EGYPT
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
EGYPT
The land of pharaohs and pyramids doesn’t just tell stories. It carved them in stone and dared time to erase them.
Egypt is where golden tombs meet golden hour, where feluccas glide past temples older than religion, and where every grain of desert sand feels like it’s seen something.
This isn’t just a history lesson - it’s the origin story.
It’s where sphinxes smirk at your selfies, where minarets rise beside markets, and where every alley leads to tea, treasure, or both.
Here’s the thing about legacy. It echoes. Bazaars that hum with heat and haggling. Locals who’ve mastered the art of storytelling. And yes, that hieroglyphic does mean exactly what you think it does.
From Cairo’s chaos to the silence of Abu Simbel, Egypt doesn’t just stand the test of time. It owns it.
Egypt is for travelers who want their stories written in stone.
It’s for those who dream of standing at the foot of the pyramids, cruising the Nile with a private guide, and walking through temples that make time feel irrelevant.
This is where history isn’t behind glass. It surrounds you. It welcomes you in.
If you want luxury laced with legacy and a journey that stirs your soul, Egypt is unforgettable.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
EGYPT
PLACES TO SEE
Standing in Awe at the Pyramids of Giza
Marvel at Egypt’s most iconic wonders as they rise from the edge of the Sahara, whispering tales of ancient dynasties.
Uncovering Secrets in the Valley of the Kings
Descend into the desert cliffs near Luxor to explore the painted tombs of pharaohs buried with treasures and mysteries.
Face to Face with Ramses at Abu Simbel
Behold the grandeur of colossal statues carved into the mountainside, guarding the legacy of Egypt’s most powerful ruler.
Wandering Through Karnak Temple
Stroll through a forest of towering columns and hieroglyph-covered walls in one of the largest temple complexes ever built.
Unlocking History at the Egyptian Museum
Step inside a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, where golden masks and mummies bring Egypt’s past vividly to life.
Philae Temple Rising from the Nile
Cruise to an island sanctuary devoted to the goddess Isis, where myths, mosaics, and history meet.
Dreamscapes of the White Desert
Venture into Egypt’s most surreal landscape, where wind-sculpted white rocks create a desert scene like no other on Earth.
QUICK FACTS
GETTING AROUND
Between Cities
Domestic flights are efficient and often the fastest way to cover long distances like Cairo to Luxor or Aswan. Trains are available between major cities, including overnight sleeper service to Upper Egypt.
Around Cities
In Cairo and Alexandria, the metro is fast and affordable. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used. Walking is ideal in historic neighborhoods, souks, and along riverfronts.
CRUISING & ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
Egypt’s accommodations blend ancient grandeur with modern luxury. Cairo offers everything from historic palace hotels to contemporary riverside towers. In Luxor, Aswan, and Giza, luxury resorts and boutique stays provide stunning views of temples, tombs, and pyramids.
Cruises
Egypt is world-renowned for river cruising, particularly along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. These elegant cruises are often the centerpiece of a trip, offering guided access to Egypt’s most iconic sites. Some also cruise Lake Nasser. Expedition-style experiences may include desert safaris or Red Sea diving.
SHOP, EAT & DRINK
Shop
Hunt for alabaster vases, hand-blown glass, gold cartouche jewelry, and papyrus art. Bazaars like Khan el-Khalili in Cairo are filled with spices, perfumes, and colorful textiles.
Eat
Taste koshari (a mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and crispy onions), grilled kofta, and fresh pita with tahini or baba ghanoush. Street food is flavorful and surprisingly filling.
Drink
Try karkadeh (hibiscus tea), strong Turkish-style coffee, or mint tea served sweet. Alcohol is available at major hotels, but locals often opt for non-alcoholic beverages with ancient roots.
TIME ZONE
Egypt is in Eastern European Time (GMT+2). The country resumed observing daylight saving time in 2023, typically from the last Friday in April to the last Thursday in October.
RIDE SHARE & TAXIS
Uber and Careem operate in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Taxis are widely used but often lack meters; many travelers prefer ride apps for clarity and safety.
ELECTRICITY & PLUGS
Uber and Careem operate in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Taxis are widely used but often lack meters; many travelers prefer ride apps for clarity and safety.
CLIMATE
Egypt is hot and dry, with desert climates dominating most of the country. Summers can be intensely hot, especially in the south. Winter (October to February) offers milder temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and river cruising.
FILM/TV & FAMOUS FACES
Egypt’s iconic pyramids and Nile settings have anchored epic films like The Mummy, Death on the Nile, and Cleopatra, with countless documentaries centered around its ancient marvels. It’s produced international figures such as actor Omar Sharif and singer Amr Diab, who have become ambassadors of Arab culture.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services: 122
Tourist Police: 126
Traffic Police (Cairo): 128
Egyptian Red Crescent (Medical Aid): +20 2 2670 8525
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
EGYPT
EXPERIENCES TO HAVE
Sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor
Float above ancient temples and tombs bathed in golden morning light as the West Bank slowly awakens below you.
Sailing a felucca on the Nile
Glide along Egypt’s legendary river aboard a traditional wooden sailboat, where silence and scenery soothe the soul.
Walking through Karnak Temple at dusk
Experience the magic of twilight among towering columns as the fading light casts shadows on 4,000 years of history.
Exploring the tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Step into sacred chambers adorned with vivid hieroglyphs, carved to guide pharaohs through the afterlife.
Snapping a selfie with the Great Sphinx
Stand face to face with Egypt’s most mysterious monument and capture a moment with 4,500 years of silent watchfulness.
Shopping for spices in Aswan’s souk
Lose yourself in a maze of colors and scents where cinnamon, hibiscus, and saffron spill from baskets in every shade.
Diving in the Red Sea at Sharm El Sheikh
Discover a vibrant underwater world of coral gardens and tropical fish just off the coast of this resort paradise.
Standing beneath the Pyramids of Giza
Feel the scale and wonder of the ancient world as you gaze up at the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
Visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Tour Egypt’s ultra-modern tribute to knowledge and culture, inspired by the ancient library that once lit the intellectual world.
Watching whirling dervishes in Cairo
Witness a mesmerizing performance of Sufi devotion, where music, movement, and meditation swirl into one.
Visiting a Nubian village on the Nile
Connect with the warm-hearted Nubian people through music, storytelling, and homes painted in every color of joy.
Exploring Coptic churches and Islamic mosques in Old Cairo
Wander through centuries of faith and architecture in a city where ancient Christianity and Islamic artistry stand side by side.
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
EGYPT
FAQ's
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
Millions visit each year without incident. Tourist areas like Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan have strong security and tourism police. Just take common-sense precautions, stick with reputable guides, and follow any local advice when exploring.
How many days do I need in Egypt?
Give yourself at least 7 to 10 days. That allows time for Cairo’s buzzing markets and museums, the pyramids of Giza, a 3- or 4-night Nile River cruise, and some downtime to soak it all in. Add extra days if you want to visit Alexandria, Siwa Oasis, or the Red Sea coast.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October through April is the sweet spot—warm days, cool evenings, and ideal conditions for sightseeing. May to September is hot, especially in Upper Egypt, but it’s also quieter and great for sunrise tours and indoor museum visits.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
EGYPT
Whispers of the Pharaohs: Explore Egypt with Your Own Egyptologist
Step into temples and tombs alongside an expert who decodes hieroglyphics like bedtime stories. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s a front-row seat to 5,000 years of civilization.
Perfume, Papyrus & Paprika: Cairo’s Senses-First Culture Walk
Wander Cairo’s spice-scented backstreets to learn how essential oils, ancient paper-making, and Egyptian cooking still thrive today. Expect hands-on demos, warm welcomes, and the best falafel you’ve ever had.
Dress the Part: A Galabeya Evening on the Nile
Slip into traditional Egyptian attire for a night of music, dance, and storytelling under desert stars. It's festive, it’s local, and yes—you’ll want your camera.
Egypt was the most extraordinary trip I’ve taken
After visiting more than 90 countries, I can honestly say Egypt moved me like no other. Filming our episode there was powerful—standing before the pyramids, sailing the Nile, and connecting with local storytellers felt like living history.
Sandra McLemore, Host of Authentic Escapes
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