EGYPT DESTINATIONS

The Capital - Cairo

Cairo

Cairo the city of a thousand minarets, known as Al Qahira, is one of the world's largest urban centers. Cairo is home not only to over 14 million people, but also to the Great Pyramid of Giza, ancient temples, tombs, mosques, churches, markets and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Cairo is a city that never sleeps and offers a multitude of things to do, places to stay, and sites to visit. It is a powerful, modern and yet ancient city. Choose to take the touristic route and visit monuments, or get into the throbbing beat of the city and roam the streets, markets and cafe's that add life to this exciting city. There is not doubt that by the time you leave this city you will have picked up some Arabic, lots of ornate Egyptian handicrafts and stories of times past, dynasties, pharaohs and the hospitable Egyptians.

Alexandria

Known as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', Alexandria is Egypt's second largest city. Although part of Egypt this city has a more Mediterranean feel as opposed to the other more Middle Eastern cities. Founded by Alexander the Great, this seaside city boasts history from various dynasties that occupied the city. Antiquities that can be seen here include a small Roman theater, Cleopatra's Bath. Fort of Quit Bay, the stunning Abu-El-Abbas Mosque and the Anfushi tombs to name a few. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria offers beautiful beaches, wonderful weather, a multitude of water activities and luxurious resorts.

Hurghada

Another Egyptian seaside city, Hurghada until a few years ago was a small fishing village. Today it is one of the Red Sea's most popular tourist aquatic resorts. The waters here are great for diving and snorkeling due to the numerous shipwrecks and some of the world's finest underwater gardens. Outside of water activities there are beautiful aquariums, scenic parks, restaurants offering various kinds of cuisines and an active and very social night life to enjoy. Not far from Hurghada are many Islands which make for great day trips for diving followed by fish barbecues, submarine rides in the Red Sea or safaris on camels or jeeps into the Red Sea mountains.

Luxor

Luxor was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms and is now a haven of temples, tombs and the Valley of the Kings close by. This modern city that is host to so much history runs alongside the river Nile. It is a key stop while on a Nile cruise and visits here enable you to take in a lot of ancient Egypt, enjoy the Nile, the local artisans and their wares and a character Egyptian city. Must see sites include the sprawling Karnak temple, the Luxor museum, the Ramesseum (the mortuary temple of Rameses The II) as well as other mortuary temples in the West Bank area, Tutankhamen's tomb and the Valley of the Kings.

Edfu

Edfu is a small town located upriver from Kom Ombo and hosts temples and the ruins of an old city. It is known for one of Egypt's most complete temple complexes, the 'Temple of Edfu' dedicated to the falcon headed God Horus. A lot of time can be spent wandering through the numerous courtyards, rooms and halls while looking at the fresh looking etchings on the walls.

Aswan

Aswan is known as one of Egypt's sunniest southern cities. Located on the banks of the river Nile, Aswan is a picturesque city surrounded by glistening waters, amber sand dunes, granite rocks and tropical flora. The city is small enough to walk around and life here takes on a relaxed and languid pace. Visit the colorful 'souks' (markets) selling spices, perfumes and other local products. Stroll on the Corniche and watch the boats sail by. Dine at floating restaurants serving fresh seafood with Arabian spices while watching Nubian dancers. Go on tours to the quarries to see the unfinished obelisk, visit the Greco-Roman sarcophagi, the Elephantine Island where you will see artifacts dating from the pre-dynastic era onwards and tombs of pharaonic noblety as well as religious saints.

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a set of two temples cut into solid rock near the border of Egypt and Sudan. The sacred temples were built by Rameses and dedicated to the Sun Gods. Both the temples were built so that on February 22nd and October 22nd the first rays of the morning sun shine down the entire length of the temple-cave to illuminate the back wall of the innermost shrine and the statues of the four gods seated there. Visiting the temples at sunrise or sunset are probably the best viewing times due to the pinkish hues the facade of the temple takes on in this light. A very informative and well choreographed sound and light show also takes place here in the evenings, and is presented in various languages through ear pieces.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is one of the Sinai Peninsula’s most developed tourist communities, with the Red Sea on one side and the mountains of Mount Sinai on the other. The waters here offer some of the best fishing, sailing, snorkeling and diving in the peninsula. A city that offers intimate hotels as well as contemporary international resorts, an exciting night life with the recent opening of the world renowned Little Buddha Bar, numerous sporting and beach activities, elegant as well as inexpensive restaurants, desert safaris and nearby antiquities attractions. You will never run short of things to do whilst in Sharm El Sheikh.