Top Destination: Egypt
Part I: Egypt
This all-inclusive destination is also one for the books, as it boasts of rich history, amidst breath-taking beauty in some of the greatest cities. Egypt has so much for one to do, catering for whichever activity its visitor needs; a relaxation at the beach, an adventure in the wilderness, or a tour in the city.
Egypt houses the only surviving oldest of seven wonders of the ancient world, the pyramids of Giza, and affords its traveller a cruise on the world’s longest river, the Nile River, while taking a historical tour to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites that it is home to. While most of Egypt comprises a lot of ancient history and religion, implying that a trip to Egypt is not complete without visiting its temples and museums, there are other interesting thigs that a travel to Egypt can afford one adventurous traveller.
Things you need to know about Egypt:
- If you happened to acknowledge the day and date today, then you might as well appreciate a trip to the country that came up with the 365 day, 12 month calendar, Egypt! The Egyptians, wanting to predict when the Nile would flood, invented the 365 day yearly calendar.
- Egypt’s capital is Cairo, the largest city in the country, in Africa, and in the Middle East, with a population of over 9 million people.
Egypt has so much for one to do, catering for whichever activity its visitor needs; a relaxation at the beach, an adventure in the wilderness, or a tour in the city.
- The Red Sea is also a must visit in Egypt, as it is home to the fastest fish in the world (yes, that’s a thing), is perfect for its diving spots and snorkelling, diving to wreck sites for underwater life that’s as rich as the land above, not to mention the incomparable marine life; coral reefs and over 1000 fish species including sharks.
- The best time to travel would be between October and April, as the temperatures in summer are almost unbearable, while the tourist high season would be between December and February.
- Egypt contains a city founded by Alexander the Great, the second largest city in the country, and one you must visit in your stay in Egypt, Alexandria. It was also home to Queen Cleopatra.
Things to do in Egypt:
- TOUR TO THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS
This valley is an ancient burial ground for Egyptian pharaohs. Magnificent tombs were built in this valley in the desert, and it contains over 60 tombs, among them the famous Tomb of Tutankhamen that still contains its resident, the mummy of the pharaoh. The Valley of the Kings is also a World Heritage Site.
Among the highlights of the tombs are the ancient decorations and ancient graffiti. Despite the fact that most of its treasures have been removed and put in the Egyptian Museum, the Valley of the Kings still remains a site to behold, and among the top tourist attractions in Egypt.
- TOUR TO THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
A trip to the museum in Cairo is a must do, being one that contains the world’s most extensive antiquities of the ancient pharaohs and boasting of 107 halls filled with artefacts. Among the things to behold in the museum are most of the mummies of pharaohs, as well as the treasures found in the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
- TOUR OF THE FAMOUS PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
A planned itinerary to Egypt most probably includes a visit to the historic pyramids of Giza near Cairo. This includes seeing the last standing ancient wonder of the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza built as a burial place for King Khufu, whose base is said to stand at approximately the size of five football stadiums.
While on tour of the pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Giza is also a must-see. This limestone statue of the mythical creature with the head of a human and body of a lion is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt, and the mystery of its lost nose still remains a mystery.
They are located at about an hour’s drive from Cairo city.
- VISIT TO ALEXANDRIA CITY
A visit to this beautiful city rich in culture and presence will ensure one adventurous, knowledge and experience-filled journey into Egypt’s history and the city’s presence. Among the places to visit in Alexandria are the mosques, museums, palaces, as well as some districts for their food markets and diving to view ancient underwater ruins.
There are also many towns to which one can go on excursions to, like the beach resort town of Hurghada, renowned for water sports, diving schools and shops.
More guided tours of the city, and of Egypt at large are facilitated and organized by tour operators, for example a tour of Luxor City which houses famous archaeological sites, monuments and majestic temples that hold extraordinary ruins and artefacts.
How to get there:
Egypt’s airports are well served by international airlines, including national carrier, EgyptAir. Among the major airports are Cairo International airport and Hurghada International Airport. Cairo International Airport is approximately 30 minutes from the city centre.
Egypt’s national carrier operates daily flights as well between the international airports at Cairo, Aswan, Hurghada, Luxor, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh among others. This is the fastest way to get around Egypt. Road transport is however also still available.
Accommodation: (per person, per night)
Most tourist destinations in Egypt have hotels and resort nearby, for instance in Giza near the pyramids where a bed & breakfast will go for about 29 $.
On average, in Cairo, a 5-star ranges from as low as 46 $ to 180 $.
a 4-star ranges from 25 $ to 90 $
a 3-star averages at about 40 $
For more on tours and excursions, explore our Egypt packages for a flexible Egypt tour itinerary of your choice.
