One of the oldest vacationer locations on this planet, the African nation is dwelling to world-famous historic websites and legendary nationwide treasures which have been wowing crowds for hundreds of years. From beautiful historic websites to boho seaside resorts, listed here are my favorite locations I’d like to share with you…
1. Alexandria
Sharing the identical stretch of coast as Tunisia and Libya, Egypt’s second-largest metropolis feels as Mediterranean and cosmopolitan as Marseille or Athens.
It was as soon as a really modern metropolis identified for its époque buildings and grand squares. Although its charms have light somewhat, I nonetheless assume it needs to be added to your checklist!
For peace, head to the regal Montazah Palace Gardens, or in your historical past and structure repair, attempt the Citadel of Qaitbay, an impressive-looking Fifteenth-century fortress.
Alternatively, select one of many many vintage espresso homes, sip espresso, and puff on a water pipe whereas searching over the Mediterranean Sea.
Location: Northern coast of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for gentle temperatures and to keep away from the summer season warmth).
Activities on provide: Visiting the Citadel of Qaitbay, exploring Bibliotheca Alexandrina, strolling alongside the Corniche, and visiting Montazah Palace Gardens.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Windsor Palace Hotel, and Helnan Royal Palestine Hotel.
Map Location and Directions
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2. Cairo
Once you recover from the chaos, tradition shock, and in-your-face touts, this metropolis is a traveller’s dream! History followers will even be of their component right here, with age-old traditions completely preserved in each metropolis nook.
Of course, there’s additionally an countless provide of historic temples, tombs, church buildings, monuments, and museums to discover.
Don’t go away with out visiting the well-known Khan el-Khalili souk or different avenue markets, particularly if you wish to refill on exotic-looking carpets and brass trinkets!
Location: Northern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for snug climate and fewer crowds at main points of interest).
Activities on provide: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, touring the Egyptian Museum, exploring Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and buying in Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Accommodation: Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, and Fairmont Nile City Hotel.
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3. The Red Sea Coast
A spotlight of many travellers to Egypt is Sharm el Sheik, a vacation resort crammed with luxurious motels, casinos, nightclubs, and vacationers getting their solar, sea, and sand fixes. Sharm el-Sheikh holidays are highly regarded, though the true fantastic thing about this space is the Red Sea.
The Red Sea’s clear azure waters and an unbelievable quantity of unique fish and coral are why it’s so extremely thought to be a diving vacation spot.
It arguably affords among the world’s finest diving and snorkelling experiences. Grab some scuba gear (and an skilled teacher) and have a look for your self!
Location: Eastern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for heat waters, excellent for diving and snorkeling).
Activities on provide: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and seaside leisure.
Accommodation: Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, Baron Palms Sharm El Sheikh, and Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
Map Location and Directions
4. Pyramids at Giza
A world-famous attraction, I feel no customer ought to go away with out visiting the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza. They are the one remaining seven wonders of the world of the traditional world and over 4600 years previous.
They’re an imposing sight, and the entire complicated remains to be mysterious.
If time is a matter, you may see the primary elements of the Pyramid website in round 2 hours, but when your schedule permits, it’s best to spend a full day on this space.
Location: Western outskirts of Cairo, within the northern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for nice climate with out the intense summer season warmth).
Activities on provide: Exploring the Great Pyramid, visiting the Sphinx, camel rides, and guided historic excursions.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House, Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, and Panorama Pyramids Inn.
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5. Luxor
I personally assume this is likely one of the finest cities to discover in Egypt. Only just a few locations on this planet may very well be known as open-air museums, however the Egyptian metropolis of Luxor is one in every of them.
The quantity and preservation of the monuments within the Luxor space are unparalleled anyplace else on this planet, and I feel a visit right here wouldn’t be full with out a go to.
Spend a day or two on the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, which every home over 60 carved underground tombs. I additionally advocate visiting the very spectacular Luxor and Karnak temples!
Location: Southern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Winter (for cooler temperatures, preferrred for exploring temples and tombs).
Activities on provide: Touring the Valley of the Kings, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and having fun with a sound and light-weight present at Karnak.
Accommodation: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa, Winter Palace Luxor, and Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel.
Map Location and Directions
6. The Nile River
The finest method to discover one of many world’s most well-known rivers is by a cruise lasting various days. The beautiful Nile is crammed with attention-grabbing natural world, and a visit to this Egyptian delight gives you an attention-grabbing perception into the agricultural elements of the nation.
You’ll additionally get to cease at loads of well-known temples and different historic websites of curiosity. However, if boats aren’t your factor, head for the banks of Aswan to look at the sundown on probably the most stunning stretches of the Nile.
Location: Runs from the southern to the northern a part of the nation, ending within the Mediterranean Sea.
Best time to go to: Winter (for snug climate throughout river cruises)
Activities on provide: River cruises, felucca crusing, visiting riverside temples, and having fun with a sundown on the water.
Accommodation: Mövenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise, Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise, and Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise.
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7. Dahab
Dahab is a laid-back resort city on the Sinai Peninsula’s Southeast coast. This stunning city attracts hippies and travellers who wish to keep in a peaceable location that isn’t full of vacationers year-round. I’m an enormous fan of Dahab, principally due to its laid-back boho vibe!
You will benefit from the golden sandy seashores with unbelievable ocean views that stretch throughout the Gulf to Saudi Arabia’s Hijaz Mountains.
There is loads of magnificence underneath the water, with corals and marine fauna, so Dahab is taken into account the most effective places for scuba diving and snorkelling on the peninsula.
The well-known Blue Hole can be situated close to Dahab — a gaping sinkhole carved right into a reef. Its stunning sparkling-blue water is a tremendous sight. You may enterprise into the Bedouin desert to the West of Dahab.
Location: Eastern a part of the Sinai Peninsula, alongside the Gulf of Aqaba.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for optimum diving circumstances and fewer vacationers).
Activities on provide: Scuba diving on the Blue Hole, windsurfing, camel treks, and snorkeling.
Accommodation: Dahab Paradise Hotel, Le Meridien Dahab Resort, and Swiss Inn Resort Dahab.
Map Location and Directions
8. Mount Sinai
If you keep within the Cairo space, this can be a 1-2 day journey. However, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is certainly definitely worth the journey and has a special really feel from the remainder of the nation.
Mount Sinai is a well-liked attraction. It has enormous spiritual significance and is talked about many occasions within the Book of Exodus, the Bible, and the Quran.
In Christianity, it’s the place the place Moses obtained the Ten Commandments. Hiking this holy mountain is a well-liked exercise, and plenty of even select to hike via the evening or keep in a lodge to get up early (2 or 3 am) and watch a dawn of biblical proportions.
Location: Southern a part of the Sinai Peninsula.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for snug climbing circumstances and to keep away from excessive temperatures).
Activities on provide: Hiking to the summit for dawn, visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery, and images of panoramic views.
Accommodation: Catherine Plaza Hotel, Daniela Village St. Catherine, and Morgenland Village.
Map Location and Directions
9. Saint Catherine’s Monastery
(*20*)
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is just under Mount Sinai. It’s an historic and vital vacationer website that has UNESCO World Heritage Site standing and is, in truth, the oldest working monastery on this planet. St.Catherine’s is an uncommon and surprisingly stunning constructing juxtaposed towards acres of dry, arid landscapes.
You can discover the water effectively the place Moses met his spouse, see the ancestor of the well-known burning bush, and have a look at the cage of previous monks’ skulls. Macabrely, you too can see what is alleged to be the preserved hand of the true Saint Catherine.
Location: Southern a part of the Sinai Peninsula, on the base of Mount Sinai.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for gentle temperatures, excellent for exploration).
Activities on provide: Touring the monastery, climbing close by trails, and visiting historic artifacts.
Accommodation: Bedouin Camp, St. Catherine’s Monastery Guesthouse, and Catherine Plaza Hotel.
Map Location and Directions
10. Siwa Oasis
Located off the overwhelmed observe between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea (within the Libyan Desert) it has its personal distinct Siwan tradition which differs from the mainstream Arabic tradition.
The Siwans communicate their language, and this space is thought for its sizzling springs, tremendous jewelry, and engaging dates and olives. Take a visit right here and relax for some time, swim, or attempt your luck at sandboarding.
Location: Western a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Winter (for snug climate, avoiding the extreme desert warmth).
Activities on provide: Visiting the Temple of the Oracle, swimming in pure springs, exploring Shali Fortress, and desert safaris.
Accommodation: Adrere Amellal Eco-Lodge, Siwa Shali Resort, and Taziry Ecolodge.
Map Location and Directions
11. White Desert
The fabled White Desert of Egypt is a really attention-grabbing space. It will be discovered 28 miles north of the city of Farafra. The desert has an otherworldly magnificence with weird, ghost-white rock formations sprouting from the desert sands.
The unusual constructions are enormous chalk formations created by occasional sandstorms within the space. For a surreal expertise, take a four-wheel drive via the desert or keep in a single day.
Location: Western a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Winter (for gentle temperatures, preferrred for tenting and exploring distinctive rock formations).
Activities on provide: Camping, exploring distinctive rock formations, guided desert excursions, and images.
Accommodation: Al-Farafra Hotel, Desert Rose Lodge, and tenting in conventional Bedouin tents.
Map Location and Directions
12. Hurghada
Hurghada is a surprising resort city situated on the Northeast coast of Egypt, just under the Gulf of Suez. A greater description of Hurghada could be the Hurghada Riviera, which stretches 40 miles alongside the Red Sea Coast and is dwelling to many luxurious resorts.
Originally a fishing city, Hurghada has grown rapidly over the previous few many years to turn out to be a vacationer hotspot. The area affords many wonderful eating places, vacationer points of interest, and lodging choices.
This consists of luxurious resorts like Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, making it the proper location to be pampered. However, the spotlight of this vacation spot is the beautiful pure fantastic thing about Hurghada.
There are many pristine seashores with brilliant white sand and crystal clear water. The shoreline can be dotted with coral reefs, so Hurghada is likely one of the nation’s hottest places for diving and snorkelling.
If you plan to discover the reefs, take a look at Careless Reef, Giftun Islands, and Omo Gamaar. You may swim with the dolphins off the coast of the Aden Beach Resort.
Finally, remember to go to the Eastern Arabian Desert. Many excursions can be found, and actions embody quad biking and visiting historic websites.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for heat waters and good circumstances for seaside actions).
Activities on provide: Snorkeling at Giftun Island, scuba diving, windsurfing, and having fun with a desert safari by jeep.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel, Jaz Aquamarine Resort, and Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh.
Map Location and Directions
13. The Fjord Bay (Taba)
This vibrant little city is situated on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Despite its small dimension, it may well get busy as a result of it’s used as a border crossing into Israel.
Many points of interest round Taba embody Red Sea Water World Taba Heights, Castle Zaman, Canyon Motor Sports, and the beautiful Salah El-Din Castle.
The panorama is attractive, and you’ll be continually amazed by the scenic places. Fjord Bay is a brief drive from Taba.
It is a pure bay that has turn out to be a preferred spot for swimming, diving, climbing, climbing, boating, and plenty of different outside actions. The bay is surrounded by rolling hills which gently sweep right down to the beautiful aqua-blue water. It is a picturesque location that you just received’t overlook.
Location: Northeastern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, close to the Gulf of Aqaba.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for optimum snorkeling and diving circumstances).
Activities on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, boat journeys, and visiting Salah El-Din Castle.
Accommodation: Taba Hotel & Nelson Village, Strand Beach & Golf Resort Taba Heights, and Mövenpick Resort Taba.
Map Location and Directions
14. Aswan
Aswan is a historic metropolis on the southern finish of the Nile River. It’s a stunning metropolis in an idyllic location with a pristine pure setting and scenic views.
In addition to being located in a picturesque a part of Egypt, the town is full of many superb historic buildings that give it a pleasant atmosphere.
Aswan is likely one of the oldest cities within the nation and has a wealthy historical past courting again many 1000’s of years. It is a wonderful metropolis with many places, together with the Aswan Botanical Gardens, Ruins of Abu, Tombs of the Nobles, and Elephantine Island.
It is the proper location for studying extra about Egypt’s wealthy tradition and huge historical past.
Location: Southern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Winter (for cooler climate, appropriate for exploring historic websites)
Activities on provide: Visiting Philae Temple, crusing to Elephantine Island, touring the Nubian Museum, and seeing the High Dam.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Mövenpick Resort Aswan, and Basma Hotel Aswan.
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15. Abu Simbel Temples
The Abu Simbel Temples are one in every of Egypt’s most immediately recognisable historic sights.
The historic Egyptians constructed huge rock temples between 1264 BC and 1244 BC. Known because the Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun, they’re one in every of six rock templates in-built Nubia through the reign of Ramesses II.
The scale of the Abu Simbel Temples is unbelievable. They have a timeless magnificence that continues to draw thousands and thousands of holiday makers every year.
Location: Southern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Winter (for snug temperatures and to coincide with the Abu Simbel Festival in February).
Activities on provide: Exploring the temples, attending the Sun Festival, and guided historic excursions.
Accommodation: Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel, Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, and Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort.
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16. Nuweiba
Nuweiba is a coastal city on the East coast of the Sinai peninsula. It’s a sexy metropolis for holidays, surrounded by the pristine aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba and the brilliant purple sands of Sinai.
There are many stunning sights to see in Nuweiba, together with the Coloured Canyon, a slender path surrounded by fantastically colored rock formations.
You can be amazed by the color variations within the rocks, which vary from darkish purple to brilliant yellow. Bedouin tour guides will provide help to via the canyons and clarify the importance of the canyon of their tradition.
Another must-see expertise close to Nuweiba is Ain Khudra, a pure oasis close to the city. It is usually used as a climbing vacation spot and place to meditate.
The stunning palm bushes and tranquil water pool are beautiful. Many unbelievable pure rock sculptures and carvings encompass this space.
There are additionally loads of places to dive off the coast of Nuweiba, together with Duna Reef and Coral Island. The coral is plentiful, and you’ll benefit from the various marine flora.
Location: Eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, alongside the Gulf of Aqaba.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for heat climate and seaside actions with out the summer season warmth).
Activities on provide: Snorkeling, seaside leisure, and camel rides alongside the coast.
Accommodation: Coral Resort Nuweiba, Elaria Beach Resort, and Habiba Beach Lodge.
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17. Berenice (Baranis)
Located within the Red Sea Governorate, Berenice was based as a buying and selling port in 275 BC and rapidly turned an vital financial centre within the area.
One of essentially the most thrilling places close to Berenice is the Temple of Semiramis, constructed by Trajan and Tiberius. This massive Roman temple is in wonderful situation and is likely one of the most spectacular sights within the area.
The temple’s outer partitions are adorned with varied artworks, together with depictions of Emperor Tiberius earlier than the god Min and the deity of the Green Mines (situated close by).
The coast of Berenice has many pristine pure bays and coves to take pleasure in. You may discover the beautiful island of Zabargad, beforehand mined for a semi-precious gem named olivine.
This space affords breathtaking views and loads of marine life. It’s additionally an ideal place to go snorkelling, diving, or stress-free on one of many many seashores.
Location: Southeastern coast of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for optimum diving and fewer vacationers).
Activities on provide: Scuba diving, exploring coral reefs, and stress-free on the seaside.
Accommodation: Lahami Bay Beach Resort, Wadi Lahami Azur Resort, and tenting in Bedouin-style lodging.
Map Location and Directions
18. Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is one other attractive resort city on the Red Sea. It’s famend for its pristine seashores and quite a few coral reefs. Abu Dabab Bay is likely one of the hottest places for guests to Marsa Alam.
It is a U-shaped pure bay with crystal clear water and loads of wildlife, together with turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.
The Wadi el-Gemal National Park is simply south of the city. It is a big park with a various panorama, together with islands, deserts, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. You can spend many days exploring this nationwide park and marvelling at its spectacular magnificence.
Location: Southeastern coast of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for nice climate and marine actions like diving).
Activities on provide: Diving with sea turtles at Abu Dabbab, snorkeling, visiting Wadi El Gemal National Park, and kitesurfing.
Accommodation: Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort, and Gorgonia Beach Resort.
Map Location and Directions
19. Rosetta
Rosetta (additionally known as Ar Rashid) is a metropolis situated on the western financial institution of the Nile River, 65km Northeast of Alexandria. Founded within the ninth century, Rosetta has an attention-grabbing historical past, unbelievable structure and vibrant tradition.
Rosetta is usually identified for being the birthplace of the Rosetta Stone, which was used to translate historic Egyptian into Ancient Greek. Because of this—and its magnificence, after all—it’s a high attraction on this nation.
Rosetta is a wonderful metropolis with superb Islamic structure and plenty of pretty public areas. You will take pleasure in wandering the winding streets and admiring the traditional mansions of Rosetta.
Many three or four-story properties lined the streets with stunning rustic brickwork and detailed mouldings.
Location: Northern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for gentle climate, preferrred for exploring historic websites).
Activities on provide: Visiting the Rosetta Museum, exploring Ottoman-era buildings, and boat journeys alongside the Nile.
Accommodation: Cleopatra Hotel Rosetta, native guesthouses, and Nile-view lodges.
Map Location and Directions
20. Al Badari
Al Badari, also referred to as El Badari, is situated on the East financial institution of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. It is world-famous as a result of the British found historic cemeteries there within the Twenties.
The hottest cemeteries are Mostageddan and Dier, which include unbelievable historic Egyptian sculptures and structure.
They additionally include some very previous gravesites, with archaeologists discovering graves between 5500 BC and 4000 BC.
Location: Southern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Winter (for cooler temperatures, making it snug to discover the archaeological websites).
Activities on provide: Exploring archaeological websites, visiting tombs, and studying about historic Egyptian historical past.
Accommodation: Camping close to archaeological websites, native guesthouses, and funds lodges in close by cities.
Map Location and Directions
It’s at all times a good suggestion to test up-to-date authorities journey security recommendation earlier than you journey.