Egypt Destinations
Luxor
Luxor has often been called the world’s greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and much more. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Luxor is three different areas: the City of Luxor on the East side of the Nile, the town of Karnak just north of Luxor and Thebes, which is on the west side of the Nile across from Luxor.
To say that the Luxor area is a major attraction for tourists in Egypt would be an understatement. It has been a tourist destination since the beginning of tourism. Even in ancient times, during the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods, the area drew tourists, and has been doing so ever since. Today Luxor is well equipped to accommodate tourists with many hotels and in general a tourist industry ready and willing to serve the people from many countries that descend on this area of the Nile Valley every year.
Luxor today is a city of some 150,000 people and is governed by special statues that allow it more autonomy then other political areas of Egypt. One thing you might notice is that various government and other buildings confirm to an ‘ancient’ building code. Particularly, the National bank of Egypt (located near the winter palace), the spa south of the police station, and the railway station are all designed to appear as Pharonic constructs. All of this occurred after the Egyptianization of the modern town resulting mostly from the mania that resulted from Howard Carter’s discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. As one might think, the city has all the amenities tourists might expect, including a variety of hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
Luxor’s landmarks are some of the most iconic to be found in Egypt. The sheer size of many of the monuments within Luxor is quite impressive, not to mention that most can be categorized as astounding architectural feats for their day.
Aswan
Aswan, Egypt’s sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.
In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. View the spectacular sunsets while having tea on the terrace. Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and it’s still a perfect place to get away from it all.
The city proper lies on the east bank of the Nile. Relax here, visit a few mosques, but then prepare for an adventure. The bazaar runs along the Corniche, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum, and continues on to the Cemetery, with its forest of cupolas surmounted tombs from the Fatimid period. Just east of the cemetery in the famous area quarries is the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. Just to the south of this, two Greco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand.
The most obvious is Elephantine Island, which is timeless with artifacts dating from pre-Dynastic times onward. It is the largest island in the area. Just beyond Elephantine is Kitchener’s Island. Just up river a bit, there is also the old Aswan dam, built by the British, which was enlarged, expanded, but unable to control the Nile for irrigation.
Cairo
Cairo, the capital of Egypt is the largest city in Africa and one of the biggest urban areas in the world.More than 16 million people call it home; it’s chaotic, exotic, and beautiful. Visiting Cairo is an overwhelming experience and a must for anyone at least once in a lifetime. This unique city offers an exceptional chance to explore ancient and modern history, archeology, architecture and lifestyle.
Discover the most celebrated wanders of the ancient world: the magnificent Great Pyramids and the sphinx of Giza, explore the life and legacy of the mighty pharaohs and their immortality cult. Enjoy watching the sunset over the Nile in this unique city full of life and movement combining in harmony the old and new. Travel around the city of One Thousand Minarets, where Pharonic, Islamic, Christian and Jewish Monuments coexisting in peace, enjoy the parks and gardens, and take pleasure in the incredible selection of shopping, leisure and nightlife activities.
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, with a population of approximately 5 million. The city is located 200 km north of Cairo, and stretches 20 km along the Mediterranean Sea in a narrow strip of a few kilometers.
Nowadays, the glorious past of the city of Alexandria is hard to spot. However, a newly-opened library which covers all sciences has re-established the old reputation of the city as the stronghold of wisdom.
Because of a very pleasant climate, and wonderful beaches and hotels, up to 2 million Egyptians choose to spend their summer in the city.
If you are interested in ancient sights, Alexandria has them too. The city used to be the capital of the Ptolemy Pharaohs, and therefore holds a number of ancient Greek and Roman sites.
Pompeii’s Pillar, so named in the middle ages, is a granite pillar over 25 meters high, and built amidst the ruins of the Serapuim in 297 A.D., to honor the Emperor Diocletian.
Sharm el Sheikh
The sun- lashed tip of Sinai is home to the bustling cosmopolitan activity resort of Sharm El Sheikh, a destination which has grown from a Bedouin fishing village to an internationally famous haven for sun-worshippers and watersports enthusiasts. The diving and snorkeling, fine hotels, numerous bars and restaurants and a wealth of entertainment make it the ideal choice for those who really love and live life to the full.
Within reach of the resort, are the excursion sites of Mount Sinai, where the Ten Commandments are said to have been delivered to Moses, and the world famous St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of the Mount, where the oldest text of the Bible was discovered. Local safari trips, Bedouin evenings and visits further afield to Cairo and the Rose City of Petra in Jordan are easily arranged by our expert team in resort.
Sharm as it is commonly known, boasts an excellent 18 hole golf course, International conference centre and excellent shopping too. There are horse riding and quad bike centres, excellent diving schools and hotels from the small and friendly boutique style through to large complexes operated by major international chains.
There is literally something here for everyone regardless of their age or nationality. Sharm El Sheikh is easily reached in just under an hour by air from Cairo and is also served by regular scheduled and charter flights from many international destinations.
With practically 365 days of sunshine, Sharm El Sheikh is a year round resort and is waiting to welcome you.
Hurghada & El Gouna
About 395 km south of Suez you will find Hurghada. It has a very pleasant climate all year round, and offers facilities for underwater fishing and snorkeling. It has camping sites such as Sea Land and Caravan about 40 km from town.
In Hurghada also lies one of the world’s biggest aquariums or aqua-culture museums, comprised of rare pieces in all phases of evolution. Hurghada is extremely popular among tourists and you will find hotels in all price ranges. Whatever your preference in aquatic activities, you will find it in Hurghada:
Windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, and, above all, snorkeling and diving
El Gouna
Located 22 kilometers north of the Hurghada International Airport, El Gouna is a true pearl on the Red Sea.
A self-contained town on the beautiful Red Sea coast, El Gouna offers an unrivaled lifestyle. Built on 10 km of beach, the town of 10,000 residents spreads across islands and lagoons. Boasting a superb infrastructure and excellent services, the destination is a short flight from Europe. At El Gouna sandy beaches and the ideal temperatures welcome visitors all year round.
Dahab
This pearl of the gulf actually consists of two villages. The Bedouin village of Assalah is in the southern half, with the business and administrative center of Dahab to the north. There are also clusters of holiday villages that cater to affluent visitors.
Assalah is the most developed part of Dahab – 2.5 miles up the coast from downtown. Historically, most visitors to Dahab have been backpackers traveling independently and staying in the hostels in this area. It is a sprawling conglomeration of palm trees, shops, campgrounds, hotels, bars and restaurants that lie along the shore of Ghazala Bay. Assalah has a distinctly bohemian feel. Less laid back, but still relaxed, is the area just south along El Qura Bay. Here, upscale luxury holiday villages and dive centers attract a very different clientele.
Dahab means ‘gold’ in Arabic. In Sinai it means golden sands, turquoise sea and off-beat cafe life. It is a focus of tourism development, with swaying palms, fine sand and wonderful snorkeling opportunities. Dahab has excellent hotel accommodations, but also offers less expensive housing in the village, or camping. About 5 miles from town is the famous Blue Hole, for diving. Toward the Israeli border is the island of Coral, where the Crusaders built a fort. The remains can still be seen.
Dahab was originally a Bedouin fishing village that today is world-renowned for its windsurfing, because of the reliable winds that provide outstanding flat water conditions. However, there are many reefs immediately adjacent to the waterfront hotels, so scuba diving and snorkeling are also very popular sports, especially considering the nearby Blue Hole.
The coral peninsula that makes up the unique geography of Dahab is renowned for its popular dive sites: Blue Hole, Canyon and Lighthouse. Experienced divers return year after year to witness the wonders of their depths, while novice divers marvel at the beauty of even the shallowest of reefs.
Taba & Nweiba
Taba is located in Sinai, a few kilometers from the Israeli border. The border can be crossed on foot, and there is direct bus service to Eilat, Israel. Taba currently boasts 5-star hotels, great restaurants, and quaint, cozy beach cafes.
On a historic note, not far from Taba in the Gulf of Aqaba, lies Pharaohs Island – one of the least known of the many major forts in Egypt. This fortress, built at the time of the Crusades, would no doubt attract much larger crowds. Not only due to its location in a mainstream tourist destination, but those tourists who make an effort to visit the fort will not only find it fascinating, but probably have the island mostly to themselves.
However in 1170, the castle was captured by Salah El Din. There is confusion as to what happened thereafter; some say he abandoned the fortress only a short time later in about 1183, while other scholars indicate that he expanded the fortress considerably, and possibly retained it until the 13th century. There is little doubt that he did indeed expand the fortress considerably, and that later the Ottomans and the Mamelukes further enlarged and enhanced it.
Makadi & Soma Bay
Makadi Bay
This new resort, 35 km south of Hurghada, is a beautiful natural bay, nestled between desert dunes and a superb mountain range. It offers translucent waters, white sandy beaches and exquisite marine life. Facilities include tennis, diving, watersports, an open-theatre, a health club, a children’s club, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and horse and camel riding. At night, visitors can enjoy live music at a number of bars, restaurants and discos.
Soma Bay
Soma Bay is located on the eastern shores of Egypt on the Red Sea Riviera. Only 4 hours flight from Central Europe, and just 45 kilometers from Hurghada International Airport, the ten million square meters, self-contained community of Soma Bay is surrounded on all sides by the sea
The resort location boasts some of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Red Sea and panoramic views of desert mountains and blue skies. Resort hotel accommodation includes the Sheraton, and one of the members of The Leading Hotels of the World, La Résidence des Cascades, the Kempinski and the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge opening soon.
Sahl Hasheesh
On an area of 32 million sq. meters, and along the lovely Red Sea coast abounding in invaluable coral reefs, the Egyptian Company for Tourist Communities has launched implementing its gigantic project in Sahl Hasheesh, as complete tourist resort will be established along with its accessories, representing irreplaceable spot in terms of charm and beauty.
Safaga
Safaga, or Port Safaga (Bur Safaga) is a working port located 37 miles from Safaga with several tourist villages specializing in diving holidays, a handful of hotels and some excellent fish restaurants. Its unspoiled beaches and stiff breezes made it the ideal venue for the 1993 World Windsurfing Championships. Day trips to Tobia Island or Mons Claudianus in the Red Sea Mountains can be arranged with local guides
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is one of the fastest growing holiday resorts in Egypt, popular with wind surfers, divers and sun worshippers fortunate enough to have discovered the resort’s remote tranquility.
Although previously a small fishing village, the construction of an International Airport in 2001 has established Marsa Alam as an upcoming and exclusive holiday resort. With a host of tourism projects planned for the near future, Marsa Alam is set to rival the popularity of established Egyptian resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Ein el Sokhna
Located about 55km south of the Suez, Ein el Sokhna is one of the most beautiful spots on the Red Sea Riviera, and the one nearest to Cairo (1 hour by car). Ein El Sokhna has earned a wonderful reputation for its pristine beaches and coastal waters.
With sandy beaches equal to the best in the world, Ein el Sokhna is both a summer and winter resort suitable for camping and having excellent water sports, fishing and underwater photography. It is not surprising that this area is so well developed, since it represents the closest beaches to Cairo, one of Egypt’s largest cities.
Ein el Sokhna is Egyptian for “hot spring”, denoting the nearby sulfur springs found at a nearby mountain, Gebel Ataqa. This region stretches from just south of Suez down the coast for about sixty kilometers. Scattered along the coast-hugging road are a port, a series of resort complexes, a few independent restaurants, gas stations, and other tourist businesses.
If sightseeing is your thing, Ein el Sokhna should be your destination. If you’re looking for some time at the beach, fly into Cairo and see a few of the sights, then travel on to spend a few days in Ein el Sokhna. When planning your itinerary, you can schedule a visit to the Suez Canal and the eastern desert monasteries.
Oasis
Lying 60 feet below sea level and set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Egypt, the Siwa Oasis is famous for it’s 70,000 olive trees and 300,000 date trees. Olive oil is still made by crushing the olives with stones. Dates are gathered by zaggala (stick bearers), who must remain celibate until the age of forty. Agriculture is the main income of the modern Siwi, however they are supplemented by handicrafts such as basketry.
Receiving few visitors until recently, Siwa is located on the old date caravan route, and today it still retains much of it’s heritage. Until the battles which took place around the Oasis in WWII, it was hardly governed by Egypt, and has remained mostly a Berber (Zenativa) community for the prior thirteen centuries.
Siwans continue to have their own culture and customs, and they even speak a Berber language known as taSiwit, rather than Arabic.
Interestingly, in October of every year, there is a three-day festival during which Siwans must settle all of their past year’s disputes.
The area is also famous for its springs, of which there are approximately 1,000. The water is sweet, and is said to have medical properties.
Though it is relaxing, and certainly now a part of the tourist community in Egypt, it is very traditional, and visitors should keep this in mind when traveling to the area. Local girls are often married by the age of 14, are expected to be completely covered from head to toe, and are allowed minimal communication with members outside their immediate family. Many women still wear traditional costumes and silver jewelry like those displayed in the Traditional Siwan House Museum in the town center.