Egypt Holidays

Must-do's as a traveller:

• Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza: Stand in awe before the iconic pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Explore the Valley of the Kings: Delve into the tombs of pharaohs and uncover the secrets of the afterlife in this sacred valley.
• Cruise the Nile River: Sail along the historic Nile River, witnessing breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and traditional villages.
• Discover the treasures of Luxor: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built and explore the Valley of the Queens.
• Ride a camel: Experience the desert like a true Bedouin on a camel ride through the Sahara.
• Get lost in Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of this historic bazaar, filled with colorful shops, traditional handicrafts, and delicious street food.
   

Beyond Cairo:

• Explore the Greco-Roman city of Alexandria: Discover the historic sites of Alexandria, including the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the Pompey's Pillar, Citadel of Qaitbay.
• Relax on the Red Sea coast in Sharm El-Sheikh or Dahab: Indulge in world-class diving and snorkelling, sunbathe on pristine beaches, and explore vibrant coral reefs, including the legendary lost city of Cleopatra.
• Visit the Siwa Oasis: Escape the hustle and bustle and explore this remote oasis, known for its natural beauty, ancient ruins, and unique culture.
• Hike Mount Sinai: Embark on a spiritual journey to the summit of Mount Sinai, where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments.
• Discover the White Desert: Witness the surreal landscape of the White Desert, with its chalk formations that resemble giant mushrooms.
• Explore the Nubian Villages: Experience the warm hospitality of the Nubian people and explore their traditional villages along the Nile River.
   

Food, culture, & wildlife

Food:

• Cairo: Indulge in a culinary journey through Cairo's bustling streets. Sample delicious street food like koshari, ful medames, and taameya.
• Luxor: Savour authentic Egyptian cuisine, including grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and flavourful spices.
• Alexandria: Enjoy fresh seafood, international cuisine, and traditional Egyptian dishes.
• Sharm El-Sheikh: Experience a fusion of Egyptian and international cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood.
   

Culture:

• Giza Necropolis:
  • Great Pyramids of Giza: Marvel at the awe-inspiring pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the only surviving ancient wonder of the world.
  • Great Sphinx of Giza: Encounter the enigmatic lion-headed sphinx, a guardian of the pyramids.
• Luxor
  • Valley of the Kings: Explore the tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses II, adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and vibrant wall paintings.
  • Karnak Temple Complex: Witness the grandeur of this massive temple complex dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, featuring towering columns and stunning reliefs.
  • Luxor Temple: Admire the well-preserved temple dedicated to the god Amun, with its impressive colonnaded courtyard and sacred lake.
• Aswan
  • Abu Simbel Temples: Marvel at the colossal statues of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari, carved into the cliff face.
  • Philae Temple: Discover the beautiful temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to an island on Lake Nasser to save it from flooding.
  • Kom Ombo Temple: Explore the unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus.
• Cairo
  • Egyptian Museum: Immerse yourself in the vast collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including mummies, jewellery, and statues.
  • Coptic Cairo: Discover the historic Christian district with its churches, monasteries, and ancient artefacts.
  • Khan el-Khalili: Wander through the bustling bazaar, a maze of colourful shops and stalls selling everything from spices to traditional handicrafts.
     

• Saqqara: Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest large-stone structure.
• Dendera Temple Complex: Admire the well-preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor, known for its stunning astronomical ceilings.
• Abydos: Explore the ancient city with its impressive temple complex dedicated to the god Osiris.

These are just a few of the many historic, cultural, and ancient places to visit in Egypt. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of this fascinating country.
 

Wildlife:

Red Sea:

• Diverse marine life: Explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter colourful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
• Sharm El-Sheikh: Dive or snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover the legendary Blue Hole.

• Siwa Oasis: Encounter unique desert wildlife, such as desert foxes and hyenas.
• White Desert: Witness the surreal landscape and its unique rock formations.
• Western Desert: Discover diverse wildlife, including gazelles, foxes, and various bird species.

• Diverse birdlife: Observe a variety of bird species, including migratory birds, along the riverbanks.
• Nile crocodiles: Encounter these ancient reptiles in their natural habitat.
   

Note: While wildlife encounters are possible in these areas, it's important to respect the environment and wildlife. Always follow local guidelines and regulations to ensure a sustainable and ethical experience.
 

Travel Tips

Travel visa information: 

• Check need-to-know destination-specific travel information here. 

Currency:

• Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. However, credit cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions.

Language:

• Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and hotels.

Climate: 

• Egypt has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit: November to February for pleasant weather.

Transportation:

• Domestic flights: Quickest option, especially for long distances.
• Trains: Budget-friendly and scenic, especially along the Nile Valley.
• Buses: Affordable but less comfortable, especially for long journeys.
• Nile River cruises: Luxurious way to explore ancient sites in Luxor and Aswan.

Safety:

• Egypt is generally safe for tourists; however, you should exercise caution in crowded areas, especially in major cities. Be aware of pickpocketing and scams, as in any tourist destination.

Customs:

• Avoid public displays of affection and always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women.

Dress code & alcohol:

Respect local customs and traditions and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Alcohol is available in hotels and resorts. It's generally not consumed in public places, especially outside tourist areas.