Egypt, a land of ancient grandeur, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes, a tale of three cities and experiences not to be missed…
Egypt has an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and adventure and promises a truly unforgettable experience. With this in mind, it needs to be high up on your places to visit, especially if you’re after some winter sun. The sun-drenched land is of course renowned for cradling the birthplace of one of the world’s oldest civilizations and with it the spectacular, slightly surreal, pyramids. Of course, these are a must see when visiting Egypt, but there is so much more on offer. Having experienced much more of Egypt I now envisage the pyramids, yes, but also bustling markets with vibrant fruit, vegetables and spices, the sun-soaked beaches of the Red Sea, a historic goldmine and an up and coming foodie scene showcasing some innovative chefs at the forefront of top tier dining and culinary arts.
My trip included visiting Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada and with such a contrast between the cities it’s hard to say which I preferred. They all offer a completely unique experience and have their own enchanting nuances. I recommend spending a few days in all to soak up the culture and really get a feel for each destination.
City 1 – Cairo
Cairo is where skyscrapers loom over labyrinthine bazaars, and the call to prayer echoes amidst the cacophony of honking cars. It’s a city that is buzzing and thrums with that enigmatic daily life. A city that never sleeps and a people-watching paradise, there is an unparalleled energy of chaos and charm and I found it to be quite therapeutic to be immersed in. When here, you can’t miss:
The Giza Pyramids
No trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to the Giza Plateau, home to the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The awe-inspiring pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure are testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Witnessing these monumental structures is like stepping into a time machine, offering a glimpse into the glory of a civilization that existed over 4,500 years ago. The striking Sphinx at the same site is another spectacular structure that has well earned its renown and definitely worth seeing in the flesh.
When here, be sure to get a guide to explain the phenomenal history behind the structures and get the most out of the experience.
The Egyptian Museums in Cairo
Cairo is also home to two museums (and another on the way) so if you love delving through time and history a visit to these should be top of your list. Nothing can prepare you for the astonishing relics of the ancient Egyptians, their craftmanship for their time is truly something to be marvelled! The old museum is located in the heart of Cairo in Tahrir square and is a treasure trove of antiquities showcasing over 5,000 years of Egyptian history. The museum boasts a jaw-dropping collection of over 120,000 artifacts, including the gold-laden treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The sarcophagus itself is a site to behold with the intricate adornments and the inner sarcophagus being made of solid gold, weighing over 110kg. Here, you can wander through halls filled with colossal statues, ancient mummies, and intricate jewellery, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Egypt’s past and marvel at their craftmanship.
Housing yet more relics of Egyptian history is the national museum of Egyptian Civilisation, it provides a complete history of the rich and varied rulers Egypt has had over it’s time, from the Predynastic period from 5500-3100 B.C to modern day. The museum also has a wonderful selection of artifacts that really illustrates how ingenious the ancient Egyptian people were, creating tools for just about any craft you can think of, from building works, gardening, upholstery and beauty treatments. Here you can also see the preserved mummies of the Pharaohs of Egypt. It’s not your everyday trip that you see how mummies were preserved and how they remain so intact today! You aren’t allowed to take photos in the crypt area and so it really is something you have to see for yourself.
The Hustle and Bustle of Khan El Khalili
If you’re up for an authentic Egyptian shopping experience, Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo is your go-to destination. After a day of pyramid-gazing, escape to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar. This sprawling market offers an authentic slice of Egyptian life with the narrow, winding alleys of this bustling market are packed with a diverse array of traditional goods. From handcrafted jewellery and perfumes to colourful textiles and tasty street food, sip mint tea in centuries-old coffee shops, and savour traditional Egyptian delicacies there’s something for everyone in this vibrant marketplace. It’s also the perfect place to hone your haggling skills!
Cairo food week
Whilst in Egypt, the annual Cairo food week played host and it did not disappoint. It is pushing for the world to acknowledge the culinary prowess that is emerging from the top chefs in Egypt and to gain its place on the map for innovative cuisine. Dining in Sachi, the winner of ‘the best restaurant in Egypt’ was not only a sublime ride for the tastebuds but the atmosphere and well thought out design elevated the evening to an unforgettable dining experience. Having curated a special menu for the event with renowned Peruvian chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, it is pushing the boundaries of fusion flavour.
Hand picked dishes by the chef himself with dynamic fresh flavour pairings, quality ingredients and truly stunning presentation, it was one of those moments where you genuinely don’t know where to start everything looks so enticing. The next day we explored the food fair expo, so many emerging talents and a chance to see the path that is being firmly carved by the rising stars of the Egyptian culinary world. From incredible sauces and dressings, fruit syrups, coffee, honey, desserts and my personal favourite chocolate. Hope to see these brands in the UK as they are all not only extremely delicious but they are also environmentally conscious! The festival also showcased some design led brands creating beautiful homeware pieces from eggshells, what an incredible way to reduce waste and create something stunning in the process. Really looking forward to seeing Egypt make a name for itself for modern achievements as well as its ancient history.
City 2 – Luxor
There’s an enchanting quality to Luxor that’s difficult to put into words. Perhaps it’s the colossal relics that whisper tales of ancient pharaohs or the tranquil waters of the Nile that mirror the dazzling hues of the setting sun. In Luxor, the history really comes alive, it’s easy to immerse yourself in fascinating tales of the rulers of Egypt and life back then.
The Valley of the Kings in Luxor
Across the Nile from the modern city of Luxor lies the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place for numerous pharaohs of the New Kingdom period. This sprawling necropolis etched into the arid mountains houses 63 tombs, including that of the famous boy-king Tutankhamun. The pharaohs were laid to rest in secret so that their graves weren’t robbed, those that were kept hidden until they were discovered by Howard Carter remain a treasure trove of antiquity and in many cases undiminished splendour.
Even though this is a tourist spot it is still so entrancing to wander through the echoing chambers adorned with colourful hieroglyphics and spectacular frescoes that narrate tales of life and death, gods and pharaohs. Depending on the time of year it is well worth beating the heat of the day as well as the crowds and starting your day early when visiting the historical sites in Luxor. If you choose to make your own way around the historical sites and are staying on the east bank of Luxor it is worth taking a water taxi to the other side to beat the Luxor traffic, it is also a wonderful way to start your day.
The Majestic Karnak and Luxor Temples
Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, is often referred to as the “world’s greatest open-air museum” and once you’ve been you can really see why! The cityscape boasts the sprawling complexes of Karnak and Luxor temples, once the epicentre of religious life in ancient Egypt. These remarkable monuments, with their towering obelisks, monumental statues, and intricate carvings, offer a powerful and striking visual replay of what Egypt was once like. You can but marvel at the architectural mindfulness of the New Kingdom Pharaohs! As you wander amidst the grandeur, it’s easy to imagine the echoing footsteps of long-gone priests on the sun-baked stones.
A Sunset Felucca Ride on the Nile
Riding on a felucca has unparalleled tranquillity but especially so when watching the sun set over the Nile. As the golden sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the palm-fringed banks, you’ll understand why this enchanting river has been the lifeblood of Egyptian civilization for millennia. Completely immersive with only the gentle lapping of the water to be heard and the stunning views to entrance you it’s the perfect way to end a day seeing the sights. Alternatively, if you fancy a more lively end to the evening you can take a trip down the Nile on the Nile Maxim. With the river banks gliding past you can sit back and relax as you dine on traditional Egyptian food, soak up the live music and experience traditional Egyptian dancing.
Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor
For an unparalleled perspective of Luxor’s spectacular historic sites you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon at sunrise. As the ancient city awakens beneath you, you’ll float over the Valley of the Kings, the Nile River, and the magnificent temples, bathed in the soft morning light. This magical experience, coupled with the tranquillity of the early morning sky, makes this a bucket-list activity for every traveller and well worth the 4:30am start.
City 3 – Hurghada
Trading in the relics and urban hustle for the soft sands and azure waters of Hurghada. On the Red Sea coastline, this seaside haven is an idyllic antidote to the hectic pace of the cities for those after a bit of sun, sea and sand. Hurghada is a playground for aquatic adventures, boasting some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs. For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts it’s an underwater Eden, filled with vivid corals, exotic fish species, and even the occasional dolphin.
A Dive into the Red Sea
Swap the desert sands for the clear waters of the Red Sea in Hurghada. This bustling beach town is a diver’s paradise, with over 45 islands and boasting vibrant coral reefs teeming with a spectacular array of marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a snorkelling newbie, exploring the underwater world of the Red Sea is an experience not to be missed. There are various options for divers, a day trip exploring the Hughada reefs in and around Giftun Island usually leaves at 9 and will return at 4:30. There are also some local wrecks like the El Mina or the Salem Express. You can expect to see beautiful coral, turtles and abundance or colourful fish as they have over 21,000 different species! It is also possible to spot eagle rays, octopi, parrot fish, grouper fish, butterfly fish, lionfish, trigger fish, trumpet fish, blue spotted rays, moray eels, and you may see the odd dolphin and reef shark.
For more experienced divers the most interesting dive sites are north around Abu Nuhas and boast excellent wreck dives. You can also choose to do a mini safari or a whole week which covers all of the dive sites and would be an unforgettable way to explore the marine life that Egypt has to offer.
For those less confident in the water but who don’t want to miss out on the beautiful underwater scenery, there is a family friendly glass bottom boat trip that allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the aquatic life Hurghada has to offer without dipping a toe in. Surrounded by windows into the big blue you can sit in comfort and watch the underwater scenes pass you by. To add to the attraction there is an underwater diver who draws in the graceful zebra fish very near so you can get up close and personal and a chance to snorkel if you wish to.
Desert Safari in Hurghada
For those who prefer to stay dry, a desert safari into the endless stretches of sand dunes offers an adrenaline-packed experience into the surrounding wilderness. Speeding across the dunes on a quad bike, enjoying a camel ride at sunset and feasting on a traditional Bedouin dinner under a canopy of stars is no ordinary day. This thrilling journey into the heart of the desert offers a glimpse into Bedouin culture and the stark beauty of the landscape.
Relaxing on Mahmya Island
Last but certainly not least, escape the hustle and bustle and unwind on the pristine beaches of Mahmya Island, just off the coast of Hurghada. This tranquil haven offers crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and an abundance of marine life, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and snorkeling.
One more place that is worth noting is Siwa, the desert oasis. It is so far removed from the hustle and bustle of Luxor and Cairo (300km from Cairo) yet has just as much to offer. There are more than 300 clear water springs as well as hot springs and salt mining pools, imagine relaxing in one of these pools with just the idyllic desert oasis surrounding you, I can’t imagine anything more peaceful and zen. The town is surrounded by lush palm tree groves as well as luscious gardens which look magical against the surrounding desert dunes. Of course desert activities are not to be missed here either, from cruising over them to spending an incredible night in a desert camp with the phenomenal array of stars looking down at you. You also need to take a tour round the old ruins which are not only beautiful but full of fantastic historical tales too.
You can get a bus to Siwa which takes around 12 hours from Ciaro so it’s a long old slog but worth it for an adventure in Siwa. Stopping in Alexandria Egypts second biggest city to break up the journey is a good idea and Alexandria has lots to experience too, including the awesome Roman amphitheatre.
To conclude
There is more infrastructure being built up in Egypt all the time. From new business developments to more train lines and playing host to more events, Egypt is a country that’s only continuing to flourish and thrive and is getting ever easier to explore.
From the timeless allure of ancient Pharaohs, and adventures in the desert to the sun-soaked beaches, Egypt offers a trip that is as vast and varied as the country itself. Whether you’re marvelling at the mighty pyramids, haggling in the lively bazaars, exploring ancient tombs, or simply soaking up the sun on a tranquil beach, there’s no shortage of extraordinary experiences to be had. It’s a destination that offers bags of historic mystery and offers an intoxicating blend of past and present, where millennia-old monuments coexist with bustling modern metropolises. An exploration of unique culture that I won’t forget in a hurry and definitely a place to revisit.
While visiting Egypt, remember to respect local customs and traditions, conserve water, and protect the monuments by not touching them or taking anything away from the sites. Let’s preserve this magnificent heritage for generations to come. Travel responsibly, and enjoy what Egypt has to offer!
