One of our most popular holiday destinations is Egypt for many reasons. It has amazed travellers for centuries with historical sites, monuments and temples of an ancient civilisation. The country’s treasures don't end with its incredible architectural jewels. From the dazzling light of the desert and the intense turquoise waters of the Nile, the world's longest river, to the inviting warm waters of the Dead Sea, it’s a diverse land that is just waiting to be explored. On our holidays to Egypt, you can tick off world renowned sights from your travel bucket list. Check out our suggestions for the best places to visit in Egypt and start dreaming of your next adventure.
1. Pyramids of Giza
Approximately 118 Pyramids have been discovered in Egypt, the most iconic being the Pyramids of Giza, which were constructed over 4,000 years ago and are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They’re an engineering feat as one of the oldest standing man made structures in the world; even today scientists aren’t exactly sure how they were built! Next to the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, carved from the bedrock of the Giza plateau, the Sphinx still remains a beautiful mystery; the reasons behind its creation are unknown. It's one of the most popular day trips from Cairo and just one of Egypt's top tourist attractions. For a magical evening, we recommend experiencing the Sound & Light show at the Pyramids, where you can learn more about the history of the Pharaohs and the pyramids.
2. Egyptian Museum
No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and learning about its ancient history. The building was designed in the neoclassical style by Marcel Dourgnon and contains the world's most incredible collection of antiquities from the time of the Pharaohs. However, very soon all items will be moved to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza. It's due to open in November 2022 and will be the largest archaeological museum in the world and will contain artefacts dating from the prehistoric through to Roman periods. Among the treasures you’ll find here is the famous Tutankhamen’s coffin, which is made of solid, hammered gold and weighs over 450lb.
3. Khan el Khalili Bazaar
Cairio, the capital city of Egypt, means ‘The Vanquisher’ or ‘The Triumphant,’ and it has a metropolitan area population of about 1.2 million people. Cairo is the most populous city in Africa or the Middle East. Its busy streets are filled with mosques and markets, the most famous being Khan el Khalili Bazaar which has traded since the 14th century. It’s a great place for shopping as you’ll find just about anything, carpets, jewellery, silverware, candles etc. Make sure to put your haggling skills to the test, don’t take the first offer, and grab some bargains!
4. The River Nile
Explore the mystical world of Egyptian antiquities while on our Nile river cruise from Luxor to Aswan. It is the most relaxed and convenient way to visit the many temples scattered on the shores of the river and is truly an experience of a lifetime. We also suggest taking a boat trip on a Felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat, and sail the Nile as the people would have done in ancient times.
5. Valley of the Kings
This valley comprises a selection of tombs built for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. The Valley was used for primary burials from approximately 1539BC to 1075BC and contains some 60 tombs. The Valley of the Kings also had tombs for the favourite nobles and the wives and children of both the nobles and pharaohs. It is where Tutankhamun was found by Howard Carter in the 1920s.
6. Aswan
Egypt is also famous for its incredible Temples. There are two adjacent temples in Kom Ombo, one dedicated to Horus the Elder, the Falcon God of Sky and War and the other for the crocodile deity- Sobek, God of Creation and Fertility. These breathtaking temples offer excellent examples of hieroglyphs and carved columns. There is also a fantastic museum with mummified crocodiles on site.
7. Luxor Temple
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Luxor Temple complex was constructed in 1400BC by Amenophis III and was dedicated to Amon, the King of the Gods and his wife Mut. It was believed to have been used as a ceremonial place to crown new Pharaohs.
8. Karnak Temple
The temple complex of Karnak was built over a period of 1500 years and is the largest religious structure ever made. Lining the entrance is an avenue of 40 ram-headed Sphinxes, built to protect the Temple. The remarkable Great Hypostyle Hall measures 103m in length and 52m in width and contains a vast forest of 134 papyrus columns. The walls of the Hall are decorated with impressive carvings which portray the military actions of Ramesses II. So gargantuan are these thickets of columns that a crowd of fifty people could easily stand atop the largest column. The myriads of hieroglyphs are overwhelming and you may get dizzy just from craning your neck up to take in these grand buildings!
9. Hurghada
Founded in the early 20th century, Hurghada remained a small fishing village until just a few years ago, when it became the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international centre for aquatic sports such as diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, sailing, windsurfing and swimming. Hurghada is a beach resort town stretching some 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coast. There are also many restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while the old town, El Dahar, is home to traditional Egyptian coffee shops and souks.
Now you know the top places to visit in Egypt, you can start planning your trip. Our Egypt Holidays combine the exotic beauty of Cairo and the vibrant resort of Hurghada, together with a wonderful 7 night cruise down the River Nile. Our Egypt holiday will begin in the magnificent city of Cairo with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili bazaar, Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. On the 5* River Cruise down the Nile we'll discover the Temple of Horus, the Valley of Kings, the High Dam and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Then to round off our Egypt holiday, we’ll enjoy a relaxing 3 night stay in Hurghada. This mysterious land, shrouded in intrigue and legend, is sure to leave a lasting impression. If you would some further insight, then watch our virtual tour below with our guide Dodi, who has been leading tours around Egypt for Travel Department since 2007.
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