Whether you walk among the beautiful rock formations of the White Desert, admire the sunrise from Mount Sinai, or soak in a hot spring in remote Siwa, the magnificent desert is all around you in Egypt. But it is the Nile that is the lifeblood of this dry country, the river that gave us one of the world's oldest civilizations. Witness the pyramids, citadel, mosques and museums in Cairo, the towering Pharaonic temples and Valley of the Kings near Luxor and the masterpiece of a temple Ramses II built in Abu Simbel. Join a Nile cruise and visit edifices where time has stood still for centuries. No matter how you travel, Egypt will leave an unforgettable impression on you. Here are all the highlights for your next adventure travels to Egypt.
There is nothing quite like meandering at your leisure through the warren of covered passageways that make up Cairo's bazaar. Get lost in the crowds and stop to examine the wares. Enjoy a cup of tea while bargaining over your next purchase. Wandering through the covered bazaar in Cairo you may be forgiven for thinking you have stepped back in time.
Visit the pyramids at Giza, explore Coptic Cairo and get lost in the medieval Islamic city and you only begin to grasp Cairo's place in the history of the Middle East. Visit Tutankhamen's treasure in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and imagine what it was like to live as a Pharaoh.
Travel to the far south, where the laid-back town of Aswan is a great place to stay for a few days as you explore Lake Nasser, its dams, the nearby ancient quarry, take a boat ride on the Nile or visit the town's museums. A day-trip to the colossal temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel should be in on your itinerary. They were rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser and rebuilt higher up in the side of a cliff. A spectacular must-see for anyone visiting Egypt.
Taking a cruise down the Nile between Aswan and Luxor is a time-honoured way to see this part of Egypt. En-route you will make stops at various temples, including those of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Whether you sail on a traditional felucca or do it in style on a cruise boat, taking a cruise down the Nile is a must-have experience. Visit ancient temples and small villages, watch farmers at work and children at play, as you glide, drink or book in hand, down the waters of this mighty river.
Ancient Thebes was once famous for its wealth and power and it is near Luxor you can get a sense of that. There are the enormous temple complex or Karnak and the famous Valley of the Kings, along with a host of other temples and tombs. One of the best places for a balloon ride must be the landscape dotted with temples and tombs around Luxor.
While in Egypt, don't forget to indulge in some of its food. Buy it fresh from a cart, or sit down in a diner - taamiya, kushari, fuul and shawarma are tasty and a cheap way to get a quick meal.
For those wanting to stay a little longer, Alexandria is a cosmopolitan seaside city and Egypt's cultural capital. Founded by Alexander the Great and once home to the famous library and lighthouse, The city is famous for its vintage coffee houses, fabulous sea food and the ruins of Cleopatra's Palace
The best time to travel to Egypt is during spring (March through May) and fall (September- November) when days are warm and nights are pleasant. If you travel in winter (December - February), be prepared for some rain in the north and cold nights in the desert. Summers (June - August) are hot.
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