With majestic, desert pyramids rubbing shoulders with Biblical mountains, iconic mosques, and some of the best diving in the world, we’ve got to be talking about Egypt, one of the oldest ‘tourist’ destinations on Earth and the inspiration for many stories. Bursting to life around 3,100 BC, Egypt’s history is a marvel and a mystery – and much of it immortalised along the banks of the shimmering Nile River. Take a deeper look with our Egypt Country Guide…
Cairo & Alexandria
Most Egyptian adventures begin in Cairo, party due to convenience, but also for its fascinating history. The oldest city in the Arab world, a meander through the old quarters reveals intricate mosques (including the iconic Ibn Tulum), Coptic churches and relics and architecture from across millenia. At the Grand Egyptian Museum, browse the 120,000 exhibits – among which you’ll find the treasures of King Tutankhamun and his famous golden mask – then get to know the people of the city at the Khan el-Khalili souq, where you’ll barter for semi-precious stones, spices, antiques, perfumes and more. Just beyond the heady streets, the Pyramids of Giza rise from the desert like a mirage. These 4,000-year-old monuments are the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the largest and most famous of which is the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Marvel at the architectural wonders, including the iconic Sphinx, standing at their base or on a camel ride across the desert. And if you’ve got a moment left, dive into the thriving, contemporary side of the city too at one of the rooftop bars or excellent restaurants…
Once the most important capital in the world, Alexandria’s history is impressive, intriguing and tragic all at once. Famous for the Great Library of ancient texts, the city was once a thriving Mediterranean port until a series of natural and man-made calamities destroyed most of it. Today, some of the city lies under the ocean, including another Wonder of the Ancient World: the Pharos lighthouse. On a visit, you’ll find many remnants of this ancient past hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of modern-day life: visit the Manuscripts Museum to see a copy of the only papyrus text to have survived the library’s fire, explore the poignant catacombs, or dive amongst the sunken relics like Cleopatra’s Underwater City.
How do I do it?
Cairo International Airport receives direct flights from London and New York City, as well as indirect flights from most major airports. Most itineraries begin and end in Cairo, and Alexandria is just over two hours away by road.
Where to start?
Cairo and Alexandria fit into just about any of our Egyptian trips, but why not take a deep dive into their respective histories with our Essential Egyptian Journey? You’ll explore the exquisite tombs in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and the temples of Abu Simbel in Aswan (with a scenic sail on the Nile thrown in), marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, and learn all about Alexandria’s lost history.
Along the Nile
One of the best ways to enjoy the Egypt of old is on a cruise along the Nile, the lifeblood and shimmering highway that links the country’s historic highlights. Follow in the wake of ancient Egyptians and explorers and begin in the erstwhile city of Thebes (now Luxor). On the West Bank of the Nile, discover the sprawling Valley of the Kings, a labyrinth of passageways leading to intricate, lavishly-decorated temples and pharaoh’s tombs – and of course the most famous of all, King Tut! The valley is guarded by the iconic Colossi of Memnon, which are a marvel all on their own. Across the water on the East Bank, visit the Temples of Karnak, Ancient Egypt’s most sacred sight of worship.
Egypt’s southernmost city, Aswan is the Egypt of the postcards. Dotted with traditional, gem-bright Nubian villages overlooking the Nile and Felucca boats waiting to take you on a sail round the islands, it’s pretty and picturesque. Spend time marvelling at the Tombs of the Nobles and stunning botanical gardens, visit Abu Simbel, a collection of amazing rock-hewn temples, and gaze at the Philae Temple – dubbed the Pearl of the Nile – where the last hieroglyphics were carved in Egypt. Before saying goodbye, grab a cocktail at the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie penned the classic Death on the Nile.
How do I do it?
There are daily flights available from Cairo to Luxor, where you can begin your cruise down the Nile, ending in Aswan. From here, take a small-plane flight to Abu Simbel to see the temples.
Where to start?
After having a nosy in the bazaars and museums of Cairo, hop aboard a luxury cruiser on the Nile and fill your days with the temples, tombs and monuments of Luxor and Aswan on our full house trip. You might even be tempted with a hot air balloon ride over the famous river for a different perspective…
The Red Sea
Welcome to an entirely different Egypt! Lined with sugary beaches that melt into beyond-clear waters and sublime diving, Hurghada is a coveted stretch of coast where glamorous lodges and endless activities are the name of the game. With exceptional clarity, diving is top of the list; glide past dolphin nurseries, clouds of tropical fish and amazing coral formations. Needless to say, the underwater photography is incredible too and if you crave something totally unique, night dives promise to be epic!
On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh has earned its role as the Riviera of the Red Sea. There are watersports galore, including water and jet skiing, windsurfing and parasailing, and not to mention glass-bottomed boat rides for a peek into the technicolour marine life below. Just like Hurghada, the diving is out of this world. We’re talking World War II wrecks and reefs alive with starfish, turtles and dolphins. When you fancy taking a break from the sea, head inland on a jeep safari or camel trek through surreal desert canyons, or take a hike up Mount Sinai.
How do I do it?
There are direct flights to Hurghada from Cairo (3 hours 47 minutes), but if you happen to be visiting Luxor first, make use of the domestic flights to Hurghada (54 minutes). If your trip begins on the coast, some international airlines provide flights straight into Hurghada. There are also daily flights from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh at just over an hour.
Where to start?
On this trip, you’ll explore Egypt from the water (for the most part), beginning with a show-stopping cruise down the Nile, disembarking to visit the tomb of King Tutankhamun and the secret little islands along the way. Take in the sights, scents and sounds of Cairo before the Red Sea calls – take your pick between Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh and enjoy a few days of snorkelling or diving in the crystalline waters, scenic boat trips, and plenty of sunshine.
Siwa & surrounds
If you were under the impression that Egypt was anything less than intoxicating, the Siwa Oasis will do the trick. Just 50 kilometres from the Libyan border, it’s one of the most remote and timeless places in Egypt. Discover the Berber culture, language and customs that have remained unchanged for centuries – and as for the scenery? It’s breathtaking and otherworldly, verdant with olive trees and date palms and interspersed with 230 freshwater springs. Beyond the little hamlet, there is simply desert for as far as the eye can see, the Great Sand Sea stretching in one direction and the White Desert in the other. Ride off in a jeep towards the horizon, taking in some of longest dunes in the world and spotting the crystal spirals that erupt from the ground. Then, after nightfall, gaze up at the tapestry of stars against a clear, inky-black sky.
How do I do it?
For the most comfortable and shortest route down to Siwa, we recommend flying from Cairo to Marsa Matruh, Siwa’s closest airport. From there, it’s a further four hours by road with a private driver.
Where to start?
Take our trip on the road less travelled, where the cloistered delights of Siwa are yours to discover – but with an added dose of history and temple-hopping in Cairo and Luxor too.
