Egypt travel guide, including Egypt map, Egypt’s top sights, Egypt travel advice, when to visit Egypt, pyramids, graves, shrines, diving, beach Nestled between the Mediterranean and Middle East in North Africa, Egypt has been the most developed country in the world for millennia. Alexander the Great was an early tourist, and it was years before the Greek and Roman empires nearly matched the advanced culture of Egypt. Successive civilizations–including the West –marveled at its mega-monuments like Giza’s Pyramids and Karnak’s stone shrines.
The Nile River passes through Egypt’s core and remains the nation’s lifeblood, irrigating the green Nile Delta and the wilderness beyond, and connecting the Mediterranean all the way down Africa to the Sudan. There is a series of Egyptian marvels along the manner: the Giza Pyramids and Sakara close Cairo, Kom Omboh, Dendera, Karnak and the Kings Valley further north to Luxor.
West of the Nile is Alexandria’s old town, once home to the world’s largest library, and a series of oases going north in a ocean of sand that depends on old aquifers for its very life.
To the south is the Sinai Peninsula, frequented by the competing cultures of the Orient’s tourists, gods and gods, now followed by Bedouin camels traveling through the mountains.
The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, still transporting vast cargo vessels incongruously through the desert. This is where you will discover diving and snorkeling of Egypt’s world-class. International resort hotels set up on sandy beaches, taking benefit of year-round heat to provide a constant flow of tourists with fly and flop comforts.
Wanderlust Recommendation
1- Navigate the Nile. The biggest attractions in Egypt are grouped around the central portion of the Nile, between Luxor and Aswan. Cruise the timeless waters in a traditional felucca, sleeping under the stars on deck, or a dahabiyya, its local upmarket counterpart. Alternatively, attend a cruise ship package tour where Gala Night is every day
2- Speak to the Dead. The old Pharoahs ‘ excellent carved graves provide a visual glimpse of the perspective of suicide of the ancients. The tombs are the most complete in Luxor’s ‘ City of the Dead ‘ with vivid colors and exquisite craftsmanship.
3- Drive through the desert. Rent a vehicle and go to the Western Desert. You will have to allow the guard to visit graves and shrines in atmospheric oasis, away from the crowds.
4- Mount Sinai climb. Trek with a Bedouin handbook to St Catharine’s Monastery and spend a weekend under the lights, with camels at your disposal.
5- Dive into the Red Sea. Rent a Dahab cottage or a Sharm suite and leave for world-class dives to the seas. If you don’t have PADI, snorkelling is a replacement
6- The past’s passion. Buy replicas at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo’s peerless Museum of Antiquities
7- Be with the people of Berbers. Siwa Oasis, facing the frontier with Libya, has a very distinct environment. Explore the Delphic Oracle and old city center constructed of mud, which sank in an unwanted shower 60 years earlier
Wanderlust tips
Every June and December, the lock on Esna’s Nile closes for two weeks; at this time, Egypt’s cruising boats can not pass–check the dates to make sure it doesn’t affect your journey.
Despite the fact that Egypt is used to Western visitors note that this is still a Muslim society and both males and females should dress conservatively (covered ankles and arms) except on a beach resort.
When to go to Egypt
Egypt is a excellent winter destination: the temperatures are hot but not baking from December to February, making sightseeing much more pleasant, although Cairo can be cool and overcast. In winter, nights can get chilly.
Spring (March-mid-May) and summer (September-November) are warmer but still bearable, with temperatures that are hot but not scorching.
Prices drop in summer and it is not difficult to see why: temperatures in the southern desert can reach 50 ° C and sightseeing begins in the hour before sunset. The ocean moderates the coastal conditions, and you can slow down in the water at least.
Check Ramadan’s schedules, the fasting month for Muslims. This can affect your journey
International airports in Egypt
Cairo International (CAI) 24 km from Cairo ; Sharm El Sheik International (SSH) 12 km from Sharm El Sheik ; Luxor International (LXR) 6 km from Luxor ;