EGYPT - country of ancient history and pyramids

To take in the full experience of Egypt’s history, culture and contemporary life, the best way to get to know Egypt is to travel around by road. From Alexandria – the great port city and the most northern place of Egypt all the way to the south to a monument, Abu Simbel, while Egypt lies down to the south 1,000 km of desert is cut through the centre by the river Nile.

Alexandria, was once the capital of Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, until its surrender to the Arab forces in 642 CE. It was the home of the last ruling pharaoh, Cleopatra. On a one-day trip explore the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey's pillar, Fort Qaitbey, Cairo, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi.

CAIRO

The capital and the largest city of Egypt is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern vibrancy. Its iconic landmarks, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, stand as remarkable testaments to the grandeur of the ancient civilization. The city's bustling markets, known as souks, entice visitors with their vibrant colours, aromatic spices, and lively atmosphere that truly captures the essence of Cairo.

If you are lucky, you may be able to get a first glimpse of the pyramids from your plane window while landing at the Cairo International Airport. I would highly recommend planning your visit to the pyramids as early in the morning as possible to avoid larger crowds and the heat. Visit the Necropolis of Saqqara first, then drive to Giza Plateau to get a great view of the Great Pyramid of Giza and the two smaller pyramids next to it. The last stop, which is a must is the iconic Sphinx.

Cairo is the home of grand museums and if you are interested to see the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens, these are on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The Royal Mummies Hall contains around 20 mummies. Some are so well preserved that they still have thick locks of hair, visible fingernails and smooth blackened skin! Another museum is the Grand Egyptian Museum (scheduled to open in late 2023). In the meantime, great objects and collections can be currently seen in the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, including the items and the gold mask collected from one of the famous Egyptian pharaohs’ tombs, the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, also known as Tutt’s. Check out a few facts on my IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CklKVsiKw-_/?hl=en

ASWAN & ABU SIMBEL

There is an option to fly to Aswan from Cairo, but if you are up for an extra adventure, you can opt for an overnight journey by sleeper train. It really is a fun experience, especially when you travel with a group of people. Once you get to Aswan and settle in your hotel, take a short boat trip out to Agilika Island to see Philea Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis.

I would highly recommend going on a one-day trip to Abu Simbel. It is only a few hour's ride by road through the vast sandy desert. Abu Simbel is in the south of Egypt, not too far from the borders with Sudan and Lake Nasser, reaching across to Sudan. The area is also known as the Nubia, influenced by the Sudanese culture, going back to the 14th century. Once you get to Abu Simbel, you will be really impressed that you crossed almost the entire country, which is quite large in size. Abu Simbel is a giant rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, which is possibly the most awe-inspiring temple in all of Egypt.

KOM OMBO & Felucca Cruise

Back in Aswan, embark on and spend a few relaxing days sailing the Nile by felucca from Aswan to Kom Ombo. This is once in a lifetime experience since the felucca cruises are so unique to Egypt. Enjoy a view of the river, take a swim in the Nile and just chill out in the sun on the deck as there is nothing else to do once you are on the felucca. You also have a choice of going on the 5-star Nile cruises with full service and entertainment.

LUXOR

After disembarking in Kom Ombo, take a drive to the north, to Luxor. Luxor is home to the legendary Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak. You should also visit, Luxor Temple just before sunset to see the temple in the sunset and after hundreds of lights are illuminated. There is also a missing oblique at the entrance, which was gifted to the French, and it is proudly standing in Paris at the Place de Concord.

Luxor, a captivating city located in the heart of Egypt, is famous for its hot air balloon rides. As the sun begins to rise, adventure seekers gather at the banks of the Nile River. The hot air balloon rides offer a view of the Valley of the Kings, and the grand temples of Karnak.

HURGHADA

Egypt is not only known and visited for the pyramids but for its turquoise crystal-clear water and the coast of the Red Sea. If you are looking for a relaxing break by the sea, Hurghada is a mesmerizing coastal city located in the east of Egypt on the Red Sea. While staying at some of the amazing hotels, such as Marriott Hotel, Swiss Inn Resort or Continental Hotel, and taking advantage of the hotel’s private beaches and facilities, Hurghada offers a range of activities to explore the underwater world of witness the colourful marine life from scuba diving, snorkelling to water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing to relaxing boat trips. One of the recommended trips I took was a day trip to Orange Island, but there are many other options to take out a boat to go swimming and snorkelling at Giftun Island. Egypt in general is a deserted, rocky, sandy and dry area and Hurghada in no exception, being surrounded by desert, which gives an opportunity for another very exciting activity, the quad desert bike rides. Head to a Bedouin camp on a quad bike safari, to meet the locals and enjoy a taste of Bedouin tea, including a camel ride around the village.

Other Point Of Views:

Siwa Oasis is located in northwest Egypt, known for the Temple of the Oracle and the warm thermal springs

Marsa Alam is another stunning natural beauty and a place of pristine beaches. It is the best place to dive and swim with the dolphins, swimming freely in the open sea

Sharm El Sheikh is a city located on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt and offers many choices for tourists seeking to take a break from daily life to spend a relaxing one or two week family holiday at one of the resorts

Things to be aware of:

Egypt is a country where the way of living and poverty still makes the local sellers use haggling and hustling to make a living. Their tactics can be very annoying to tourists who just want to enjoy the sites without being constantly hustled. You should be extra vigilant while visiting the Pyramids. It is a great place for the local sellers, who go out of their way to haggle and sell you anything they can as such an unpleasant experience is described in my article about India: https://www.travelcuckootracks.com/visit-india You may be able to avoid the intensity if you travel with a local tour guide and a group of people, but still be prepared to avoid or eliminate any bad experience.