Escape to Egypt for History, culture, and adventure

A branch that is different from the tree

This is a typical Middle Eastern country with sea on some of its borders and deserts in the interiors. To the north, there is the Mediterranean Sea having some cooling effect on the beaches in the north. The Nile River is considered the lifeline of the country, offering fertile lands on its banks for agriculture. Most people on hearing the name of this country will think of the Pyramids and other structures, which still amaze visitors as to how these were built in the ancient era. If you want to see the real life of the people here, you can go for city breaks to see the various markets with cafes and the colonial architecture to see how contact with the West changed this country forever. Here we have some suggestions for what you could look forward to in this country.

Cruise over the Nile

One of the ways to travel around large parts of Egypt is the Nile River cruise. The river flows from south to North, so you will find a lot of cruise rides downstream from the historic city of Aswan. As for upstream cruises you can catch cruise rides from Cairo. You will be served meals mostly buffet style, including items from both Egyptian and European cuisines. There will be important stops on the way, which will give a good part of the day to explore the cities that have flourished around the river for millenniums. While the nights will be for further journeys and you can go to the deck to enjoy the cool breeze if you are tired of views from your cabin window.

Ancient structures to catch your fancy in Giza

Most tourists coming here will not go back without looking at the Pyramids the large structures with many stories and movies about them which you will find in Giza. Here you will even get to see the Sphinx statue and you will find many small architectural remains. There are good accommodations here and there are restaurants too, offering good views of these structures as you dine. Walks in the desert can be uncomfortable for those not used to it, so you can hire camel rides to get closer to see what you have come for. The other option you have is to hire a cab to get closer to these sites and ride horses for closer views.

Walk through an amusing old city

Luxor again on the banks of the Nile, offers many more old structures to see. There are seasonal flights in winter to this city from all over Western Europe. Here you can visit the Valley of Kings with tombs of the ancient kings. Then there is the temple of Karnak and the Luxor temple, where you will get to imagine the old rituals performed to please the gods. If you prefer some shade, there is the Luxor Museum where you will get a more organized look into the old history of this country. Then there is the valley of artisans, which shows how organized life here was with work distributed among people with different skills. You can even hire All-Terrain Vehicles to travel around the desert.

Choose a city for your city break

Egypt has many cities new and old, each with something different to offer. Cairo, the capital of the country, and Alexandria, which was the capital of the region in ancient times are highly recommended. Here you will find large mosques, which will give you an idea of the changed culture of the country after conversion to Islam. You will find many structures, some surviving from the colonial eras. If you are interested in the works of arts and crafts, there are many major markets where the local cab drivers will take you easily. You will be able to find some good restaurants here to try various Middle Eastern cuisines and some dishes may remind of the local eateries in your area.

Egyptian Beaches and the winter

You will have to choose between the Northern coast and Eastern coast of the country, where beaches and the water will be warm enough for a swim or sunbathing, although there are more beach resorts on the Eastern coast. On the Red Sea, there are beach destinations like Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab, some small towns that are doing everything to attract more tourists. You can choose one according to what you have in mind. While some will be peaceful, others will allow you to go snorkeling or scuba diving. Some have small islands close by and there are boat rides on offer to get to these.

Conclusion

Before planning your trip overseas it is always best to find all the information you will need for your trip. You will have the option of booking some tours online or in person by meeting a travel advisor. The other option you have is to do all the planning and booking yourself. No matter where you are coming from, you will need a visa to cross the airport.

Looking for cheap flights to Egypt? Whether you're planning to explore the ancient wonders of the Pyramids of Giza or relax by the Red Sea, finding budget-friendly options is easier with some planning. Consider flying during off-peak seasons and comparing prices across various airlines. Direct flights from the USA to Cairo International Airport (CAI) are available through major carriers, with layover options often reducing costs. For the best deals, check regularly on flight comparison sites and book early!