Abu Simbel, near Sudan`s border, is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples. The complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments." Built by Ramesses II, the temples represent the king`s dedication t... more
Abu Simbel, near Sudan`s border, is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples. The complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments." Built by Ramesses II, the temples represent the king`s dedication to himself and his wife Nefertari. The four colossal statues of the pharaoh, seated on a throne and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, are iconic examples of ancient Egyptian art. Furthermore, the complex was entirely relocated in a massive UNESCO project in the 1960s to save it from the rising waters of the Nile due to the Aswan Dam`s construction. This incredible feat of engineering adds another layer of amazement to a visit. less
Al-Azhar Park is one of Cairo’s few green spaces and a favorite amongst locals for picnics and celebrations. Created by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, this beautifully landscaped park provides a peaceful escape from the city`s hustle and bustle. Apa... more
Al-Azhar Park is one of Cairo’s few green spaces and a favorite amongst locals for picnics and celebrations. Created by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, this beautifully landscaped park provides a peaceful escape from the city`s hustle and bustle. Apart from the stunning gardens and water features, the park is also home to the historic 12th-century Ayyubid wall. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Cairo`s skyline and its prominent landmarks, such as the Salah El-Din Citadel, from the park`s highest point. The park also houses several restaurants and cafes, making it a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. less
The Aswan High Dam is an embankment dam situated across the Nile River in Aswan. Its significance largely eclipsed the previous Aswan Low Dam`s initial completion in 1902 downstream. Based on the success of the Low Dam, the construction of the High D... more
The Aswan High Dam is an embankment dam situated across the Nile River in Aswan. Its significance largely eclipsed the previous Aswan Low Dam`s initial completion in 1902 downstream. Based on the success of the Low Dam, the construction of the High Dam became a key objective of the Egyptian Government following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, with its ability to better control flooding, provide increased water storage for irrigation, and generate hydroelectricity. Visitors are often fascinated by the sheer scale of the dam and the panoramic views of Lake Nasser, one of the world`s largest man-made lakes. less
A tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural center located on the Mediterranean Sea. Inaugurated in 2002, the library can hold up to 8 million books and features a main reading room cove... more
A tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural center located on the Mediterranean Sea. Inaugurated in 2002, the library can hold up to 8 million books and features a main reading room covering 70,000 m² on 11 cascading levels. The complex also includes a conference center, research institutes, and several museums. The library`s architecture is quite impressive, with a massive disc-shaped glass roof symbolizing the sun. It`s not just a place for scholars, but a wonderful space for casual visitors as well, offering art exhibitions, a planetarium, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. less
The Coptic Museum in Cairo is dedicated to the period of Christian history in Egypt that dates from the time of Jesus Christ through the Islamic era. Housing the world`s largest collection of Egyptian Christian artifacts, the museum features intricat... more
The Coptic Museum in Cairo is dedicated to the period of Christian history in Egypt that dates from the time of Jesus Christ through the Islamic era. Housing the world`s largest collection of Egyptian Christian artifacts, the museum features intricate woodwork, metalwork, manuscripts, and textiles, among other artifacts. The museum also hosts a collection of Coptic art, showing the evolution of Christian iconography in Egypt. A visit to the Coptic Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the influence of Christianity in Egypt and the cultural amalgamation that occurred during this period. less
The Dendera Temple Complex is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Located approximately 2.5 kilometers southeast of Dendera, the complex contains the magnificent Temple of Hathor, one of the most impressive and well-preserved temples... more
The Dendera Temple Complex is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Located approximately 2.5 kilometers southeast of Dendera, the complex contains the magnificent Temple of Hathor, one of the most impressive and well-preserved temples in all of Egypt. The temple is dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, and beauty. Its walls are rich with inscriptions and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from ancient mythology, religious rituals, and astronomy. One of its most remarkable features is the beautifully colored ceiling, which was recently cleaned in a painstaking process to remove hundreds of years of black soot without harming the ancient paint underneath. less
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the country`s star attraction. Built as tombs for the mighty Pharaohs and guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, Giza`s pyramid complex has awed travelers for thousands of years. The pyramids, being the last of the Seven Wond... more
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the country`s star attraction. Built as tombs for the mighty Pharaohs and guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, Giza`s pyramid complex has awed travelers for thousands of years. The pyramids, being the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, have fascinated human beings with their size, precision, and engineering skills. Tours usually start with the Grand Pyramid of Cheops, the only wonder of the ancient world still in existence, followed by the Pyramid of Chephren and the Pyramid of Mycerinus. A camel ride in the desert against the backdrop of the pyramids is an unforgettable experience for most visitors. less
Karnak is more than a temple, it is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt`s pharaohs, who built it over more than 2000 years. In size, it is second only to the G... more
Karnak is more than a temple, it is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt`s pharaohs, who built it over more than 2000 years. In size, it is second only to the Great Pyramids, and its significance is also parallel. A visit to Karnak is a chance to immerse yourself in the depth of Egypt`s impressive history. The vast scale of the site is what attracts most of the visitors. The pillars, some towering as high as 80 feet, are a testimony to the architectural prowess of the ancients. less
Unlike most museums in Egypt, the Luxor Museum prides itself on the quality of the pieces it houses rather than the quantity. The museum`s collection includes artifacts from the end of the Old Kingdom to the Mamluk period, mostly gathered from the Th... more
Unlike most museums in Egypt, the Luxor Museum prides itself on the quality of the pieces it houses rather than the quantity. The museum`s collection includes artifacts from the end of the Old Kingdom to the Mamluk period, mostly gathered from the Theban temples and necropolis. Highlights of the museum include masterpieces of pharaonic art as well as examples of everyday objects. The presentation and lighting design for the displays were conceived by top international museum designers. The Luxor Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history and art. less
The Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River and was constructed approximately 1400 BCE. Unlike the other temples in Thebes, Luxor temple is not dedicated to a cult god or a deified version of... more
The Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River and was constructed approximately 1400 BCE. Unlike the other temples in Thebes, Luxor temple is not dedicated to a cult god or a deified version of the pharaoh in death. Instead, Luxor temple is a complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons, and obelisks dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship, which may have been the actual site of the coronation of many kings of Egypt. The temple is beautifully lit in the evenings and presents an awe-inspiring sight. It is a grand piece of heritage that reflects the magnificence of the ancient civilization. less
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the oldest mosque in the city surviving in its original form and the largest in terms of land area. Built in the 9th century, this architectural marvel was designed to accommodate an entire congregation within its precincts... more
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the oldest mosque in the city surviving in its original form and the largest in terms of land area. Built in the 9th century, this architectural marvel was designed to accommodate an entire congregation within its precincts. The mosque`s distinct style, inspired by the Abbasid architecture of Samarra in Iraq, makes it stand out amidst Cairo`s cityscape. Visitors are particularly drawn to its spiral minaret, the only one of its kind in Egypt. The mosque`s serene courtyards and intricate architectural details make it a must-visit site for anyone interested in Islamic architecture. less
The Nubian Museum is a showcase of the history, art, and culture of Nubia. Established in 1997 in Aswan, the museum is dedicated to Nubian culture and civilization. It was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001, and UNESCO organized a co... more
The Nubian Museum is a showcase of the history, art, and culture of Nubia. Established in 1997 in Aswan, the museum is dedicated to Nubian culture and civilization. It was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001, and UNESCO organized a competition to select the design of the building. Visitors can discover a detailed history of the "Land of Gold" as Nubia is called. The museum`s exhibits extend from prehistoric times to the present, featuring pottery, jewelry, tools, and other artifacts, while a model village showcases traditional Nubian architecture. The beautifully landscaped gardens are home to prehistoric megaliths and other ancient artifacts. It is a must-visit for any history enthusiast. less
The Philae Temple, located on Agilkia Island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, is a spectacular monument dedicated to the goddess Isis. Built in the late Ptolemaic and early Roman periods, the temple features a mix of Egyptian and Greco-Roman ar... more
The Philae Temple, located on Agilkia Island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, is a spectacular monument dedicated to the goddess Isis. Built in the late Ptolemaic and early Roman periods, the temple features a mix of Egyptian and Greco-Roman architecture. The complex was painstakingly moved to its current location in the 1960s to prevent it from being submerged during the creation of Lake Nasser. Today, visitors can explore the intricately decorated temple, which includes structures like the Vestibule of Nectanebos I, the Temple of Isis, and the Kiosk of Trajan. less
The Red Sea, particularly around Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, offers some of the best dive spots in the world. The warm, crystal-clear water is teeming with marine life, colorful fish, and stunning coral reefs. Its unique ecosystem is home to more t... more
The Red Sea, particularly around Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, offers some of the best dive spots in the world. The warm, crystal-clear water is teeming with marine life, colorful fish, and stunning coral reefs. Its unique ecosystem is home to more than 1,000 species of fish and 200 species of coral. Divers and snorkelers can also explore underwater shipwrecks that form artificial reefs. The Red Sea resorts also provide plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay dry, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. less
Siwa Oasis, in the western desert, is one of Egypt`s isolated settlements, with about 33,000 people, mostly Berbers. Known for its olive trees and palm groves, Siwa became famous when Alexander the Great visited the Oracle of Amun there. The oracle,... more
Siwa Oasis, in the western desert, is one of Egypt`s isolated settlements, with about 33,000 people, mostly Berbers. Known for its olive trees and palm groves, Siwa became famous when Alexander the Great visited the Oracle of Amun there. The oracle, which was the reason Alexander the Great headed to Siwa in the first place, is in ruins today, but you can still visit the temple and the famous well where Alexander was likely crowned. It`s also worth visiting the salt lakes, particularly Lake Siwa, which has a strikingly high salt concentration that keeps objects afloat. Visitors will also enjoy the unique architecture, with buildings constructed from mud and salt, providing natural insulation against the desert heat. less
The Suez Canal is a sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Completed in November 1869 after 10 years of construction, it allows ship transport between Europe and Asia without navigation around Africa. The canal... more
The Suez Canal is a sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Completed in November 1869 after 10 years of construction, it allows ship transport between Europe and Asia without navigation around Africa. The canal provides a strategic link that allows vessels to avoid the additional distance and unpredictable weather in the Cape of Good Hope route around Africa. Though not traditionally thought of as a tourist site, viewing platforms along the canal allow visitors to watch the procession of ships navigating this man-made marvel, offering a unique experience and making the Suez Canal an intriguing destination for travelers. less
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses the world`s most significant collection of pharaonic antiquities, and many travelers spend a day lost among its treasures. Highlights include the treasures of Tutankhamun, royal mummies, jewelry, eating bowls, and... more
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses the world`s most significant collection of pharaonic antiquities, and many travelers spend a day lost among its treasures. Highlights include the treasures of Tutankhamun, royal mummies, jewelry, eating bowls, and toys of Egyptians whose age can be counted in millennia, and the displays are as astounding in their scale as their number. The museum offers a great introduction to Egypt`s rich history, making it a must-visit for first-time travelers to the country. less
Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, rock cut tombs were excavated for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley stands on the west bank... more
Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, rock cut tombs were excavated for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite modern-day Luxor, and is known to contain 63 tombs and chambers. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology that give clues to the beliefs and funerary practices of the period. Almost all of the tombs seem to have been opened and robbed in antiquity, but they still give an idea of the opulence and power of the pharaohs. The most famous tomb is that of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. less
The White Desert National Park is a truly unique destination in Egypt. Known for its dramatic and strange geological formations, the desert is a place where you can find chalk-white landscapes that look like they`re from another planet. These surreal... more
The White Desert National Park is a truly unique destination in Egypt. Known for its dramatic and strange geological formations, the desert is a place where you can find chalk-white landscapes that look like they`re from another planet. These surreal shapes were created as a result of sandstorms in the area. The White Desert has become a popular site for overnight camping where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the desert under the stars. The contrast between the white of the formations and the clear blue sky is a captivating sight, offering plenty of photographic opportunities. less
