Cairo

Places to See in Cairo

Cairo is the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt. It is situated in the north of the country along the Nile River bank. Its name is means “The Conqueror” or “The Vanquisher.” With a population of nearly eight million, the city is the largest not only in Egypt but also in North Africa and the Arab world. It is around 1,042 years old, having been founded by the Fatimid Dynasty around 969 AD. The city has long been the center of the political and cultural life in Egypt and its proximity to the ancient city of Memphis, the Sphinx and the pyramids in Giza will already give you an idea of the hours you will spend touring the city with its ancient glory amid modern-day amenities.

In modern downtown Cairo you will eventually find yourself in Tahrir Square, formerly known as the Ismail Square, after Khedive Ismail, the ruler who ordered the construction of the square early in the 19th century as the Paris on the Nile. Tahrir is an Arabic word meaning Liberation. Here you will find modern buildings such as the Mogamma, which is the administrative building of the government, the American University in Cairo, the Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel and the headquarters of the Arab League.

The most notable building on the square is the Egyptian Museum or the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. If you are a history buff or you have a fascination with Ancient Egypt, then this is one of the places that should be on the top of your list. The Egyptian museum is home to some of the world’s finest collections of art, items of clothing that were worn thousands of years ago, ancient tools and statues, as well as pictures that were taken during the turn of the last century. There is no photography allowed inside the establishment so do not attempt to take pictures during your stay in it. Entrance to the museum is at 50 Egyptian Pounds (LE). However, there is a separate fee if you want access to the area that contains the mummies of royalty, which is 100 Egyptian Pounds. When entering the Egyptian Museum, be prepared for very long lines, as a lot of tourists and locals alike also want to take a tour of it. Security is also very tight so do not bring anything that may be considered as a weapon nor should you bring with you any alcoholic beverages.

On display inside the museum are more than 120,000 items that will give you a great sneak preview to Egypt’s historic and cultural past. You will see a few mummies from the times of the Pharaohs, coins made of bronze, silver and gold, pieces of papyrus written with hieroglyphics, Greek, Latin and Arabic as well as several statues, sarchopagi, artifacts from the Valley of the Kings, and items found inside the tombs of several Pharaohs including Thutmosis III and Thutmosis IV, Hatshepsut and Amenophis II. There are also remains from other Pharaohs such as Ramesses III and Amenhotep IV. That’s not all that you will see inside the Egyptian Museum. The highlights of the museum display are the various items belonging to King Tutankhamun. Included are alabaster vases, flasks and pieces of gold and ivory jewelry, as well as the world-famous Gold Mask of the King that weighs a hefty 11 kilos of solid gold. Found over the bandages wrapped around the King’s face, the mask is believed to be done in the true likeness of King Tutankhamun.

Around the city you will find several mosques, including the Al-Azhar Mosque, formerly the site of the Al-Azhar University and was established in 972. The sight of the rounded modern-day TV tower, the Cairo Tower, will also fascinate you.It is 43 meters higher than the Great Pyramid of Giza. You can also take a look at the mosques, museums and monuments in the Citadel of Saladin. At its summit is located the Alabaster Mosque or the Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque, inspired by Ottoman architecture. The mosque is dedicated to the eldest son of Muhammad Ali, Tushun Pasha.

Visit Old Cairo for a taste of ancient Egypt. This is the section of the city where some of the places became the country’s capital before Cairo. You will chance upon many Coptic churches (early Egypt Christian religion) and ruins. The Coptic Museum, Babylon Fortress, the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, the Hanging Church and the Amr ibn al-‘As mosque can be found here too. You will also find the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church or the Abu Serga, constructed in the 4th century and one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt. The church is believed to be erected in the exact site where the St. Joseph, infant Jesus and Virgin Mary rested after their long trip into Egypt and where the Holy Family may have stayed, as Joseph became a fortress worker.

The Hanging Church is not actually hanging but rather elevated and was constructed above the Babylon Fortress gatehouse. Its construction dates back to the 3rd century AD, making it one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt. It can be reached by climbing 29 steps from the iron gates in the streets.

After your visit to the pyramids in Giza, do not forget to take a look at the mysterious Great Sphinx. Its Arabic name is Abū al Hūl, which translates to The Terrifying One. It does look terrifying, with the Sphinx being the world’s largest stone monolith, rising from the desert sand to a majestic height of 20.22 meters. It is 6 meters wide and has a length of 73.5 meters. Considered one of the oldest monuments, the Sphinx is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khafra from 2558–2532 BC, who also ordered the construction of the 144-meter tall Pyramid of Khafra in Giza. The Great Sphinx of Giza has the crouching body of a lion, the head of a man and no wings. Just as its construction, the person behind the construction and its purpose are all a mystery, it is also not known when and who destroyed its one meter-wide nose.

End your tour of Cairo with a visit to Egypt’s ancient capital, Memphis, which is located south of the city. It was believed to have been founded around 3000 BC by Pharaoh Menes during the Old Kingdom of Egypt. It was a grand city during its time and had been the center for religion, trade and commerce. Its open-air museum has been preserved and declared as a World Heritage Site and has several artifacts that will allow you to trace back its history. Around the open air museum you will be walking among the ruins of the Alabaster Sphinx, the colossus of Ramesses and several temples including temples of Ptah, Ramesses II, Hathor, Sekhmet, Apis, Aten, Amun and Merneptah.

Things to Do in Cairo

As you go around the capital city, for sure you will be tempted to shop for souvenirs along the way. If you are interested in the real papyrus, then you will be able to get the real thing at the Papyrus Institute, a government approved papyrus and souvenir shop located in Giza. Not only will you be able to buy beautiful and authentic papyrus painted with temple scenes and images of pharaohs, you will also get the chance to have a walkthrough on how the papyrus is made.

And speaking of souvenirs, you will have a great time browsing the shops when you visit the Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar. It is an old souk that was established around 1382. You have a grand time looking for and haggling over prices of souvenir items.There are numerous coffee shops, restaurants and street food stalls that will provide you with much needed refreshments. If you are in Cairo in November, do not miss the Arab Music Festival and catch the performances at the Cairo Opera House. If you are after some respite from touring the busy metropolis, spend a few hours at the Heliopolis, a garden reserve within the city. The area used to be used as the housing district of officials from Europe. You can take a tour of the Baron’s Palace, which is reminiscent of Cambodian temples. Wait for the sun to go down and see the splendor of the sky turning deep pink to purple.

When traveling to Egypt, not everything is about tombs and visiting ancient temples all the time. Sometimes, you want to let your hair down and feel loose. A good time is never too far away here in Egypt. You can enjoy a Nile dinner cruise by booking online or arranging it with the hotel you are staying in. The entire dinner cruise will take about two hours, in which you will be treated to excellent food, great music and a magnificent view of the Nile River. If you are lucky, there will be a belly-dancing show as well as a theatrical performance onboard the cruise.

Luxor

Places to See in Luxor

As you go around the capital city, for sure you will be tempted to shop for souvenirs along the way. If you are interested in the real papyrus, then you will be able to get the real thing at the Papyrus Institute, a government approved papyrus and souvenir shop located in Giza. Not only will you be able to buy beautiful and authentic papyrus painted with temple scenes and images of pharaohs, you will also get the chance to have a walkthrough on how the papyrus is made.

And speaking of souvenirs, you will have a great time browsing the shops when you visit the Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar. It is an old souk that was established around 1382. You have a grand time looking for and haggling over prices of souvenir items.There are numerous coffee shops, restaurants and street food stalls that will provide you with much needed refreshments. If you are in Cairo in November, do not miss the Arab Music Festival and catch the performances at the Cairo Opera House. If you are after some respite from touring the busy metropolis, spend a few hours at the Heliopolis, a garden reserve within the city. The area used to be used as the housing district of officials from Europe. You can take a tour of the Baron’s Palace, which is reminiscent of Cambodian temples. Wait for the sun to go down and see the splendor of the sky turning deep pink to purple.

When traveling to Egypt, not everything is about tombs and visiting ancient temples all the time. Sometimes, you want to let your hair down and feel loose. A good time is never too far away here in Egypt. You can enjoy a Nile dinner cruise by booking online or arranging it with the hotel you are staying in. The entire dinner cruise will take about two hours, in which you will be treated to excellent food, great music and a magnificent view of the Nile River. If you are lucky, there will be a belly-dancing show as well as a theatrical performance onboard the cruise.

Things to Do in Luxor

If you want to learn more about the history of Luxor, pay a visit to the Luxor Museum and view the city’s past in air-conditioned comfort. On display are relics found in tombs and temples in the Theban necropolis. For a look at the mortuary of the only female Egyptian pharaoh, King Hatshepsut, visit the Deir el-Bahri, also near the Valley of the Kings. Its exterior view is quite impressive with its still intact colonnades and multiple terraces. Although the temple was built around 1400 BC, the style of the building is quite modern. Bargain hunters will find plenty of souvenir items at the local souqs. Try to sample local cuisine such as the kushari and a local version of refried beans called ful. These are quite filling and do not cost much. After your meal spend some leisurely minutes sipping local tea.

Still in the Valley of Kings area, there is another thing you can do besides taking a tour of the tombs. You can take a balloon ride over the valley and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the Nile region. While it is open to the public, it is much easier for you to have this experience if you are staying in any of the Luxor hotels, as there is a pick-up and drop-off service for the balloon ride. The only catch with the balloon ride is that you have to wake up really early but the experience is worth it just to be able to view the majestic sunrise over the Valley of Kings. The entire ride lasts about an hour and is followed by a picnic breakfast that will surely make you have a good start on a great day

Aswan

Places to See in Aswan

Aswan is one of the many popular places that cruise ships love to stop by as this area has one of the most beautiful sights in the country, especially during sunset. In Aswan, you will be able to encounter the Island of Plants, which is a magnificent botanical garden, as well as the Elephantine Island along the Nile. During your trip, make sure that you take some time to walk on the West Bank to see the St. Simeon Monastery. The city is a busy market place that is located in the south of the country. During ancient times, Aswan was the city of Swenet. It is a small city whose population in 2008 was estimated to be around 275, 000. Aswan is the first town in of the ancient country due to their orientation of life beginning with water, as the city is located at the eastern bank of the Nile River. Aswan is famous for its stone quarries that supplied the materials for the statues, shrines and obelisks of ancient Egypt. The city is the source of the Syenite, a type of granite rock. Aswan is one of the driest cities in Egypt with rainfall coming every five to seven years. Aswan is a beautiful city with sights that are comparable to the rest of the travel destinations in Egypt. Fifty kilometers north of Aswan is the Temple of Kalabsha or the Temple of Mandulis, a sun god of Lower Nubia. For lovers of ancient art you will be delighted to see fine reliefs of historical records and Horus emerging from the reeds. The Temple of Philae or the Temple of Isis is considered as the burial site of Osiris and is also full of beautiful reliefs, sculptures and colorfully-painted walls that have retained their colors. Once the president of the League of Nations and the All-India Muslim League, Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah, Aga Khan III has a mausoleum in Aswan. Behind it are the ruins of 6th century Monastery of Saint Simon.

One of the most beautifully preserved Pharaonic temples in Egypt is the Temple of Edfu or the Temple of Horus located 600 kilometers to the north of the city. Horus is identified by the Greeks with Apollo. The construction of the temple began during the reign of Ptolemy III around 237 BC. The whole construction of the temple was finished after 180 years. Reliefs inside the temple show the birth of Horus, as well as his chronicles of his life and his divine marriage to Hathor. Horus was often depicted as a falcon and the temple has many statues of this particular bird. One of the remarkable items to be seen in the temple is the Nilometer, a structure that served to measure the clarity and water level of the Nile River.

An unusual temple in Aswan is the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is a double temple. This means that the temple was dedicated for two gods created in perfect symmetry. It was constructed by Ptolemy VI Philometer around 180 BC and additions to the temple were built by Ptolemy XIII. Speaking of the two gods, the southern section of the temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, said to be the creator of the world together with Khonsu and Hathor. The northern section was for Horus the Elder, the falcon god and Tasenetnofret, the good sister form of Hathor and the Lord of the Two Lands, Panebtawy.

This is another point of interest for vacationers in Egypt. Located 230 kilometers southwest of Aswan are the two temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were built somewhere around 1200 BC under the orders of Pharaoh Ramesses II. The Abu Simbel Temples are one of the most popular sites in the country. These massive temples were carved out from cliffs made of sandstone as a memorial to Ramesses II and his wife, Nefertari. These remained forgotten for centuries and were rediscovered in 1813. The temples were named after the young tourist guide who saw the temples through the shifting sands from time to time.

Due to the flooding that would occur resulting from the construction of the Aswan Dam, it was decided that the temples would be moved to a higher locations. A team of experts came to the decision to cut the temples in large pieces and reconstructed them on the new site that was 65 meters higher and 200 meters away from the river. The project lasted from 1964 to 1968 at the cost of US$40 million. The larger temple is dedicated to Ptah, Amun and Ra-Harakhty with four large statues of Ramesses on its façade. The smaller temple is for the most beloved wife of Ramesses, Nefertari, and the personification of the goddess Hathor. Other royal family members, gods and goddesses adorn the temples.

Things to Do in Aswan

After you are done visiting the temples and monuments in Aswan, try to squeeze in a visit to Elephantine Island in Upper Egypt. During ancient times, the island was a fort and believed to be the residence of the ram-headed god of the cataracts (waterfalls) named Khnum. He was worshipped by the natives together with Satis, the war goddess and her personification as the fertility goddess of the Nile as her daughter Anuket. At the Aswan Museum located on the island you will find the mummified ram belonging to Khnum and an extremely rare calendar called the Elephantine Calendar of Things that dates back to the reign of Thutmose III during the 15th century BC. Thutmose’s obelisk is now located in Istanbul, Turkey. You will find one of the oldest Nilometers in Egypt at the Temple of Satis while another one is located near the Temple of Khnum. In nearby Kitchener’s Island or Plantation Island is the Aswan Botanical Garden. It is the perfect place for a pleasant afternoon amid the shady trees, bountiful blossoms and rare plants from all over the world. You can also view some rare exotic birds that are on the island. The Aswan Botanical Garden is also a research station for timber trees and rare tropical plants that are sent around the world.

Alexandria

Places to See in Alexandria

If something out of the normal things you’ve seen In Egypt is what you are looking for, then you should rush off to Alexandria. This place can be considered an artist’s or an educated individual’s haven as there is a combination of various influences from different cultures. Greek and French influences can be observed in the environment as well as the atmosphere of the place. The architecture and the food is clear-cut European influence, which is a breath of fresh air if you need something more familiar to experience while you are staying in Egypt. The city is Egypt’s largest seaport and the second largest city in the country. It is home to over 4.1 million inhabitants and Egypt’s industrial center. The city, which was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, was the former capital of the country for over one thousand years. Alexandria is the location of the Library of Alexandria, and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Located on a small hill near the Arab cemetery is the 27-meter high Pompey’s Pillar. The tall Roman triumphal column was made from a single piece of red granite and estimated to be about 396 tons. The erection of such colossal objects and monuments defy description since there seemed to be no equipment strong enough to lift these heavy objects.

A few meters from the Pompey’s Pillar are the labyrinthine Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa that have multiple levels. These can be reached via a spiral staircase. The catacombs were discovered in the 1800s and consist of sarcophagi, burial niches, statues, sculpted pillars, religious symbols from Egypt and Rome and memorial meals and banquet rooms done in Roman style.

The remains of the Library of Alexandria, which was considered as the largest library in the ancient world was discovered in 2004. The scholarship center was the brainchild of either Ptolemy I Soter or his son Ptolemy II. Father and son ruled successively from 323 BC to 246 BC. The new commemorative and replica of the library, named Bibliotheca Alexandria was inaugurated in 2002 on the same site as the original one.

Overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea is the Citadel of Qaitbay, erected during the reign of Sultan Abdul-Nasser Qa’it Bay in 1477 AD. It was situated in the eastern harbor entrance at the eastern point of Pharos Island and built on the exact location of the Lighthouse of Alexandria or more commonly known as the Lighthouse of Pharos.

The remains of what used to be a pleasure garden surrounded by Roman baths and villas but turned into a Roman amphitheater can be found in Kom El-Dikka. Most of the amphitheater is still beautifully preserved and you can still see sections of mosaic flooring and white and gray marble seats for up to 800 spectators formed in 13 semicircular tiers.

Things to Do in Alexandria

While the Montazah Palace is closed to the public you can still stroll along its beautiful gardens overlooking a beach. There are plenty of benches placed all over the garden and the wading and swimming pools can keep you cool. The palace itself is quite stunning, with its combination of Ottoman and Florentine architectural styles. If you want to try your luck, a building called the Haramlek belonging to the palace complex now houses a casino at its lower floor and a museum at its upper levels is a royal museum. The Salamlek building has been turned into a luxury hotel.

To view things from the past in more pleasant surroundings, you can go museum –hopping in Alexandria. The Alexandria Museum is divided into different sections. One section is devoted to History where you can view artifacts in chronological order. It also has Prehistoric and Pharaonic section, a Greco-Roman section and one that showcases artifacts from the Coptic and Islamic eras that were mostly found during underwater excavations. If you want to take a look at royal jewelry, the best places to see them are at the Museum of Fine Arts in Moharram Bey and the Royal Jewelry Museum in Zezenia.

If the sun is not too strong, you can go sunbathing at Montazah Beach or Maa’moura Beach. For some water sports, the Montazah Water Sports is one of the recommended places where you can ride a Donuts and Banana Boat or have a go at water skiing and wakeboarding. At Ras el-Tin you can hire a boat and go cruising along the river while walking along the Corniche located along the Mediterranean Sea not only will relax you but will give you the chance to shop for souvenirs and sample local delicacies from the numerous shops, restaurants and cafés that line the 15-kilometer avenue.

Sinai Peninsula

Places to See in Sinai

Sinai is a combination of many things about Egypt. It is a desert area where you can go on camel rides, desert safaris and do some quad biking. It is near the Red Sea, which is a diver’s haven, and the city is also a paradise for sun worshippers. While these are the things that lure modern travelers, Sinai is one of the holiest places on earth. It is the place, which according to the Bible is where Moses received the Ten Commandments, the site of the Exodus, the location of Gebel Musa or the Mountain of Moses and the area where God spoke to Moses through a burning bush. This is the location of the Monastery of Saint Catherine. Even if you are not in Egypt for a pilgrimage, the monastery is worth a visit. Purported to be the most sacred of places, the Orthodox monastery is at the foot of Mount Sinai and had been included in the World Heritage list of UNESCO. The monastery was built during the time of Emperor Justinian I, around the 6th century. Its library contains numerous religious icons, valuable works of art, mosaics and liturgical objects and has the second largest collection of world manuscripts and codices, next to the Vatican.

While not really a natural color, the Blue Desert is still a sight to behold. It is a place where you will find four miles of stones large and small painted in blue, the United Nations color for peace. The work was done by Belgian artist Jean Berame in 1980 to celebrate the peace between Israel and Egypt.

The Arabic word for gold is Dahab and it is the name of the town where the beaches have yellow sand. The area is somewhat isolated and used to be a fishing port inhabited by Bedouins and where dried fish and dates were the favorite gift items. It is now a favorite hangout of nature enthusiasts who want to enjoy outdoor activities like desert trekking, free diving, scuba diving, windsurfing and rock climbing. From here you can go on a 90-minute camel safari at Ras Abu Galoum to reach another dive destination, the famous Blue Hole.

One of the favorite tourist destinations in Sinai is Sharm el-Sheikh. It offers the best of both worlds while you are here. You can enjoy the desert if you are tired of the water but you will have hours of fun and adventure if you are a diver as Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the finest diving spots in the world where you can find spectacular reefs and various shipwrecks. The area is already a bustling city where you can enjoy shopping at the mall, play golf generally have a fine day near the waters of Garden Bay, Nabq Bay or at Na’ama Bay. Taba near the Egypt-Israel border is another good place for a spot of diving.

Things to Do in Sinai

If adventure and an afternoon of thrill is what you are looking for, then you should not miss out on an opportunity to go quad biking in the Sinai Desert. Whether you are on a packaged tour or you are just traveling by yourself, you can take part of this wonderful adventure by simply coordinating with the concierge of your hotel, which is easier if you are staying in Sharm El Sheikh. Pick-ups and drop-offs are available to make your day much easier for you. The adventure begins when you are placed on a quad bike to let you get the feel and hang of it. Once you have masterfully used one of the bikes, you will be taken on a two-hour guided tour of the Sinai Desert. You will be able to see man-made marvels such as the Pharaonic Valley as well as speed through the dunes and valleys. You can take photographs of the wonderful scenery and enjoy the sunset over the Egyptian desert.

While there you may want to go over and see the Oasis of Feiran, Sinai’s largest oasis and experience what it’s like to live in the desert, even if only for a few hours. But that is not only the symbolism you will get when you visit the oasis as this is also believed to the site where Moses struck the rock that brought forth drinking water for his people. You may even get in touch with some Bedouins while you are at the oasis.

If you are game for some hiking, one of the best places to go to is the Colored Canyon in Nuweiba. The canyon walls reach a height of 16 stories and through soil erosion display varied rock formations in striated colors and textures along the exposed limestone and sandstone. While in Nuweiba, which translates to bubbling springs, enjoy the 7-kilometer stretch of beach and coastline of yet unspoiled beauty.

Red Sea Coast

Places to See at the Red Sea Coast

The Red Sea Coast is about 800 kilometers from the Suez Canal. It is one of the fastest developing areas in Egypt for international travelers because of its warm climate throughout the year, its numerous beach resorts, the azure and clear waters of the Red Sea and for it being a top destination for diving enthusiasts.
El Quseir is a fishing town that is 100 kilometers to the north of Marsa Alam. It is a small area and you can explore the place on foot. You will get to see the old fortress where you will find various stalls selling souvenirs and where you can enjoy a seafood meal and sip local tea. It is fast becoming another good place for divers.

Port Ghalib is an integrated resort community. It is a very modern resort complex complete with marinas, hotels, apartments, exclusive beach areas and an entertainment complex where international artists have performed. The resort boasts of building created following ancient architecture and culture.

Close to Hurghada is El Gouna, a completely modern and self-contained town. It is a place for family holidays where you can spend the time visiting its numerous boutiques, dine in some of its pubs and restaurants and enjoy a variety of outdoor sports such as kite surfing, horseback riding, and scuba diving and be pampered at the local spas with world-class amenities.

Things to Do at the Red Sea Coast

At the coast of the Red Sea, a visit would be incomplete without snorkeling in some of the bodies of water, which has some of the world’s best coral reefs. The best place to do some diving in this location is at Hurghada, which is very accessible by boat or one of those mini-submarines. Invest in a good underwater camera so you can take snapshots of the beautiful reefs as well as the variety of fishes there are in the open water. And since the Red Sea Coast is famous for its water activities such as diving, the areas around the coast boast of amenities for a wide variety of water and outdoor activities, aside from diving and exploring the depths of the Red Sea and seeing many of its exotic underwater denizens.