown campaign was implemented to try and stop any threats to tourism and visitors.

A trip to Egypt still entails far less danger than a trip to anywhere else in the world. During the realm of the violence in the mid '90s, there were certain areas appointed as not good for tourists. These areas are located in the centre of the Nile Valley, particularly Minia, Asyout and Sohag. Unfortunately these places happen to have some of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt, like the beautiful tombs at Bani Hassan in Minia, the marvellous monasteries of Asyout and the Temple of Abydos in Sohag. In time, all of these sites will be fully re-opened for tourists.

If you still think that you would like to visit these places as an individual travelers, Well, you still can! However, be prepared for a police escort with you, local police will not let you travel alone in these areas, they will give an an escort ! I would suggest that the safest, cheapest and most informative way to visit these sites is through a reputable travel agent.

Cairo

From the glorious Pyramids standing at the desert, proudly looking down at the city's inhabitants, to the magnificent Nile flowing through the capital, Cairo is a vibrant city of contrasts and contradictions. One of the biggest cities in the world and home to 18 million people, this vibrant metropolis is the perfect example of the East and West coming together. Bright lights, busy streets, friendly locals and a variety of trendy restaurants and nightspots pulsate through the city, creating a startling contrast to the glittering stillness of the Nile. Whether visiting the ancient sites and the bustling bazaars, exploring the myriad of restaurant-packed streets or enjoying a quiet felucca ride on the Nile, Cairo will sweep you off your feet.

Cairo, the Triumphant City, is Egypt's wonderful capital. It is the largest city in both the Middle East and Africa and lies at the centre of all routes leading to, and from Asia, Africa and Europe.

The city extends on the banks of the River Nile to the south of its delta.

Cairo is the administrative capital and, close by, is almost every Egypt Pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Ancient Egyptian City of Memphis and Capital of the Old Kingdom, on the very edge of the city.

Cairo provides great and well organized culture, including art galleries and music halls, such as the Cairo Opera House.

The city also provides some of the best accommodations and restaurants in the world, such as the Cairo Marriott and the Four Seasons.

Great part of the incredible and unbelievable charm of the capital of Egypt is the result of 2000 years mixture of Islamic, Christian Coptic and Jewish culture. An incredible and unique mixture that still keeps on flourishing to this day.

Pyramids & Sphinx:

One of the most visited sights in the world, seeing the Pyramids and the Sphinx is an overwhelming experience, whether seeing them for the first or the tenth time. Standing on the desert plateau of Giza for centuries, the three pyramids - Great Pyramid built by Cheops, the two others built by Hephren and Mycerinus - and the imposing Sphinx, with the body of a lion and a human head, built to stand guard, have witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, surviving conquests and wars. Just standing in front of them makes one feels part of history. Unquestionably, a must-see for visitors.

The Pyramids of Egypt, which served as tombs for the Ancient Pharaohs , and the statue of the Sphinx, which dates from 2565 BC and is probably the country's most famous monument, are located just west of Cairo in the suburb of Giza. Despite the desert background usually depicted in photographs, the Pyramids are extremely close to Cairo and are likely to be affected by the city's continued expansion.

Cairo contains numerous religious and governmental structures. The ornate architecture of the Citadel, in eastern Cairo, enhances the city's skyline. Begun by Saladin in 1176 and modified and expanded by later sultans, the Citadel is famous for its Mosques, Museums, and fort; within the complex the Mohammad Ali Mosque (1830) is particularly notable, with its storied domes and twin minarets. The Coptic Church known as Al Mu'allaqa, located in Old Cairo, is believed to be the earliest known site of Christian worship in Egypt; the church was built in the 3rd century, though it has been almost entirely replaced through successive restorations. Old Cairo also contains the Ben Ezra synagogue, the central house of worship for Cairo's small Jewish population, and the distinctive and imposing gates of Cairo. Once part of a wall that encircled the city, these three gates are all that remain of the original eight. Among Cairo's modern buildings are the Cairo Tower, which stands at a height of 187 m (about 614 ft) and commands a view of the Pyramids and the Citadel.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities:

Housing more than 250,000 antiquities spanning more than 7,000 years of Egyptian history, from 2700BC to 6th century AD, the museum is one of the most important visits to make in Cairo. View King Tutankhamun's tomb, still preserved and in excellent condition, and more than 12 rooms filled with his jewels and possessions including his famous mask made out of gold. The museum also houses a Mummies Room, holding the mummy of ancient Egypt's greatest pharaoh, Ramses II, in addition to an extensive and marvelous collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, jewels and status.

Islamic Cairo:

One of the most dramatic sites in Islamic Cairo, the Citadel, which was built in 1176AD by Salah El Din, the legendary figure who conquered the Crusaders in Palestine, includes several palaces and mosques that were later built around it, and best exemplify the way in which Islamic history affected art and architecture at that period, such as the Mohamed Ali mosque, built in 1830, which is considered an architectural tour de force.

Several mosques in Islamic Cairo, with their rich architecture, are sights to behold. The Sultan Hassan mosque is believed to have been built with stones taken from the Pyramids; the Amr Ib El Aas mosque is considered the oldest mosque in Egypt, built in 642AD; and the Ahmed Ibn Tulun mosque, erected in 879AD, is the largest mosque in Egypt to still retain its original structure.

Khan Khalili:

Located in close proximity to Islamic Cairo, Khan El Khalili is one of the largest bazaars in the region. Originally founded in the 14th century, the bazaar is home to Egypt's oldest crafts and crafts workshops. Jam-packed with shops and vendors selling anything and everything from gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, perfume, papyrus and ancient Egyptian trinkets, this is the perfect venue to buy souvenirs and unique items, or to practice your bargaining skills - a must-do at the bazaar!

The River Nilen

It is the Nile -- the Father of Rivers -- that, more than any other feature of the country, characterizes Egypt. The Nile emanates from the Sudan, flowing north through the country for 1,545km (960mi), emptying into the Mediterranean Sea and all along its course provides Egypt and her people with life and sustenance.

Throughout history the Egyptian Nile Valley has been defined as two distinct regions -- Upper Egypt which extends south of Cairo to the Sudanese border, and Lower Egypt, which encompasses the Nile Delta, which begins north of Cai

Luxor

Luxor, a city in southern Egypt, is the capital of the Al Uqsur governorate. With a population of 200,000 inhabitants, it is the site of Thebes, an ancient city. It is also referred to as the 'world's greatest open air museum'.

Luxor experiences an overall mild climate with the exception of its summers, which are scorching hot. Winters are dry and sunny with cold nights. October to February is the coolest period, while May to October is hot. April is the best time to visit.

The region of Luxor attracted tourists even in the ancient times during the Greek and Roman empires. Today, it is well known for its temples and the 'Valley of the Kings'. Tourism has the largest share in Luxor's economy followed by agriculture.

AswanAswan

Aswan, in southern Egypt, stands on the east bank of the Nile. It is one of the driest inhabited areas in the world and is home to approximately 200,000 people.

Aswan is a popular Egyptian winter resort; the summer months of May-October are hot with highs of 41C; the winter months of November-April are mild with temperatures dipping to 10C.

Once a military station, even today, due to its strategic location, it houses a garrison of the Egyptian army.

The majority of the population is of Numidian origin and sustains their livelihood through agricultural and tourism.

Sharm El Sheikh

A small Bedouins fishing village turned into a large tourist resort city situated on the southern most tip of the Sinai Peninsula and capital of Janub Sina, Southern Sinai province.

For thousands of years the Sinai Peninsula has attracted pilgrims from all over the world.

In the last few decades the tourism has changed considerably, and today visitors are flocking to go diving in the spectacular dive sites the region offers.

Dahab dahab

Dahab is located on the southeast coast of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

It experiences dry desert climate. In summer, temperatures rise to 40C. Its proximity to the mountains, however, makes the heat bearable. In the winter months of January and February, temperatures dip to 15C.

Formerly a small Bedouin fishing village, Dahab has transformed into a busy coastal tourist centre. The economy now depends on the tourist flow.

Expectedly, the local population, the Bedouins, make their living through the Tourism industry, with establishments on the waterfront, working as guides and as traders and craftsmen in the local markets.

Marsa Alam Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam, in south-eastern Egypt, is situated near the Red Sea. This upcoming tourist hotspot has a small population of only 6000 inhabitants.

Situated near the Tropic of Cancer, winter (October to March) temperatures range from 18-35C and summers (April to September) range from 20-45C.

Previously a small fishing village, Marsa Alam is fast developing into one of Egypt's most popular sea side destinations.

The local population is mainly of Bedouin origin.

El Gouna

El Gouna is a privately owned man-made resort along the Red Sea, in Egypt. This resort with a permanent population of approximately 10,000 inhabitants is a luxury resort with a distinct Arabian style.

El Gouna enjoys a hospitable climate throughout the year. In winter, the dry, sunny climate maintains a pleasant atmosphere, while in summer, the cool breezes blowing in from the sea provide relief from the high temperatures.

The resort is built on a cluster of small islands connected by several lagoons. The resort houses all amenities and recreational activities found in luxury resorts around the world.