Popular dive spots include the Elphinstone reef and Abu Dabbab, one of the world's top beaches for snorkeling. Temple of Kom Ombo | Best Things to Do in Egypt. 1 of Egypt top tourist cities. For more stories from some of the worlds most exciting destinationsclick here. }; We love to rent a car and travel independently but Egypt is one of the few countries where we were thrilled to have a guide and driver. Location: Cairo "acceptedAnswer": { Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Location: Giza Beaches In Egypt To Make Your Vacation In 2023 Unforgettable The city has beautiful beaches and lots of places to explore underwater. Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000. You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. Luxor. The Temple of Kom Ombo is a double temple that was constructed for two sets of gods. Dozens of balloons take to Luxors skies every day at dawn for a view thats literally breathtaking. This is one of the best things to do in Egypt. layer.css('cursor', 'pointer').on('click', function(e) { $('#metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { Learn more about how to visit Aswan and Philae Temple here. The first settlements here date back to the 6th century BC. Top 17 Places To Visit In Egypt In 2023, The Gift Of The Nile! 8,524. A visit here is often combined with the White Desert. 19 Amazing Places to Visit in Egypt | The Planet D If you want to chill out on the beach or take a break from the tombs and temples, this is a great place to add to your travel itinerary. Ideally, a duration of about 4-5 days is enough for a tour of Egypt in which youll be able to cover all the important cities and places here. Sitting on the bank of Lake Nasser is one of Egypts most striking monuments, the twin temples of Abu Simbel. Desert safari. Cairo, Egypt Nilometer An ancient instrument used to. Cairo is Egypt's capital city. $(e.target).closest('a').length) { Aswan. 2. The big bonus of choosing a resort on the Red Sea coast over one on the Sinai Peninsula is that you are within day-tripping distance to Luxor, so this is best place to visit for beach life if you still want to easily see some of Egypt's most famous monuments. The rock impressions of the king and the queen sitting on their thrones and overlooking the vastness of the Egyptian mountains is an iconic image of ancient Egypt. In the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri sits Hatshepsuts Mortuary Temple, her most famous architectural achievement. LEARN MORE: Abu Simbel: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit. Then thread your way down the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus which, according to local tradition, was built atop the site where the Holy Family with the infant Jesus lived in refuge after fleeing King Herod. if( ! $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { It's a higgledy-piggledy place, with little labeling on offer and chronological order severely lacking. The hike is 4 miles round trip. 1. Start with the basics: molokhia (jute mallow), kebda (liver), and sogo (sausage). Ramya Narrates The Story Of 6 Girls On An Extraordinary Trip To Thailand. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Karnak Temple is the second most visited site in Egypt, coming in right behind the Pyramids of Giza. "@type": "Answer", Some of the best clubs have got their special drinks which will energize you inside out. This is amongst the famous places in Egypt. The sale and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited in public places, Egyptian monuments, and shops according to the rules and regulations set down by the government of Egypt. Fayoum is just two hours south of the capital, so this trip can easily be done as a weekend getaway from Cairo. Abu Simbel: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit, important things to know before visit Egypt. Ahmed Afify Egypt Blog Top 10 Cities Must Visit in Egypt Contents 1- Cairo List of Cairo Attractions: 2- Luxor City List of Luxor Attractions: 3- Aswan City List of Aswan Attractions: 4- Alexandria City List of Alexandria Attractions: 5- Hurghada List of Hurghada Attractions and Activites: 6- Marsa Alam List of Marsa Alam Activities: The White Desert is a national park that is located in the Western Desert of Egypt. Should You Hire a Guide on Your Trip to Egypt? $('li:not(".flex-active-slide") .animated', slider).not('.disabled').each(function(index) { Where to Stay in Egypt: The BEST Areas in 2023 Sitting in isolation, in the western corner of the Western Desert, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities. Luxor's east bank is home the modern city, with its vibrant souq; the two temples of Karnak and Luxor; and the museum. }); In Cairo, docks line the corniche in Maadi, Zamalek and Garden City, and give you a gorgeous view of the Cairene skyline; if youre in Aswan, feluccas are your go-to mode of transportation between the citys 20 islands. The area is named so because of excavations that revealed thousands of shards of pots that were littered in honor of the kings. Dendara is just outside the city of Qena, 80 kilometers north from Luxor. Best 10 Places To Visit In Egypt | Trip101 Sinai Source: leshiy985 / shutterstock Sinai Peninsula Sinai is a place of sundrenched seaside resorts. Visit Luxor if you want: to immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt and/or go on a Nile cruise. Youll find a number of authentic currency exchange shops as well as banks here to get your currency exchanged. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities Today the site is regarded by divers as one of the top five wreck dives in the world due to the vast cargo of cars, motorbikes, and WWII memorabilia that can be seen both scattered on the sea bed around the wreck and inside the ship itself. Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Egypt. There are three pyramids of the Queens of Cheops and you can see the interiors of the middle one for free, while youll have to pay in the other two. "text": "You can only drink alcohol in hotels and tourist facilities approved by the Minister of Tourism in Egypt. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and a popular tourist destination. Visit the Resort Towns of Hurghada and Marsa Alam, 14. easing:"linear", Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance beforetraveling during COVID-19. But Egypt is different. }); Krabi. Happy to contact Egypt Tailor Made to see if they can help with this. Each complex houses the tomb of a different Egyptian pharaoh, and in front of them lies the Sphinx, whose Arabic name translates as "Father of Terror". 1. Timings: 9 AM 5 PM. Nisarg Can't Stop Praising His Honeymoon Trip To Maldives. before: function(slider) { It is situated south of Cairo and north of Aswan. Amid the orange dunes and jagged rocks of this desert valley, a vast fossil cache of the oldest prehistoric whales (the basilosaurus and dorodontus) were discovered, hugely aiding human understanding of the evolution of whales. Famed for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt has a glut of tourist attractions. Step Pyramid of Saqqara is one of the best attractions at this place. We spent 12 days in Egypt and then used that experienced to write this 10 day itinerary. }); controlNav:false, Required fields are marked *. The only time that the island, and the temples, were not underwater was during the summer months, when the gates of the dam were opened. It is in excellent condition, despite being over 2,000 years old (although it is relatively young by Egyptian standards). One half of the complex is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god who is associated with fertility of the land along the Nile River. el.before(cloned); Located on the West Bank of Luxor, it is Luxors one of the most promising sites. The Punt Colonnade tells about her expedition to Punt and the luxury goods brought back to Egypt. }); Pyramids of Giza 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. Best time to visit Egypt The city of Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great himself in 332 BC. Explore the Museums of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina The Library of Alexandria Most visitors to Alexandria beeline first to this modern re-imagining of Alexandria's ancient Great Library. In some ways, its much more thrilling than a visit to the pyramids of Giza. Where do you go? } "@type": "Answer", Here, surreally shaped chalk pinnacles and huge boulders loom over the desert plateau, creating a scene that looks like icebergs have found themselves stranded amid a landscape of sand. The best time to visit the Western Desert is starting from October to March. The level of detail is amazing and the colors are more vibrant that what we saw in many tombs, temples, and pyramids in Egypt. Some of the famous attractions in and near Bahariya include the White Desert and the Crystal Mountain, both known for their odd geological structures that tend to fascinate visitors. } Both trails are sustainable tourism initiatives that directly support the local Bedouin communities by creating jobs and help keep the regions traditional Bedouin knowledge, skills, and heritage alive. The most famous wreck is the Thistlegorm, a British WWII cargo ship that was on its way to resupply Allied troops when it was bombed by the Germans in 1941. It is sacred site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. 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. Experience Egypts most iconic mountain peaks and untrodden wildernesses by hiking alongside local Bedouin guides through the countrys two sister trails: the Sinai Trail and the Red Sea Mountain Trail. You should always try to wear full-length clothes in Egypt, not just to respect the customs, but also to save yourselves from getting seriously tanned! The best places to visit in Egypt, from pyramids to beaches - Lonely Planet Pop them in the comments section below. Or, even better, go for a dip in Cleopatras Spring afterward. The Cairo district known as Coptic Cairo is one of the most important Christian sites in the country. controlNav:false, This gives you enough time to go inside the Great Pyramid, visit Panoramic Point, and snap a photo with the Sphinx. 1. The ancient streets of Old Cairo are mazes of narrow alleys filled with monuments, mansions, museums, and mosques. Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? Travel times can be long (if you travel by land) or expensive (if you travel by air), so is it worth it? There a various other temple remnants to see here but for most visitors, the Temple of Osiris is the main reason to visit. Hailed as the worlds largest open-air museum, Luxor is best known for the Valley of Kings that houses rock-cut tombs of ancient pharaohs. We could just sit back and enjoy the trip and let our guides handle the logistics. Our pick #1 Abu Simbel Temples Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt with its gargantuan rock-cut faade, the great Sun Temple of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel was created in honor of the mighty King Ramses II. Some of the most wonderful places you can explore in Egypt in 7 days include Cairo, Aswan, Hurghada, and Luxor. }); $(window).resize(function(){ Hurghada and El Gouna are the two main resort towns, while the smaller, and still being developed, town of Marsa Alam is much farther south. For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here. 28 INCREDIBLE Things To Do In Egypt In 2023 - The World Pursuit Location: Luxor Instead, it may have been where many of the kings of ancient Egypt were crowned. prevText:"<", 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. ", var el = $(this); Hurghada is a very popular resort town on the Red Sea. It is located on the Nile River, right where the desert transitions into the Nile Delta. Entry fee: INR 380 for three tombs of choice | INR 760 for KV62. It's a beautiful area and as soon as you see the empty desert stretching for miles away from you, you'll absolutely agree. The pyramids tell you only half the story, the other half is housed in this biggest Egypt collection in the world, including the famous excavation from the tomb of Tutankhamun, making it one of the most spectacular Egypt places to visit. The high peak season in mid-October and mid-February is when the majority of the tourist will flock to Egypt. Egypt is also home to beautiful beaches, magnificent sand dunes, unique desert landscapes, pristine coral reefs, and luxurious resort towns. It sits just across the border from Eilat, Israel so this town is Egypts busiest border crossing town. Starting at 8 a.m. However, Aswan is now known for its breathtaking views of the desert dunes and the Nile river. 10 bucket list destinations from around the world. The park is tucked amidst the colorful coral reefs and mangroves of the Red Sea as well as the inland desert of the Sinai. Located on the Nile River, just north of Luxor, sit two of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. The coral reefs of the Red Sea are renowned among scuba divers for both the soft corals on display and the vast amount of sea life, ranging from colorful reef fish and nudibranchs, to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and even dugongs. var metaslider_57769 = function($) { Saqqara, Dashur & Memphis. Its a fascinating but risky dive thats unfortunately claimed many lives, and it should be left to pro and advanced divers only. Karnak Temple is the second largest temple complex in the world (Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest). Well-known for the 57-foot seated statue of Ramses II, the temple was dedicated to the god Amon and the deceased king. Euros, dollars, and sterling notes will easily be accepted in most places in Egypt. Just a short drive outside of Cairo sit two of the oldest pyramids in Egypt, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Travelers love to explore places like the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, Islamic Cairo, the Nile at Aswan, Abu Simbel, Egyptian Museum, the White Desert, and the Siwa Oasis when theyre here. Top things to do here include scuba diving, visiting the Ras Mohammed National Park, shopping in the Sharm Old Market, and relaxing in Naama Bay and Sharks Bay. 10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt for Unforgettable Experience Without a doubt, a visit to the Valley of the Kings is one of the best things to do in Egypt. It was a great decision. , { Disclaimer, 14 Ancient Theatres of Greek Roman Antiquity, 23 Best Things to do in Nuremberg, Germany. More than two-thirds of the surviving buildings of the temple complex were built during the Ptolemaic period (332 to 30 BC). Here is the best 7 cities to visit in Egypt: 1. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend hiring an Egyptologist. var slider = !window.jQuery ? Travelers should note that the Egyptian Museum's swag of riches is in the process of being transferred to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, near the pyramids, which is tentatively due to open (after years of delays) in November 2022. The Elephantine Islands are the perfect getaway for a relaxing weekend. Cruising the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the temples that stud the banks of the river on the route between Luxor and Aswan, plus sunrise and sunset over the date-palm-studded river banks, backed by sand dunes, is one of Egypt's most tranquil vistas. Float effortlessly in an otherworldly pool with the highest water to salt ratios thats not just picture-perfect, but it's said to clear sinuses and treat infections. Cheers, Julie. Learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to the Pyramids of Giza. Here's our pick of the best Jordan hikes. $('#metaslider_57782').metaslider_scale_layers({ We traveled in a private group, our guides were knowledgeable and entertaining, and we learned a lot from them. See the Nile River glistening in the distance and wave at locals watching from their balconies. The pyramids complex of Giza is the jewel of Egypt tourist attractions and one of the most popular Egypt sightseeing places. Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus | Best Things to Do in Egypt. You can also see the Temple of Hathor and the Temple of Anubis. Aswan City 4. prevText:"<", Saqqara, also spelled Sakkara, is the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis. Egypt's most tranquil town is Aswan, set upon the winding curves of the Nile. The ceiling of Hathor Temple in Dendera | Best Things to Do in Egypt. Day 2: Cairo - Tour the Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum. var el = $(this); Shorts or dresses that cover the knees, T-shirts, shirts, tops that cover the shoulders, and long trousers are a must-pack from a vacation in Egypt." Absolutely! See tours. The Pyramids of Giza, along with the Sphinx and a handful of smaller tombs, form one of the most iconic sights in the world. Temple of Horus | Best Things to Do in Egypt. itemWidth:300, }, The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is an impressive example and visible reminder of the Islamic heritage of this beautiful city. The 170km (106 mile) Red Sea Mountain Trail, located just outside the beachside resort town of Hurghada, showcases the best of the regions inimitable beauty from vast desert plains to deep gorges, and from crumbling Roman towns to prehistoric rock art and chapels of Egypts Desert Fathers. orig_width: 300 The best beaches in Egypt 1.Cairo, 2.Abydos, 3.Luxor, 4.Aswan, 5.Marsa Alam, 6.Hurghada, 7.El Gouna (Locations in no particular order) Cairo - The Overall Best Place to Stay in Egypt It likely comes as no surprise that Cairo is the overall best city to stay in Egypt. Customize 8 days / from 1999 USD The Best of Egypt This city is another literal open-air museum and one of the best places to visit in Egypt. The Fayoum itself, with Lake Quran, the pottery village of Tunis, and Pharaonic ruins scattered across the hinterland, is an interesting place to visit, but the main tourist attraction here, in the nearby desert, is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Al-Hitan. 55 Places to Visit in Egypt Tourist Places in Egypt Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Sakkara Pyramids, Mosque of Mohamed Ali, Nile River, Gezira Island, Tiran Island, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and many more. The Siwas salt lakes have long been a treasured local spot. "text": "Ideally, a duration of about 4-5 days is enough for a tour of Egypt in which youll be able to cover all the important cities and places here." I dont know if I should rent a car and join a tour, but after reading your post, may be better to hire a guide. At the end of this article, you can see them all on a map. It is a must-visit place if you want to explore some interesting places. Head tothe 9 Pyramids Loungefor influencer-worthy photo ops and asolid Egyptian breakfast of freshly baked bread, feta cheese or a Tahini salad. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, Dahab is one of Sinais best diving destinations and is world-renowned for its windsurfing. } It is located next to the Pyramids of Giza, so it will be very easy to combine these two sites without needing to navigate the streets of Cairo. Expats Rank The Best Places To Live In 2023 - Forbes Aswan - Nubian City 5. Day 4: Nile Cruise - Luxor West Bank & sailing. A short walk away is the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As, built by the Arab Muslim army commander (and later, first governor of Egypt) after conquering Egypt. This is a magnificent temple that is dedicated to the god Horus. 23 Best Places to Visit in Egypt with Kids - Kids Are A Trip Below the Red Sea's surface is another world as fascinating as the temples and tombs on land. We will also call you back in 24 hrs. $('#metaslider_57782').flexslider({ Best Places to Visit in Alexandria in 2023. The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one still standing today. This area contains one of the largest collections of historic architecture in the Islamic world. Entry fee: INR 615 The temple was relocated because of the rising waters of the lake in the 60s and receives hundreds of visitors every day. Image Source init: function(slider) { direction:'horizontal', Here are the best cities to visit in Egypt 2023: 1. The vast amount of cruise boat itineraries depart from either Luxor and Aswan, but feluccas can only be chartered for multi-day trips from Aswan. You will see an unbelievable amount of ancient sites and the history is fascinating. Come for the view, stay for well, the view. Needless to say, Egypt is a haven for tourists seeking stunning archaeological ruins and landmarks from the worlds classic civilizations of yore, set against the backdrop of the Sahara desert and the ancient river Nile that add a mystical charm to these places to visit in Egypt, Africa. }); Cairo City - the Capital of Egypt When you've filled up on the museums and markets of Cairo, set off on a day trip to dive into Egypt's history, culture and more. Its a long day, coming in at around 10 hours, and much of this time is spent in a car. The 15 Best Places To Visit In Egypt 8th March 2021 Egypt has so much for travellers to see and do, it is the perfect destination to combine culture, adventure and relaxation. Egypt's Red Sea coastline offers swaths of sand for travelers who want a time-out from temple viewing. , { If one is to take a boat to go a little further into the sea, they might even be able to spot dolphins, including Rissos Dolphin. It has crystal-clear waters that allow divers and snorkeling enthusiasts to easily spot the vibrant corals as well as vertebrate and invertebrate marine species. This Greek Orthodox Church was built between 548 and 565 and it is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. In no particular order, here are the best things to do in Egypt. Marsa Alam is also a world-renowned kitesurfing destination, and, like the other towns on the Red Sea, a great place to go scuba diving or snorkeling. Best Cities in Egypt to Visit on the Nile River - EF Go Ahead Tours