Five Things You Must See in Egypt
Egypt could well be the dream destination of choice for a great many travellers. It’s literally teeming with history, nature, and human culture. It also happens to be one of the most accessible travel destinations in the Arab world. But with so much to see in Egypt, where do you begin? Here are five must-see places to help you get going:
Alexandria
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the coastal city of Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt. It’s also a wonderful place to explore at your leisure, assuming you don’t forget to check out the historic Gumrok, Anfushi, and Ras el-Tin districts. Alexandria has a different feel from the rest of Egypt, and you may find it more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when temperatures hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the city isn’t swamped with summer vacationers.
Mount Sinai
If you can manage the three-hour trek to Sinai’s summit, you’ll enjoy great views of the Egyptian desert. Pilgrims from different religions frequently visit Mt. Sinai, but you don’t have to be religious to enjoy the scenery. To get there, catch one of the daily buses leaving the Sinai International Bus Terminal in Abbasiya, a suburb of Cairo. It’s approximately 430 km from Cairo to the site.
Sharm el-Sheikh
If you love the beach, it doesn’t get much better than Sharm el-Sheikh. Located near the tip of the Sinai peninsula, Egypt’s famous beach resort offers some of the best Red Sea snorkelling and diving opportunities in the whole country. Every season is tourist season here. You’ll see very quickly why Sharm el-Sheikh makes just about everyone’s “best beaches in the Middle East” list.
Valley of the Kings
Although the most famous tomb at this site is that of King Tutankhamun, the Valley of the Kings is where many pharaohs were interred. Vandals and grave robbers removed most of the artifacts centuries ago, but the tombs still display elaborate wall paintings. Nestled between two hills on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt’s most famous historical sites. While visiting, make sure you have a chance to visit the city of Luxor (once known as Thebes), which has been called the world’s largest open air museum due to the temple ruins that still stand within it.
The Giza Necropolis
Perhaps the most iconic site on this list, the pyramids at Giza are within driving distance of Cairo and make a great day trip if you’re staying in the city. While you’re welcome to enter the pyramids, beware if you’re claustrophobic as it’s a tight squeeze and the climbs can be very steep. It can also get very hot inside, so be sure to pack a bottle of water for the trip. Don’t forget to see the other famous structure while you’re visiting the site – the Great Sphinx. You won’t be allowed to touch the sphinx, but you’ll be close enough to take as many pictures as you like.
Adriano Comegna writes on behalf of Thomson holidays, a leading travel operator specialising in Egypt holidays and many others.