What are the top places to see and things to do in Egypt?

Cairo

This is a very large and sprawling city with an abundance of exciting places to visit on Egypt vacations. Probably your first one will be the Egyptian Museum and the best place to delve into Egypt’s amazing history and past glory. It contains one of the world’s most important collections of ancient artefacts and the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. The Giza Pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo are the only remaining one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. They are 4,000 years old and are amazing because of their extraordinary shape, perfectly made structure, and sheer size. For a true Cairo experience, visit the Khan Al Khalili Bazaar with its mediaeval flavour and shops found in narrow lanes. The Cairo Citadel is a mediaeval Islamic fortification located high on a hill with amazing views of the city. It is now a well-preserved historic site comprising mosques, palaces, and museums. 

For more information on Cairo Tours and Travel Highlights click here

Central Egypt

This is the heartland of Ancient Egypt and an excellent area on Egypt tours to explore history and marvel at the wonders of a bygone time. 

Luxor

You can start with the Luxor Temple, a temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes) constructed in approximately 1400 BC. It may have been where many of the kings of Egypt were crowned. Karnak is an outstanding complex of sanctuaries, temples, chapels, and obelisks. The complex is a vast open-air site and includes the Karnak Open Air Museum. It is believed to be the second-most visited historical site in Egypt after the pyramids. The Valley of the Kings is where, from the 16th to the 11th Centuries BC, tombs were constructed for Pharaohs. It has been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC.  

For more information on Luxor Tours and Travel Highlights click here

Southern Egypt

Abu Simbel is where you will find two enormous rock temples in a village in Nubia only rediscovered at the beginning of the 19th Century. The twin temples of Abu Simbel were originally carved out of a mountainside in the 13th Century BC during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. They are a monument to him and his Queen Nefertari. The whole complex was relocated to above the Aswan High Dam as it was in danger of being flooded by the creation of Lake Nasser. The amazing Aswan High Dam was built across the Nile in Aswan between 1960 and 1970 AD and had a significant effect on the economy of Egypt due to its ability to increase water storage.  

For more information on Abu Simbel Tours and Travel Highlights click here 

Northern Egypt

Saint Catherine's Monastery, on the Sinai Peninsula where, according to the Old Testament, Moses received the Ten Commandments, lies at the foot of Mount Sinai, near the town of Saint Catherine. The monastery is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. It contains the world's oldest continually operating library and houses priceless works of art including mosaics, The Egyptian city of Alexandria is not only famous for its spectacular location on the Mediterranean Sea but also, for the man who built it to rule the world for thousands of years ago, Alexander the Great Highlights here include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a huge library with a unique design and the El Montazah Palace, once a summer getaway for the King. 

What about cruises on the Nile River?

This is certainly the most relaxing way to view Central Egypt’s treasures. Almost all Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan in both directions and usually take a minimum of 4 days one way. There are cruises from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan which last as long as 12 to 13 days one way. Most Nile cruises visit the popular sites of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo before disembarking in either Luxor or Aswan. There are a lot of choices as it has been recorded that there are around 200 Nile River Cruise ships. These range from traditional paddle steamers to luxurious modern cruise ships. Most cruise companies employ the services of an Egyptologist, who will be your guide around the ancient sites you visit along the way. Modern vessels usually have a swimming pool while some provide nightly entertainment in the form of belly dancing shows. At night, many of the temples and monuments are illuminated and the sight of them from the river can be breathtaking on Egypt vacations.

For more information on Nile River Cruises click here

What about Egyptian resorts?

Hurghada is the main tourist centre on trips to Egypt and is known for the excellent diving and snorkelling available on the Red Sea Coast on an Egypt tour. Visitors choose Hurghada on a trip to Egypt as it offers an excellent beach vacation. The waters here are clear and calm for much of the year making it a popular water sports destination. Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Sharm El Sheik, once a simple fishing village, present-day Sharm El Sheik is a well-known port and resort town and is regarded as one of the finest diving spots in the world on an Egypt vacation. 

For more information on RedSea Tours and Travel Highlights click here 

Egypt Travel Information

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

Egypt has two seasons. It enjoys a mild winter which lasts from October to April and a hot summer from May to September. It should be borne in mind that in summer, the heat can be uncomfortable. If considering a stay on the Red Sea coast, June to September is a good time to visit the beach resorts. Despite being the peak of summer, temperatures on the coast are much cooler than those of the rest of Egypt.

For more information on the best time to visit Egypt click here 

What types of tours are available in Egypt?

The ideal itinerary to really enjoy an Egypt tour and discover its charms is to combine a stopover in Cairo followed by a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. Add on if required an excursion to  Abu Simbel. Cruises are available for all tastes and budgets. Should you wish to relax after all that, consider a few days at a Red Sea resort to complete your Egypt travel. 

What else should I know about travelling in Egypt?

If taking a Nile cruise, both Luxor and Aswan are easily accessible from Cairo with regular flights daily. You can visit Alexandria from Cairo on a short train journey allowing you to see the countryside en route on an Egypt vacation. Regular flights operate between Cairo and the Red Sea resorts. 

The Pharaohs await you...book your Egypt tour today!

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Cruise the Nile with Sanctuary Retreats on Your Trip to Egypt

The World’s Iconic Sites Featured on Goway’s Holidays of a Lifetime (Part 1)

5 Reasons Why Boutique Cruising is Best

Now is a Great Time to Visit Egypt!

Tom Hanks in Egypt

Egypt Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to an Egypt vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Egypt, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Egypt's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, and 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Egypt for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Egypt tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Egypt tours, why not consider one of Goway's Europe Tours.