Egypt

world then it makes Egypt a country of wonders. It is the land of archaeological treasures, ancient tombs, unique desert landscapes, stunning Nile River, and of course, the world renowned Pyramids of Giza. With rich history to discover, Egypt has countless treasures to explore. Whether you love exploring the local culture and its people or you are an architecture enthusiast, this country will leave you amazed, open-eyed and slack-jawed with its offerings.

So if you have questions like – how many days you need to explore this beautiful country? When is the best time to go to Egypt? What are the sights you shouldn’t miss? What’s the best travel itinerary? We are there to answers to all your questions. 

This Egypt travel guide will help you plan your holiday to this beautiful land of wonders. If it’s your first time, you’ll want to focus on the historic must-sees. They are spread in the length of Egypt, mostly along the banks of the River Nile. The classic itinerary for Egypt is Cairo–Aswan–Nile cruise–Luxor, then back to Cairo. Depending on which Nile River cruise you take, we can switch the order of Aswan and Luxor to best suite the schedule.

Places to visit

Cairo – Your trip to Cairo will definitely be one of the most interesting one with unmissable world renowned sights. You start your day with the Giza Necropolis, where a 7,000-year-old history awaits you, the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure, and the famous Sphinx, and the statue of the body of cats and their human face. Later pass by the famous Saqqara tomb with the pyramid of Djoser Tiered, all the way to the Egyptian Museum, where the countless discoveries and testimonies about the ancient Egyptian civilization is on display to the public.

Alexandria – Far from the busy Cairo, Alexendria is a quieter city located by the sea and is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World known as the Great Library of Alexandria, as well as Necropolis, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

This city could be one of the highlights of the trip. Its quiet, away from the  flock of tourists, Alexandria is just the kind of places that can simply take your breath away. Just following the ancient old footsteps (4500-year-old) of myriad of explorers can be a magical experience.

Luxor – With the River Nile flowing between the modern city on one hand and the necropolis on the other, Luxor is the land of enchanting historical sites, beautiful beaches, and breath-taking landscapes. It is a true tourist paradise. Nicknamed as the open-air museum of Egypt, this ancient city of Thebes, which is powerful and rich in antiquity, has been attracting worldwide travelers since the end of the 17th century.

It’s also the entry point into the ancient world where history admirers can visit the valley of the Kings and visit the well-known tombs of Tutankhamen and Nefertari.

Also famous for the starting point for Nile cruises, countless travellers come to Luxor to experience one of Egypt’s top activity. A Nile river cruise is undoubtedly one of the quintessential part of any Egypt travel itinerary. There are different types of Nile cruise and you can best picks the one suits your budget, interests and style of travel.  

A hot air balloon ride over Luxor is another breathtaking experience to explore. One can hop aboard the floating aircraft and catch the captivating and beautiful views of the Colossi of Memnon.

Aswan – Aswan is a popular winter destination located in the serene Nile Valley. The Nile flows through granite rocks and round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants, making it more majestic than anywhere else. Aswan was an important port that controlled all communication on the Nile. The tombs reveal the facts about the kingdom of the ancient . Many statues, towers, and building materials for temples and shrines in Egypt were cut from the mines in Aswan.

Aswan has many ancient attractions to explore. From the iconic Abu Simbel to the divine Temple of Philae, visiting these amazing landmarks is one of the unmissable activities in Aswan. One can also see the notorious High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk when in Aswan. 

Hurgadha – While one usually connects Egypt to sweeping deserts and dusty pyramids, not many are aware that it has some outstanding diving sites. The beach town of Hurghada is one of the prime spots for Scuba diving on the Red Sea. From traditional markets for shopping to hopping nightclubs, Hurghada has something for every traveller. 

Sharm el-Sheikh – It is considered to be one of the most impressive diving destinarions in the world. This most famous resort town located by the sea is home to some of the most beautiful coral you’ll ever see. One can also explore the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is considered to be amongst the most beautiful marine parks in the world. 

Sinai Peninsula – A day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh, you’ll find the another wonder known as the St. Catherine’s Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. Covered with the world-famous Byzantine art, this alluring piece of Greek Orthodox culture has been a peaceful retreat since 330 AD.

Saqqara – Located 27 kilometres south of central Cairo, Saqqara is well worth for a quick detour. Home to the Memphis necropolis in the capital of Ancient Egypt, this place will take you back in time. To enjoy its beauty, add atleast one full day to explore this archaeological wonders of the Mastabas of Kagemni, Pyramid of Teti and Ti, as well as The Serapeum. Once you’ve experienced it, visit the Imhotep Museum as well to get a profound understanding of the history and culture.

Best time to travel

You can’t fully escape the crowds descending on Egypt since it is one of the most visited destinations in the world. But, as always, there are few strategies and options to consider while planning the month of your travel.

Egypt’s peak season is winter which is from October – April. The country has year-round sunny weather that’s why the travellers prefer to visit when temperatures are at their lowest. However some travellers choose to travel during the shoulder months  which are March, April, and September. During these months, the temperature is still moderate and the travellers can also enjoy less crowded attractions. Travellers who wish to venture into the coastal towns along the stunning Red Sea, the ideal time is the summer season from May to August. If one can tolerate the heat, your can add other main sights as well. During these months, It’s the best chance of seeing the monuments without hundreds of other people. Flights and accommodation prices are also cheaper during these months.