Whether you’re looking for beautiful beach resorts, sublime river cruises, historical antiquities or high adrenaline adventure, Egypt really does have it all. But where you choose very much depends on what you’re looking to get out of your holiday. To help you decide, we’ve put together a summary of the best Egypt has to offer.
Cairo
The birthplace of ancient Egypt and the nation’s capital, Cairo really is a treasure trove of artefacts and antiquities. Definitely one for the Indiana Joneses among us, adventure- seeking historians will love the bustling, frenetic streets and the bazaar district. Visit the historic Khan el-Khalili market – which dates back to 1382 – for souvenirs, glass lamps, incense and jewellery as well as delightful food stalls selling traditional cuisine. Situated at the northernmost tip of the Nile delta, this is also the perfect launching point for a cruise down the river Nile.
Cairo is also home to the tourist attraction that tends to be at the top of everyone’s wish list – the great Pyramids of Giza. The sheer scale of these three iconic architectural structures will literally take your breath away, the highest of which – Pharaoh Khufu – stands at 481 feet high, and is comprised of some 2.3 million stone blocks. While visiting Giza you can also take in Khafre’s Valley Temple and witness the Great Sphinx, a legendary guardian carved out of one piece of limestone. No trip to the pyramids would be complete without a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s greatest collection of Egyptian artefacts, including the death mask of Tutankhamun.
Luxor
Known as the world’s largest open-air museum, the city of Luxor is nestled on the west bank of the river Nile in Southern Egypt. Situated on and around the ancient city of Thebes, the pharaoh capital at the height of their power, today’s city is home to two surviving monuments: Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. The architecture of Luxor Temple includes soaring columns resplendent with hierographic reliefs and a gateway guarded by two enormous statues of Ramesses II. Just north of Luxor, the temple of Karnak is dedicated to three Egyptian gods. Make sure you’re wearing your walking shoes for this trip, as the site is huge. If you don’t fancy the exercise, you can book a place on a camel tour and channel your inner Lawrence of Arabia.
The royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are on the river’s west bank. An absolute must for all budding historians, the Valley of the Kings contains 63 tombs and is home to some of the most important pharaohs in Egypt’s history, including Tutankhamun.
Aswan
If you want to get away from then hustle and bustle of Cairo and Luxor, then Aswan is the perfect destination for you. Set on the east bank of the Nile at the great river’s first cataract, this picturesque and laid-back town is home to some of Egypt’s most spectacular wonders, including Lake Nasser, High Dam and The Great Temples of Abu Simbel and Philae. No visit is complete without trips out to Elephantine Island and Kitchener Island, to take in the city’s Nubian culture and ancient ruins and relics. Perfect for couples, Aswan will be sure to capture your heart. After all, if it was good enough for the richest man in the World – the Aga Khan – then it must truly be a magical place!
Red Sea Riviera resorts
If you’re looking for a fantastic beach resort holiday, then the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Marsa Alam have something for everyone. Whatever you crave – be that pristine beaches for a luxurious holiday in the sun, excellent nightlife, amazing watersports, sublime scuba diving sites or fabulous excursions to Cairo – you’ll find it all here. In particular, Marsa Alam, the southernmost resort in Egypt, is a fantastic option for those looking to get away from it all, with its unspoilt beaches, coral reefs and the chance to snorkel with turtles.
So there you have it, but that’s just a flavour of what you can experience in Egypt. Check out our site for the best option for you. You don’t have to just pick one destination, that’s the beauty of our Nile cruises. We have a fantastic range of cruise and stay packages on offer so you can take in the best Egypt has to offer, all from the luxury of your cruise ship or hotel resort. Contact us on 020 3797 4617 or email [email protected] and we can put the perfect holiday package together for you.