egypt tour attractions

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

18 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Egypt

One of the most popular countries to visit on the continent, Egypt lies in the northeast corner of Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Home to incredible tourist attractions such as the Valley of the Kings, the Great Sphinx, and the pyramids at Giza, it is famed around the world for its ancient monuments and age-old archaeological sites.

Although focus of most tourist visits remains the great monuments along the Nile, possibilities for Egyptian travel also includes snorkeling and diving along the Red Sea coast. Other things to do in Egypt include camel trips into the mountains of Sinai, tours to remote oases or visits to the Coptic monasteries of the Eastern Desert.

In addition, the country has a rich culture and heritage for you to delve into, with fantastic museums and monasteries alongside a plethora of Ancient Egyptian attractions.

18. Temple of Isis at Philae

Located in southern Egypt, the Temple of Isis lies on a small island in a reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, surrounded by the swift-flowing waters of the river Nile. Originally located on Philae, it was dismantled and then relocated and reconstructed on Agilkia Island in the 1970s to protect and preserve the ancient complex from flooding.

Impressively, the temple is the oldest built in the classical Egyptian style and dates back to the third century BC. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it features sturdy stone columns and carefully carved capitals, with age-old hieroglyphs also on show.

Besides the terrific Temple of Isis, there are some stunning shrines, statues, and sculptures for visitors to check out, with Aswan’s alluring sights lying not far away.

One of the most important and impressive archaeological sites in Egypt, the ancient city of Abydos lies in the center of the country, just a couple of hours north of Luxor. Home to an astounding array of temples, tombs, and tantalizing treasures, it was here that the early pharaohs were buried, with the royal necropolis of Seti I being the undoubted highlight.

Wandering around the extensive yet largely unexcavated site is an awe-inspiring experience as massive monuments and cavernous chapels, chambers and courts lie all around. Once the main cult center of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, Abydos is thought to have been founded over six thousand years ago, remaining in use as a necropolis for most of that time.

16. Temple of Edfu

Boasting an extraordinary entrance, the Temple of Edfu lies on the banks of the river Nile, between Luxor and Aswan. Built between 237 and 57 BC, the Ptolemaic temple is dedicated to Horus; one of the most important ancient Egyptian deities.

Very well-preserved, it showcases remarkable reliefs and delightfully detailed carvings and hieroglyphs; even its roof is intact. Surrounding its sanctuary are nine chapels, and large stone columns line its divinely decorated halls.

It is its gigantic gateway that is the Temple of Edfu’s standout feature; it is guarded by grand granite statues and decorated with reliefs of long-gone pharaohs.

15. Bibliotheca Alexandrina

One of the most important centers of learning and culture in the country, Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located in Egypt’s second-largest city of Alexandria, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Opened in 2002, it attempts to replicate, commemorate, and celebrate the knowledge and learning that once took place in the Great Library of Alexandria – one of the ancient world’s greatest institutions.

It certainly achieves its goal. Within the complex are a number of magnificent museums and art galleries and a fabulous planetarium, while its main reading room can hold up to eight million books. The library exhibits lovely architecture: its design imitates the rising sun, and its exterior is coated in symbols and scripts from all around the world.

14. Red Pyramid

Surrounded by the endless sands of the Sahara, the Red Pyramid is located some 40 kilometers to the south of Cairo at the Dahshur necropolis. Widely believed to be the first successful smooth-sided pyramid ever built, it dates to 2590 BCE and lies next to the Bent Pyramid, an earlier and unique but ultimately unsuccessful attempt.

Once encased in white limestone, the 105-meter-high pyramid is now a ruddy red – residents of Cairo carted off its outer layer and used it to erect buildings. Visitors to the Red Pyramid can enter its interior chambers through a series of narrow passageways and marvel at the astonishing feat of engineering which paved the way for the pyramids at Giza to be built.

13. Siwa Oasis

Set in a scenic yet secluded spot in the Sahara, Siwa Oasis lies not far from the border with Libya. It boasts its own unique desert culture and distinct dialect. Mostly made up of Berbers, the town is primarily known for being home to the powerful and prestigious Temple of the Oracle, which even Alexander the Great came to consult.

While its revered ruins attract the most visitors, astounding archaeological sites, such as the rock tombs of Gebel al Mawta and the crumbling mud-brick fortress of Shali, are also well worth checking out. Siwa Oasis has a rich history, culture and heritage for you to delve into, with stunning salt lakes and desert scenery found nearby.

12. Blue Hole (Dahab)

One of Egypt’s most popular dive sites, the Blue Hole, lies just north of Dahab on the southeast of the Sinai Peninsula. Dropping straight down for over a hundred meters, the sinkhole is brimming with colorful coral reefs and shimmering shoals of fish.

Due to the abundance of marine life and shoreline accessibility, recreational scuba divers line up to explore its underwater riches every day. While it is perfectly safe, the Blue Hole has unfortunately claimed the lives of a number of deep divers as they attempted to pass through its archway – a 26 meter-long tunnel which lies more than 55 meters below the surface.

11. Al Azhar Mosque

The first mosque founded in the city, Al Azhar was built by the Fatimids in 972 in their newly established capital of Cairo . Located in its mesmerizing medieval quarter, the mosque exhibits exquisite architecture, with majestic minarets and madrasas lying alongside divinely decorated prayer halls and marble-coated courtyards.

In addition to the fine features and flourishes that date to the Mamluks and Ottomans, among others, Al Azhar is also one of the oldest seats of learning in the world and still functions as a university to this day.

10. St Catherine’s Monastery

Set in the center of the Sinai Peninsula, St Catherine’s Monastery lies not far from the small town of the same name, beneath the wonderfully weathered Willow Peak. Sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews, it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, having been established in the year 324.

Enclosed within its ancient walls, you can find a lovely church, mosque, and library, as well as innumerable important icons and mosaics. On top of its historical, cultural, and religious value, St Catherine’s Monastery also boasts some superb scenery: it is set in a spectacular spot in the desert.

9. Pyramid of Djoser

Out of all of Egypt’s astonishing and awe-inspiring archaeological sites, the Pyramid of Djoser stands alone as the first colossal stone monument constructed in the world. Due to the amount of labor and level of societal organizing needed, its construction represented an astounding leap from previous architectural styles and norms.

Dating all the way back to the 27th century BC, the stunning step pyramid was built to house the burial chamber of Pharaoh Djoser, and many tunnels and galleries can be found inside it. Part of the sprawling Saqarra necropolis, the phenomenal pyramid is flanked by colonnaded corridors, monumental halls, and courts, and lies some 30 kilometers to the south of Cairo.

8. Egyptian Museum

Full of glittering jewels, marvelous mummies, and stupendous statues, the Egyptian Museum is home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient artifacts. First opened in 1902, the large pinkish-red building can be found in Downtown Cairo overlooking Tahrir Square.

Wedged within its grand galleries are over 100,000 objects, with sublime stone sculptures and tantalizing treasures wherever you look. While its intricately decorated furniture, boats, and sarcophagi make for fascinating viewing, the undoubted highlight is the glittering Gold Mask of Tutankhamun, which is renowned around the world.

7. Ras Mohammed

Lying right in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, the small and scenic peninsula of Ras Mohammed juts into the warm waters of the Red Sea. Now a national park, its desolate landscapes contrast delightfully with the colors and life found beneath its waves.

As such, it is one of the most popular places in Egypt to go scuba diving and snorkeling, with the famous Shark and Yolanda Reef sites being the pick of the lot. Besides its gorgeous coral reefs and shimmering shoals of fish, Ras Mohammed also has some beautiful beaches and superb scenery for visitors to enjoy.

6. River Nile Cruise

Cruising the Nile is one of the most popular things to do in Egypt. The Nile River has been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to trace the passage of Egypt’s history than to follow the course of the Nile.

Almost all Egyptian cruise ships travel the Luxor-Aswan route which is safe, scenic and terminates at two of Egypt’s most important towns.

Taking a Felucca down the Nile is an adventurous option. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity. A Felucca is not quite as comfortable as a luxury cruise ship but nothing can beat sailing in a quiet rig that was designed thousands of years ago.

5. White Desert National Park

Boasting some of the most unique, unusual, and incredible landscapes in Egypt, White Desert National Park lies in the west of the country, not far from Farafra. Here, you’ll find sparkling white chalk rock formations, outcrops of glinting quartz, and the magically named Crystal Mountain.

Sculpted over millennia by the desert winds and sands of the Sahara, their surreal shapes and colors are mesmerizing to gaze upon, with the best views to be had from atop the two towering Twin Peaks. As the fantastic formations are so spectacularly lit up at sunset and sunrise, it is well worth camping the night in the national park to see them in all their glimmering glory.

4. Karnak Temple

Renowned for its staggering size, scale, and splendor, the Karnak Temple complex covers a vast area and is one of Luxor’s most popular attractions. While work first began on the site around 2000 BC, approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to its dazzling and decadent design, with each ruler adding their own temples and sanctuaries, chapels and obelisks.

Wandering around the temple really does feel like stepping back in time as you pass by colossal colonnades, human-headed sphinxes, and astounding architecture. The standout sight is the great Temple of Amun-Ra that dominates and defines the complex and boasts a majestic hypostyle hall.

3. Valley of the Kings

One of the most remarkable archaeological sites on Earth, the Valley of the Kings lies on the west bank of the river Nile, facing Luxor. Cut into the surrounding cliffs, valleys, and mountains are an incredible 63 royal tombs, with pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramesses buried here from the 16th to 11th century BC.

Most of these chambers are sumptuously decorated with religious texts and resplendent reliefs, although their glittering treasures and sarcophagi have long since been removed. Visiting the age-old tombs is an awe-inspiring experience as you navigate cool rock-cut corridors and emerge into burial chambers painted with arresting scenes from Egyptian mythology.

2. Temples of Abu Simbel

Set in the deep south of Egypt, not far from the border with Sudan, the Temples of Abu Simbel look out over the shimmering waters of Lake Nasser. Carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, the twin temples are one of the most iconic sights in Egypt thanks to the enormous rock relief figures flanking their entrance.

While the famed facades attract the most attention, their interiors are just as delightful to explore, with statues, reliefs, and pillared halls all on show. Almost as impressive as the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor is the fact that the complex was relocated entirely in 1968 to avoid the rising waters of the Aswan Dam.

1. Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza

Lying on the outskirts of Greater Cairo is one of humankind’s most astonishing architectural achievements – the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Built between 2580 to 2510 BC are three phenomenal pyramids, with the enormous Great Sphinx and its human-like features set beside them.

While the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure both make for stunning sights, the Pyramid of Khufu – the oldest, largest, and most intact of the trio – is the real showstopper. Towering to a staggering 146 meters, it is made out of more than 2.3 million blocks, with grand galleries and burial chambers found within.

Exploring the Giza Pyramid Complex on foot or camelback is an experience like no other as you pass by some of the oldest buildings on Earth with the desert stretching out all around you.

Map of Things to Do in Egypt

Share this post:

15 Best Cities to Visit in Egypt

10 Best Beaches in Egypt

12 Most Fascinating Pyramids in Egypt

6 Most Beautiful Regions in Egypt

16 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

10 Greatest Ancient Egyptian Monuments

23 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

10 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples

6 Best Day Trips from Cairo

10 Best Mauritius Luxury Resorts

Reader interactions.

June 11, 2018 at 6:26 pm

It’s very hard to put a list of only 10 top attractions in Egypt, because there are many more! Have you camped at the white desert and seen its magnificent rock formations? have you star-gazed in Sinai? or watched the sun-rise over the fossils and rock formations at the Whales Valley in Fayoum? or walked Mu’izz street in Islamic Cairo at night, watched a whirling dervishes show, then had tea at El-Fishawy Cafe? or walked the streets of downtown, and had coffee at one of its historical cafes? Well, the list is just endless..

September 26, 2015 at 10:04 am

Thank you so much for the descriptions and pictures. I’m visiting Cairo in October and already wrote down places I’m going to visit. You made it easy and very exciting for me. Thanks again 🙂

August 6, 2014 at 11:37 pm

Great article! Since I was a child, I’ve always been interested in the Valley of the Kings. I especially want to see King Tut’s tomb at least once in my life. Well, its great to know that there are a lot of beautiful tourist destinations in Egypt. I also saw one of the comments. Is there really such a thing as the sunken city in Alexandria? I hope you can write about it soon!

July 30, 2014 at 7:32 am

Well, this article has very nice pictures. But you missed the sunken city in Alexandria. it is full of sunken ancient Egyptian and Greek monuments!

March 8, 2014 at 10:55 am

Hundreds of miles of coral, a wealth of sea life, and crystal-clear waters earn Egypt’s Red Sea Coast recognition as one of the planet’s best dive destinations. The warm water, great visibility, and availability of excellent instructors make this a good spot to learn how to dive. Most scuba activity here is based out of Dahab, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh. The best diving spot on world by fodors.com top 10 list .this is my country 🙂

February 21, 2014 at 3:12 am

I want to see Giza, it is just a stone’s throw from Cairo and lies literally across the road from many of the most popular hotels.

August 19, 2013 at 3:19 pm

My number 1 place to visit in Egypt is Elephantine Island! It is in the middle of the nile and used to be used at a river check point into Lower Egypt. Great archeological site!

July 10, 2013 at 9:54 pm

What a wonderful place to visit and the sites and people of this land were incredible. We have just returned from the most memorable holiday ever.Our touring experience was exciting, safe and welcoming.No need to dig we had immediate access to knowledgeable, skilled and world class tour guides with great insight .Yes, from brilliant sunrise to splendid sunset every step of the tour, we were treated with warm friendly hospitality -Shukran

May 29, 2013 at 8:51 am

Looks very cool, I can’t wait to be on the river Nile cruise….. Pyramid of Giza , red sea reef etc Egypt I’m coming soon….

May 18, 2011 at 9:27 am

Wow, you’ve got some great pictures here! I remember studying Ancient Egypt at school and since then have loved the place!

December 5, 2010 at 1:49 pm

Egypt has always been the first travel destination choice for me. It is breathtaking and holds so much history. Travel is always joyous to me. The idea of getting lost in a unknown place is exciting to me. There are so many places to go, and no one to stop you. I have wanted to watch the sun rise and set among the great pyramids since I was 9 years old, and I am now considering deep diving into the Red Sea and have a look around.

December 5, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Egypt is a place that I would love to travel to. It has always been the place I imagined myself to watch the sun raise, while looking at the great pyramids. I have never thought the Red Sea would be a place to add to my list to visit in my travels while in Egypt but just the one picture shown above is beautiful and I would definatly take a dive in and wonder the sea.

Just knowing the history of Egypt is so inspriring to me. There are so many places in the world that are remarkable but yet there is not enough time do make it to every place. For the longest time I have wanted to travel around the world and film it, then sale them for domcumentaion to schools and other academic areas. I would be able to travel and make a profit off of it.

December 3, 2010 at 11:40 am

Argh the red sea reef looks amazing!! But the temples must also be pretty impressive. I really have to visit!

December 1, 2010 at 7:08 pm

I have not been to any of those tourists spots in Egypt and I am hoping that I can visit there next year. My first stop would be at the Pyramids of Giza.

November 26, 2010 at 11:42 pm

Egypt has been attracting tourist for several thousand years. The Pyramids of Giza, the beach resorts along the Red Sea, and the bazaars of Medieval Cairo this are the most attractive place in egypt. The best time to go is between October to May when a visit to the temples in Luxor.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Must-see attractions in Egypt

Amun Temple Enclosure

Amun-Ra was the local god of Karnak (Luxor) and during the New Kingdom, when the princes of Thebes ruled Egypt, he became the preeminent state god, with a…

St Catherine's Monastery

This ancient monastery traces its founding to about AD 330, when Byzantine empress Helena had a small chapel and a fortified refuge for local hermits…

Temple of Horus

Southern Nile Valley

This Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the…

Temple of Seti I

Northern Nile Valley

The first structure you’ll see at Abydos is the Great Temple of Seti I, which, after a certain amount of restoration work, is one of the most complete,…

Great Temple of Ramses II

Carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, this imposing main temple of the Abu Simbel complex was as much…

Temple of Isis

Built to honour the goddess Isis, this was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Construction began around 690 BC, and it was one of the…

White Desert National Park

Western Desert

Upon first glimpse of the 300-sq-km national park of the White Desert, you’ll feel like Alice through the looking-glass. About 20km northeast of Farafra,…

Valley of the Kings

The west bank of Luxor had been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC, but it was the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC) who chose…

Pyramids of Giza

The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids…

Egyptian Museum

One of the world’s most important collections of ancient artefacts, the Egyptian Museum takes pride of place in Downtown Cairo, on the north side of Midan…

Cairo Outskirts & the Nile Delta

Covering a 7km stretch of the Western Desert, Saqqara, the huge cemetery of ancient Memphis, was an active burial ground for more than 3500 years and is…

Karnak is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Theban triad but also to the greater glory of pharaohs…

Museum of Islamic Art

This museum, on the edge of Islamic Cairo, holds one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic art and is Egypt's (and one of the entire Middle East's)…

Temples of Abu Simbel

Overlooking Lake Nasser, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, which together make up the Temples of Abu Simbel, are among the most…

As the main cult centre of Osiris, god of the dead, Abydos (known as Ibdju in ancient times) was the place to be buried in ancient Egypt. The tomb of Djer…

Tomb of Seti I (KV 17)

One of the great achievements of Egyptian art, this cathedral-like tomb is the finest in the Valley of the Kings. Long closed to visitors, it is now…

Known locally as Gebel Musa, Mt Sinai is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, all of whom believe that God delivered his Ten Commandments to Moses at…

Dendara was an important administrative and religious centre as early as the 6th dynasty (c 2320 BC). Although built at the very end of the Pharaonic…

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Alexandria’s ancient library was one of the greatest of all classical institutions, and while replacing it might seem a Herculean task, the new…

Medinat Habu

Ramses III’s magnificent memorial temple of Medinat Habu, fronted by sleepy Kom Lolah village and backed by the Theban mountains, is one of the west bank…

Luxor Museum

This wonderful museum has a well-chosen and brilliantly displayed and explained collection of antiquities dating from the end of the Old Kingdom right…

Monastery of St Anthony

Red Sea Coast

This historic monastery traces its origins to the 4th century AD when monks began to settle at the foot of Gebel Al Galala Al Qibliya, where their…

Tomb of Ramses VI (KV 9)

With some of the broadest corridors, longest shafts (117m) and greatest variety of decoration, KV 9 is one of the most spectacular tombs in the valley…

Monastery of St Paul

Dating to the 4th century, the Monastery of St Paul began as a grouping of hermitages in the cliffs around the site where Paul had his cell. The complex's…

Alexandria National Museum

This excellent museum sets a high benchmark with its summary of Alexandria’s past. Housed in a beautifully restored Italianate villa, the small but…

Al Azhar Mosque

Founded in AD 970 as the centrepiece of the newly created Fatimid city, Al Azhar is one of Cairo’s earlier mosques, and its sheikh is considered the…

Carved into a reef, 8km north of Dahab, is Egypt’s most infamous dive site. The Blue Hole is a gaping sinkhole that drops straight down – some say…

Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah

Sharia Al Muizz, as it’s usually called, named after the Fatimid caliph who conquered Cairo in AD 969, was Cairo's grand thoroughfare, once chock-a-block…

Nubia Museum

The little-visited Nubia Museum, opposite Basma Hotel, is a treat, a showcase of the history, art and culture of Nubia. Established in 1997 in cooperation…

Coptic Museum

This museum, founded in 1908, houses Coptic art from the earliest days of Christianity in Egypt right through to early Islam. It is a beautiful place, as…

Red Monastery

The Red Monastery, 4km southeast of the White Monastery and hidden at the rear of a village, is one of the most remarkable Christian buildings in Egypt…

Tombs of the Nobles

These tombs are some of the best least-visited attractions on the west bank. Nestled in the foothills opposite the Ramesseum are more than 400 tombs…

Necropolis of Al Bagawat

It may not look like much from afar, but this necropolis is one of the earliest surviving and best-preserved Christian cemeteries in the world. About 1km…

Mastaba of Ti

The Mastaba of Ti was discovered by Auguste Mariette in 1865. This grand and detailed private tomb is not only Old Kingdom art at its best but also one of…

Aswan Botanical Gardens

Kitchener’s Island, to the west of Elephantine Island, was given to Lord Horatio Kitchener in the 1890s when he was commander of the Egyptian army…

Fortress of Shali

Central Siwa is dominated by the spectacular organic shapes of the remains of this 13th-century mud-brick fortress. Built from kershef (chunks of salt…

Khan Al Khalili

The skinny lanes of Khan Al Khalili are basically a medieval-style mall. This agglomeration of shops – many arranged around small courtyards – stocks…

Imhotep Museum

In the complex at the entrance to the Saqqara site is this beautiful collection of some of the best finds from Saqqara, and one of the finest small…

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Massive yet elegant, this grand structure is regarded as the finest piece of early Mamluk architecture in Cairo. It was built between 1356 and 1363 by…

Tombs of Sennofer & Rekhmire

The most interesting parts of the tomb of Sennofer, overseer of the Garden of Amun under Amenhotep II, are to be found deep underground, in the main…

More destinations you need to see

Must-See Ancient Sights

Guide to the Pyramids of Giza

Visiting the Nile Delta

Luxor Guide

Valley of the Kings

Visiting Alexandria

Traditional Food to Try

What to Drink in Egypt

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

One Week in Egypt

Things to Do in Egypt

25 Top Things to Do in Egypt

For centuries, tourists have flocked to Egypt to admire its ancient pyramids and temples, as well as its natural wonders. The River Nile is the longest in the world, and the Red Sea coast is a playground for resort-style relaxation and adventurous water sports. At the heart of Egypt’s cultural identity is Cairo, a cosmopolitan capital where historic churches, mosques, and museums rub shoulders with luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Discover all this and more with our helpful guide to Egypt’s top attractions.

Dive for Ancient Ruins Around Alexandria

Brad Rickerby / Getty Images

While many of Egypt's ancient ruins can be seen standing tall above ground or hidden in tombs throughout the landscape, there are also a sizable amount of ruins still hiding below the surface of the sea near Alexandria. Discoveries are constantly being made, such as the city of Thonis-Heracleion which was rediscovered by divers in the early 2000s.

Although the water is not known for its clarity, divers will still see some incredible sights, such as the Ruins of Cleopatra's palace and the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Look for a PADI-certified dive shop to arrange a tour.

Dine on the Nile

iStock / Getty Images

If you don't have the time for a multi-day journey down the Nile, you can still enjoy the water by booking a dinner cruise from Cairo. Cruises last about two hours, where you'll be able to enjoy views of the city at sunset and live music, belly-dancing, and Tanoura, a dazzling traditional style that employs the use of a dynamic skirt to dazzle audiences. The food is typically buffet style, but you'll have a lot of different cruise operators to choose from so it's best to do a little digging and read reviews.

Ride Quads in the Desert

Iana Chyrva / Getty Images

The desert is an incredible landscape to explore, but you'll find yourself quite overheated doing so just on two feet. Instead, opt for a tour by quad. These 4x4 vehicles are fun to drive and you can appreciate the sights as they whizz by you. Quad or ATV tours from Cairo can take you past the pyramids and the sphinx, and often include extras like trips to Memphis or Sahara City, as well as camel rides and sand-boarding experiences.

Venture Through the Valley of the Queens

Nomad Outing / Getty Images

While the pharaohs are memorialized in the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens is the designated burial site for the wives of pharaohs, as well as several of the few female pharaohs that served throughout history. Located near Luxor, the site has over 90 tombs, the most impressive of which is the Tomb of Nefertari, Ramesses II's favorite wife, which is very large and decorated with incredible paintings. Although it is not as famous as the Valley of the Kings, many royal princes and princesses were also buried in this location.

Chill Out in Dahab

A trip to Egypt doesn't have to just be about history and ancient ruins, it can also be about laying out on the beach. A resort town like Dahab offers plenty of opportunities to relax and reset with many laid-back and family-friendly resorts where you can dip your toes into the Gulf of Aqaba, located at the top of the Red Sea. When you crave adventure, you can look to the nearby mountains for hiking or check out the incredible dive sites for scuba and snorkeling, such as the famous Blue Hole, which is accessible from the shoreline.

Learn About Cairo’s Multicultural History

At one time or another, Cairo has been occupied by Romans, Byzantines, Coptic Christians, Islamic caliphs, Mamluks, Ottomans, and British colonialists. Its architecture reflects its multicultural heritage, as you’ll discover on a walking tour of medieval citadel or with a visit to landmark religious sites such as the Hanging Church or Al-Azhar Mosque . For an overview of the country’s ancient history, head to the Egyptian Museum.

Experience Contemporary Cairo in Zamalek

cinoby / Getty Images

Head to Cairo's trendy Zamalek neighborhood (located on Gezira Island in the middle of the River Nile) to discover contemporary art galleries, five-star hotels, and world-class restaurants. El Sawy Culture Wheel is a hub for concerts, plays, and lectures; while the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art and the Cairo Opera House are located nearby. Floating venue Le Pacha 1901 boasts no fewer than nine gourmet riverfront restaurants.

Shop for Souvenirs at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Little has changed at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar since its foundation in the 14th century. In Cairo's most authentic souk, narrow cobbled streets open into alcoves packed with fragrant spices and handcrafted silver jewelry. Come to stock up on souvenirs, remembering that haggling is expected. Afterward, unwind with a cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee at the famous marketplace café Fishawi’s. The bazaar is located in Islamic Cairo.

Marvel at the Ancient Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza lie on the outskirts of Cairo. The largest of the three pyramid complexes is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today–an impressive feat, considering that the pyramids were built some 4,500 years ago. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, a cat-like creature carved from a single block of stone. Tickets to view the Great Pyramid cost EGP 100.

Visit the Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara

Those with a passion for pyramids should also make sure to visit the Pyramid of Djoser, located just south of Cairo at Saqqara , the necropolis of ancient Memphis. The pyramid was built in the 27th century BC, using a unique stepped style that pre-dates the smooth-sided pyramids at Giza. It is the oldest stone-cut monument in the world. The best way to visit Saqqara is on a day tour from Cairo .

Walk Amongst Luxor's Ancient Monuments

The modern city of Luxor sits on the east bank of the River Nile, on top of the ancient pharaonic capital of Thebes. Its temples, statues, and monuments give a sense of the city’s past grandeur. The top attraction is Luxor Temple, which was commissioned by Amenhotep III in the late 14th century. Monumental statues of Ramesses II guard the temple gate, and walking in between them is a breathtaking experience.

Explore the Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak temple complex is located just north of Luxor. Karnak was a place of great religious importance for the pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty, and it became the main place of worship for the ancient Thebans. Today, you can walk amongst an astonishing collection of sanctuaries and temples dedicated to the Theban Triad. The largest is the Temple of Amun-Ra, which costs EGP 120 to enter.

View Ancient Tombs in the Valley of the Kings

Across the river from Luxor lies the Theban necropolis, the Valley of the Kings. There are more than 60 subterranean tombs here, built for the mummies of New Kingdom pharaohs from as early as the 16th century BC. The pharaohs were buried with their worldly treasures amidst spectacular hieroglyphs. You’ll have to pay an extra EGP 100 on top of the standard ticket price to visit the most famous tomb – that of boy-king Tutankhamun. 

Uncover Ancient and Modern History at Philae

The Philae temple complex was built by Nectanebo I and added to by Ptolemaic and Roman rulers up until the 3rd century AD. As such, it provides an architectural account of Egypt’s transition from paganism to Christianity. In modern times, it was moved brick by brick from its original location on Philae Island to nearby Agilkia Island after the former was flooded during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Learn more on a day tour from Aswan .

Admire Incredible Reliefs at the Temple of Horus

The Temple of Horus at Edfu may not be the oldest structure in Egypt, but it is one of the best-preserved. The sandstone structure was built between 237 and 57 BC by the Ptolemaic kings, who dedicated it to the cult of the falcon god Horus. When paganism was banished, the abandoned temple began to fill with desert sand which kept its fabulous reliefs and statues intact.

Discover the Symmetrical Temple of Kom Ombo

Xavierarnau / Getty Images

The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in that it is divided into two symmetrical halves. One is dedicated to Horus the Elder, the other to the crocodile god Sobek. Each half contains an identical entrance, hypostyle hall, and sanctuary, and many of the temple’s reliefs show traces of their original color. Don’t miss the nearby Crocodile Museum with its collection of mummified crocodiles.

See it All on a Full Nile River Cruise

One of the most atmospheric ways to see the ancient sights between Luxor and Aswan is to sign up for a multi-day River Nile cruise . There are countless different options, from historic steamships like the S.S. Sudan to luxury cruisers like the Oberoi Zahra . The latter has its own on board spa and swimming pool. Budget travelers can explore with a no-frills tour on a traditional felucca.

Stand in Awe Before the Abu Simbel Temples

The two temples at Abu Simbel were built during the 13th century BC as monuments to Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari. They were also relocated to higher ground to prevent flood damage in the 1960s. The entrance of the Great Temple is guarded by four colossal statues of Ramesses II. Inside, eight more enormous statues represent the pharaoh in his deified form and can be viewed on an Abu Simbel tour .

Experience Berber Culture at Siwa Oasis

Experience the road less traveled at Siwa Oasis, a desert settlement located near the Libyan border. The town is known for its unique Berber culture, abundant date and olive plantations, and the ruined temple of the ancient Oracle of Ammon. The latter was once visited by Alexander the Great. Make sure to check current travel warnings before booking a trip to Siwa, as the Western Desert can be unsafe.

Make the Pilgrimage Up Mount Sinai

Robert Harding / Getty Images 

Located near Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula, Mount Sinai is a place of pilgrimage for Christians who believe that this is where Moses saw the Burning Bush and later received the Ten Commandments. At the foot of the mountain lies St. Catherine’s Monastery with its museum full of religious icons and relics. There are two routes to the summit: the challenging Steps of Repentance, or the more forgiving Camel Trail.

Soak Up the Atmosphere in Cosmopolitan Alexandria

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and, as one of the most important cities of its time, was home to a wealth of iconic landmarks. These included the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After a period of decline, Alex is once again a thriving port with an enviable culinary scene and several excellent cultural venues including the amazing Bibliotheca Alexandrina .

Cross the Suez Canal in Port Said

The coastal city of Port Said marks the northern entry into the historic Suez Canal. Wander along the port’s waterfront boardwalk to view the supertankers preparing to make the journey from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea . To experience a crossing for yourself, hop aboard the free ferries that run from Port Said to Port Fuad. On the way across, you’ll traverse the border between Africa and Asia.

Learn to Scuba Dive in Sharm El-Sheikh

Egypt’s entire Red Sea coast is a treasure trove for scuba divers, and the peninsula resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh is a great place to learn. There are plenty of different dive schools to choose from, allowing you to shop around for the best course price. You’ll also have access to beginner-friendly shore diving sites as well as spectacular reefs in nearby Ras Mohammed National Park.

Dive the Wreck of the S.S. Thistlegorm

Experienced divers can explore the S.S. Thistlegorm , often ranked as one of the best wreck-diving sites in the world. The freighter was drafted into military service during the Second World War and arrived in the Red Sea in 1941. Shortly afterward it was sunk by German bombers with ammunition, armored vehicles, and military motorcycles on board. You can book the dive with a local operator like Eagle Divers .

Stay in a Luxury Hurghada Resort

Hurghada is a popular getaway for divers, watersports enthusiasts, and sun worshippers. It’s also home to several luxurious 5-star resorts including The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh and Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa . Expect landscaped grounds, sprawling swimming pools, fine-dining restaurants, and of course, excellent spa and water sports amenities. The offshore Giftun Islands are an idyllic day-trip destination.

One Week in Egypt: The Ultimate Itinerary

Cruise Destination Maps of Countries Around the Red Sea and in SW Asia

Your Trip to Egypt: The Complete Guide

How to Visit Saqqara, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Egypt's Top 10 Ancient Sites

The 12 Best Day Trips From Cairo

Cairo Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top 10 Destinations in North Africa

Mediterranean Cruise Maps

Viking Announces New Nile River Cruise Ship for 2022

The Best Time to Visit Egypt

Philae Temple Complex, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Luxor and Ancient Thebes, Egypt: The Complete Guide

The Top 7 Attractions of Egypt’s Nile Delta

Abu Simbel, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Top Tours in Egypt, Africa

Egypt tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo

2. Top Rated Private Giza Pyramids,Sakkara, Memphis, Lunch& Camel

3. Special Private All INC-Pyramids,Camel Ride(1 Hour) Four Wheeler(ATV) & Lunch

4. 1-day trip to Cairo with flight from Hurghada / Makadi Bay / Soma Bay / El Gouna

5. Small group Hurghada to Luxor, Valley of the Kings by Van

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor Egypt with Transfers Included

7. 8 hours Cairo day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis City, Sakkara and Dahshur

8. Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer - Hurghada

9. Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx with Private Tour Guide

10. Small Group Excursion to Luxor Valley of the Kings from Hurghada

11. Private Sightseeing Tour Visit in El Quseir City with Shopping

12. Cairo By Big Bus full day From Hurghada (Pyramids-sphinx-Egyptian Museum-Lunch)

13. Alexandria Day Trip From Cairo

14. 4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

15. Private guided tour to Giza Pyramids, and Great Sphinx

16. Day trip from Sharm el Sheikh to Cairo by plane

17. Day Trip to Luxor From Cairo By Flight, King Tut Tomb Included

18. Ras Mohamed & White Island luxury Yacht Trip Sharm el Sheikh

19. Super Safari ATV, Drive Buggy Car, Camel Ride, Bedouin Dinner, Show-Hurghada

20. Safari 5 in 1 Quads, Camels, Show, Dinner & Star Gazing in Sharm El Sheikh

21. Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatchepsut Temples

22. Luxor Full Day Tour:Valley of Kings&Hatchepsut Temples And Tombs

23. Day trip to Cairo by bus from Sharm el Sheikh

24. Luxury Sunrise Balloon Ride in Luxor with Hotel Pickup

25. Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Bazar, Musuem,Pyramids view Lunch

26. Orange bay full day

27. Hurghada: Star watching Desert Adventure by Jeep with Dinner

28. Siwa Oasis All inclusive 3 days Tour from Cairo or Giza

29. From Hurghada to Cairo Super program read carefully, HurghadaToGo

30. Private Full-Day Luxor Highlights East and West Banks

What travellers are saying.

• Marin P 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience in Luxor Everything was perfect, our helper/assistant Ramy met us at the reception and made sure that everything was fine during the trip. In Luxor we met our guide Ahmed who was full of knowledge and explained everything to us in an interesting way. The trip was much more than expected. Big compliments for the drivers who drove us carefully. Read more Review of: Small group Hurghada to Luxor, Valley of the Kings by Van Written April 25, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• South Korea
• Indonesia (Bali)
• Central Asia
• African Safari
• South Africa
• Itinerary Ideas

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Egypt (Can't-Miss for First-Timers)

A visit to Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you don't want to miss any of the top sights while you're there. From temples and tombs to museums and beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea , these are the top 10 tourist attractions to build your trip to Egypt around.

1. Giza Necropolis (Near Cairo)

2. the karnak temple complex (in luxor), 3. the egyptian museum (in cairo).

• 4. Nile River Cruise (Between Luxor and Aswan)

5. The Valley of the Kings (Near Luxor)

6. abu simbel (near aswan), 7. red sea reefs (in sharm el-sheikh), 8. the siwa oasis (east of the libyan border), 9. the step pyramid of djoser (in saqqara), 10. dahab (near sinai).

Probably one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the entire world , the Giza Necropolis is a must-see and tops the list easily. You'll want a full day to explore the site.

The Giza Necropolis consists of three main pyramids and the Sphinx . The three pyramids were built as tombs for three ancient Egyptian pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Khufu's pyramid is the one you can also enter at the moment . Only 300 visitors a day are allowed in though, so you'll have to plan ahead. Contact us to make appointment.

The Pyramid of Khufu is also the largest pyramid in Egypt , and is also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza or the Pyramid of Cheops. It was believed to have been built in 2560 BC, with construction allegedly taking between 10 and 20 years.

The second-biggest pyramid at Giza is the Pyramid of Khafre , often considered the sister structure of Khufu. It is sometimes seen as being bigger but it was built on a bedrock giving it some height advantage. Architecturally it is also steeper, giving it a more pointed top.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a statue of a sphinx , a mythical creature combining a human head with a lion's body, and it represents the pharaoh Khafre. It is the oldest known sculpture in Egypt , having been built between approximately 2558 and 2532 BC.

Get to know more information about planning a trip to Egypt >>>

Located in Luxor, Karnak, known also as Ipet-isu, is the largest temple in the entire world . It took over 2,000 years to build, and has four different parts, only one of which is currently open to the public: the Temple of Amun .

Apart from the Temple of Amun there are a mix of decayed temples, pylons, chapels, and remains of other buildings, making for an impressive sight. A total of approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the complex, explaining the size and diversity not seen at any other religious complex in the world.

The most famous sight at the Temple of Amun encompasses 134 columns standing 21 meters high, part of the Great Hypostyle Hall, which is 4,600 square meters or 50,000 square feet large.

Karnak was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 alongside Thebes, the ancient city it is in, which is located in modern-day Luxor.

You could spend an entire day exploring Karnak.

Suggested read: How to Avoid Crowds When Traveling in Egypt

Nestled in Egypt's capital Cairo is the Egyptian Museum, probably one of the most incredible museums in the entire world . The museum is full of ancient Egyptian antiquities , storing over 120,000 items with descriptions of the items on display. You'll find items from many different time periods and of different origins.

There are plans to move this museum to Giza , to the new Grand Egyptian Museum around November 2022, but the date for this has already been pushed back multiple times as construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the time of writing this (August, 2022), the museum is still located in Cairo.

A visit to the museum can take most of the day depending on how much time you have available and how long you like to spend in museums!

Suggested read: Egypt Holidays 2024, A Full List is Here!

4. A Nile River Cruise (Between Luxor and Aswan)

A cruise on the Nile is an unforgettable experience, and a must-do when it comes to an Egypt trip given the Nile's role in Egypt's past as well as its future. The Nile is the longest river in the world, and is Egypt's primary water source , as well as an important economic river for agriculture and fishing.

Most routes on the Nile go between Luxor and Aswan , which is a scenic and safe route, and gets you between two of Egypt's most important towns.

When it comes to your trip, you can either take a Felucca , a sail boat that has been used on the Nile for a long time, or otherwise you can take a luxury cruise ship which is a bit more comfortable but perhaps less authentic. There are also various lengths that you can take your boat tour for, making it easy to fit a Nile River cruise into your itinerary.

Suggested read: Best of Luxor and Aswan: Short Tour Planner

In a valley near Luxor, you'll find the Valley of the Kings, a must-see on your trip. This is where, for approximately 500 years between the 16th and 11th century BC, kings and other privileged people were buried .

As of today, approximately 63 tombs and chambers have been unearthed , with the most famous one being the tomb of Tutankhamun . The most recent discoveries here were in 2008 and 2005, showing that there is likely more to be uncovered on the site.

Some tombs in the Valley of the Kings contain just one chamber, while others have constructions featuring over 120 separate chambers. Many of tombs that had previously been opened were robbed of their treasure and emptied out, but you'll still be able to visit and see the incredible artwork on the walls and their sometimes-complex constructions .

You can visit the Valley of the Kings and see a range of different tombs on your visit. The tombs that are open to the public sometimes rotate to maintain and conserve them by avoiding crowding them.

Approximately three hours from Aswan (300 kilometers or 190 miles), Abu Simbel, close to the border of Sudan, contains two massive temples cut into rocks . The temples are beautiful and unique because of the way that they are carved out of huge rocks, which was done in the 13th century BC during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Nubian Monuments .

These temples relocated in 1968 as part of a campaign ran by UNESCO , as they would have flooded after the creation of Lake Nasser, a massive water reservoir that was created after the Aswan High Dam Project. In order to relocate them they were very carefully taken apart and rebuilt over 4 years by engineers from many different countries, in what is known as one of the greatest challenges of archeological engineering in history. That story alone makes the visit worth the trip , regardless of time it takes to get there.

Egypt is home to some beautiful, colorful reefs, and rich marine life at the Red Sea reefs. If you are a diver, they are a must-see attraction, and there are also incredible sights to see for those who prefer to snorkel as the area is known for the clarity of its waters.

The Red Sea is home to just over five percent of the entire world's coral reefs , over 209 types of corals. Some of the fish you'll see on your dive or snorkel are some of the rarest in the world, and can only be seen in the Red Sea.

You can visit the Red Sea in Sharm el-Sheikh , a popular tourist destination with a lot of great resorts, beaches and restaurants. Another town at which you can start your sea adventures is Hurghada , which has long been a tourist destination.

The Siwa Oasis, located just 50 kilometers (30 mi) east of the Libyan border in the Libyan desert, is popular with tourists because of its vast, beautiful landscapes , freshwater springs , and historical significance . It has historically also been one of Egypt's most isolated settlements with mostly Berbers living here .

The oasis is home to an oracle of Ammon, the ruins which named the Siwa Oasis after Amun Ra, a major ancient Egyptian deity. These ruins of the Temple of Amun, which was believed to have been built in the 6th or 7th century BC originally, made the Siwa Oasis a destination for pilgrims . One famous person known to have sought wisdom here was Alexander the Great.

When visiting you'll find lots of hotels that are built using local materials that blend in with the unique surroundings.

A village close to Giza , Saqqara also covers vast ancient burial grounds for many Egyptian royalty, one of who's tombs was recently featured in the popular Netflix documentary Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb .

Within these grounds (which are actually the largest archeological site in Egypt , due to it being a site of importance for 3,000 years) there are also pyramids.

Apart from visiting tombs here, you absolutely must see the Step Pyramid of Djoser . Despite not being the most famous pyramid in Egypt, it is the oldest pyramid in Egypt , having been built in the 27th century BC. It is a huge 6-tier and 4-sided structure, and the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt.

In 2020 the Step Pyramid of Djoser was reopened for visitors after restoration that took approximately 14 years.

When visiting on-site you'll learn a lot more about how the plan of the construction of the pyramid changed while it was being built, as evidenced in the inner walls. It is also a great spot to get a beautiful view over the Nile from .

A Bedouin fishing village , Dahab, on the southern tip of Sinai, makes for a great stop to get a taste of life beside the Red Sea . It is a beautiful and laid-back town with only 15,000 residents, sporting some beautiful clear, blue water that has attracted tourists from all over the world, particularly since the 1980s.

Activities here include windsurfing , kitesurfing , snorkeling , scuba diving , camel riding and jeep trips . In fact, it is one of Egypt's most treasured diving destinations, and windsurfing is incredible due to strong winds further out at sea and flat-water conditions inside Dahab's sand spit.

Dahab is generally seen as the more "hippie" or "alternative" destination to Sharm el-Sheikh for those who want to enjoy Egypt's coast on a slightly lower budget .

From Dahab, you can get to Mount Sinai within just two hours , if you'd like to add that to your itinerary too!

Why Global Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 9-Day Essential Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise
• 10-Day Private Egypt Active Family Expedition Tour
• 15-Day Egypt and Kenya Highlights Tour
• 12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour with Abu Simbel
• How to Plan a 7-Day Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Top 6 Options
• How Long to Spend in Egypt: Itineraries for First-Timers
• How to Plan a 10-Day Egypt Itinerary (Best 4 in 2024/2025)
• How to Plan a Trip to Egypt 2024/2025 & Itinerary Ideas
• Weather in Egypt in January 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in February 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in May 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in June 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in July 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in August 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in September: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in November 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in December 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Global Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

THE 10 BEST Egypt Tours & Excursions

Egypt tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo

2. Top Rated Private Giza Pyramids,Sakkara, Memphis, Lunch& Camel

3. Special Private All INC-Pyramids,Camel Ride(1 Hour) Four Wheeler(ATV) & Lunch

4. 1-day trip to Cairo with flight from Hurghada / Makadi Bay / Soma Bay / El Gouna

5. Small group Hurghada to Luxor, Valley of the Kings by Van

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor Egypt with Transfers Included

7. 8 hours Cairo day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis City, Sakkara and Dahshur

8. Adventure 3-Hour Quad trip in desert of Hurghada

9. Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer - Hurghada

10. Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx with Private Tour Guide

11. Small Group Excursion to Luxor Valley of the Kings from Hurghada

12. Cairo By Big Bus full day From Hurghada (Pyramids-sphinx-Egyptian Museum-Lunch)

13. Alexandria Day Trip From Cairo

14. 4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

15. Private Day Tour to Abu Simble Temple from Aswan

16. Private guided tour to Giza Pyramids, and Great Sphinx

17. Day trip from Sharm el Sheikh to Cairo by plane

18. Day Trip to Luxor From Cairo By Flight, King Tut Tomb Included

19. Ras Mohamed & White Island luxury Yacht Trip Sharm el Sheikh

20. Super Safari ATV, Drive Buggy Car, Camel Ride, Bedouin Dinner, Show-Hurghada

21. Safari 5 in 1 Quads, Camels, Show, Dinner & Star Gazing in Sharm El Sheikh

22. Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatchepsut Temples

23. Day trip to Cairo by bus from Sharm el Sheikh

24. Luxury Sunrise Balloon Ride in Luxor with Hotel Pickup

25. Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Bazar, Musuem,Pyramids view Lunch

26. Orange bay full day

27. Hurghada: Star watching Desert Adventure by Jeep with Dinner

28. Siwa Oasis All inclusive 3 days Tour from Cairo or Giza

29. From Hurghada to Cairo Super program read carefully, HurghadaToGo

30. Private Full-Day Luxor Highlights East and West Banks

What travelers are saying.

• Marin P 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience in Luxor Everything was perfect, our helper/assistant Ramy met us at the reception and made sure that everything was fine during the trip. In Luxor we met our guide Ahmed who was full of knowledge and explained everything to us in an interesting way. The trip was much more than expected. Big compliments for the drivers who drove us carefully. Read more Review of: Small group Hurghada to Luxor, Valley of the Kings by Van Written April 25, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Egypt Tours & Trips

From the Red Sea resort of Hurghada to the iconic facade of Abu Simbel, a good Egyptian vacation package delves deep into the ancient history of this Land of Pharaohs. Discover the treasures of King Tut in Cairo, wander through the Great Pyramids of Giza, get lost in the library of Alexandria, dip your toes in the crystal waters of Sharm-el-Sheikh or learn of legends gone by at the Valley of the Kings. Whether you want to travel by train or relax on a Nile River cruise adventure , a tour of Egypt and its land of wonders is hard to beat.

250+ Egypt tour packages with 12,001 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Egypt Luxury Tour

This was a great trip, including all the major sites in Upper as well as Lower Egypt (as far as Cairo). A huge advantage was the small group size (7 people) and our own wonderful guide. He was extremely knowledgeable, yet with a good sense of humor, always patient and considerate. As I am older (86) than the other members, I was given special care, including a wheelchair from the boat in particular locations, just to enable me to keep up with the others and not miss out on anything. Service everywhere was excellent, both on the boat and in the hotel, although the hotel's location made it necessary to travel across Cairo for longish periods through the traffic. Egyptians everywhere were friendly and helpful. Although the weather was hot, all activities were timed suitably, so it was not really a problem. Everybody in our group was healthy and very happy and we gelled together well.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• River Cruise

Nile Jewel - 5* Cruise

A truly amazing experience better than I thought. Meena the guide was excellent and his history of Egypt was mind blowing.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Queen Cleopatra - 7 days

This was an amazing and truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It was incredible to see all the ancient temples, tombs, and of course the Pyramids of Giza in one holiday. Despite some slightly frustrating moments in Cairo which could have been better organised, from the moment we got to Aswan, in the care of our guide, Anas, the rest of the trip was perfect. Anas was so knowledgeable and was always sharing his wisdom with us, whilst also being very accommodating of the whole group with a great sense of humour as well. 100% would recommend this to anyone.

Egypt Explorer - Felucca cruise & Red Sea

Mina was my guide late last year. He was very knowledgeable, accommodating, and organised. I would highly recommend him for anyone wanting to have the best travel experience in Egypt.

• Coach / Bus

Felucca Odyssey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

This tour covered so much of Egypt which was what we were looking for. The sleeper train was a very unique experience which my partner and I both really enjoyed! Our guide Mo made our experience that much better. He has the knowledge and personality to make this tour one to remember! We had a very diverse group in ages but Mo was able to bring us all together and everyone felt very included on the tour. I have been recommending this tour to everyone since we have returned home! Thanks to Mo for making it an experience to remember!

Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Return Flights Included

What an amazing experience! We had a wonderful time and was treated so professionally all the way. The tour guides were outstanding. Ahmed in Cairo, an archeologists himself was amazing. Gabe was great. On the boat tour our guide was Ahmed. Great person, great knowledge and very good sense of humor. Well done Harry for arranging everything for us

Essential Egypt (5 Star Hotels)

It was a great tour. Mo was very knowledgeable Its one of those places that books and TV never give it justice and everyone should do once to sit in awe of history, religion and architecture of ancient civilizations

Looking for tours beyond just Egypt?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Egypt.

Goddess Hathor - 8 Days (5 stars)

Awesome ! I m stoke from the very beginning until the end ! The places in the tour were amazing and the Egyptian - always making sure to do their level best for every individual tourist . The operations and field staffs - the guides and coordinators always accommodating and giving their best . Special mention to Mohammed (who met us at our first nite at the hotel ) and guide Mohammed Ibrahim - working relentlessly . Thank you for a wonderful experience .

9 Days Nile Jewel (Cairo, Cruise, Hurghada) Superior hotels

One of the good journeys I've taken, it exposed us to a language and culture quite distinct from Western norms. We also witnessed remarkable ancient sites, including Karnak Temple and Abu Simbel, and enjoyed thrilling activities like a hot air balloon ride and snorkeling in the Red Sea.

Egypt Nile Jewel

I started out pretty nervous but everything promised in the description of our Egypt adventure was delivered. From the TourRadar rep meeting us at the Cairo airport and getting us to the hotel. There was support throughout the 9 days. Our group guide Raemon was excellent. He tended to all the requests and special needs that came up with patience and kindness. Our Egypt experience exceeded our imagination. The schedule is full and sometimes hectic but absolutely worth it.

10-Day Ancient Egypt Tour (Superior Hotels)

I just had to tell you about my recent Egypt trip with Vacations To Go Travel—it was absolutely incredible! Bassem, our guide, was amazing. He knew everything about Egypt and made every moment fascinating. Oh, and the Nile cruise was a highlight for sure! One suggestion I have is to consider including tips in the package—it would make things even smoother. Thanks again for an unforgettable experience! - Deanna

Egypt: Boats & Bazaars

Highly recommend this one! Our guide Mo was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We visited some of the most incredible places on earth and added in some of our own adventures while we were at it. Great value for money! Lots of free time is given but we just wanted to see everything and jumped at most of the activities offered. Egypt on a shoestring, a big thumbs up!

Egypt Adventure

There were a lot of extra costs that think would be better included. Too much time spent travelling but that was what I signed up for so not criticising you guys but would not recommend to a friend for that reason. Hotel in Cairo very average in terms of rooms but service helpful. Camel ride was a bit of a joke given it’s brevity. I found the food generally disappointing in Egypt as too westernised, the best meals as far as I am concerned were definitely the ones with families and on the felucca

Footsteps Of The Pharaohs - Included Internal Flights

All the guides were fantastic! They were able to keep us on track and taken care of. I especially enjoyed the stops at Egyptian restaurants. An adventure of a lifetime!

• €110 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Cairo-Luxor-Aswan-Abu Simbel 9 Days with tour guided - domestic Flight

Covered a lot of sites with good transportation arranged. The local tour company Egypt Direct was very responsive. We enjoyed the entire trip.

What people love about Egypt Tours

Really enjoyed being in a small group instead of a traditional large group and our guide was great. This was a fast, hit-the-high points type of tour which is what we wanted; but, didn't really get to spend too much time at any one place. Didn't care for the hotel we were based out of - the rooms didn't have opaque walls between the bedroom and bathroom, just glass that was partly translucent; and, the hotel was a long ways away from everything.

Mina was an incredible tour guide - so friendly and knowledgeable. He is such a kind hearted man who made our trip so special.

Queen Cleopatras is a great tour, highly recommended, Anas is a great guide, he explained everything about Egyptian culture and toke care about our group! I will recommend to head office to deliver schedules with the tours to be able to plan our days. Cruse was amazing, service is great and everyone is very friendly! Also there is laundry available at your room! Ruby II is a great option, the room is very nice! I won’t recommend to take the train from Cairo to Aswan, service is great but services are not good (very old and dirty), washrooms very dirty!

Egypt Destinations

• Nile Valley (1113)
• Valley Of The Kings (550)
• Northern Egypt (48)
• Western Desert Egypt (39)
• Red Sea Coast (17)
• Sinai Peninsula (14)
• Eastern Desert Egypt (12)
• The Nile Basin (32)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (659)
• Budget (236)
• Luxury (477)
• Singles and Solo (1315)
• For Couples (292)
• Young Adults (18)
• Seniors (428)
• Family (1399)
• Fully Guided (1269)
• Personalized (1051)
• Group (1026)
• In-depth Cultural (749)
• Explorer (672)
• Private (572)
• River Cruise (333)
• Partially Guided (305)
• Custom (236)
• Active (159)
• Sailing (46)
• Coach / Bus (36)
• Honeymoon (12)
• Safari (12)
• Food & Culinary (7)
• 3 Day Tours (223)
• 7 Day Tours (493)
• 10 Day Tours (460)
• 2 Week Tours (227)
• 3 Week Tours (58)
• Spring 2024 (1387)
• Summer 2024 (1333)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (1329)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (1241)
• Spring 2025 (986)
• Summer 2025 (771)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (737)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (670)
• April 2024 (1119)
• May 2024 (1383)
• June 2024 (1317)
• July 2024 (1302)
• August 2024 (1302)
• September 2024 (1290)
• October 2024 (1269)
• November 2024 (1245)
• December 2024 (1229)
• January 2025 (1020)
• February 2025 (992)
• March 2025 (971)
• April 2025 (873)
• May 2025 (823)
• June 2025 (766)
• July 2025 (739)
• August 2025 (729)
• September 2025 (726)
• October 2025 (706)
• November 2025 (676)

Egypt Tours starting in

• Starting in Cairo (1139)
• Starting in Luxor (121)
• Starting in Aswan (92)
• Starting in Giza (23)
• Starting in Hurghada (21)
• Starting in Sharm el-Sheikh (13)
• Starting in Amman (9)
• Starting in Alexandria (6)
• Starting in Eilat (5)
• Starting in Marsa Alam (5)
• Egypt Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

The Best Things to do in Egypt: 25 Amazing Sights & Attractions

Have you ever wondered why Egypt attracts flocks of tourists, historians, and adventure-seekers? Well, buckle up and dive into this expert’s guide to the best things to do in Egypt – the sights and attractions you shouldn’t miss. 

If you’re planning (or even just dreaming of) a trip to Egypt – I have some sage advice for you… book it. 

We’ve all heard tell of this fabled land – one filled with pyramids, ancient tombs and stone-built temples, carved lengthways by the sinuous Nile. Well – it’s all true – Egypt really does live up to its reputation. 

Those of you following along here will know that I’ve recently spent a couple of brilliant weeks travelling around Egypt with a guide and – I don’t say this lightly – it was one of my favourite trips ever. 

Enough about me though, this guide is all about helping you plan a stellar Egypt trip and walking you through all the places you shouldn’t miss.

Let’s dive into the best attractions in Egypt – hold on to your hats! 

Looking for a place to stay? The Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo hotel offers jaw-dropping scenery of the nearby Pyramids of Giza. 

PS: Take a sneak peek at my full Egypt itinerary in this video!

Top 5 Things to Do in Egypt

Visit the pyramids of giza.

Undeniably at the top of any list of Egypt’s tourist attractions, Cairo’s mighty Pyramids of Giza are a symbol of the country’s ancient architectural prowess. 

As if the three aren’t stunning enough, The Great Pyramid is the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World – placing it front and centre as the best place to visit Egypt. 

I have to say – I almost burst with excitement seeing them up close and personal. 

PS: If I only give you one tip, it’s to pay extra to go inside the Great Pyramid. Here – I’ll even give you a sneak peek of what to expect. 

@thediscoveriesof Ever wondered what it looks like inside? 🤔 see the whole egypt itinerary 👉🏾 @thediscoveriesof #egypt #egypttravelguide #egyptrip #greatpyramid #cairotravel #travelbucketlist ♬ Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) – Kate Bush

But what’s the deal with the Pyramids of Giza? 

Built sometime between 2550 BC and 2490 BC with nothing but chisels, iron hammers, levers and, of course, lots of manpower, The Pyramids of Giza as they’re collectively known, stood as burial temples full of gold and other riches. 

Individually, the three pyramids – of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – built in that order, are even more stunning up close.

Top Tip: Book a half-day guided tour to learn all about the pyramids too 

Explore The Valley of the Kings (And The Valley of the Queens)

The world’s best-known necropolis (wait, is that even a thing?) The Valley of the Kings (and the less well-known Valley of the Queens) boast a series of royal tombs. 

Not just any royal tombs either, but rather ones containing the creme de la creme of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties (the New Kingdom). 

They’re aesthetically decorated with ornate murals and sculptures and, when they were built, would have been filled with treasures for the deceased to use in the afterlife. Now that’s one way to lay to rest.

For thousands of years, kings, queens, and other nobles of the earmarked these valleys as tomb sites. They hoped to prevent robbers and raiders alike from plunging their afterlife treasures.

There’s so much to see in each area that I’ve written individual guides to visiting The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens – but if you need a quick takeaway, don’t miss the tombs of Tutankhamun and Queen Neferteri. 

Top Tip: If you book a tour of the valleys , be sure to book the extra tickets to visit Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings and Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens . 

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor

Luxor is a modern Egyptian city nestled within the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes. There’s so much to discover in the region, which is dotted with historic temples, monuments, and royal burial valley – and, IMHO, t aking a hot air balloon ride is hands down the best way to see this intriguing metropolis. 

Experience one of the most stunning sunrises in the world, boasting an eyeful of Valley of the Kings and the Queens. 

That would be worth the experience alone – but then there’s the added bonus of views of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and the stunning rolling dunes of the Egyptian desert thrown in for good measure. 

Top Tip: Ensure you book a hot air balloon at sunrise for the best views.  Read Next: Hot Air Ballooning Over the Valley of the Kings

Float Down the Nile on a Cruise

Perhaps the most visited tourist attraction in Egypt (after the Giza Pyramids), the 6,650 km-long Nile River is the lifeline of the nation. 

How better to explore it than onboard a Nile Cruise? 

Very few cruises ply the whole route of the Egyptian Nile, but the section between Aswan and Luxor is the most popular stretch for cruises. This is largely thanks to an abundance of sights from Philae Temple to the Temple of Kom Ombo to stop off along the way. 

Different types of boat ply the route – from basic (but peaceful) feluccas to all-out luxury cruises. 

Top Tip: Not sure which type of cruise to book? I’ve written all about them in this Nile Cruise guide

Marvel at Abu Simbel

Built by Ramses II in honour of himself and his favourite wife, Queen Nefertari, the temples of Abu Simbel are also a dedication to the sun gods, Amon-Ra, Ptah, and Ra-Horakhty.

Frankly speaking, the Pharaoh built the temples to intimidate his enemies and ordain himself as a god — what a brag! 

Still, you can’t quibble with the final result – two glorious temples, the main one and a smaller one dedicated to Ramses’ wife Nefertari, glinting in the sun overlooking the vast waters of Lake Nasser. 

Top Tip: Abu Simbel is best visited on a day trip from Aswan and you can choose to do it by car or by air. 

Brilliant Things to See & Do in Egypt

Delve into history at karnak temple.

Despite Egypt being full of temples, the wonders of each one never cease to amaze me. But Karnak Temple stands head and shoulders above the rest. 

Built over the course of 1,000 years, according to legend, this religious complex is where the sun god Amun-Ra lived with his wife Mut, and son, Khonsu.

You should set aside at least a couple of hours (preferably a half-day) to explore, but if you really shouldn’t miss the stunning Hypostyle Hall. 

Wander Around Coptic Cairo

As I mentioned earlier in this guide, Egypt is more than pyramids and deserts. The nation also has a profound Christian history dating as far back as the 1st century A.D – nowhere is this more visible than in Cairo’s Coptic Quarter – a maze of centuries-old churches and historical sights – as well as the understated Coptic Museum. 

In the Interfaith Complex, you’ll find the white-stone Roman-built fortress of Babylon. Synagogues and other places of worship predating the founding of modern-day Cairo are there as well. 

This stronghold of Christianity offers an exceptional Egypt sightseeing experience, making it one of the best things to do in Cairo — no pyramids involved.

Top Tip: The Coptic Quarter can be a bit of a maze – get the full lowdown on this tour of Old Cairo. 

Visit the Egyptian Museum (Or the Grand Egyptian Museum When it Opens)

The Egyptian Museum — not confused with the newly built Grand Egyptian Museum — is home to a collection of ancient artefacts and antiquities. If you want to see the country’s history in one place, this is where to go in Egypt. 

The Neoclassical French-designed building sits centrally in the heart of Tahrir Square, making a perfect stopover on a Cairo walking tour .

Top Tip: The Egyptian Museum will be replaced with the Grand Egyptian Museum when it opens later this year. The new museum promises to be one of the biggest in the world and will definitely be one not to miss. 

Explore Islamic Cairo

Among the several conquests of Egypt, the Islamic caliphate expanded its civilisation into the country in the 7th century, introducing the Muslim religion that now reigns. 

As a symbol of conquest, the caliphate built a new capital in an area now known as Islamic Cairo. 

Roam around the ancient city, full of dome-topped mosques, madrassas, and mediaeval fortifications like the Salah al-Din Citadel. 

A full-day private tour includes visiting famous places in Egypt like the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo, the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and the Mosque of Muhammed Ali Pasha.

Top Tip: Want to see the best of Cairo in a short time? Read my two-day Cairo itinerary. 

Go Diving in the Red Sea

Still, think Egypt has nothing but pyramids? Let’s explore the salty Red Sea, and I’m not just referring to seawater. 

Named after its noticeable colour variations, this saline inlet is one of the most heavily travelled channels globally, often carrying maritime cargo between Asia and Europe.

Apart from its significance in global supply chains, the gulf is also home to over 1,200 species of fish and 250 species of gorgeous coral. So take a Red Sea cruise and discover magnificent scuba diving and snorkelling spots – it has some of the best dive sites in the world. 

See the Ancient Structures in Saqqara

Saqqara — also spelt as “Sakkara” — is hands down one of the richest architectural sites in Egypt. 

Prominent for being an ancient burial ground for nobles and a destination for many cultic pilgrims.

However, the highlight of Saqqara is the Step Pyramid of Djoser — this 4,700-year-old stone structure is the oldest in Egypt and, indeed, the world. 

Explore the fascinating interior on a full-day tour , and wander the bewildering series of tunnels and burial chambers of many royals, including Pharaoh Djoser.

Discover the Ancient Egyptian City of Memphis

Another noteworthy ancient capital and one of the most underrated of Egypt’s attractions, Memphis boasts an array of mastabas, pyramids, and temples. 

This millenia-old city has long lost its grandeur, but there’s an incredible story in its remains. 

The most intriguing sight in Memphis is the limestone Alabaster Sphinx. 

Embark on a day tour to Memphis , and stand in awe of one of the world’s biggest and oldest monolithic statues.

Marvel at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor

At this point, you’ve realised that Egypt isn’t shy of temples and tombs, but each is unique, carrying complexities that serve as a doorway to ancient civilisations. 

To put it quite bluntly, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor is exceptional.

Unlike many temples in Egypt, this one pays homage to Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the few historically recorded female Pharaohs — can someone say “Girl Power?” 

Don’t go expecting a tomb – Hatshepsut wasn’t buried here. Instead, she lies in The Valley of the Kings, nearly 4 km away.

See the Beautiful Philae Temple in Aswan

Known as the “Pearl of Egypt”, Philae Temple illustrates the unimaginable beauty of the Aswan region. I hate to play favourites (OK – I kind of love it) but Philae really is one of the most beautiful temples you’ll find in Egypt. 

The tiny island has lush vegetation surrounding stone-carved structures with ancient hieroglyphs. The most striking is the giant carving of Isis, the goddess of the moon.

Take a walk around this monumental storybook and pay close attention to the tales it tells. Marvel at intricate  wall carvings depicting a captivating mythic narrative of Isis bringing her husband Osiris back to life and giving birth to their son Horus. Look closely and you’ll also see carvings depicting the mummification of Osiris. 

Spend Time Exploring Aswan

Don’t be surprised if Aswan becomes your favourite city in Egypt – you certainly won’t be the first person it’s happened to. 

This busy market city holds some of the most unique and historically rich places to see in Egypt. Spoiler alert — Philae Temple is just the beginning. 

Begin your trip at the Tombs of the Nobles, sitting majestically atop high cliffs overlooking the west bank with spectacular scenes of Aswan. 

Then make your way to the prehistoric Nubian Museum, and stroll through the impressive cultural hub full of antique exhibitions and artefact collections from various ages. 

Stop by the riveting Unfinished Obelisk before taking a boat trip to the colourful Nubian Village for a much-needed escape from the bustling city.

Top Tip : Want to know more? Read my guide to the best things to do in Aswan. 

Pop into the Temples at Edfu

Comfortably sitting along the west bank and tucked between the cities of Esna and Aswan, find a serene getaway in the ancient settlement of Edfu. 

With a population of fewer than 70,000 people, this preserved site houses the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. If you’re looking for a less crowded place to go to in Egypt, Edfu should be at the top of your list. 

See the Double Temple at Kom Ombo

For more unusual sights of Egypt’s landmarks, the uniquely constructed double temple of Kom Ombo is one for the books. 

The ancient Greek-Roman temple is best-known for its mysterious mummified crocodiles – not content with just one or two – there are 40 of them!

Get (Not Too) Lost in the White Desert

You can’t go to Egypt and not go on a desert tour . But this one is like none other, boasting oddly-shaped dunes and the jaw-dropping Bahariya Oasis. 

Uncover the oddities of the Black and White Desert and marvel at the picturesque and sprawling views of sandy landscapes that stretch across the horizons.

The Tomb of Nefertari

As I mentioned, Queen Nefertari was Ramses II’s first and most beloved wife. Her tomb — also known as the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt — houses some of Egypt’s most ornate and well-preserved paintings.

Radiating with vivid colours and descriptive hieroglyphs, the murals in this tomb surpass the others in The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens by far — now that’s what I call a queen’s burial. Of all the best places to visit in Egypt, Nefertari’s tomb transports you to the peak of this great civilisation.

Unique Things to See & Do in Egypt: Hidden Gems That are Off the Beaten Track

Check out the city of the dead.

If you’re up for a spooky adventure — the City of the Dead is one of the world’s largest cemeteries. Boasting a sea of seemingly infinite white conical-shaped domes, this city, also called Cairo Necropolis, is where the dead genuinely live among the living.

What do I mean? Due to the high population congestion in Cairo, many low-income earners (about 500,000) built their homes here, filling the gaps between the 7th-century mausoleums.  

Tip : If you have a touch of necrophobia, perhaps it’s best to skip this attraction.

See the Nilometer

If you still don’t believe that modern mathematics has to do with the advancement of ancient Egyptian civilisations, here’s a place that will dispel your doubt. 

The Nilometer is an old instrument that farmers used to measure the waters of the Nile.

The Nile River’s behaviour could mean life or death for ancient Egyptians. Thus to know whether they should prepare for flood or famine, the citizens built this device to predict the most likely outcome.

Stand Beneath the Towering Colossi of Memnon

Ancient Egyptians strongly believed in the afterlife, so they would build temples and towering figures to protect their tombs from all kinds of evil. Colossi Of Memnon is one such temple.

Built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, two towering seated statues of the king sit side by side, guarding his Mortuary Temple against unwanted raiders. These statues survived 3,400 years of changing climates, invasions, and even earthquakes.

See the Rainbow-Hued Coloured Canyon

One thing I bet you thought you’d never see in the arid Egyptian desert is a sprawling oasis of kaleidoscopic hills. Spanning over 800 metres long and 30 metres deep, these rainbow mountains are just 338 km away from Cairo.

With many not aware of this breathtaking geographical marvel, the Coloured Canyon boasts the perfect escape from typically crowded Egypt tourist attractions, giving you a serene visit and tonnes of stunning views. 

Delve into the Labyrinth of the Shali Fortress

Closing off this expansive list of places to visit in Egypt, the sensational Shali Fortress boasts a labyrinth of crowded buildings that were initially four storeys high and sheltered hundreds of people.

Get lost in this maze of mud buildings, built using kershef (a mixture of rock, salt, and clay), and witness the best-kept secret of Egypt’s Siwa Oasis.

Things to Do in Egypt: Practical Tips for Your Trip

How Long to Visit Egypt?

If you’re looking to explore all these attractions, you’ll need at least a week or two to get through just half of these listed excursions. 

Want more detail on how much time to spend at each location? Start with my 10 days in Egypt itinerary . 

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Egypt’s arid climate is dry, with hot summers and cool winters with rainfall along the coastal areas. 

However, the best time to visit Egypt is between October and April. During this time, temperatures are cooler, but you’re still guaranteed a lot of sun.

May to July is peak season, so flight tickets skyrocket. 

Top Tip: If you’re in the planning stage – check out my super-detailed guide on how much an Egypt trip costs to find out when to catch the best deals.

Where Should I Stay in Egypt?

With so many tourists visiting Egypt every year, the country has a sophisticated network of hotels and accommodation, from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxury. Also, check out this guide on where to stay in Cairo for more lodging options.

Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel (Mid-Range)

Boasting stunning scenes of the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile’s west bank, the  Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo hotel offers an ideal stay for a seasoned 2 Days in Cairo itinerary.  

Four Seasons Cairo At The First Residence (Luxury)

The Four Seasons Cairo At The First Residence offers exclusive Nile River sights and sweeping views of the greater Cairo skyline for a more luxurious stay. If you book the right room, you may also get glimpses of the Giza Pyramids as a stunning backdrop.

Recommended Tours in Egypt

• From Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings Full-Day Trip
• Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Half-Day Private Tour
• Cairo: Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Entertainment

Things to Do in Egypt: Map

Places to Visit in Egypt: Read Next

• The Ultimate 10-Day Egypt Itinerary 
• What You Need to Know Before Travelling to Egypt 
• How (and what) to Pack for an Egypt Trip 
• Unmissable Things to do in Cairo 
• The Places You Have to See in Luxor 
• Your Go-To Guide for Visiting Aswan

Love This? Save and Share on Pinterest

I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

Related Posts

Visiting the Tomb of Tutankhamun in Luxor: A Practical Guide

Visiting The Valley of the Queens: A Practical Guide

10 Days in Egypt: A Step by Step Egypt Itinerary

2 Days in Cairo: The Perfect Cairo Itinerary

Follow me on Instagram for travel inspiration, tips, and guides.

Egypt Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip

Written by Jess Lee Updated Sep 24, 2021

Egypt is one of the world's great historic destinations. Its tourism focuses both on the country's glut of Pharaonic treasures and on the long, sandy shores of the Red Sea, which is a favorite family-friendly winter vacation escape.

As well as the beaches, and the pyramids, tombs, and temples along the Nile, you'll find cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, brimming with cultural monuments and vibrant city life, and the desert landscapes of both the Sinai and the Western Desert.

Whether your travel plans initially are all about cruising on the Nile (Egypt's most popular holiday activity) or diving the coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt offers plenty more to see beyond its famed highlights.

On This Page:

Inspirational ideas for planning your trip to egypt, best time to visit egypt, visitors guide to cairo, visitors guide to luxor, best towns in egypt, outdoor attractions & activities in egypt, historic highlights of egypt, essential stats & facts, first-time traveler tips for egypt.

Egypt's glut of historic sites makes it difficult to choose what to include on your trip itinerary, particularly if you have limited time. Decide what not to miss with our overview articles on Egypt's best destinations.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Egypt
• Top-Rated Resorts in Egypt
• Egypt in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph

Summer: June, July, and August is tourism low season in Egypt, with the intense heat making sightseeing a chore. The temperatures along the Mediterranean are more bearable, so Egyptians head to Alexandria for beach breaks.

Fall (September & October): From late-September, temperatures start dropping down from scorching, but the popular tourist sites still aren't crowded, so October is a great time to travel.

Winter (November to February): This is Egypt's most popular tourism season for good reason. Sunny and warm weather in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan) and along the Red Sea coast bring tourists flocking to both the beaches and to the major historic sites. This is also the best time for desert adventures in the Western Desert.

Cairo and Alexandria get a fair amount of rain during mid-winter and despite blue skies during the day throughout the country, it does get chilly after dark, so pack something warm for the evenings.

Spring (March to May): Overall, this is a good time to travel, though be aware that occasional dust storms in March and April can hamper both sightseeing and transport.

Egypt's capital is one of the world's great historic cities, with so many mosques and other monuments from the era when Cairo was the center of the Islamic empires that it would take you months to see it all.

Many visitors treat Cairo just as an overnight base to see the Giza Pyramids (which lay on the outskirts) before moving on to the Pharaonic treasures of Luxor, but Cairo deserves a trip in itself.

• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cairo
• Pyramids of Giza: Attractions, Tips & Tours
• From Cairo to Alexandria: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Luxor is Egypt's highlight destination, with more temples and tombs that you'll ever be able to see on one visit. For most travelers, this is a place to base yourself for a few days to explore famous Pharaonic sights such as the Temple of Karnak and Valley of the Kings. It's also the key start or finish point on the most popular Nile cruise itinerary.

• Top-Rated Attractions in Luxor & Easy Day Trips
• Exploring the Temples of Karnak: A Visitor's Guide
• Exploring Karnak's Great Temple of Amun, Luxor
• Exploring the Valley of the Kings: A Visitor's Guide
• From Cairo to Luxor: 5 Best Ways to Get There

While Luxor remains the main focus for many visitors, Aswan is Egypt's most relaxed town and the prime base for Nile felucca rides and visits to Philae Temple and the Temples of Abu Simbel. Alexandria is Egypt's famed Mediterranean city, dripping with faded grandeur, and visitors looking for relaxed beach vacations head to the coastal centers of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Alexandria
• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Aswan
• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sharm el-Sheikh
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hurghada

Cruising the Nile is Egypt's most popular activity and is a relaxing, no-hassle way of visiting some of the country's most famous tourist sights with everything organized for you. If you're into diving, the Red Sea will probably be your main target, as Egypt is one of the top diving destinations in the world.

• Cruising the Nile in Egypt: The Complete Guide
• Diving the Red Sea: Best Dive Sites
• Top-Rated Beaches in Egypt
• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in the Red Sea Region

Anyone interested in Egypt's Pharaonic history will obviously want to hit the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor's sights. After those, though, the Nile-side temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu are definite must-sees on any Nile journey. The necropolis of Saqqara is worth staying an extra night in Cairo for, and in the far south, the colossal Temples of Abu Simbel, overlooking Lake Nasser, is one of Egypt's most impressive sights.

• Exploring Abu Simbel: A Visitor's Guide
• Exploring Edfu's Magnificent Temple of Horus
• Exploring Kom Ombo Temple: A Visitor's Guide
• Exploring the Philae Temple Complex: A Visitor's Guide
• Exploring Saqqara: A Visitor's Guide
• Exploring the Temples of Abydos: A Visitor's Guide
• Saint Catherine's Monastery: A Visitor's Guide

• Population of Egypt: The population of Egypt is 105 million. It is the 14th most populous country in the world. Nearly the entire population (95 percent) lives along the banks of the Nile.
• Capital of Egypt: The capital of Egypt is Cairo, with an estimated population of 20 million.
• Geography of Egypt: The vast amount of Egypt is desert, with the narrow fertile strip of the Nile River winding through the center of the country from south to north. Both the Sinai Peninsula and Eastern Desert have mountainous spines, while the Western Desert is speckled with isolated oases and large areas of undulating sand dunes.
• Language of Egypt: The official language of Egypt is Arabic.
• Currency of Egypt: The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound.
• Time Zone of Egypt: The time zone of Egypt is UTC+2.

Tourist Visas: Most nationalities can receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. They cost US$25 and must be paid for in either US dollars, euro, or British pounds.

Electricity: Egypt uses two-prong European-style plugs.

Visiting Mosques: The grand mosques of Cairo are one of Egypt's most spectacular architectural highlights. Most have free entrance (a few have small entry fees) for all visitors.

Wear long trousers/skirts and long-sleeved tops if you want to visit, and female travelers should don a headscarf. Shoes are taken off at the door. If there is an attendant at the entrance looking after the shoes, tip them when receiving your shoes on exit.

Clothing: Except on the tourist beaches of South Sinai and the Red Sea coast, travelers should err on the conservative side with their clothing, covering knees and shoulders.

Money: Egypt has a shortage of small bank notes (which are useful in small shops, cafés, and restaurants and for tipping). Always try to break big notes at every chance you get — at popular tourist sites when paying for tickets and at larger businesses.

40 Incredible Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

There are so many incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. In this article I have provided a detailed guide about the major tourist attractions with plenty of helpful travel tips. Are you ready to learn more about the tourist attractions in Egypt? Read on…

Tourist attractions in Egypt

Where is aswan, what is the weather like in aswan, things to do in the city, easy trips from aswan, places to stay in aswan, what is the valley of the kings, who was buried there, where is the valley of the kings, visiting the site, valley of the kings map, west bank accommodation, luxor accommodation, what is karnak temple, where is karnak, visiting karnak temple, places to stay near karnak, other things to do near karnak temple, where are the pyramids of giza, why were the pyramids built, visiting the pyramids of giza, where to stay, what is lake nasser, visiting the lake, wildlife at lake nasser, lake nasser weather, where to stay near the lake, what is the tutankhamun tomb, where is the tomb, can i go inside the tutankhamun tomb, getting to the valley of the kings, other things to see near the tutankhamun tomb, where should you stay, tourist attractions in egypt: hatshepsut temple, hatshepsut temple entrance fees, what else can i see nearby, where to stay when visiting the hatshepsut temple, places to eat and drink in the area, where is memphis, getting to memphis, egypt, things to see in memphis, other things to do near memphis, places to eat and drink near memphis, egypt, places to stay near the city, where is the temple, what is luxor temple, visiting the temple, places to stay in luxor, what is the aswan dam, where is the dam, visiting the aswan dam, the nubian museum, elephantine island, the unfinished obelisk, the aga khan mausoleum, the tomb of the nobles, hotels near the aswan dam, what is abu simbel, facts about abu simbel, visiting the temple complex, where to stay when planning a visit to abu simbel, tourist attractions in egypt: colossi of memnon, getting to the statues, place to stay near the colossi of memnon, other things to see near the statues, where is the valley of the queens, what is the valley of the queens, visiting the valley, other sites to see near the valley of the queens, places to stay nearby, tourist attractions in egypt: to conclude.

The tourist attractions in Egypt are like no other! Below I have outlined all of the major tourist attractions that should be on your Egypt travel itinerary- whether you are spending 8 days in Egypt or a month in the country, there is plenty to keep you occupied. I have organised the tourist attractions in Egypt by locations, where applicable.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Aswan

Aswan is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt. So what do you need to know about Aswan before you go?

Aswan is a city in southern Egypt. It lies on the Nile River, and it is the strategic and commercial gateway of southern Egypt. There are many tourist attractions in Egypt based in Aswan – with villages, gardens, markets and more, as well as the nearby Aswan Dam, you will have so much fun if you choose to visit Aswan as part of your trip to Egypt.

Aswan has its own airport. This is Aswan International Airport, also known as Daraw Airport, 16km from the city itself. It is classed as a ‘minor international airport’. Flights from Europe tend to go via Cairo and then on to Aswan itself.

Another great way of visiting the area and seeing the tourist attractions in Egypt is on a Nile cruise. See the incredible history of Egypt on a small, comfortable boat with gourmet dining, plenty of space to relax, and on-board entertainment. They are such a unique and fun way to travel!

Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you may need an Egypt visa . Fortunately, these are pretty easy to get and if you use a company like PassportVisa.org the process is simple and easy!

There’s one word for Aswan – warm. January is the coolest month which an average temperature of around 15.3°C and no rain , while June-August are the warmest months. They all have an average daily temperature of around 33°C. 

August and October are the two months when it is most likely to rain, but it’s never a lot! November through February are the most humid months – between 32 and 42% humidity. Make sure you pack your SPF and something to keep you cool, like a portable fan, and you’ll be good to go.

There is seriously SO many tourist attractions in Egypt based in Aswan. Like most of Egypt, it has a rich and colourful history as well as beautiful scenery and plenty of culture .

The Nubian Museum is listed as the best thing to do in Aswan according to Lonely Planet. You can learn all the history of a culture that was practically wiped out by the construction of the Aswan Dam, as well as how the Philae and Abu Simbel temples were saved.

Going to see the Aswan Dam itself is a must. The views are incredible and if you’re interested in engineering, then you’ll be fascinated. The dam creation was controversial, though. It caused the displacement that you’ll learn about in the Nubian Museum, and you can do a guided tour of the Aswan Dam .

No trip to Aswan is complete without visiting the spice market as this is one of the major tourist attractions in Egypt. Sharia al-Souq is the perfect place to pick up nutmeg, cloves, bergamot and cinnamon as well as plenty of souvenirs. You can take home fabric, jewellery and more.

There are some tourist attractions in Egypt that can be easily accessed from here too. You can visit Philae Temple, which stands alone on an island in the Nile. Most people don’t make the effort to see this stunning temple, so it is always a peaceful visit. You can hire a boatman to take you to the temple. There are Christian church ruins on the site, which is Philae Temple’s new home following the construction of the high dam. It is definitely worth making the trip!

TOP TIP: the return felucca journey to Philae Temple should cost 120 LE. Bear this in mind to avoid being overcharged!

Another little boat journey: Elephantine Island. It is beautiful, with traditional Nubian villages – you’ll find locals chatting on to their neighbours as children run away the streets of brightly painted buildings and walls. Love a bit of street photography, or just want some unexpected snaps for the ‘gram? Then visiting the island is ideal for you.

You can also head out to see Abu Simbel, around 280km from the city. One of Egypt’s greatest temples, you should not miss seeing Abu Simbel. It’s simply awe-inspiring. You can book a day trip out to the temple easily.

Basma Hotel Aswan is a lovely place to stay. Not far from the Nubian Museum, there is a pool, free WiFi and free parking. An airport shuttle can be arranged, family rooms are available and there is a bar & restaurant too. Special dietary requirements can be adhered to, and there are various activities on offer. A great place to stay in Aswan!

Ekadolli Nubian Guesthouse is on the other side of the Nile, offering the perfect view of Aswan in traditional Nubian accommodation. There is a restaurant, breakfast buffet and bar. With plenty of brightly decorated outdoor space and beautiful views, this is lovely if you’re looking for somewhere to relax while in Aswan.

Aragheed Nubian Guest House is another place for traditional-style accommodation. With BBQ facilities, free parking, live music and so much more as well as a friendly atmosphere, travellers love it here. Airport transfers can be arranged, the views and incredible and there is even a rooftop chill-out area!

If you want to stay on the aforementioned Elephantine Island, then the Mövenpick Resort is perfect. A stunning luxury hotel with a pool, tennis court and gym as well as free WiFi, BBQ facilities and romantic views, it is just incredible. If you are visiting Aswan for a special occasion or just fancy a bit of luxury, then this is ideal.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is home to many of the tourist attractions in Egypt. In fact, these tourist attractions in Egypt are some of the most impressive in the country! Lets take a closer look…

The Valley of the Kings is an Egyptian valley full of rock-cut tombs. As the name suggests, these tombs belonged to the various kings of Egypt and are some of the most incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. They were buried there between the 16th and 11th centuries BC – powerful people of the New Kingdom, royalty and more. There is an east valley and a west valley. Most of the royal tombs can be found in East Valley.

Probably the most famous Valley of the Kings burial was Tutankhamun . King Tut, The Boy King – whatever nickname you know him by, most people have heard of him. His gold mask, created circa 1323 BC, is one of the most well known pieces of art in the world. You can see it now at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo as part of your trip to Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings is now a popular tourist site and home to several tourist attractions in Egypt. Every year, history-lovers flock to the archaeological site to see what remains there and visit the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.

There were so many people buried at the Valley of the Kings. Here are just some of them…

• Ramesses VII
• Tia’a
• Amenhotep II
• Thutmose IV
• Tutankhamun

The site is located in modern day Luxor. This is a city in Upper Egypt (the south of the country) and it is the capital of the Luxor Governorate. Often labelled as the world’s best open-air museum, Luxor is jam packed with ancient ruins, incredible monuments and fascinating history.

Luxor lies on the River Nile, and can easily be visited as part of a Nile cruise . The Valley of the Kings is on the West Bank of the Nile, opposite the city itself – Luxor city is located where ancient Thebes was.

Luxor has its own international airport (LXR). It lies just 6 km away from the city, and you can fly here from Brussels, Heathrow, Paris CDG, Kuwait, Milan, Cairo and some other airports. The drive from the airport to the city takes just 15 minutes.

If you want to visit the Valley of the Kings, you just need to head to the West Bank. There is a ferry across the Nile from Luxor, and then you can hire a taxi to take you to the valley and to other sites on this side of the river. You can hire a taxi for the whole day, with a driver who will ensure you get to see everything you want. Ask at your hotel if they can recommend anyone, or at least what price you should expect to pay.

TOP TIP: you could also hire a bike on the West Bank, if you are looking to cut costs down and see this part of Egypt in a different way.

There are plenty of guided tours of the Valley of the Kings available. These tours generally include transport, and often combine this site with other famous locations that will likely also be on your list. This is a great way of ticking some things off, and not having to faff about with planning everything yourself. Always a good idea if you are on a short time frame!

The entrance fee for the Valley of the Kings is 240 EGP. There are various discounts available – under 5s get in free, while kids up to 12 get a 50% discount. If you have a student ID card, it is with taking it with you as this often qualifies you for a discount (if you’re under 30) too.

The site is open from 6 am daily, closing at 4 in the winter and 5 in the summer.

This map serves a guide to the most famous tombs located at the Valley of the Kings to help you plan your visit to the tourist attractions in Egypt. You will also be able to get paper maps when visiting. There are often tour guides who congregate near the entrance, so if you want someone to take you around the site then this is worth looking into. It will cost you, but it can be worth your while!

If you are looking to stay somewhere that is close to the Valley of the Kings and these magnificent tourist attractions in Egypt, choose accommodation on the West Bank itself. You can also choose to stay in Luxor, if you want more of a resort feel. There are plenty of options…

Villa Kaslan Apartments are a small group of apartments on the West Bank. The Valley of the Kings is just 2.2 miles away, and each apartment has its own kitchen, bathroom and outdoor space. There is a pool, free WiFi and free on-site parking; transfers to/from the airport can be arranged too. The apartments have air conditioning, a TV and dining space. Previous guests loved the friendly staff, cleanliness and the lovely food.

New Memnon Hotel , just 1.2 miles from the Valley of the Kings, is a great choice. With a rooftop bar and restaurant, air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi, you’ll have everything you need. Nearby parking is free, family rooms are available and housekeeping is daily. With outdoor space to enjoy and so much within easy reach, it’s no surprise this hotel has great reviews. Previous guests have raved about the food, and ambience and the staff.

Around 3 miles from the Valley of the Kings, on the other side of the river, is the Mercure Luxor Karnak . A well-known hotel brand, you know what you’re getting with a Mercure stay. There is a large pool as well as a kids pool, and there are 7 restaurants and bars here. Rooms are large with balconies, air conditioning and private bathrooms. WiFi and parking are free; there is plenty of entertainment and spa facilities are available too.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is the one for you if you’re looking for luxury on your trip to Egypt. The Valley of the Kings is around 2.5 miles away (with a river crossing) and the hotel itself is gorgeous. With hammocks and two infinity pools, a luxurious spa and incredible Nile views, you will be in your element. For those wanting to combine history and exploration with a touch of glamour, look no further!

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Karnak

One of the most iconic tourist attractions in Egypt is Karnak Temple. In fact, Karnak temple was one of my favourite tourist attractions in Egypt!

Often simply referred to as Karnak, it is a temple complex that is actually made up of several tourist attractions in Egypt, namely temples, chapels, pylons and other buildings. Construction began in the Middle Kingdom. 

The surrounding area was known, in ancient times, as ‘Ipet-isut’ which translates as ‘ The most selected of places’. Therefore, it is clear that Karnak Temple was an incredibly important part of ancient Egypt worship and culture. It was the main place of worship during the 18th Dynasty, and was influenced by 30 different pharaohs over the years. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Egypt with significant history.

Did you know: ‘Karnak’ itself means ‘fortified settlement’ in Arabic.

What springs to mind when you think of Karnak Temple is probably the Precinct of Amun-Ra. This is the only part open to the general public. There are three other parts that make up the temple complex: the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct or Montu and the Temple to Amenhotep IV – which has been dismantled. These three sections are closed to the public.

Karnak Temple Complex is in Luxor. This is in the south of Egypt, which is also known as Upper Egypt. It is on the east bank of the Nile River, and actually lies on the site of the ancient city of Thebes.

Driving to the Karnak Temple complex from the centre of Luxor and other tourist attractions in Egypt takes around 15 minutes. It also only takes 6 minutes to drive between Luxor Temple and Karnak – so combining the two is simple and easy.

Luxor has a whole host of tourist attractions in Egypt, and is a real must-visit city in Egypt.

As mentioned, part of the Karnak Temple Complex is open to the public. Entry costs 150 EGP, though if you’re a student make sure you show your ID card as you can get in for a reduced fee!

Visiting Karnak independently is definitely possible, but given the vast size of the temple complex it might be worth hiring a guide when you arrive. This usually costs around 50-100 EGP, and they’ll stay with you for an hour and a half. They can show you the most important parts of Karnak Temple, explain exactly what everything is, and show you the very best photo spots.

If you are travelling independently, you can get a microbus to Karnak Temple. These are heralded as the easiest way to travel around Luxor, and they’re cheap too. You can flag them down while they’re en route, and if they’re heading your way you can jump in. It only costs 1EGP per journey! To get a microbus to Karnak, you can definitely grab one from behind Luxor Train Station or from Luxor Temple – if you don’t want to try your hand at flagging one down, that is…

Of course, there are guided tours that take you to Karnak Temple anyway. These tend to be full day trips around Luxor, highlighting the best parts of the city. You can fly in from Sharm El Sheikh , or hop on an air conditioned coach from Hurghada .

If you visit Karnak at night, you can catch the famous sound & light show at the temple complex. It is a 1.5 hour show which recounts the history of Thebes. For light show fans, this is certainly one. of the best tourist attractions in Egypt.

There are various places to stay that are fairly near to Karnak. Luxor has a huge variety of hotels, apartments, hostels and more – so there truly is an option for every type of traveller.

El Mesala Hotel is 1.9 miles from Karnak Temple. There are views of the Nile and Luxor Temple, and reviews praise the fantastic location and helpful staff here. The hotel offers single, double and triple rooms as well as family rooms, and there is free WiFi as well as free public on-street parking for those of you driving to Luxor. They can arrange airport pick-up/drop-off, and there is a pool, BBQ facilities, bar & restaurant and more.

Venus Hostel in Luxor is just 1.4 miles from the temple complex. Reviews cite the staff as being extremely helpful, and you’ll not find any dormitories here. Despite being a hostel, all rooms are private. There is a shared kitchen as well as free WiFi and parking; you can check in at any time, and there is a terrace area too for relaxing in the sunshine.

If it’s luxury you’re after, you’ll find it at the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa ; at just 0.9 miles from Karnak Temple, it is one of the closest hotels to the site. It has eight bars, a variety of stunning rooms (from family rooms to spa suites), BBQ facilities, an airport shuttle service and so much more. The spa offers plenty of facilities and treatments, and reviews say how good the food is too!

For a full list of accommodation options available on your travel dates, use the search box below.

As mentioned above, Luxor is home to a whole host of tourist attractions in Egypt. Karnak Temple is just one of them, so here are a few other things you can get up to in the area…

• The Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens – where royalty was buried, in mummified form.
• The Colossi of Memnon – two ginormous ancient statues.
• Luxor Temple – an incredible temple which presides over the area.
• Medinet Habu – an often overlooked temple that has some wonderfully intact decor and artwork.
• Carter’s house – if you’re interested in all things King Tut, the home of the archaeologist who discovered him is a must-see. There’s a replica tomb there, too.
• Banana Island – you can sail down the Nile on a felucca, and head to this palm-shaded island. Come back in the evening and catch the sunset as you travel!
• Hot air balloon – see Luxor from above, in the early hours of the day when it’s slightly cooler.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Pyramids of Giza

When you think of Egypt, you very likely think of the Pyramids of Giza and these are some of the most famous tourist attractions in Egypt. They are almost synonymous with the country, and they are absolutely breathtaking.

The pyramids of Giza are located in Egypt, on the outskirts of Cairo. Visiting the pyramids can easily be organised via a tour, with a private guide or independently upon arrival in Egypt. I recommend securing your visa for Egypt in advance of your trip. Prior to our trip, we decided to get our Egypt visa online . Getting the visa was super easy and convenient and helped to make fo a simple entry to Egypt when we arrived.

When you arrive in Cairo you will need to book a tour or a private car to take you to the pyramids. The pyramids are in the Al Giza Desert, and the complex is called the Giza Necropolis, home to these incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. There are three pyramids here: the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Pyramid of Khafre.

Giza is a city on the west bank of the Nile, near to Cairo. Alongside the Pyramids of Giza, there are other ancient monuments to behold. Giza has always been an important part of Egypt’s history, due to its close proximity to Memphis – the capital city of the first unified Egyptian state under Narmer, the first pharaoh.

These tourist attractions in Egypt were built as tombs for ancient Egyptian pharaohs and their queens. They contain chambers inside, and are surrounded by smaller pyramid structures, mastaba tombs and mortuary temples. While there are over 80 pyramids across Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are the best preserved and most well-known.

The Great Pyramid, which is also the oldest, was built for a pharaoh named Khufu. He is referenced inside the pyramid. For almost 4,000 years this pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world, and it is believed that the architect was Hemiunu, Khufu’s highest ranking official. At the time of construction it was around 146.5 metres tall (480ft) but now stands at 138.8 metres (455ft) due to erosion and the loss of its pyramidion.

The second tallest of the Pyramids of Giza is the Pyramid of Khafre, also written as Chephren. He was a pharaoh who ruled from around 2558-2532 BC. It is 136.4 metres tall. The Pyramid of Khafre was first explored (in modern times) in 1818 by Giovanni Belzoni. An open sarcophagus was found inside, but no bones.

Last but not least is the Pyramid of Menkaure, which is the smallest of the three Pyramids of Giza. Menkaure was another fourth Dynasty pharaoh. This pyramid is 61 metres tall (204ft), and the pharaoh’s coffin was found within. However, the bones inside were likely not his – carbon dating placed them at less than 2,000 years old.

Without a doubt, these are some of the most amazing tourist attractions in Egypt and are the reason many people travel here.

As the complex is home to the only remaining ancient wonder of the world, as well as being utterly awe-inspiring, many tourists are keen to visit the Pyramids of Giza. And there are a variety of ways in which you can make sure you get to these tourist attractions in Egypt.

If you’re on a Mediterranean cruise, then Port Said or Alexandria might be one of your ports. Both are around 2.5 hours away by car or coach, and you will more than likely be able to book onto an excursion that takes you to see the Pyramids of Giza alongside the Sphinx and the Cairo Museum.

There are also river cruises that incorporate Cairo and Giza as well as Luxor and Aswan – these are often smaller and more intimate than Mediterranean cruises so depending on what you’re looking for, bear that in mind.

Did you know: there is often a light and sound show at the pyramids, and other sites around Egypt. You might want to plan your trip to coincide with this! These tourist attractions in Egypt looks especially incredible in the dark!

If you are staying in Cairo and prefer a DIY-style of travel, take a private taxi from the city to the Pyramids of Giza and surrounding complex. As of 2019, Uber is available in Cairo too. If you have hired a car, there is parking available near the pyramid complex.

There are also public buses that can take you from Cairo to Giza; there is a bus stand behind the Cairo Museum, and there are a few different buses to choose from.

You can also book an organised tour to the Pyramids of Giza . There are plenty of options available leaving from Cairo, and incorporating other sites into the day. They are typically inexpensive, and having a guide with you can be helpful when it comes to knowing what you’re looking at.

There are plenty of options when it comes to staying near to the Pyramids of Giza, ensuring that you are nearby these tourist attractions in Egypt. Some are even within walking distance of the plateau, if you can stand the heat. Here’s some picks…

Giza Pyramids Inn is literally across the street from the entrance gate of the complex. You can look out across the pyramids, so the view is an absolute win here. The hotel has air conditioning, free airport pick-up, free WiFi and parking as well as private bathrooms in all hotel rooms. There is a bar and restaurant, 24-hour check in and a tour desk – perfect for planning your visit to the Pyramids of Giza and beyond.

Pyramids Valley Boutique Hotel is 0.5 miles from the Pyramids of Giza. Again you can see the pyramids from your balcony or the rooftop terrace – there are single and double rooms, both standard and deluxe, and the property has free WiFi and parking available. There is a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk, too.

Slightly further out, although still less than a mile away from the Pyramids of Giza, is Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa . WiFi is free and there’s a pool, a separate kid’s pool, spa facilities such as a jacuzzi, massages and sauna and a fitness centre to boot. Rooms have a few of either the pyramids, or the pool area. There is a bar and restaurant as well as a snack bar and places to get coffee. For something more luxurious, this is definitely an option to consider.

For a full list accommodation and availability on your travel dates, use the map widget below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt :Lake Nasser

The most iconic waterway and one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Egypt is the River Nile – however, there is other water to explore in the country.

Lake Nasser, a vast reservoir, is one of the biggest man-made lakes anywhere on Earth, making it one of the most notable tourist attractions in Egypt. It is in the south of Egypt, as well as in northern Sudan. However, the Sudanese call their portion of water ‘Lake Nubia’. 

The main (much larger) part of the lake is in Egypt. Lake Nasser is 298 miles long (479 km) and at its widest point is 9.9 miles wide (16 km).

Did you know: There are small islands within Lake Nasser, such as Philae and Agilkia.

Lake Nasser is named after one of the leaders of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, Gamal Abdel Nasser. It was created by the impounding of water from the River Nile, because of the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The lake has brought a further 800,000 acres of land under irrigation, with another 700,000 acres being converted from flood to perennial irrigation.

When Lake Nasser was being created, it meant that a lot of significant historical sites in Egypt would be submerged. Therefore, temples like Abu Simbel had to be moved to new locations to avoid being lost forever, luckily because of the relocation we can still visit these tourist attractions in Egypt.

One way to visit Lake Nasser is to incorporate it into a Nile Cruise and combine it with visits to other tourist attractions in Egypt. Many cruise operators give you the option to extend your trip and spend a few nights sailing on Lake Nasser. Or, for a shorter trip, you can opt to just take a 4 night cruise around the lake. The views are incredible!

You can do day trips too if you are staying in Aswan or very nearby. For example, there are fishing trips to Lake Nasser available from Aswan – equipment and refreshments are provided, transport to and from the lake is included and you can spend the whole day on the water catching tiger fish, Nile perch and more.

Other day trips take you to Kalabsha Temple , which is right on the shores of Lake Nasser. It is often overlooked by tourists, meaning it’ll likely be quiet if you do visit and you’ll have the place to yourselves, able to soak everything it and admire Lake Nasser too. As you can see, there are a lot of tourist attractions in Egypt based here.

You can, of course, see the lake from the Aswan High Dam. Here you will find plenty of information boards with facts and statistics about Lake Nasser. At the centre of the dam there is parking, clean toilets and the opportunity to buy food, drinks and souvenirs. You can also see construction photos. It is incredible to look back at how the dam and the lake were made!

In and around the lake there is plenty of wildlife to be seen. Ecosafari boat trips are available to show you exactly what’s living in the water and on its shores, and if you’re lucky enough you might spot some of the 100 species of birds on the lake as well as the ones who are passing over on their annual migrations.

There are also mammals and reptiles. Crocodiles and monitor lizards and particularly common, and you might also spot gazelle, dorcas, desert fox, jackals and more. As expected, Lake Nasser is home to plenty of fish too, like the aforementioned tiger fisher and Nile perch.

Aswan and Lake Nasser have lows of 10-12°C between December and February, with the highest temperatures in June, July and August when it reaches as high as 42°C. It often goes years without raining near Lake Nasser, so it’s a very dry heat.

When travelling to this area, be sure to wear thin clothing that will keep you cool – linen and cheesecloth are good materials to consider. Sun protection is vastly important too! Pack a hat, portable fan and a cooling towel if you think the heat will get to you, and remember to stay hydrated at all times.

Given the location of the lake and the tourist attractions in Egypt, there is not too much choice when it comes to looking for somewhere to stay nearby. But the following accommodations are fairly near the lake!

Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel overlooks the lake, which means the views are beautiful. The hotel has different room types as well as a pool, free WiFi and free parking. Rooms have private bathrooms, and the hotel has a bar and restaurant. 24-hour check in is available, and there are shops on site as well as a laundry service. Traditional decor and the lovely surroundings give this hotel an authentic look and feel.

In Aswan, a 15 minute drive from the High Dam, the Basma Hotel has free parking and free WiFi as well as a variety of air-conditioned rooms with minibars. There is a coffee house, snack bar, restaurant and bar on site as well as BBQ facilities. There is a pool and outdoor seating, and they can arrange packed lunches for your day trips as well as massages, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle service. The decor is colourful and reviews praise the staff, the breakfast and the location.

Star Abu Simbel is an apartment near the famous temple, meaning it is really close to Lake Nasser too. It sleeps six, and there is free WiFi as well as free parking. The entire apartment is on the ground floor, and the kitchen means guests have the freedom to eat when they want. Mosquito nets are present, there is an outdoor terrace to relax on as well as air conditioning.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Tutankhamun’s tomb

When heading to Egypt, high on everyone’s list of historical sites to see is the Tutankhamun tomb. We stopped here during our travels through Egypt and recommend that you do too!

Known as King Tut or the boy king, Tutankhamun was an 18th Dynasty pharaoh. He was only 8 or 9 years old when he became king, and he reigned for a further 9 years. His death has been the subject of debates for years – it was thought he may have been murdered by a blow to the head, but x-rays and CT scans have disproved this. Cause of death remains a mystery for now, however.

His tomb was discovered by Howard Carter. In 1922, British archaeologist Carter and his team were in the Valley of the Kings when they discovered a step leading into a tomb that was remarkably intact. With four rooms and several thousand objects, it took Carter years to excavate the tomb.

Within the tomb, of course, was a stone sarcophagus. Three coffins nested inside of each other like Russian dolls, and the final one – made from solid gold – contained the mummy of Tutankhamun himself. It had been preserved for over 3000 years!

The Tutankhamun tomb is in the Valley of the Kings, which is home to some of the best tourist attractions in Egypt. This is on the west bank of the River Nile, opposite what we call Luxor today. It’s fairly remote, in order to deter thieves in days past. Sadly this didn’t really work, and a lot of the tombs were raided – the Tutankhamun tomb was not, though, which is part of what makes it so famous today.

YES this is one of the tourist attractions in Egypt that you can enter! The tomb is open for visitors, however you do have to pay extra. Tickets and packages for entry into the Valley of the Kings do not cover entry into the Tutankhamun tomb, however it is only a few pounds/dollars extra.

The tomb has recently been restored, making this one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Egypt. The project took a decade, and the Tutankhamun tomb was still open to visitors during this time. The Valley of the Kings has been a tourist trap for thousands of years – before it was rediscovered by modern day archaeologists, the Romans and Greeks of ancient times found it and visited the tombs. Because of this, and because interest doesn’t seem to be waning at all, something had to be done.

For the most part, the Tutankhamun tomb has been emptied. However, there’s one thing you will get to see if you visit: the king himself! That’s right, the mummy of the boy king remains in the tomb. When discovering and excavating the tomb, Howard Carter caused a little bit of accidental damage to the mummy. Because of this, it can’t be moved to Cairo with the rest of the goods. Doing so would damage it completely.

There are many ways to get to the Valley of the Kings. By using Luxor as a starting point when visiting the tourist attractions in Egypt based here, you can easily make your way to the Tutankhamun tomb and all of the other tombs in the valley…

First of all, you need to get to Luxor. The closest airport is Luxor International Airport (LXR) – it is 4 miles east of the city itself, and the drive from airport to city centre takes roughly 15 minutes. You can fly to Luxor from many major cities (London, Paris, Glasgow) but most flights are indirect.

• The ferry takes you across from Luxor to the west bank, and from here you can hire a taxi with a driver who will take you on a full day tour of the sites for the right price. 
• You can also hire a bike. This keeps costs down and allows you to do it all at your own pace.
• Another option is to hike to the Valley of the Kings. You can do this from Deir el-Bahari, or from Deir el-Medina. Be warned, it’s a hot and dusty hike!

There are organised day trips available too. These will take you to the Valley of the Kings as well as arranging access to the Tutankhamun tomb. Tours run from Luxor and Hurghada as well as other nearby locations.

While the tomb of the boy king is one of the most popular sites to see – the one on everybody’s bucket list – there is plenty else to have a look at nearby. Here are some of the best:

• The 64 other tombs at the Valley of the Kings
• Sunset river cruise
• Karnak 
• The Colossi of Memnon
• Luxor Temple

There are plenty of places to stay that will give you easy access to the tourist attractions in Egypt based in the Valley of the Kings and the Tutankhamun tomb. From apartments to hotels and hostels, you’ll be able to find something perfect for your needs…

For a bit of luxury, the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is only a few miles away. With pool and spa facilities, free WiFi, a dedicated airport shuttle, bar & restaurant and free parking, the hotel has everything you could ever need for a relaxing stay that still allows you to be well located for visiting historical sites. They can cater to special dietary requirements, and guests can check in or out 24 hours a day.

If you’re after something a bit more low key, Villa Bahri offers two apartments just a couple of miles from the Valley of the Kings. There is free WiFi and public parking as well as your own kitchen, an outdoor pool, air conditioning and more.

For a budget hotel, check out the Pharaoh’s Hotel . Offering twin, double and triple rooms as well as a terrace for eating meals and an on-site bar, this hotel is popular with long-term travellers. The Valley of the Kings is just a 10 minute walk away, and free WiFi is offered alongside air conditioning and somewhere to do your laundry.

For a complete list of available accommodation options on your travel dates, use the map below.

Whether Hatshepsut Temple is already on your list of tourist attractions in Egypt or not, here’s a complete guide to visiting.

What is Hatshepsut Temple

Located beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile – close to modern day Luxor – the temple serves as just one of many incredible tourist attractions in Egypt to see in the area.

Its full name is The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and it is also know as Djeser-Djeseru which translates roughly as Holy of Holies. It was built for 18th Dynasty pharaoh Hatshepsut. She was only the second-ever female pharaoh, history tells us.

Construction of the Hatshepsut Temple was overseen by the royal architect Senenmut. There are layered terraces, porto-Doric columns and square piers as well as ramps that would once have been surrounded by gardens filled with plants. With the temple there is a sun court, chapel, sanctuary and more.

To get to Hatshepsut Temple there are various routes. You can take a half-hour walk from the Valley of the Kings over the mountain pass – there is a trail, and it isn’t as busy as other ways of getting to the temple. Of course, this involves getting to the Valley of the Kings. You can get here easily on foot or by taxi. If you are coming from Luxor on the other side of the Nile take the ferry.

DON’T FORGET! You can also visit the temple, and all of the other popular sites in the area, on a Nile Cruise .

It is best to visit Hatshepsut Temple with a guide. There are some fascinating stories about the temple as well as the pharaoh herself, and a guide will be able to tell you everything you want to know.

There is an entrance fee to visit Hatshepsut Temple. You may be on a tour that includes entry to the temple area, but if not the costs are as follows…

• Non-Egyptian tourist: 80 EGP
• Non-Egyptian student (with relevant ID): 40 EGP
• Egyptian national: 10 EGP
• Egyptian student (with relevant ID): 5 EGP

As mentioned, tours are available. These tend to be tours of the west bank as a whole, that incorporate Hatshepsut Temple as part of the day. These leave from the likes of Aswan and Hurghada . There are also different and slightly unique tours available, such as a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the temple and other sites.

Near to Hatshepsut Temple there are plenty of other tourist attractions in Egypt. If you are interested in Ancient Egyptian culture and history you will likely already have an idea of the tourist attractions in Egypt you want to visit – but here are the most popular sites near to the temple itself…

• The Valley of the Kings – home to over 60 tombs, the valley was the final resting place for many kings during the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties.
• The Temple of Karnak – one of the biggest temple complexes with plenty to see. Again it is advised that you visit with a guide to get the most out of your trip.
• Ramesseum – otherwise known as the Mortuary Temple of Ramses II, it was built on the site of Seti I’s ruined temple. It also inspired a Percy Bysshe Shelly verse, linked to its nickname of the tomb of Ozymandia.
• The Howard Carter House – home of the archaeologist who discovered the tomb of King Tut himself. The house still has his dark room as well as plenty of his possessions for visitors to see.

In order to be within easy reach of the temple and other tourist attractions in Egypt, it is best to stay in Luxor. This modern area lies on the site of the ancient city of Thebes. Luxor has plenty of accommodation to offer as well as museums, bars, restaurants, shops and more. Here are some options…

At just 1 mile from the Hatshepsut Temple, Nour El Gourna is perfectly located. The authentic-looking hotel offers single, twin, double and triple rooms for an affordable price. There is free parking available as well as an airport shuttle service; the rooms are non-smoking, and pets are allowed for any more-local tourists. Many of the west bank sites are within walking distance.

Memnon Hotel , located in Luxor, offers single and double rooms with free WiFi and free on-site private parking. No-smoking rooms, a 24-h front desk, bike rental service and more are available at this hotel which is approximately 1.3 miles from Hatshepsut Temple.

If you’re travelling with a larger group and are looking for a villa, Shahhat House sleeps six. With stunning views and huge outdoor seating area to take it all in, this is perfect for a short or long stay. There are three bedrooms – two with double beds and one with two singles – as well as a kitchen, free WiFi and free parking.

For more accommodation options, try Luxor- which isn’t far away. Type in your travel dates below to see what’s available.

Although there isn’t a lot in the immediate vicinity, there are some eateries and bars that aren’t too far from the Hatshepsut Temple. Here are some visitor favourites…

• Wenkie’s – a German coffee and ice cream parlour. They offer a wide variety of sorbet and ice cream flavours as well as hot drinks, waffles and more.
• Al-Sahaby Lane Restaurant – this traditional Middle Eastern restaurant comes highly recommended, offering vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten free options.
• Pizza Roma-it – if you’re looking for Italian food, their pizza is raved about by many. You can watch them being prepared, too.
• Hatshepsut Restaurant – this is a rooftop bar with views of the west bank, and the opportunity to watch some belly dancing on certain evenings.
• The King’s Head – if you’re visiting from England and want a bit of home, head here. It’s not tacky, but it is warm and welcoming if you want a nice drink away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the tourist traps.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Memphis

Memphis – your mind may immediately jump to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, but there is another Memphis. Located in Egypt, this Memphis is an ancient city that is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt.

It may not be the most well known area to visit, but it is well worth the trip if you are staying in or near Cairo. Here’s why!

You’ll find Memphis around 12 miles (20 km) south of Giza itself, and 15 miles (24 km) south of Cairo. The city lies on the west bank of the Nile. It was the ancient capital of Egypt, also know as Inebu-hedj. This translates as the white walls. It marked the boundary between upper and lower Egypt, and thus was sometimes referred to us as Ankh-Tawy, which means life of the two lands. 

Various modern towns and cities lie within the administrative borders of the historical city of Memphis, Egypt. These include:

• Zawyet el’Aryan

The city of Memphis, Egypt, is said to have rivalled Thebes at one point – both politically and architecturally. In 1979, Memphis and its necropolis were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The nearest big city to Memphis, Egypt is Cairo. To drive from Cairo to Memphis takes around 40 minutes – the suggested route is via Al Wosta. The short journey makes it a relatively easy day trip from Cairo, especially if you have hired a car for your trip.

Driving in Egypt, however, isn’t for the faint hearted so I would personally recommend booking an organised tour to take you to Memphis, Egypt. Many, like this one for example, will combine it with a visit to the Sakkara Step Pyramid. The pyramid is just north-west of the city of Memphis.

Memphis, Egypt is home to a lot of statues, constituting many of the tourist attractions in Egypt. The city is now what is known as an open museum. Visitors can wander around, feeling as though they’re stepping back in time without the confines of glass boxes and harsh lighting. There is an entrance fee of 80 EGP, which is roughly £4 (GBP) or almost $5 (USD).

Here are some the sites you can see in the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt…

• Limestone colossus of Ramses II – it’s over 10 metres (33 ft) long, and the king’s feet are missing.
• Giant alabaster Sphinx – this statue weighs more than 80 tonnes, and once stood outside the temple of the god Ptah.
• Stone beds – these are where the sacred Apis bulls were mummified before they were placed in the Serapeum at Sakkara, the step pyramid.
• Various other statues of Ramses II
• Granite coffins
• Commemorative tablets

It is often quiet at the museum. Many tourists skip Memphis on their tours and travels, but it is absolutely worth seeing the ancient city as there are some amazing tourist attractions in Egypt here.

One of the closest landmarks, as mentioned, is the Sakkara Step Pyramid. Its official name is the Pyramid of Djoser, and it lies just north-west of the city of Memphis. This is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Egypt when visiting the country, and you can easily combine this with a visit to the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt. There are other tourist attractions in Egypt to see and things to do nearby, too…

• Imhotep Museum – he was the architect behind the building of the step pyramid, and this museum is dedicated to him. Complete with sarcophagi and a mummy, there are plenty of interesting exhibits.
• Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep’s Mastaba – this is the tome of Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep, which looks plain from the outside but is home to hieroglyphs, carvings and paintings inside.
• Camel rides – many day trips include a camel ride, but it is possible to arrange your own should you be travelling DIY-style.

While there aren’t many places to eat and drink within walking distance of Memphis, there are some vendors around the ancient city to grab a quick drink or snack. However, go a little further afield and you’ll find plenty of nice places to eat and drink near Memphis, Egypt.

• Alfi Bek Restaurant is around 3 miles away, and serves traditional Egyptian dishes. The lamb comes highly recommended by previous visitors!
• Not too far away, just past the Sakkara Step Pyramid, is a restaurant called Roastery. It offers a variety of food for good value, and they do take-out too.
• Also near the step pyramid is Studio Masr; offering traditional Egyptian food with vegetarian options available, there’s a nice view too.
• Sedra offers beautiful-looking pastries and cakes, as well as hot drinks – and is highly recommended for breakfast.

While Cairo is your best bet in terms of hotels and hostels, there are a couple of places to stay that are closer to Memphis, Egypt, enabling easier access to these tourist attractions in Egypt. Here’s some of them…

Located near 1.2 miles from the Step Pyramid, the aptly named Sakkara View Guest House offers rooms of varying sizes, with free WiFi, an on-site coffee house and live music as well as free parking, an airport shuttle service and more. With traditional decor, beautiful outdoor spaces and stunning views, it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to be near to Memphis.

Sakkara Inn is also nearby. There’s free parking and each room has a private bathroom; the hotel offers an airport shuttle service and there is plenty of outdoor seating space. Looking out from the terrace as the sun sets behind the Step Pyramid is bound to be a delightful experience, and it’s not far from Memphis either.

Snefru House is a holiday home located in Abu Sir, a few miles away form Memphis, Egypt. It has one bedroom but offers a sofa bed too; there is a large garden and traditional decor, with parking and your own kitchen. The views are amazing, too!

For a full list of accommodation options and availability on your travel dates, use the map below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Luxor Temple

High on the list of things to see and do in Egypt is the Luxor Temple. In fact, Luxor Temple was one of my favourites tourist attractions in Egypt!

As the name suggests, Luxor Temple is in the city of Luxor, Egypt. The city is on the east bank of the Nile, in the south of Egypt and is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt. Luxor lies on the site of the ancient city of Thebes – this was the pharaoh’s capital, at the height of their power.

You can fly to Luxor from around the world, but be prepared to fly indirectly. Some direct flights are available, from Heathrow, Istanbul and a few other airports. However, most tourists choose to fly into Cairo or Hurghada. There are plenty of flights to these two airports, from various places around the world.

Getting to Luxor from Cairo or Hurghada is fairly straightforward. It is a 3 hour drive from Hurghada, and around 7.5 hours in the car from Cairo. Some public transport is available too. For more information about train travel in Egypt, click here – and to see the bus timetables for getting to and from Luxor, click here .

This is one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Egypt. Constructed in approximately 1400 BCE, the temple is also known as ipet resyt which translates as “The Southern Sanctuary”. Luxor Temple is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship – most temples are dedicated to the life and death of a specific pharaoh, but this one is said to be where many Egyptian pharaohs were crowned.

The temple is built from sandstone. This specific sandstone is from the Gebel el-Silsila area in the south-west of Egypt, and is referred to as Nubian Sandstone. Most of Luxor Temple is still intact today! It is surrounded by mud-brick walls, which is symbolic of the separation between our world and the of the sacred realm of the gods.

Luxor Temple was originally built by Amenhotep III, but was added to over the years by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Rameses II.

Did you know: there was once a pair of 80ft obelisks at the Luxor Temple, but one was removed and now stands in Paris, France .

There are various shrines and chapels within the temple, making for some of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Egypt. These are dedicated to different gods and extraordinary people: Amun, Serapis, Isis, Alexander the Great. As well as these, visitors can see statues of Rameses II, the sun court of Amenhotep III, the avenue of sphinxes and more!

Above all, walking around Luxor Temple is breathtaking. To see the sheer size of it, and marvel at the history that has taken place there over thousands of years, is fascinating to any visitor or tourist.

Depending on what kind of holiday you are on, there are different ways in which you might visit Luxor Temple. If you are on a Nile cruise , for example, it is a given that the temple will be included on the list of sites you visit during your trip.

If you are staying in Luxor, simply walk to the temple. It costs 140EGP to enter the Luxor Temple grounds; this is less than £7 sterling, around $8.60 USD. You can hire a guide. This is recommended as the temple is so large, it helps to have someone with you who know the history of it and can point out all the important monuments and artwork that you may otherwise miss.

Top tip: there is little shade at Luxor Temple, so consider bringing a portable fan and wearing cooler clothing .

There are also many organised tours that visit Luxor alongside other tourist attractions in Egypt and include seeing the temple. These depart from Luxor itself as well as from Cairo .

Other things to see near Luxor Temple

There are plenty of other things to see and do in the area. Some of these include:

• Karnak Temple
• The Valley of the Kings
• Temple of Deir al-Bahri
• Medinet Habu (a small temple)
• Luxor Museum
• The Valley of the Queens
• Mortuary Temple of Seti I
• Replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb/Howard Carter’s house

It’s no wonder that so many people flock to Luxor, with all of these tourist attractions in Egypt and more within easy reach!

There are plenty of places to stay that offer easy access to Luxor Temple. Here are some of them…

We stayed at the Pavillon Winter Luxor , famously known as the ‘Princess Diana hotel’, because she stayed here many years ago. It is a luxury hotel with a pool, multiple restaurants and bars as well as free WiFi, the option to have breakfast in your room, and a 24-hour front desk.

It is 0.2 miles from the temple, and the decor is stunning – royal reds, palm trees outside and chandeliers everywhere. For something a bit special, this is definitely a great option (and you can get some AMAZING deals too- we stayed here for just £30 a night!!).

If you’re on a budget, there are hostels in Luxor. Bob Marley House is a firm favourite among travellers, and offers a mixture of private rooms and dormitories. Luxor Temple is 0.4 miles away, and the hostel has free WiFi and free parking available on site. There is a cash machine, 24-hour check in, a shared kitchen and BBQ facilities – plus reviews say that the staff are absolutely incredible.

For those travelling as a family, there are some apartments in Luxor too. Consider this penthouse apartment overlooking the Nile which sleeps four – you have your own kitchen, granting you the freedom to eat when you want, and there’s a hot tub as well as plenty of seating areas, stunning views and bikes available to use free of charge. There is a TV and free WiFi as well as plenty of other facilities.

For a full list of hotel availability on your travel dates use the map below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Aswan Dam

A slightly lesser known of the tourist attractions in Egypt to see in Egypt is the Aswan Dam. While it might not appear on every tour itinerary, it’s still worth seeing, especially if you’re in the area anyway visiting Abu Simbel.

Otherwise known as the Aswan High Dam, it is exactly what it says it is – an embankment dam that was built across the Nile river in Aswan, Egypt. There was previously a low dam, completed in 1902, but the current high dam has been there since the 1960s.

The dam came from the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. There was the need for better flooding-control, increased water storage and the generation of hydroelectricity. It had a significant effect on the country’s economy.

The Aswan Dam is 111 metres tall, and 3,830 metres long. The base width is 980 metres. The spillway of the Aswan Dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 11,000m³ per second. It was designed by the Hydroproject Institute, based in Moscow.

The Aswan Dam is located at the northern border between Egypt and Sudan. It is fed by the River Nile, and the reservoir forms Lake Nasser. The lake is 550 km long, and 35 km wide at it’s widest point.

Many archaeological sites and tourist attractions in Egypt- such as the Abu Simbel temple complex – were submerged due to the conception of the Aswan Dam. Other sites were relocated. 100,000 people had to be relocated too.

You can visit the dam on a trip to Egypt. Aswan is a city in the south of Egypt; it is a busy tourist city and a market centre. There are plenty of archaeological sites nearby, making it a popular destination for people travelling to and around the country.

The Aswan Dam is hailed as an engineering marvel and one of the most incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. It contains 18 times the amount of material used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza! It also allows you to see Lake Nasser up close – it was once the world’s largest artificial lake, meaning it’s high on some people’s bucket lists.

Because of how high the dam is, it provides incredible views up and down the Nile River. I recommend that you take one of the various tours from the city , which will take you to see the Aswan Dam, often combining a visit with other sites in the area.

Other sites to see in the area

There are so many tourist attractions in Egypt based in Aswan and the surrounding areas. From archaeological sites and snippets of day to day life, combine the Aswan Dam with any of these to make your trip an amazing one.

This museum showcases a lot of lost culture. The Aswan Dam wiped out a lot of Nubian culture, and you can see documents and artefacts that bring it back to life. Lonely Planet rates it as the best thing to do in Aswan!

This is the largest island in the Nile and a lovely place to walk around, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a travel photographer’s dream, with two traditional Nubian villages that are known for their bright wall paintings. Have a chat with the locals while you’re there, too.

Located in the Northern Quarry, not far from Aswan and the Aswan Dam, is an obelisk that is (as the name suggests) unfinished. Not much is known about who commissioned it and why, or where/when it was going to be placed. But it was abandoned, and you can see it at the quarry. It provides an insight into ancient Egyptian architecture techniques, too.

This one of the lesser-known things to do near the Aswan Dam. On top of a hill that overlooks the Nile, the Aga Khan was buried here following his death in 1957, and to this day the tradition of placing a red rose on his sarcophagus is continued.

While it doesn’t exactly rival the Valley of the Kings, The Tomb of the Noblesis the place to go if you want to see tombs without being entirely surrounded by tourists. It contains tombs of Egyptian princes. Most date back to the Old Kingdom, with others from the Middle and New Kingdoms. 

There are no hotels particularly close to the dam itself. However, there are plenty in the surrounding area. Here are some good options to choose from…

Located around 10 miles from the Aswan Dam is the stunning Ibiza Nubian House . A combination of white walls and bright artwork sets it apart from other hotels, and it offers a variety of different room sizes with free WiFi and its own restaurant. It even has a river view. There is an outdoor dining area, an airport shuttle can be arranged and the hotel offers a wake up service too!

Eight and a half miles from the Aswan Dam, you’ll find Baba Dool . It has single and double rooms, with the options of shared and private bathrooms. There is a shared kitchen, and the entire property is on the ground floor which is great in terms of accessibility. WiFi is free, too.

If there’s slightly more of you, opt for a guest house apartment. Awi Guest House sleeps four, and has its own kitchen so you’re not restricted in terms of meal times. The dam is 8.3 miles away, and the apartment comes with WiFi and excellent views!

For a full list of accommodation options available on your travel dates use the map below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Abu Simbel

Egypt is packed with incredible locations and tourist attractions in Egypt. One that’s near the top of everybody’s bucket list is Abu Simbel, and it’s easy to see why. We loved Abu Simbel! Whilst it wasn’t the easiest attraction in Egypt to reach, I would highly recommend it.

Also known as Abu Simbal, Ebsambul or Isambul, Abu Simbel is a village located in the south of Egypt. It is near the Sudan border. The area was, once upon a time, known as Nubia. The village is home to just under 3000 people, and falls under the Aswan Governate. The entire population of Abu Simbel relies on tourism driven to the area.

So what exactly is it that drives tourists to a humble village in southern Egypt? The village is the location of the Abu Simbel temples: two ginormous rock temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 19th Dynasty. 

The temple complex is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Nubian Monuments. In the ‘60s, the entire Abu Simbel temple complex was cut into large blocks, dismantled, moved and reassembled further away from the Nile to avoid it being submerged during the creation of Lake Nasser.

There are actually two temples. The Grand Temple, which is 30 metres high, feature 4 seated statues at the entrance (all of King Ramesses II on his throne) as well as various paths and rooms. The smaller temple is dedicated to one of his wives, said to be his favourite: Queen Nefertari. It also features four seated statues, two of her and two of the pharaoh himself.

Abu Simbel was rediscovered in 1813. It was Swiss researcher Johann Ludwig Burckhardt who located them. The temple complex was properly explored a few years later, by prolific Venetian Egyptologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni in 1817. 

Did you know: Burckhardt is well known for his discovery of Petra in Jordan , and also for accustoming to Muslim life. He wore traditional Muslim dress and even took a Muslim name: Ibrāhīm Ibn abd Allāh.

Like other Egyptian tourist attractions in Egypt, Abu Simbel has a particular solar alignment. It is an Ancient Egyptian phenomenon! Twice a year, the sun penetrates the temple in a particular way to light up statues in the inner sanctuary. This happens on February 22nd, as well as October 22nd. The February date is to celebrate the season of agriculture and cultivation, while the October date celebrates flooding season. The dates also coincide with the birth and coronation of Ramesses II.

The nearest city to Abu Simbel is nearby Aswan. There are many ways to travel to the area, such as flying from Aswan (it’s a 45 minute flight) or driving there. The drive takes roughly 3.5 hours and because of unrest in the area you must be escorted by police.

The only way, therefore, to visit Abu Simbel is by organised tour. There are plenty of organised tours and day trips which visit Abu Simbel. I recommend taking a tour from Aswan , but there are also longer trips available from Luxor too.

Top tip: wear something comfortable and breathable when visiting the tourist attractions in Egypt, as you will likely have a long day getting to and from Abu Simbel as well as spending time in the hot sun while you’re there. In terms of shoes, there are paved paths for walking so you’ll get away with wearing sandals or flip flops – again just make sure they are comfortable enough!

You will also have the opportunity to visit Abu Simbel on many Nile cruise trips, although this will also be in the form of a day trip from Aswan. Viator has some brilliant cruise options. We booked a mid range Nile cruise and LOVED it. In my opinion this is the best and easiest way to see all of the sights that Egypt has to offer.

There isn’t a huge amount of options if you are looking to stay in the village of Abu Simbel itself. Most tourists stay in the nearby city of Aswan. You can see hotel availability for your travel dates below.

For something a little closer to the temple complex and tourist attractions in Egypt, there are a couple of places you could opt for…

Applicators Hotel is 1.2 miles from the Abu Simbel temples. There is free WiFi and free public parking, a restaurant and plenty of outdoor seating as well as stunning views and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel offers single, double and triple rooms as well as suites all with private bathrooms. Rooms are basic but clean and spacious, and it takes just half an hour to walk to the temple complex.

Nefertari Hotel overlooks Lake Nasser, which is where the temple complex would be today had it not been moved. Free WiFi and free private parking are both available, and the hotel has a pool. It boasts garden and lake views, and has double/twin/triple rooms as well as suites. With air conditioning and en suite bathrooms, an airport shuttle and a 24-hour front desk, the hotel is ideal – what’s more, it is only 500 yards from the temple complex and other tourist attractions in Egypt!

Mariette Amon is a budget hotel that offers single and double rooms. Pets are allowed at the hotel,and there is free WiFi and free parking. It is entirely on one floor, meaning it’s more accessible than other hotels, and you can choose between private and shared bathrooms depending on what you’re after. With city, river, lake and mountain views, the area is stunning and there is an outdoor dining area too. Located just 0.7 miles from the Abu Simbel temples, it isn’t difficult to get there by car or on foot.

Egypt is home to hundreds of ancient monuments and tourist attractions in Egypt, and the Colossi of Memnon are high on the list of things to see.

What are the Colossi of Memnon?

Located just west of Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon are two statues that are over 3,400 years old. These fascinating tourist attractions in Egypt used to be identical, both representing the Pharaoh Amenhotep III – originally flanking his mortuary temple, which was lost through flooding. He reigned in Egypt during the Dynasty XVIII.

In 27 BC there was an earthquake in the area, causing damage to the tourist attractions in Egypt. The northern colossus was shattered – its top collapsed and its lower half was cracked. But as well as being damaged, it also began to sing. Each day at dawn the statue would emit a powerful tune that attracted tourists from all over the Greco-Roman world. However, in the third century AD the singing had stopped. Emperor Septimius Severus wanted to gain some popularity so he had got the statue repaired. Sadly, this actually meant the singing voice was lost forever – and the two statues no longer looked like twins.

The singing is actually how the Colossi of Memnon got their name, which comes from ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, the story goes that Memnon (mortal son of Eos, who was the goddess of Dawn) was slain by Achilles. The sound that came from the northern colossus every morning was said to be him crying to his mother.

Fun fact: modern scientists say that the singing was actually dew trapped within the cracks in the statue, evaporating due to the early morning heat and causing a series of vibrations echoing through the air!

The statues depict the pharaoh in a seated position. Two shorter figures are carved into the front – his wife Tiye, and his mother Mutemwiya. The side panels show Hapy, the god of the Nile. The Colossi of Memnon are made from quartzite sandstone which was quarried at el-Gabel el-Ahmar. This is near Cairo. The colossi are 18 metres (60 ft) tall, and each weigh approximately 720 tons!

The nearest city to the Colossi of Memnon is Luxor, where many tourist attractions in Egypt are found. It takes around 36 minutes to drive to the statues from the city, or you can walk and take a ferry across the Nile – this takes around an hour from the city centre. You don’t need a guide, but they are readily available.

To get to Luxor, the nearest airport is Luxor International Airport (LXR). The airport is 4 miles east of the city, and it generally takes just under 20 minutes to drive the centre. Car hire is available from the airport.

If you are already in Egypt and want to travel to Luxor, here’s how you can do so…

From Cairo to Luxor, it is a 7 hour drive via the Asyuit Desert. Flights from Cairo to Luxor take just over an hour and cost anywhere between £50 and £300. There are multiple options for taking the train from Cairo to Luxor: the train journey takes between 8 and 10 hours and can be done during the day or on a sleeper train. Here is some more information about routes, times and trains.

From Alexandria, slightly further north than Cairo, it takes 9.5 hours to drive to Luxor. If you’re a total DIY traveller, you can get the bus from Alexandria to Hurghada, and then from there to Luxor. This will take you almost 13 hours, but only costs around £5. You can also take a train to Cairo, and join the route mentioned above.

To get to Luxor from Aswan, it takes just over 3 hours by car. A 3.5 hour train journey is available a few times each day.

There are also day trips that will take you to Luxor to see the Colossi of Memnon and other sites. You can find out more about that here .

There are many private villas and apartments to stay in near the statues and other tourist attractions in Egypt. The Queen Valley Apartment on the West Bank is just 0.3 miles from the Colossi of Memnon, and 6.1 miles from LXR airport. It is a whole apartment with a large double bed, a balcony, patio & garden, air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. There is a kitchen and dining area, laundry facilities and bright modern decor.

There is another private villa available which has more traditional decor: dark wood, patterned rugs and curved balconies. It sleeps four, with a double room and a second bedroom with two single beds. There is a kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning and free private parking. It is 0.2 miles from the Colossi of Memnon.

New Memnon Hotel is a mere 100 metre walk from the Colossi of Memnon. With a 24 hour front desk, airport transfers, a laundry service and bike hire, everything is convenient. There are single, double and king rooms available with free WiFi and public parking as well as outdoor seating, breakfast and lovely views.

The stunning Thebes Hotel is 0.5 miles from the Colossi of Memnon. It has free WiFi and private parking, stunning Ancient Egyptian art painted on the walls, a pool and bright, spacious rooms. There are coffee shops, supermarkets and restaurants nearby, and the hotel itself boasts a bar and restaurant too.

There is so much to see in Luxor and many tourist attractions in Egypt, which are probably already on your list. However, specifically near to the Colossi of Memnon you can see all sorts…

• Habiba Hand Weaving (0.6 miles away) – see fabric and scarves being weaved in front of you. Can be purchased at a fair price.
• Temple of Medinat Habu (0.6 miles away) – lesser visited ancient temple. Tranquil in comparison to other sites, with some shade.
• Ramesseum, the Mortuary Temple of Ramses II (0.5 miles away) – another quieter temple site; the perfect place to soak up some ancient history.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Valley of the Queens

Everyone’s heard of the Valley of the Kings in Egypt – but there’s another site you should add to your bucket list: The Valley of the Queens.

We loved visiting the Valley of the Queens on our travels through Egypt so today I will share with you what we learnt from our visit.

You’ll find the Valley of the Queens on the Nile’s western bank, in Upper Egypt. It is close to the modern city of Luxor, and not far from the Valley of the Kings. It is an isolated valley, likely chosen because of its proximity to Thebes as well as the Valley of the Kings and the workers’ village of Deir el-Medina. There are several tourist attractions in Egypt located here.

Simply, the Valley of the Queens is where the wives of the pharaohs were buried. In ancient times it was known as Ta-Set-Neferu, which translates as the place of beauty.  Nowadays it is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt.

The main wadi contains the majority of the tombs and tourist attractions in Egypt. There are 91 tombs in total. The Valley of the Queens is also home to the Valley of Prince Ahmose, the Valley of the Rope, the Valley of the Three Pits and the Valley of the Dolmen. These extra valleys add another 19 tombs, all dating back to the 18th Dynasty.

There is also a sacred grotto at the entrance of the Valley of the Queens. It is dedicated to Hathor, and is said to have been associated with rejuvenation of the dead.

There many tombs. They date from between 18th and 20th Dynasties, and a wide variety of women are buried there. They included…

• Princess Ahmose
• Queen Sitre
• Hebiri (head of the stables)
• Queen Nefertari
• Princess-Queen Tyti
• King Amenhotep’s wife, Henut, and daughter Ti
• Queen Iset Ta-Hemdjert
• Princess Merytre
• Two of Ramesses II’s daughters, who he also went on to marry: Nebettawy and Meritamun, both known by the title of Princess-Queen

There are many other tombs, and many other women – princesses and queens for the most part – were buried at the Valley of the Queens.

There are a variety of ways to visit the Valley of the Queens and other tourist attractions in Egypt nearby. If you are staying in Luxor, you can easily get the ferry across the Nile to the western bank and jump in a taxi, or head there by foot if you’re up to the walk.

It costs 35 EGP to visit the Valley of the Queens, or 20 EGP if you are a student. Extra fees are applicable for certain tombs such as Nefertari, Ay and more.

Most guided tours around the area will include the Valley of the Queens and other nearby tourist attractions in Egypt. These tend to be available from Luxor or Hurghada . If you are on a Nile Cruise, chances are you will be able to pick an excursion that includes the Valley of the Queens.

If you are staying in the Cairo area, consider a few-day trip to the west bank to see the valley and all of the other sites in the area. It is a 7 hour drive via the Asyuit Desert. You can also fly from Cairo to Luxor in around one hour, which is much quicker but can be pricey. Trains are another option – sleeper trains bring you into the city overnight, so you don’t feel as though you’re wasting too much travel time. You can find out more about train travel in Egypt here .

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Egypt in the surrounding area. A huge majority of Ancient Egyptian history is near the Valley of the Queens. Some sites include…

• The Valley of the Kings – where the pharaohs themselves were buried.
• Valley of the Artisans
• Ramesseum – the mortuary temple of Ramses.
• Temple of Karnak
• Medinet Habu – 18th Dynasty temple and the great Temple of Ramses III.
• Colossi of Memnon – two enormous twin statues.

You can also visit the Luxor Museum, which is home to many Ancient Egyptian artefacts and tourist attractions in Egypt. Also in the area is Howard Carter’s house, where the archaeologist lived during his time in Egypt, complete with a replica of King Tut’s tomb. As well as this, consider visiting Habiba Hand Weaving, to see fabric being hand-woven in front of you. You can purchase any that takes your fancy, too.

Luxor has a multitude of places to stay, and it’s not too far from the Valley of the Queens and other major tourist attractions in Egypt. Here are some of the best options…

For a bit of luxury, there’s a Hilton Resort & Spa in Luxor. It has a pool and spa facilities, a bar and restaurant as well as other places to get food, with a variety of different sized rooms depending on your needs. There is free WiFi and free parking, as well as the opportunity for airport transfers. The hotel is a short ferry ride from the west bank, with easy access to the Valley of the Queens from there.

Memnon Hotel is on the west bank itself; it is only 10 yards from the viewpoint for the aforementioned Colossi of Memon, and free WiFi and parking are available on site. There is daily housekeeping, a bar and restaurant, and the rooms are non-smoking.

If there’s a large group of you, it might be worth looking into hiring a villa. Shahhat House is a traditionally decorated villa that sleeps six, located on the west bank of the Nile which means it is within easy reach of the Valley of the Queens and other historical sites. Parking and WiFi are free, the kitchen means you are free to eat whenever you want, and there is plenty of outdoor area to relax in.

For a full range of accommodation options for your travels dates, use the map below.

There are many tourist attractions in Egypt that are absolutely fascinating. These tourist attractions in Egypt are historical and cultural in nature and make for the perfect educational tourism experience. People come from all over the world to visit these tourist attractions in Egypt.

If you enjoyed this article about the tourist attractions in Egypt, I am sure that you will enjoy these too:

• 10 fascinating Egyptian pyramid facts
• 25 Fascinating Facts About Egypt
• Climbing the Great Pyramid of Giza- why you should NOT do it
• 35 Amazing Tourist Attractions in Israel To Visit
• 12 surprising facts about the Dead Sea

Liked this article? Click to share!

• Egypt Packages
• Nile Cruises
• Shore Excursions

Top 35 Famous Landmarks in Egypt You Must Visit

What are the most famous landmarks in egypt.

Many wonders of historical landmarks in Egypt’s civilization are still standing after more than three millennia. These Egyptian monuments are some of the tourists’ most popular and enduring landmarks worldwide.

If you are planning a great vacation and are looking for the most famous places in Egypt to visit , this article is what you need to close your Egypt itinerary and prioritize the sights!

In this list, you will find the best tourist landmarks in Egypt , those historical sites that you cannot exclude from your plans for a super complete experience!

Let’s start with a tip: the best way to enjoy Egypt is to plan. To do this, compile and book your itinerary with a licensed travel agency that will be safer for you.

Get up to 10%Off when booking one of our Egypt Vacation Packages check then now!

In our article on the best places to visit during your vacation to Egypt , one of the important tips we are talking about is: to divide your itinerary into four main regions – Cairo / Alexandria, Egypt Oases, Nile Valley (Luxor / Aswan), and the Red Sea.

The country has quite a history, in addition to the famous landmarks . From the traditional Pyramids of Egypt to a balloon ride in Luxor and diving in the Red Sea, Egypt has a lot to offer! Depending on your interest and the time you have available for this trip, it is always possible to fit something a little off the main tourist route, like the White Desert.

Now let’s get down to business: the best Egypt tourist attractions for you to enjoy the best of what the country has to offer!

Top landmarks to visit in Egypt: Cairo and the surroundings

1- egypt’s famous landmarks: cairo.

Now you’re in the capital of Egypt. Cairo has many landmarks in Egypt like the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, one of the most important in the world, and this place houses the most extensive collection of objects from Ancient Egypt (more than 150,000!). And don’t miss getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of its Khan el-Khalili bazaar and haggle endlessly for that souvenir to take home.

Don’t miss reading some of our articles about Cairo attractions:

• Coptic Quarter: The Christian quarter of Cairo; in it, you can find the Church of Santa Barbara or the Hanging Church !
• Khan el-Khalili bazaar : A large market at the entrance of a mosque with many alleys full of souks.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
• The Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
• Bayt Al Suhaymi in Cairo
• Hanging Church in Cairo
• Cairo Tower

Try its rich Egyptian cuisine in one of its street stalls, smoke a hookah in one of its tea shops, and talk with the locals. Cairo is a city that never sleeps, and you will find activity in its streets whatever time it is.

Browse our guide on the most famous attractions in Cairo

Only when you get to know Cairo in all its essence, will it be time to continue this journey through Egypt.

Book one of our Cairo Day Tours to discover its attractions.

2-landmarks Egypt: Pyramids of Giza

Who does not think about what to see in Egypt and automatically draws the pyramids of Giza in his head? They make up the most famous landmarks image of the country and, of course, they had to be on our list of must-haves.

Only 15 kilometers away from Cairo are the pyramids of Giza, which are one of the Famous historical landmarks in Egypt.

• Cheops pyramid : The Cheops pyramid is the largest, tallest, and most important pyramid in the world. A sarcophagus was found, but it was empty.
• Chephren pyramid : Chephren was the son of Cheops, his pyramid looks bigger to the untrained eye than that of his father. This is a fallacy since the Khafre pyramid is simply a little higher.
• Mykerinos pyramid : Menkaure, in turn, was the son of Khafre, he is the smallest of the three pyramids. Statues found in the Mykerinos pyramid can be seen today on display in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The last remaining of the ancient wonders of the world was built between 2620 and 2500 BC by around 10,000 workers.

The pyramids are located on a site previously used as a cemetery for pharaohs.

There are no records whatsoever about the construction of the pyramids, so scientists and archaeologists are still puzzling today about how the stone blocks, which weigh up to 2.5 tons, could be piled up in a relatively short time.

Also, the architecture has such precision that can only be achieved with the most modern technology and can therefore hardly be explained.

The myth of the pyramids also includes the fact that they are practically empty: neither the grave goods typical for systems of this type nor mummies could be recovered. so it considers the great ancient Egypt landmarks

Did you know there are more pyramids in the area than just the three famous Pyramids of Giza? Several other pyramids may be found in Saqqara , which is not far to the south of Giza. These pyramids include the “step” pyramid of Djoser and the “red” pyramid in Dahshur .

To enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the pyramids, check out our Camel Ride in the Pyramids of Giza , and if you want to enjoy exploring all the pyramids inside that area, check out our Memphis, Saqqara, and Pyramids of Giza Tour

Browse our guide and learn more about the Giza Necropolis .

Info & Tips: Location: Al Haram, Cairo, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 15 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 470 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 520 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 750 km

Fun Fact: Truly impressive and hardly explainable is that the pyramids are aligned exactly in the four cardinal directions and at right angles.

Book a half-day tour to the Pyramids of Giza to witness the majesty of the pharaohs.

3- landmarks in Egypt: Great Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza is an imposing sculpture with a human head and a lion’s body located next to the Pyramids of Giza. It is one of the most historical and emblematic landmarks in Egypt and the whole world.

The enigmatic Sphinx has a height of about 20 meters and a little more than 70 meters long and is endowed with a human head and a lion’s body, something that ancient Egyptians gathered in the exact figure of intelligence and strength. Even so, it is almost wholly preserved as it was covered by sand most of the time.

Over the years, the Sphinx has been revised again and again and was last uncovered in 1818. Still, it is no longer allowed to be excavated because the Egyptian authorities are afraid of any damage to the monument.

Curious facts about Egyptian landmark” the Great Sphinx of Giza”: Why doesn’t it have a nose?

This is another mystery that has never been solved. The rock from which the sphinx was built varies according to its parts. The solid body is made of soft yellowish limestone and the head of hard gray limestone. So logic suggests that the nose should have been better preserved, as is the case with the rest of the sphinx’s head in relation to its body. But to this day, it has disappeared.

Some theories blame Napoleon for its destruction, but it is a hypothesis that was dismantled after the discovery of some drawings made by an explorer who visited long before the birth of the famous French emperor and in which the sphinx already appeared without his nose.

Other versions speak of a Muslim leader of the fifteenth century named Muhammad Sa’im al-Dahr who, offended by seeing so many people worshiping the sphinx, ordered to destroy his nose. But the mystery remains unsolved. It was full of colors.

Today the sphinx retains almost none of the vivid colors it once wore and to appreciate any remaining color you have to get very close (or as close as is allowed inside the enclosure). Its loss of colors is due to the erosion of the desert. It is believed that the body and head were red, and the headdress with an Egyptian garment that covered his head with white and blue stripes.

See our full guide about the Great Sphinx of Giza .

4-landmarks of Egypt: Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum has the largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts in the world and is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East. The museum has a lot of artifacts from the Predynastic Period to the Greco-Roman Period. so it considers one of the landmarks in Egypt

In 1895, the building’s architect was chosen through the first-ever international competition, which was won by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon. Khedive Abbas Helmy II opened the museum in 1902. It is now a historic landmark in downtown Cairo and is home to some of the world’s most beautiful ancient works of art.

The complete burials of Yuya and Thuya, Psusennes I and the treasures of Tanis, and the Narmer Palette, which shows that Upper and Lower Egypt were united under one king, are all part of the museum’s unbeatable collection. The Narmer Palette is also one of the museum’s most valuable artifacts. The great kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, built the pyramids on the Giza plateau. The museum also has beautiful statues of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. This huge museum also has an extensive collection of papyri, coffins, and jewelry, among other things.

Don’t miss to browse our article about the Cairo Museum .

Therefore, more museums are now being (expanded). What is special about the Egyptian Museum is that, in contrast to European museums, for example, it only shows Egyptian exhibits.

But this is also due to the incredible number of preserved exhibits.

Info & Tips: Address: Tahrir Square, Cairo Governorate, Egypt. Opening times: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thu & Sun: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fun Fact: In 2010 a section for children was also opened, there is child-friendly information about ancient Egypt, and the most important artifacts such as Tutankhamun’s death mask were made from Lego bricks.

Book a day tour to the Egyptian Museum to see wonderful artifacts.

5- Coptic Quarter of Cairo

The popularly called Coptic Quarter is located in one of the oldest areas of Cairo, known as Misr el-Qadima, where the oldest remains are those of a fortification from the time of Trajan, which was called Babylon by the Romans. The word Coptic derives from the ancient Egyptian language and is used as an appellative to designate the early Christian religion of Egypt. Despite the Arab invasion and the spread of the Islamic religion throughout the country, the Coptic Orthodox Church remained powerful and influential for many centuries and is now the second religion in Egypt.

Numerous churches and monasteries were built on this site, which is considered sacred by both Jews and Christians, whose tradition states that the Holy Family rested in a cave on the site when they arrived in Egypt.

Monuments in the Coptic Quarter include the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, considered the oldest church in Cairo, the Church of St. George, the Convent of St. George and the Church of St. Barbara among others. A Jewish synagogue, of great historical value but not currently used as a place of worship, can also be visited.

Among the many Coptic churches that can be visited, el-Moallaqa, also known as the “Hanging Church”, stands out. This is the nickname of the Metropolitan Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which was erected on the site of the ancient Roman colony of Babylon in the 4th century AD. The church is built just above the Roman fortifications, with its nave suspended over the passage of the entrance gate.

6- Historical landmarks in Egypt: Muhammad-Ali Mosque

The mosque is located inside the Citadel of Saladin, built by the sultan of Egypt, its purpose was to protect the city from the attacks of the Crusades. On top of Mount Muqatam, southeast of what was the ancient Fatimid capital, allowing it to be visible from anywhere in Old Cairo, and was the largest mosque built in the first half of the nineteenth century. makes it one of the primary ancient Egyptian landmarks.

Additionally, approaching it from anywhere in the city, it stands imposingly on the heights, which undoubtedly motivates you to visit it. Further, its location within the citadel is an escape from the bustling lifestyle of Cairo, as walking through its calm interiors allows you to enjoy it from a different perspective.

The plan of the mosque was modeled after Ottoman mosques, with a large central dome over 52 meters high bordered by smaller semi-domes and two stylized minarets at its corners. The Muhammad Ali Mosque is also known as the alabaster mosque because of its interior and exterior covering, made of this material.

The mosque has a rectangular shape and has two sections: the main “Beit al-Salah” to the east and the courtyard or “Al-Sahn” to the west. The eastern part is dedicated to prayer and has a unique decoration made partly with wood carvings and with style resulting from the French influence. It has 100 stained glass windows on the walls and domes that cause a beautiful effect inside—sitting calmly on its carpets while admiring the hundreds of lamps that are located on the ceiling.

Info & Tips: Location: Al Abageyah, Qism El-Khalifa, Al-Qahira Governorate, Egypt Entry: free of charge Visiting hours: The mosque can be visited outside of prayer times. Arrival: The journey from the tourist centers in Egypt is similar to the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum.

Tip: From the Muhammad-Ali mosque, provided the smog is not too strong, you have a great view over all of Cairo!

Check our article about the Muhammad Ali Mosque .

7- Major landmarks in Egypt: Khan el Khalili

Among the many Egypt landmarks attractions, you can explore in Cairo, be sure to include a tour of the Khan el Khalili market in your plans. It is an old commercial region that is a real maze with several streets and tents with incredible goods. It’s great for shopping and even taking souvenirs as a gift.

There you can find a little of everything: fabrics, clothing items, handicrafts, decoration, teas, spices… You can spend a lot of time exploring the region! I suggest at least an entire afternoon dedicated to the grand bazaar.

And as we are talking about Egypt, the important historical part could not be missing: along with the Al-Muski market, Khan el Khalili is super important for making Cairo a place of tradition in trade in the country and the world.

Read more about Khan El Khalili Bazaar

8-Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower is one of Egypt’s most famous and modern landmarks. After seeing all the important ancient Egyptian sites, the Cairo Tower is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the city as it is now.

This observation tower is the tallest building in Egypt and North Africa. It is 187 meters high. The building is made in a modern style that makes it stand out from the older buildings in the city. It looks like a lotus plant.

When you go to the observation deck, you can see the whole city in every direction. You can see the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, the Citadel, and a lot more from here. When you add a telescope, you can see farther and more clearly.

The tower also has a rotating bar and restaurant that serves expensive cocktails and Asian food.

9- Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park is near the Old City of Cairo. It has 30 hectares of green space where there used to be dust and rubble for more than 200 years. The spine has a modern design that was inspired by old Islamic gardens. It is a formal axis with a water channel that leads to a small lake and alleyways that lead to the Citadel. Gardens and pavilions make the lake’s edge a better place to meet.

10-The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner and the Virgin Mary

The monastery is behind “Mansheiyet Nasser”, the Monastery of St. Simon. A vast expanse carved into the heart of the mountain welcomes the unsuspecting visitor. Colorful carvings and sculptures created by a Polish artist named Mario, who voluntarily devoted his life to this monastery, surround you as you make your entrance through the main gate. Ancient, hand-dug caves, replete with paintings, carpets, and antique furniture, lead you to an amphitheater that seats 10,000 people and a library that collects copies dating back to the third century. The walls of this mega-sculpture house seven churches, plus a fully equipped cafeteria and rooms available for rent and use by visitors and travelers. It is impossible to reproduce in words the splendor that emanates from this sacred precinct, so much so that even Marco Polo mentioned it in his “Book of the Wonders of the World.

Historical landmarks in Egypt: Alexandria

11-  egypt’s landmarks: alexandria”the mediterranean bride”.

We come to what is probably the second most famous destination in the country: the port city of Alexandria on the north coast of Egypt.

The city founded by Alexander the Great was next to Rome the most important city of antiquity and even if much of its former glory has been lost, this metropolis on the sea still has a certain charm.

One of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the famous lighthouse of Alexandria, is unfortunately no longer there and the formerly important Great Library of Alexandria was also destroyed.

Instead, the Qaitbay, an impressive fortress, now stands on the remains of the lighthouse and a new library has been opened, the Bibliotheca of Alexandria, contains writings from all over the world and has the largest reading room in the world.

Browse our guide on the most famous attractions in Alexandria

You should also pay a visit to the park around the Montazah Palace and enjoy the view of the sea from there. Alexandria is also known for its good and fresh fish, which you should try! Just be careful where you buy it, restaurants are usually more suitable for hygiene reasons than street stalls – especially if you don’t know your way around.

Info & Tips: Location: Alexandria, North Coast, Egypt. Distance from Cairo: approx. 215 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 680 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 735 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 960 km

Fun Fact: The north coast on the Mediterranean is very popular with the locals due to its dreamy, almost white sandy beaches, its turquoise sea, and a cool breeze in summer.

Book a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo to see its amazing attractions.

12- Egypt landmarks: Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria was once the largest library in the world. At its peak, it housed more than 900,000 manuscripts.

In later times, however, its importance declined and its collections were lost due to changes in power and successive invasions.

It is located in the city of Alexandria which was built by Alexander the Great, and the library faces the Mediterranean Sea.

It was founded at the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. by Ptolemy I Soter and enlarged by his son Ptolemy II.

The burning of the library has been attributed to different actors, but no version has been able to be preserved. The only certainty is that it finally disappeared.

In 1987 an international project was initiated to rescue the cultural significance of the site and the symbol that the mythical library represents in the collective imagination of humanity.

UNESCO coordinated the project and finally, under the name of Biblioteca Alexandrina, it was inaugurated in 1996.

In 2002 the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina was opened, which is close to the original location and has around eight million books.

About half of the building is filled with a huge reading room.

Info & Tips: Location: Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Qesm Bab Sharqi, al-Iskandariyya Governorate 21526, Egypt. Distance from Cairo: approx. 215 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 680 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 735 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 960 km

Good to know: The integrated Taha Hussein library also offers the visually impaired the opportunity to experience literature.

Know more about the history of the Library of Alexandria

13- Citadel of Qaitbay

The citadel is located at the entrance of the port of Alexandria in Egypt, on what was once the island that housed the famous Alexandria lighthouse, which now forms a peninsula that divides the port into its eastern and western parts.

The citadel was built on the orders of Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Alnasr Saif El Din Qaitibay, who came to Egypt as a slave when he was nearly 20 years old and rose to power during the Mamluk period.

It was built as an element for the defense of the city and the Mediterranean coast, during the 1480s. Sultan Quaitbay ordered its construction on the same site where the lighthouse once stood, and took advantage of its remains. Its defensive architecture and strategic position give it great relevance.

During the British invasion of 1882, it suffered severe damage due to the bombardment of British ships, but soon after it was rebuilt. Today it is a beautiful promenade that locals and tourists take advantage of to enjoy the sunsets, the sea breeze in the warmer months, and the views of the city. It houses a maritime museum and an aquarium.

Top Egyptian landmarks in Upper Egypt:  (Luxor & Aswan)

14- cruising the nile.

And what would the country be without that mythical and immense river that runs through it? Without a doubt, a cruise on the Nile is one of the essential experiences on a trip to Egypt.

You don’t have to have too much imagination to be able to visualize yourself contemplating wonderful sunsets on the deck while the call to prayer, coming from the speakers of the nearby mosques, becomes the perfect soundtrack.

The Nile, with its 6,600 kilometers in length (one of the longest in the world), invites you to discover the country from a completely different perspective. Many are the boats that make the typical journey from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa. So don’t think twice: include it in your list of activities to do in Egypt and enjoy a few days sailing through its waters.

Tip: Nile cruises start in Egypt from Luxor and Aswan, and the itinerary of the Nile cruise varies according to the place of departure of the trip, so if started from Luxor, the trip takes 5 days / 4 nights, but if started from Aswan, it takes 4 days / 3 nights.

Book one of our Egypt Nile Cruises to see a lot of Egypt tourist attractions in Upper Egypt.

15- Historical landmarks in Egypt:  Luxor

The city of Luxor is one of the most important and famous tourist landmarks in Egypt also all over the world, according the statistics made by the organizations dealing with tourism and archaeological monuments confirmed that the city of Luxor is located on the east bank of the Nile as it is a very famous city in tourism and ancient Egyptian history that represents the glory of our ancient Egyptian pharaohs and their history that proved the greatness of Egypt, includes more than 500.000 inhabitants who live in Luxor and is about 700 km from Cairo and has 4000 years of glory and development and one of the most famous temples is the temple of Luxor which is located in the center of the city and was linked to the temple of Karnak .

Even today, Luxor has a lot to offer tourists, because nearby are the Valley of the Kings and Queens as well as the Kar n ak temple complex and the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, the temple of the Egyptian queen, which was built in the 16th century BC. Ruled over Egypt.

In the city there is also the Luxor Temple, which is relatively “new” compared to Karnak, it was built in 1070 BC and is the god Amun and dedicated to his family.

In the evening hours, the light of the sun falls particularly beautifully on the columns and impressive statues, creating a mystical picture.

Discover the complete attractions of Luxor with our Luxor guide

Also, you shouldn’t miss the Luxor Museum when you visit, where you can learn everything about the background of the old city and the temples that you have viewed before and you can also take a look at old war weapons, mummies, and sarcophagi.

There is still a 13-day festival once a year at the beginning of Ramadan, which takes place in a boat procession from Luxor to the Karnak Temple and is an exciting, colorful experience.

Info & Tips: Address: Luxor, Egypt Note: To take pictures you need an additional permit. Distance from Cairo: approx. 660 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 300 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 404 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 360 km

Fun Fact: The Luxor Obelisk, which previously stood in the forecourt of the temple, was donated to France in 1836 and is now at the Louvre.

Discover the magic of Luxor with a one-day Luxor tour from Cairo

16- Ancient Egyptian landmarks: Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located on the West bank of the Nile in Luxor, 25 km from the train station. It is one of the necropoleis that together with the city of Thebes is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

It is a necropolis of ancient Egypt, near Luxor, where are the tombs of most of the pharaohs of the New Empire (XVIII, XIX, and XX dynasties), as well as several queens, princes, nobles, and even some animals.

It was inaugurated by Thutmose I, the third pharaoh of the XVIII dynasty, who around 1500 BC ordered the royal architect Inani, the construct his tomb in the greatest secrecy. It is believed that it was originally intended to be used as a family tomb, but with the successive changes in power, and the construction of new tombs, the valley became a necropolis that remained in use for over 400 years.

The Valley of the Kings is made up of two parts: the Valley of the East and the Valley of the West. The first is one of the most visited places by tourists and is where most of the tombs are located. It includes 62 tombs that were originally numbered as they were discovered, but have now been renumbered according to their location within the valley.

The most known and visited tombs are those of King Thutmose I, Thutmose III, Ramses VI, Mrenptah, and Amenhotep II; however, the tomb of Tutankhamun (Tut-Anj-Amun) is the one that has deserved more fame, because until today is the only one to have been discovered with all its treasures, as it remained buried and therefore out of reach of looters until 1922.

Discover the complete guide to the Valley of the Kings

After Tutankhamun’s burial chamber was opened, the legend of the pharaoh’s curse spread quickly, according to which archaeologists would die a cruel death.

As a result, some of the people involved in the excavations died, many of them by suicide for fear of the curse.

Info & Tips: Location: Luxor, Al-Wadi al-Jadid, Egypt

Tip: To protect the important historical finds, there is a rule that each visitor is only allowed to visit three graves. So it’s best to think about what you want to see in advance. By the way, you have to buy an extra ticket for the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Book a private tour to explore Luxor’s Valley of the Kings & Queens with us.

17-Egyptian landmark: Karnak Temple Complex

If you are planning what to do in Egypt and what places to visit in Egypt? the Karnak Temple is a place that cannot be left out of your itinerary!

The Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt, is also near Luxor and opposite the Valley of the Kings. Like parts of Luxor, Karnak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and Egypt famous landmarks

The largest ancient temples in the world include the temples of Ramses III, Chons, and Amun-Re. A gigantic stone hall and finely decorated columns make Karnak a very special experience.

Discover the complete guide to Karnak Temple Complex

The facility was used to hold sacrificial presentations and prayers to appease the gods. This had to be done by kings or specially trained high priests to maintain world order.

Therefore, the temples of ancient Egypt were of enormous importance, which explains why the temples, which were considered a small model of the world, were so carefully maintained and previously furnished.

Info & Tips: Location: Karnak, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Fun Fact: Unlike the pyramids, which are west of the River Nile, the Karnak Temple is on the east side, dedicated to the living and the living.

Book a private guided tour to explore the temples of Karnak and Luxor with us.

18- Ancient Egyptian landmarks: Aswan

Aswan is located on the cataract north of the Nile, Aswan marked the traditional southern border of Egypt with the enemy territory of Nubia, it had great importance in the ancient Pharaonic era on the historical and security side, when we read the ancient Egyptian history we can see that the city of Aswan has contributed a remarkable role in history and battles against enemies who wanted to conquer Egypt, the Nile River also played a very important role in the economy and politics.

 it is a popular Egypt famous landmark and sought after by tourists thanks to a large number of ancient monuments and statues that have written a great civilization to study and visit to discover the power of the Egyptian pharaohs and how they managed to build a history to study until the present time. These two civilizations contested each other’s territory and their respective areas of influence for centuries.

In the course of this conflictual relationship, Aswan always remained a border town between the two territories, not only politically, but as an economic and natural intersection, prosperous commercial city, and transit point between Egypt and the rest of Africa.

Read more about the attractions of Aswan .

This island was of vital importance both for the Egyptians and subsequently for the Romans. Inside you will find the Nilometer, an ancient well that was used to measure the height of the river’s waters.

But the most important archaeological site in the area is certainly the Temple of Philae, which preserves the beautiful Sanctuary of Isis and the cell that preserves the sacred figure of Horus.

We recommend that you visit the Nubian Village just outside the city of Aswan, then go to the High Dam built-in 1960, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Nasser.

Book a private guided tour to explore the Aswan with us.

19- Egypt historical sites: Temple of Philae

One of the most beautiful temples in Egypt – You have to take a small boat to get there, and you will have a view of Egyptian sites and monuments surrounded by water and palm trees. It is considered one of the most visited places in Egypt by tourists.

But, when you go, notice a curious aspect: Philae is, in a way, the most “feminine” temple in Egypt. That’s because it was built in honor of the goddess Isis, one of the strongest in Egyptian mythology, and was used as a venue for ceremonies in honor of her, performed by many priestesses.

Legend has it that Cleopatra traveled there more than once to make offerings, receive blessings and even seek spiritual and even loving guidance.

Fun Facts: One of the theories is that the Queen knew the power of the venom of a snake species and that she was instructed to keep secret and use it as a resource if necessary.

The tour can be done in half a day and is a great option to do and get a glimpse of what the two worlds were like (one extremely masculine and the other delicately feminine) millennia ago.

And, I must confess: it was by visiting this temple that I understood that a trip through Egypt is like this: outdoor history class!

Browse our article about the temples of Philae Island

20- Landmark in Egypt: Nubian Village (Aswan)

When you get to the village, you’ll see very colorful houses made of mud bricks made from clay, water, hay, and sand. This is typical Nubian architecture. All of these materials are natural, so they are less likely to spread diseases. They are also cheap, and the bricks’ clay texture is less affected by heat. Each house has a ceiling in the shape of a dome, which is meant to spread the sun’s heat evenly throughout the house. The Nubian people also love to decorate their homes with simple but beautiful colors. They also often draw shapes from their culture, like boats, camels, and palm trees, on the walls of their homes.

People know that Nubian villages are small and quiet. The same could be said about how a traditional Nubian home is set up inside. What is unusual, though, is the choice of a crocodile as a house pet. Don’t worry, though, because these crocodiles are kept in cages. In Nubian homes, both living and mummified crocodiles were hung and admired very much. The Nubian people like crocodiles because ancient Egyptians thought that having a crocodile around would protect them and their families from the “evil eye.” You could also find chickens and goats, which are more common.

Don’t miss to browse the Nubian Museum article to know more about Nubian Life.

For those who like to shop and take a souvenir of the places they pass, in Nubian Village you will find many options of super different and original crafts. A curiosity of this village is the presence of crocodiles, which were once used as a means of protection, and today are domestic animals.

Fun Fact: Nubian Village still retains the traditional houses of the Clouds, very colorful and with beautiful internal patios.

Book a private guided tour to explore the Nubian Village with us.

21-Ancient Egypt monuments: Edfu Temple

The temple of Edfu was dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus, who roughly corresponds to the Greek god of light Apollo.

Horus, the god with the falcon’s head, is said to have fought his important battle against Seth at this point, so the temple complex was a well-known sanctuary in ancient times.

In addition to the temple, a large part of the ancient city ​​of Edfu has also been preserved, which you should visit. Marvel at huge columns, wander through impressive halls, look at the artistically engraved reliefs, and dream of a bygone era!

Read more about Edfu temple .

This Egyptian temple on the west bank of the Nile is surprisingly well preserved, so it is hard to believe that it was built around 2,300 years ago. You are sure to be as impressed as I am when you visit!

Info & Tips: Location: Markaz Edfu, Aswan, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 750 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 400 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 500 km (car + ferry) Distance from Marsa Alam : approx. 225 km

Book a private guided tour to explore the Edfu temple with Kom Ombo .

22- Landmark in Egypt: Abu Simbel Temple

The Abu Simbel temples are a complex of two temples that were carved into the rock during the reign of Ramses II in the thirteenth century BC, as a memorial dedicated to him and his wife Nefertari and to memorialize his victory in the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC, consider one of the Aswan Egypt tourist attractions. it was built in (1279-1213 BC) and took a full 20 years. The large temple was dedicated to Ramses II and the small temple was dedicated to his wife Nefertari.

The small temple was built for two main reasons, to show his love for his wife, Nefertari. The temple was rediscovered after being buried under the sand for a long time in 1813. The sand was completely removed from the temple in 1909 to become one of the best tourist attractions in Egypt. The temple was saved from destruction through a project to save Egyptian antiquities by UNESCO in the sixties until the seventies.

Read more about Abu Simbel Temples .

The entire temple complex was laboriously removed and rebuilt piece by piece. By the way: On February 21st and October 21stthe sun miracle takes place every year.

Then the sun is at such a favorable angle that it can go straight into the temple and illuminate the statues of gods inside.

Info & Tips: Location: Aswan, Egypt Opening times: daily: 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. Distance from Cairo: approx. 1,110 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 770 km Distance from Sharm ُl Sheikh: approx. 870 km (ferry + car) Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 650 km

Book a private guided tour to explore Abu Simbel Temples .

23- The Temple of Abydos or The Temple of Seti I i

The temple was built in 1895 A.D. and is attributed to the kings of the first and second dynasties. It has some differences in its architectural design from the rest of Egyptian temples since the temple was built on two axes, the first part from east to west and the second axis from north to south.

The Temple of Abydos or The Temple of Seti I is located in Abydos, the eighth province of ancient Egypt. The area is considered one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In ancient times it was called Abdu, and the Greeks called it Abydos. Many kings built temples at Abydos, including King Pepi I, King Ahmose I, King Seti I, and King Ramses II.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the tomb of Osiris, the “God of the dead and the underworld” was located at Abydos, and is where his head was buried. This temple was built during the reign of King Seti I and was completed by his son and grandson: Ramses II and Mern-Ptah.

This temple has a unique upside-down “L” shaped design. It also contains the most complete list of kings and gods in Egypt. The Temple contains 7 shrines dedicated to 7 Gods: Osiris, Isis, Horus, Amon Ra, Ra Hor Akhty and Ptah, and Seti I as a deified King. In this temple, you can also find the best-preserved reliefs and painted texts of the XVIII Dynasty. The earliest kings of Egypt, including those of the first dynasty of Egyptian history, were buried at Abydos.

The temple is entered through a largely destroyed pylon and two open courtyards, built by the son of Seti I, Ramses II. Then, the first hypostyle hall, was also completed by Ramses II. The reliefs represent the pharaoh making offerings to the gods and preparing the construction of the temple.

24-Dendera Temple complex

The Dendera Temple complex, considered one of the best preserved in Egypt, is located southeast of the city of Dendera, on the west bank of the Nile River, 60 km north of Luxor.

The entire complex covers an area of 40,000 square meters and is bounded by a mud-brick wall.

The cult temple, dedicated in 380 BC to Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, and beauty, was formerly known as the sistro castle or the house of Hathor.

This impressive temple is considered to be the largest and most impressive building in this religious complex.

However, the complex also includes the temple of the birth of Isis, the sacred lake, the sanatorium, the mammisi of Nectanebo II, a Christian basilica, a Roman mammisi, the monumental gates of Domitian and Trajan, the sanctuary of the boat and a Roman kiosk.

There are indications that the complex was originally erected at the hands of Pharaoh Pepi I (circa 2250 BC) in the 18th dynasty (circa 1500 BC), but the oldest building it houses is the mammisi of Nectanebo II, the last indigenous pharaoh of Egypt (360-343 BC).

The temple of Hathor referred to in earlier times as the Temple of Tentyra, has undergone several renovations beginning in the Middle Empire, although the present structure was built during the reign of Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra VII in the extinct Ptolemaic Empire. In fact, carved on the outer face of one of the walls of the temple we find a colossal relief of Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarion, heir of Julius Caesar.

Later some additions were made until the time of the Roman Empire, such as the Roman mammisi or “the house of birth”, attributed to the Roman emperor Trajan but built by Nero.

Also, since Hathor was also the goddess of healing, the city of Dendera has always been associated with the healing of travelers and pilgrims, who sought a remedy for their illnesses and the blessing of the gods.

25-The Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon, which are on the western side of Luxor, are some of the most famous and beautiful monuments that the Pharaohs left behind.

The Colossi of Memnon are the only visible parts of Amenhotep III’s tomb temple, which was near Medinet Habu.

The Colossi of Memnon were made during the reign of Amenhotep III (1386-1349 B.C.). These two large stone masses are big versions of this king, whose reign was a time of splendour and when the arts were at their best.

The king is shown sitting on a throne with his hands on his legs. He is wearing the Nemes headdress, which is typical of the Egyptian monarchy, and the shape of the protective cobra on his forehead can still be guessed.

Top Egypt landmarks: Egypt Oases (Siwa & Bahariya)

26- siwa oasis.

Siwa is a beautiful oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert that is full of greenery. It used to be called “Sekht-am,” which means “palm land” in ancient Egyptian. The name of the oasis is a perfect match for its famous palm trees. The oasis is also famous for its olive trees and clear salt lakes.

A wonderful, mind-blowing paradise. Siwa Oasis is located in the Libyan desert in the northwest of the country.

There you can marvel at olive trees and date palms in the middle of the desert. It was not without reason that Alexander the Great loved this unusual place, because the ruins of the Amun temple, where his familiar oracle is said to have stayed, still stand here.

Read and discover more about the oases of Egypt

You can also discover the remains of the old clay town of Siwa. Various Bedouin peoples still live in Siwa today, and their marketplace, mosque, and local museum should also be on your to-do list when you visit them.

Info & Tips: Location: Qesm Siwah, Matruh Governorate, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 750 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 1,200 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 1,270 km Distance from Marsa Alam : approx. 1,500 km

Fun Fact: Alexander the Great wanted to be buried in Siwa, but this request was not followed by the ruling Pharaoh.

27- The Salt Lake at Siwa Oasis

One of the best experiences you will have in Siwa. You don’t actually need to travel to the Dead Sea to float on the water instead of swimming, you can just go to Siwa.

Not to mention its beauty and curative effect. Due to its extreme salt, it has healing power for sinuses, skin, and eye infections.

Besides, Siwan’s use salts in building and their tools and also in making lamps because they have the power to heal the soul by eliminating negative energy.

Check & Book one of our Egypt Safari Tours to explore all Egypt deserts & Oasis.

28- Bahariya Oasis

Bahariya Oasis, one of the oases that are easiest to reach from Cairo, its landscape is enclosed by high ridges and is dotted with date plantations, as well as freshwater sources.

In recent years it has also been made famous for important archaeological finds such as the “golden mummies” found in 1996.

Read and discover more about the oasis of Bahariya

The administrative capital Bawiti hides other treasures: fertile palm groves that guard springs such as that of El-Beshmo, discovered in Roman times, or Bir Ramla which has sulfurous water at more than 40 degrees of temperature.

On the hillock of Qasr Salim, in the heart of the village of Bawti, the remains of two tombs of the ancient XXVI dynasty are visible. The Oasis Heritage Museum offers clay reproductions of rural life.

29- White Desert

It is capable of leaving you breathless: the Sahara El Beyda, or the white desert. It extends between the oasis of Farafra and that of Bahariya, on the border with Libya.

The magic is all in the immaculate color of the sand but not only. Even the extraordinary rock formations give an unusual aspect to the whole environment as well as the colors that the sky takes on at different hours of the day and night.

Where there is now the desert, once (5 thousand years ago) there were springs, rivers, lakes, and animals of every kind. Today traces of that distant past remain in the sand.

Read and discover more about the white desert .

Over 2 square kilometers of magic. Which includes the Mount of the Dead, an archaeological area with the Temple of Amun, and the famous Cleopatra’s pool with its emerald green waters.

Today the White Desert is a national park. Every August it is cleaned after the passage of tourists. A blinding glow characterizes it. The limestone forms areas similar to sea waves, where hundreds of fossil shells bear witness to the voice of the sea from millions of years ago.

Book amazing tour to Bahariya Oasis & White Desert

The Most famous landmarks in Egypt: The Red Sea (Hurghada, Marsa Alam & Shael El Sheikh)

30- the red sea.

What would Egypt’s sights be without the Red Sea? There is still much speculation about the name of the not-so-red Red Sea.

First of all, the name Eritrea is based on Greek and means something like red – the lighting conditions that make the land around the sea appear red also contribute to this.

There is also a large occurrence of a special type of algae that also makes the sea glow reddish. Regardless of the reasons, it has been called ” Mare Rubum “, or the Red Sea, since ancient times.

As in the national park, you can of course also enjoy the wonderful, clear water and colorful reefs at the beaches of the sea. You should only dive and snorkel under the supervision of a guide, as the currents can be very strong and sudden.

Read and discover more about the Red Sea Attractions .

Also for surfers, the Red Sea is an absolute highlight. Enjoy the water, regardless of whether it is just for relaxation or sports.

Info & Tips: In our Egypt travel guide, you will find articles about snorkeling in the Red Sea and diving in Egypt. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the Red Sea and its underwater diversity.

31- Hurghada

If you are looking for things to do in Egypt, you should include Hurghada in your planning! The marine life is very rich there, not to mention the wonderful turquoise beaches!

Hurghada is one of the cities on the Red Sea with the best structure for tourism. It is an excellent destination in Egypt to relax by the sea because, in addition to the paradisiacal beaches, there are many shopping options, restaurants, clubs, and resorts.

Check out our article about the Hurghada .

Diving in that turquoise water is one of those memorable trips you will have in Egypt. A great tip for you to include in your experiences in Egypt is to take a snorkel tour on the tour to the Giftun Islands .

Check all-day tours that you can do with our Hurghada Tours .

32- Marsa Alam

On the south coast of the Red Sea, there are other options of super cool beaches, each with a style. In the case of Marsa Alam, in addition to being outside the most traditional tourist route, it is the most trendy diving destination in Egypt today due to the rich marine nature, with incredibly colorful corals, manatees, and dolphins, for example.

This was, without a doubt, one of the top destinations in Egypt that I visited during my trip! It is always nice to visit a little-explored place and Marsa Alam is one of those places with an air of untouched paradise. I recommend it for those who want to venture out, either by discovering a new destination or by diving.

Check out our article about the Marsa Alam .

I am already a certified diver, but for those who just want to try this activity, it is possible to hire a diving experience in Marsa Alam.

If you want to know one of the paradisiacal beaches in Egypt and get all the details about going to Marsa Alam, check out this article here.

33- Sharm El Sheikh

The beauty of this well-known tourist destination on the southern tip of Sinai has a thousand facets not only related to the beaches and the blue-green sea with fish of a thousand colors. One is enchanted, for example, to admire the night sky full of stars.

In the evening, after a day of relaxation, you discover the old town and the Old Market, while inland the Bedouin fields scented with embers and hookahs.

Here the gray rock hides the cemeteries of the dromedaries against the backdrop of rugged mountains where jewels such as the Byzantine-style Monastery of St. Catherine are hidden.

The real surprise is to discover, in an arid landscape, gardens of olive trees and vines, thanks to the water from the wells.

Check out our article about the Sharm El Sheikh .

For centuries, the fortress built by Justinian has been the garrison of the monks in a place where the stories of the three monotheistic religions meet. Here where his fate was announced to Moses.

And then there is the seabed that attracts crowds of snorkelers and scuba divers. Thirty kilometers of rugged and rocky coastline that opens into beautiful beaches and sudden inlets.

From the north of El Nabq to the lively Sharm El Maya. From the quiet beaches of Ras Nasrani, you can enjoy the view over the island of Tiran.

The center of holiday tourism is in Naama Bay, full of night attractions, souvenirs, and a clear sea.

The most beautiful coral reef in the Red Sea is located in Ras Um Sid, where the desert with the colors of sunset and morning offers moments of absolute enchantment.

Check all-day tours that you can do with our Sharm El Sheikh Tours .

34- Ras-Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is a place for conservation. It was Egypt’s first national park when it opened in 1989, and the country is very proud of it. It was made to protect the species that are representative of both plants and animals, as well as their natural growth.

The park is 480 square kilometers in size, and more than two-thirds of that is water. The park’s land is made up of two islands: Tiran and Sanafir.

Ras Mohammed National Park, also called “Cape of Mohammed,” is in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, about 25 km southwest of Sharm el-Sheikh. It is on the coast of the Red Sea. Some of the best places to snorkel in the world are in the southernmost part. Corals that are about two billion years old can be found in the park.

Lake of Desires and Salt Lake are two very different lakes in the park. The water in the first one is partially salt-free because it comes from fresh springs that bubble up from the ground. The second lake is fed by unique salt springs, so its water is twice as salty as the sea.

Check out our article about the Ras Mohammed National Park .

In this park, you get a lot on offer so that almost nothing is left to be desired in terms of outdoor activities. From mountain bike tours to swimming or snorkeling, everything is on offer. The underwater world can trump nature on land by a lot. Here you can marvel at exotic fish and marine animals amidst colorful coral reefs. Divers get their money’s worth in the Ras-Mohammed National Park.

Info & Tips: Location: Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 490 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 125 km (ferry) Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 40 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 420 km (car + ferry)

Fun Fact: The Yolanda Reef was named after the ship of the same name that sank on the spot in 1980. The remains of the ship may not be dived for conservation reasons, but parts of Yolanda’s former cargo can be found everywhere in the reef: toilet bowls and sinks. Curious!

Book a private tour to Ras Mohammed National Park

35- Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai

St. Catharine Monastery at the foot of the Sinai is the oldest, still living, Greek Orthodox monastery in the world.

It was completed in its current form in 560 and, according to legend, is said to house the bones of St. Catherine. Mount Sinai is due to the transfer of the Ten Commandments to Moses and his encounter with God in the burning bush known.

An offshoot of this legendary bush is said to still be found near the monastery. In 2002 the Katharinen Kloster was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Check out our article about the St. Catharine Monastery .

Ascent and sightseeing: The ascent to the monastery is a bit difficult, so you can book a guided hike at night, for which you will be rewarded with cooler temperatures and a breathtaking sunrise. If the hike is too strenuous for you, you can also ride a camel. After a break, you will visit the monastery together as a group.

There are some providers for these tours, but when planning your excursion, keep in mind the current travel warning for Egypt issued by the Foreign Office. This currently advises against trips away from the coastal strip such as to Mount Sinai and the St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Info & Tips: Location: Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh, Janub Sina, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 450 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 310 km (car + ferry) Distance from Sharm El Sheik: approx. 210 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 980 km (car + ferry)

Book a private tour to St. Catharine Monastery from Cairo

What are you waiting for after knowing what to see in Egypt? If you have been seduced by the idea of ​​visiting one or more of these destinations, Egypt Time Travel will help you organize your vacation package to Egypt  without stress and at the most affordable prices. Book a dream trip now by discovering the top Egypt tourist attractions and all the places to visit in Egypt!

Related Things to Read.

Entry into Egypt – All Documents you need

Is it safe to travel to Egypt? Safety & Security in Egypt

Top 13 Holidays & Festivals in Egypt in 2023/2024

Easter traditions in Egypt – How to celebrate Easter in Egypt?

How to celebrate Christmas in Egypt?

Top 35 Traditional Egyptian Food To Try

Weather & Climate of Egypt | Temperature in Egypt

What to take on your trip to Egypt?

Tipping in Egypt: How to deal with it

Best Time to Travel to Egypt – Your Guide For 2023/2024

Honeymoon in Egypt: Best Places to Visit and Stay

Top 12 Things to do in Cairo with Family

A Journey to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Is Nile Cruise worth it? Travel tips about sailing the Nile

Egypt Itinerary: Your Best Guide to Assembling Your Route

Top 10 Cities Must Visit in Egypt

Things to do in Luxor and Aswan

Top 15 Egypt Museums you have to visit – Hidden Gems

Cairo At Night: A Practical Guide to Exploring the City at Night

Lakes in Egypt: Unwind At The Lakeside In The Land Of Pyramids

Egypt Tours for Seniors: Top Travel Tips, Sights & Tours

Your Guide to the Different Types of Tourism in Egypt

How to Enjoy A Luxury Vacation in Egypt

Egypt Tours for Solo Travellers: Top Tips for Traveling to Egypt

How to Enjoy Egypt Giza Pyramids Complex

Best Souks in Cairo: A Local Shopping Experience

How to Enjoy Egypt Desert Safari Tours: A Guide for Travelers

Egyptian Temples: Where History and Mythology Intersect

Travel To Egypt in August

How to Plan A Trip to Egypt

Hot Air Balloon Luxor: Floating Amongst Pharaohs

Small group Tours to Egypt: Discover Egypt Together

What to Pack for Egypt in October

Snorkeling in Egypt: Best 7 Places to Snorkel in Egypt

How to Enjoy a Classic Holiday in Egypt

How to Enjoy A Perfect Vacation in Egypt With Friends

Nile Cruise Itinerary

Egypt Nile Cruise Tips

Best 8 Sights in Old Cairo: Historic Landmarks and Attractions

Ancient Egyptian Festivals 

Beaches in Egypt: Your Ultimate Guide to Egyptian Beaches

Explore Top 5 Hidden Gems in Egypt

Full Guide For Visiting Egypt in January 2024/2025

Magdy Fattouh

Why book with us.

• No-hassle best price guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities

Pay Safely With Us

The payment is encrypted and transmitted securely with an SSL protocol.

Hi! Need help? Chat via WhatsApp with one of our agents.

Chat via WhatsApp with one of our agents.

• (+20) 100 405 1515
• Local Time : 01:05 PM

• Egypt Tourist Attractions
• Egypt Travel Guide

The Ultimate Guide for Egypt Tourist Attractions

Awards & recognitions.

Egypt Attractions are endless, found within the heavenly cities of Cairo , Alexandria , Luxor , Aswan , and Sinai showcasing the extraordinary and immortal history, beauty, and culture. Egypt Tours Portal since 1987 has been the key to exploring all the treasures and gems of Egypt tourism attractions and the chance to live the greatest vacation of a lifetime. The travel agency is equipped to have the finest staff of tour guides, tour operators, drivers, and customer service plus several dedicated travel constants who will provide the most suitable Accommodations, Nile River cruises, Transportation, and everything else you could ever request at reasonable prices.

Egypt Tours Portal gained its excellent reputation due to absolutely fitting booking procedures and safety guidelines which lead the company to be awarded many prizes such as being Certified By TripAdvisor As the Travelers’ Choice of 2022 in Egypt – Winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards In the Category of the Best Luxury Travel Agency in Egypt in 2020 – Winner of Africa 2020 Award For the Best Cultural Experience Tours in Egypt From the Travel & Hospitality Awards Magazine – Excellent Number of 5-star rating reviews in Feefo” and many more achievements in the way. Enjoy all that Egypt attractions have to offer and make your dream vacation a reality.

Check Egypt Tourist Attractions By Destination

Cairo Tourist Attractions

View All Posts

Luxor Tourist Attractions

Aswan Tourist Attractions

Sinai Tourist Attractions

Alexandria Tourist Attractions

Discover your egypt tourist attractions by.

• Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Most Popular Booking Egypt Tours

4 Days Cairo Tour Packages

Private 4 Days Cairo Tour Packages for American Travelers 4 days Cairo Egypt Tour pa...

Tour Location: Cairo – Giza...

4 Days / 3 Nights

Classic Tour

5 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour Package

5 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour Package For American Travelers 5 days Cairo and Ale...

Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Alexandria...

5 Days / 4 Nights

6 Days Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Holiday

6 Days Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Tour Package For American Travelers 6 days Cairo, Lu...

Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Aswan/Luxor...

6 Days / 5 Nights

7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Holiday

Amazing 7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Holiday for American Travelers 7 Days Cairo & ...

Tour Location: Cairo – Giza – Hurgh...

7 Days / 6 Nights

8 Days Cairo Nile Cruise and Hurghada Tour

Special 8 Days Cairo Nile Cruise and Hurghada Tour for American Travelers 8 days Cai...

Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Aswan/Kom Omb...

8 Days / 7 Nights

9 Days Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada Tour Package

8 Nights Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada Tour Package for American Travelers 9 days Cair...

Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Luxor/Hurghad...

9 Days / 8 Nights

Our Clients Feedback

Eoffers valuable insights straight from the source, capturing the voices and experiences of those who matter most – our cherished clients

Tour Name: 5 Days Tour of Group Witnessing Egypt’s Jewels

Experience Date: 26 April, 2024

My fiancé and I booked a private 5 day tour of Egypt with ETP starting in Cairo followed Read More by Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor. We just got home and continue to talk about how amazing the trip was. The communication with ETP was excellent. Very fast responses and they are very accommodating. Our tour was nonstop which was okay by us as we wanted to see all the sights in 4 days. Read Less

Tour Name: Experience Egypt Cultural Sightseeing in 10 Days

This was the trip of a lifetime that I was able to have with my eldest son - an absolutely Read More amazing experience. To be able to actually see the places and artifacts that I had read about and studied was truly phenomenal. Our hotels were great, the travel to and from sites was completely taken care of, we never felt unsafe or left to our own devices, and the itinerary was just right. But what made the experience so fab was our two guides - Mahmoud Nour in Luxor/Aswan/Abu Simbel and "Max" in Cairo/Memphis/Saqqara. They taught us history and context as it related to each site we visited and they indulged my myriad questions. They were both so incredibly knowledgeable and my questions were never ignored or unanswered. In addition, they shared their culture with us and treated us to some awesome dining experiences. We were reminded that Egypt is more than just ancient ruins. I would recommend without reservation this tour experience. And "hats off" to Mahmoud and Max!!! I left feeling like I had made some great new friends. And I can't wait to try some home-made kushari. Read Less

L Joe Smith

Tour Name: Experience Egypt in 9 Days

Egypt Tours Portal is an excellent company to use to arrange your visit to Egypt. They wor Read More k with phenomenal guides (we had Mahmoud Nour in Upper Egypt and Mohsen aka Max in Lower Egypt...I would recommend asking for these guides by name, as they were truly superb), make all the necessary arrangements in terms of drivers, covid testing, hotels, and in-country flights, and can tailor your tour to whatever it is you most want to see. The entire experience was smooth from start to finish. Both Mahmoud and Max spoke excellent English, were extremely knowledgeable, and went out of their way to ensure our experience was everything we hoped it would be. This was the second time I have used ETP, and I will continue to recommend them to anyone who expresses any interest in exploring Egypt. We especially liked that our tour group was limited to only our party, which meant we got one-on-one attention at all the sites, and allowed us to get answers to all our questions. And for those of you who are worried about safety or health in Egypt, in our experience it was extremely safe, and we never had any issues related to COVID-19. Cannot recommend Egypt Tours Portal enough. Choose them, you won't regret it. Read Less

Tour Name: 5 Days Cairo, Luxor & Abu Simbel Tour

It was an absolutely amazing trip where we saw some of the most historical and beautiful s Read More ights in Egypt. Our tour guide Mohamed Elshemei was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs Read Less

Tour Name: 5 Days Nile River Cruise Luxor to Aswan

Highly recommend this tour company!!! Our guides, Moses, Mahmoud, Magred and Mohamed were Read More exceptional, their knowledge of the history is more that accurate, they are also very patient!! For the price and all the attractions, the Nile cruise and the included meals.....well worth it!!! It is a very busy tour, but well worth it!!! Read Less

This review is a late, but I had to provide some feedback. My brother and I went on vacati Read More on in October 2022 and booked with Egypt Tours Portal. With on-line scams on-going, I was a little wary at first. BUT, the experience was amazing. Personal guides and drivers, lodging, food was amazing and perfect. The guides were very knowledgeable, but more importantly PASSIONATE about their job and culture. They went out of their way to take care of us. If you happen to get Zeze or Marianne, you have gotten the best. Read Less

Timmy Lovett

Frequently asked questions, why is egypt a popular tourist destination.

It is the ideal travel destination to mix culture, history, adventure, and relaxation. Every traveler will get to cast their eyes on 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating more than 4500 years and some of the most beautiful attractions in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and beaches across the red sea plus discover their true self across the waters of the Nile River.

What are the main cities in Egypt?

Cairo is the capital, but other cities such as Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh, Sinia, Dahab, Gouna, and Hurghada. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt .

What are Egypt Main Attractions?

Every traveler can head to the majestic cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, & Aswan which holds the Giza Pyramids complex, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo Citadel, the National Egyptian Museum, the catacombs, the Qaitbay citadel, Karnak temples complex, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, Philae temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Abu Simbel Temples, and many more plus the beautiful shores of the red sea city resorts such as Sherm El Sheik and Hurghada.

Why is Egypt so dangerous?

Egypt is one of the safest travel destinations in the world right now, due to the low crime level when compared with the crime rates of many Western countries. In Mid 2021 world Health Organization places Egypt at the lowest level of coronavirus spread Risk across the world due to the measures taken by the Egyptian government that helped control the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of each traveler such as the cleansing of all the visited attractions on a daily basis which help record the lowest number of infections and the highest number of recovery cases.

Is English widely spoken in Egypt?

English is the most widely used language in Egypt, the majority of the road signs in Egypt are written both in Arabic and English.

What is the predominant religion in Egypt?

The dominant religion is Islam, making Egypt’s population 90% Muslim and around 10% Christian, with the Muslims being mostly Sunnis and the Coptic Orthodox Church being the largest Christians.

Is Egypt a friendly country?

Friendliness & politeness are the core value of Egyptian society. The Egyptian public is known to be very hospitable and trustworthy.

What are the most delicious foods in Egypt?

Some of the most delicious foods are Mahshi, Fitter Baladi, Hawawshi, Kofta and Kebab, Shawerma, Hamam Mahshi, Koshary, Falafel, Foule, Roz bel Laban, Om Ali, and more delicious cuisines.

What are the things to do in Egypt?

Across the lands and waters of Egypt is a number of affordable and entertaining activities such as Boarding a magical Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan, a Dinner Cruise across the Nile in Cairo, aquatic sports like diving, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, and more, Hot-air Ballon, Super Safari, sandboarding, visit the city of Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh Red Sea for relaxation and enjoy a lot of activities there and very unique & entertaining activities worth your time and attention.

How much money will you need for your trip to Egypt?

your spending plan will be around E£636 ($41) per day during a vacation in Egypt, which is considered to be the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

How much does it cost to Visit Egypt?

Egypt is one of the most affordable travel destinations as The Budget Tours range from $390 to $1099 while the Luxury Tours range from $1099 up to $3999 including everything without the international flight. For example, 8 days itinerary to Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise between Luxor & Aswan plus Abu Simbel will cost about 2,400$ including everything from international Airfare to Accommodations.

What are The DO's and The DON'T's of traveling across Egypt Attractions?

• Do spend time chatting with people.
• Do learn some basic Egyptian Arabic during your trip.
• Do ask when you don't understand something.
• Do savor as much Egyptian food as you can.
• Do make sure you try the delicious cuisines of Egypt.
• Do stay in a central location.
• Do dress modestly.
• Do be careful of public displays of affection.
• Do ask for directions from at least three different people.
• Do ask for help when crossing busy streets.
• Do take taxis rather than public transportation.
• Do ask locals about the fare for your destination before taking a taxi.
• Do avoid off-road destinations.
• Do carry small change and coins.
• Do leave tips in cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, shops and almost everywhere!
• Do bargain in souvenir shops and bazaars.
• Do respect Egyptian temples and monuments.
• Do enjoy the country as much as you can.

The DON'T's:

• Don't even think about renting a car unless you have driven in India or Egypt before.
• Don't get frustrated when someone is late.
• Don't wear shorts and vests or tank tops.
• Don't talk to people who approach you in public areas
• Don't follow someone trying to "help" you.
• Don't drink the tap water.
• Don't drink alcohol in the street.
• Don't be intimidated by market vendors.
• Don't take photos of locals without permission.
• Don't visit mosques during prayer time.
• Don't be surprised to see Egyptian men holding hands.
• Don't put your feet on a table or point the soles of your shoes at others.
• Don't pet street dogs and cats.
• Don't use drones in Egypt.

Can I drink alcohol in Egypt?

Drinking alcohol in Egypt is allowed for holders of foreign passports at affordable prices.

What to do before traveling to Egypt?

Before traveling to Egypt , Every traveler should conduct critical research about his or her travel destination in relation to the history, the culture, customs, the do & don't, plus check with the travel agency about all the details relating to the accommodations, transportation, and everything else. Most importantly make sure that the Visa is good to go.

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt .

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa .

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Why Book With "Egypt Tours Portal"?

We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt .

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt .

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

What are the Official Languages of Egypt?

Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.

What is the Transportation in Egypt?

The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

Our Partners

• Privacy Policy
• How It Works
• Loyalty Program

Egypt Tours specializes in providing the most pleasing Egypt tours & vacations, Egypt Nile River cruises, Egypt day tours & excursions, Egypt shore excursions, at the most affordable prices, and excellent services for the past 35 years.

Popular Tour Categories

• Egypt Travel Packages
• Egypt Shore Excursions
• Group Tours to Egypt
• Egypt Family Holiday Packages
• Egypt Nile Cruises Packages
• Egypt Calendar Holidays
• Egypt Vacation Packages
• Egypt Transfers
• Payment & Cancellation Policy
• Reviews & About Us
• Terms and Conditions
• Why Choose Egypt Tours Portal
• Send Your Feedback
• Contribute With Us

Official Pages

• Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
• Responsible Travel
• Travel Alerts & Safety Guidelines
• Travel Insurance
• Become Our Partner
• PCR Testing For Egypt Visitors
• Brand Ambassador Program

© Copyright Egypt Tours Portal 2024.

Egypt Historical Tours – Sculptured by More Than 5,000 Years

Get ready for a travel adventure like no other with our classic Egypt Historical Tours ; beyond incredible and totally unforgettable journeys through time. Sculptured and forged by more than 5,000 years of history, Egypt is a destination like no other destination on earth. Whether you are looking for a short historical Cairo tour, or whether you are looking for far more immersive Egypt tour packages and perhaps a magical Nile River cruise , you can be sure that our Egypt Historical Tours have got everything it takes to make your travel dreams come true.

We believe that no other tour operator is as well equipped as we are to offer Egypt travel adventures which are as luxurious, as unimaginably rewarding, and as unbelievably affordable as well.

Top 12 Egypt Historical Tours

Design your custom egypt tour.

Explore Egypt your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

Unlocking the Secrets of the Ages: Discover Egypt’s Rich Past Through Historical Tours

Statue of Pharaoh Ramses II in Luxor Temple

When we plan and craft our Egypt Historical Tours, our primary aim is create tours that can satisfy or even surpass the expectations of those travelers who visit Egypt to learn about the country’s fascinating history which dates back many thousands of years. One could say that nearly all of our Egypt tours are historical tours, and to a great extent they are.

However, what makes our Egypt Historical Tours different is that they also feature numerous historical sites that are not old enough to be considered ancient.

Ancient Egyptian Monuments

Our Egypt Historical Tours typically include visiting many of Egypt’s ancient wonders, as well as many other fascinating Egypt tourist attractions that often have a considerably shorter history, including mosques, churches, monasteries and other types of historical landmarks. In the next few paragraphs we will look at a few such sites, but since we can’t include them all, we will only look at those that are most likely to feature in our most popular itineraries.

All of our existing Egypt historical tours will include visiting attractions such as the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx; the Djoser Step Pyramid at Saqqara, and Memphis. Some tours will feature all of these sites, while other tours will only feature the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. If you book one of our Egypt tour packages that include a Nile River cruise, then you will also be taken to see several other ancient monuments, including the Temple of Philae at Aswan, Horus Temple at Edfu, Luxor and Karnak temples at Luxor , and more.

Egypt’s Amazing Museums

Just about every one of our tour packages, including our Egypt Historical Tours, includes a visit to the famous Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This incredible museum houses thousands upon thousands of artifacts documenting more than 5,000 years of Ancient Egyptian history. However, due to limited space, only about 100,000 items are on display, representing about half of all the artifacts being held at the museum. Once the all-new Grand Egyptian Museum opens at Giza, the number of items on display will be significantly higher.

Other museums which may or may not feature in our Egypt historical tours include the Museum of Islamic Art and the Coptic Museum, both of which are located in Cairo. The Nubian Museum in Aswan is another museum which features in several of our tour packages, and particularly those which include a Nile River cruise.

Design Your Custom Tour

Mosques, Churches and other Places of Worship

Cairo and the surrounding area are home to numerous historical mosques, churches and monasteries, two of which feature in many of our Egypt historical tours: the Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, and the Coptic Church of St. Virgin Mary, best known as the Hanging Church of Cairo. These two venues are both of great historical and religious significance, but they are far from being the only historical places of worship in the region.

If you are interested in such attractions, then you should also consider visiting the Al Hussein Mosque which is the holiest Muslim site in Egypt. Other mosques to consider would be the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Mosque of Amr Ibn El-As, the very first mosque to be built on the African continent.

Other Christian sites worth visiting would include places such the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner; the Church of St. George; the Church of St. Barbara, and the Church of Abu Serga. These last three churches are all located in an area of the city known as Coptic Cairo and it is believed that the Holy Family stopped to rest here, inside a cave located beneath the Church of Abu Serga.

Modern Historical Attractions

While there is essentially nothing spectacular about Cairo’s infamous Tahrir Square, it is certainly of great historical significance, not least because of the fact that it is been the epicenter of protests and demonstrations which forever changed Egypt’s history. Other interesting sites which would fit in perfectly with Egypt historical tours include the Cairo Tower; Baron Empain Palace and Abdeen Palace. Luxuriously appointed and lavishly decorated, Abdeen Palace with its 500+ rooms is today considered to be the most lavish palace in the world.

Medieval Historical Attractions

Two medieval sites which feature in nearly all of our Egypt historical tours are the Saladin Citadel and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. The Saladin Citadel dates back to 1183 CE when it was built around the ancient city in order to protect the city and its inhabitants against the invading crusaders.

There are a number of mosques in the citadel that are well worth visiting, along with a number of museums, including the Police Museum and the National Military Museum. Many locals also head for the summit to enjoy spectacular views and the nice cool breeze which is almost always present.

The Khan El Khalili Bazaar dates all the way back to 1389 and it has remained a trading area ever since. Today, it is the most visited site in Egypt, not least because this is where most average Egyptians living in Cairo go to for their daily needs. It is also one of the top Cairo tourist attractions . One could even go as far as saying that no visit to Cairo is complete if you have not visited the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Babylon Fortress is yet another amazing historical site located in Cairo. This impressive site was built during the 6th century and it holds the record of being one of the most formidable fortified cities ever built in the country.

Egypt Historical Tours beyond Cairo

In this post about Egypt Historical Tours, we have only scratched the surface of what all there is to see, and we have only looked at historical sites which are locate in and around Cairo. However, there are countless more historically significant sites located more or less throughout the country, including in places such as Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria.

Don’t forget, all of our existing ready made Egypt historical tours can easily be customized and tailored according to your own personal needs and requirements. We can also work with you to create unique Egypt historical tours from scratch. We have some excellent posts on our site that list and describe the top Egypt tourist attraction as well as articles that list and describe the top attractions in all of Egypt’s major centers, such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and etc.

Looking through our “top attractions” articles is a great place to start if you want a unique tour of Egypt’s historical sites; a tour itinerary built from scratch. They also make for some fascinating read, and are particularly helpful if you want to find out more about any of the sites that feature in our existing Egypt historical tours.

Exemplary Service from Beginning to End

When you book Egypt Historical Tours and/or Nile cruise holidays through us, you can expect unrivaled customer service from the moment you contact us for the first time to book or discuss a tour package, and you can expect the same high level of service throughout you stay in Egypt. With your own private drivers and English speaking Expert tour guides with you every step of the way; we are never far from your side.

As many people have already discovered, our staff members, including our drivers and guides, will and very often do go beyond the call of duty to ensure that you trip is as memorable and as perfect as it possibly can be.

If you are passionate about Egyptian history and you are ready for a once in a lifetime vacation, our Egypt tour packages might be exactly what you are looking for. We are always happy to take your call, and you are never under any obligation whatsoever. Let’s work together and make your dreams come true.

Amazing Ancient Egypt Tours

Explore the best of Egypt. Find and book your dream trip today.

3-Day Egypt Tours

4-Day Egypt Tours

5-Day Egypt Tours

6-Day Egypt Tours

7-Day Egypt Tours

8-Day Egypt Tours

10-Day Egypt Tours

12-Day Egypt Tours

14-Day Egypt Tours

Egypt travel information.

Full Safety Guide: Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt?

What are the Must Visit Places in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips: This You Need to Know

How to Plan a Trip to Egypt – Start Here!

Best Time to Visit Egypt and When to Book!

What to Pack for Egypt (Simple Packing List)

Last Updated on March 27, 2024

We Don't Just Sell Amazing Tours, We Make Dreams Come True!

Private tours since 1955.

Award-Winning Service

Create your dream trip.