Discover
Egypt
The cradle of civilization, featuring the Pyramids of Giza and luxurious Nile river cruises.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
Standing as a timeless testament to human ingenuity, the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx form the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. These colossal structures, built as monumental tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, have dominated the Giza Plateau for over 4,500 years. The enigmatic Sphinx, with its lion's body and human head, guards this sprawling necropolis. Visitors are constantly awestruck by the sheer scale and mathematical precision of these ancient limestone marvels.
Best Time
October to April
Insider Tip
Opt for a private, guided...
Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple is an astonishing vast open-air museum and the largest religious complex ever constructed in the ancient world. Developed over more than 2,000 years by successive pharaohs, its most famous feature is the breathtaking Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 massive sandstone columns towering into the sky. The complex is dedicated primarily to the god Amun and features monumental obelisks, sacred lakes, and intricately carved hieroglyphics. Walking through Karnak feels like stepping directly into the height of the New Kingdom's religious and political power.
Best Time
October to April (early morning or late afternoon)
Insider Tip
Look for the Scarab statue...
Valley of the Kings
Concealed beneath the sun-scorched, barren hills of Luxor's West Bank lies the legendary Valley of the Kings, the final resting place for rulers of the New Kingdom. For nearly 500 years, rock-cut tombs were excavated for pharaohs and powerful nobles, famously including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. The tombs are renowned for their incredibly well-preserved and vibrantly colored wall paintings depicting scenes from the afterlife and ancient Egyptian mythology. This royal necropolis was designed to be hidden from tomb robbers, preserving a wealth of history beneath the earth.
Best Time
November to March
Insider Tip
Standard tickets cover three tombs,...
Abu Simbel Temples
Carved entirely out of a solid sandstone cliff face in the 13th century BC, the twin temples of Abu Simbel are a monument to the ego and power of Ramses II. The Great Temple is guarded by four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, while the smaller temple is dedicated to his beloved chief wife, Queen Nefertari. In the 1960s, these incredible structures were carefully dismantled and relocated to higher ground in a monumental UNESCO-led effort to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Today, they stand as a dual triumph of ancient artistry and modern engineering.
Best Time
October to April
Insider Tip
If you don't fly, arrange...
Egyptian Museum
The iconic pink-hued Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses one of the world's most extensive and remarkable collections of ancient antiquities. With over 120,000 items, its sprawling halls contain treasures ranging from the Predynastic Period to the Greco-Roman era. Though many items are transitioning to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, the original building retains a romantic, Indiana Jones-esque charm filled with sarcophagi, monumental statues, and intricate jewelry. It stands as a historic institution that has been the cornerstone of global Egyptology since 1902.
Best Time
Year-round (mornings to avoid the thickest crowds)
Insider Tip
While many of King Tut's...
Luxor Temple
Situated right in the center of the modern city of Luxor, this elegant temple complex was primarily built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Unlike other temples dedicated to the cults of gods or deceased pharaohs, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and may have been where many pharaohs were crowned. The temple is famous for its towering statues of Ramses II, beautifully carved colonnades, and the striking Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected it directly to Karnak Temple. It perfectly blends layers of history, featuring Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic architecture built right on top of one another.
Best Time
Evening or night time
Insider Tip
Visit in the late afternoon...
Philae Temple
The stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is dramatically situated on a landscaped island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam. Known for its beautiful colonnades, intricate reliefs, and serene setting, it was one of the last bastions of ancient Egyptian religion, functioning well into the Christian era. Like Abu Simbel, it was meticulously relocated block by block from its original submerged island to its current home on Agilkia Island. The harmonious blend of Greco-Roman and Egyptian architecture makes it one of the most visually captivating sites in Upper Egypt.
Best Time
October to April
Insider Tip
Take time to relax at...
White Desert National Park
The White Desert is a surreal, otherworldly landscape located in Egypt's vast Western Desert. It is famous for its dazzlingly white, massive chalk rock formations that have been sculpted by wind and sand over millennia into bizarre shapes resembling giant mushrooms, chickens, and alien spires. The stark contrast between the bright white chalk and the golden sands creates a landscape that feels like a different planet. At night, the absence of light pollution reveals a breathtaking, star-studded sky spanning horizon to horizon.
Best Time
October to March (summers are dangerously hot)
Insider Tip
Book a premium guided safari...
Mount Sinai & St. Catherine's Monastery
Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, lies St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. Founded in the 6th century, its fortress-like walls protect a treasure trove of early Christian icons, illuminated manuscripts, and the fabled 'Burning Bush'. The surrounding rugged granite peaks of the Sinai mountains offer a dramatically stark and beautiful backdrop. Pilgrims and hikers alike ascend the mountain under the cover of darkness to witness the spectacular sunrise over the peninsula.
Best Time
September to November, and March to May
Insider Tip
Instead of the steep 'Steps...
Ras Mohammed National Park
Sitting at the extreme southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed National Park marks the spectacular meeting point of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. It is globally renowned for possessing some of the most vibrant, pristine coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems on the planet. Crystal-clear waters plunge into deep drop-offs, offering spectacular wall dives frequented by pelagic fish, sea turtles, and colorful reef species. Above the water, the park features stark desert landscapes, fossilized corals, and beautiful hidden mangrove forests.
Best Time
April to October for the warmest water, though diving is year-round.
Insider Tip
Charter a private boat to...
Islamic Cairo (Khan el-Khalili)
Islamic Cairo is a mesmerizing, labyrinthine district that forms the historic heart of the city, brimming with centuries-old mosques, madrasas, and monuments. At its core lies the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a sprawling 14th-century souk filled with the scents of spices, the gleam of brass lamps, and the chatter of merchants. The narrow alleys are an architectural wonderland of intricate stone carvings and towering minarets spanning the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras. It is a vibrant, chaotic, and deeply atmospheric window into medieval urban life.
Best Time
Evening to night time, when the bazaar is most lively and beautifully lit.
Insider Tip
Wander down Al-Muizz Street at...
Alexandria Library (Bibliotheca Alexandrina)
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a spectacular modern homage to the Great Library of ancient Alexandria, once the center of global learning. Designed by a Norwegian architectural firm, the building takes the striking form of a massive, tilted disc rising from the Mediterranean shoreline, inscribed with characters from 120 different human scripts. Inside, a breathtaking, sun-lit main reading room cascades over several levels, capable of holding millions of volumes. The complex also houses a planetarium, several excellent museums, and ongoing art exhibitions.
Best Time
Year-round (check opening hours as they vary by season)
Insider Tip
Take the official guided tour...
Siwa Oasis
Isolated deep in the Western Desert, the Siwa Oasis is a lush, idyllic haven of olive groves and date palms surrounded by miles of barren sand. It possesses a unique culture, language (Siwi), and architecture distinct from the rest of Egypt, most notably the crumbling mud-brick fortress of Shali at its center. Siwa is rich in history, home to the ancient Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great was declared a divine pharaoh. The landscape is dotted with crystal-clear, hyper-saline salt lakes and warm bubbling hot springs.
Best Time
October to April (summers are extremely hot)
Insider Tip
Do not miss a sunset...
Dahshur Pyramids
Located a short drive south of Saqqara, the Dahshur necropolis provides a crucial missing link in the evolution of pyramid construction. It is home to the majestic Red Pyramid, the world's first true smooth-sided pyramid, and the unusual Bent Pyramid, which sharply changes its angle of inclination halfway up. Built by Pharaoh Sneferu (father of Khufu), these structures rise dramatically from the empty desert, free from the urban encroachment seen at Giza. The site feels vast, ancient, and remarkably untouched by modern commercialism.
Best Time
October to April
Insider Tip
Venture inside the Red Pyramid,...
Aswan High Dam & Lake Nasser
The Aswan High Dam is a marvel of modern engineering built in the 1960s to tame the annual flooding of the Nile River. Its construction created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, stretching hundreds of miles south into Sudan. The vast expanse of deep blue water contrasts sharply with the stark, rocky desert shores. The lake itself is a serene and mystical body of water, hiding sunken villages and serving as the setting for relocated ancient monuments like Abu Simbel.
Best Time
October to April
Insider Tip
For the ultimate premium experience,...
Hatshepsut Temple
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is a masterpiece of ancient architecture that looks astonishingly modern. Built for the most successful female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, it consists of three massive terraced colonnades rising gracefully from the desert floor, blending seamlessly into the sheer limestone cliffs behind it. The temple features beautiful reliefs detailing the divine birth of the Queen and her legendary trading expedition to the Land of Punt. Its bold, symmetrical design is completely unique among Egyptian monuments.
Best Time
Early morning (November to March)
Insider Tip
Arrive right at sunrise before...
Hurghada Coast
Stretching along the azure waters of the Red Sea, the Hurghada coast has transformed from a quiet fishing village into a premier resort destination. It boasts miles of golden sand beaches, sheltered lagoons, and immediate access to vibrant offshore coral reefs. The area is dotted with opulent, five-star mega-resorts that offer sprawling pools, private marinas, and world-class spas. Beyond relaxation, it serves as a major hub for scuba diving, kitesurfing, and deep-sea fishing excursions.
Best Time
April to June, and September to November
Insider Tip
Seek out resorts in the...
Sharm El-Sheikh (Naama Bay)
Sharm El-Sheikh is the crown jewel of the Sinai Peninsula's Red Sea riviera, with Naama Bay serving as its bustling, vibrant epicenter. The area features a beautiful sweeping crescent of soft sand merging into crystal-clear waters, bordered by a palm-lined promenade. Naama Bay is renowned for its lively atmosphere, packed with upscale restaurants, sophisticated shisha lounges, and energetic nightlife. It perfectly balances beautiful natural reefs accessible right from the shore with exceptional modern amenities and entertainment.
Best Time
March to May, and September to November
Insider Tip
Book a hotel that offers...
Salah El-Din Citadel
Perched dramatically on the Muqattam Hills, the Citadel of Salah El-Din (Saladin) is a massive medieval Islamic fortress that dominated Cairo's skyline and served as the seat of the Egyptian government for 700 years. Its heavily fortified stone walls enclose grand palaces, impressive museums, and exquisite mosques. The most prominent structure is the breathtaking Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known as the 'Alabaster Mosque', with its soaring twin minarets and vast, ornate domes. The terraces of the Citadel offer the most spectacular panoramic views over the sprawling metropolis of Cairo.
Best Time
Late afternoon for the best light and views of the city.
Insider Tip
Take time to sit quietly...
Saqqara (Step Pyramid)
Saqqara is an immense, ancient burial ground that served as the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. Its crowning glory is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built in the 27th century BC by the legendary architect Imhotep. This monument is recognized as the world's oldest colossal stone building, marking the crucial architectural transition from flat-roofed mastabas to the iconic smooth-sided pyramids. The surrounding sands hide countless other treasures, including vibrantly painted tombs of high officials and the underground Serapeum, a mysterious catacomb for sacred Apis bulls.
Best Time
October to April (early morning is best)
Insider Tip
Don't just look at the...
Travel Tips for Egypt
- 1.
Dress conservatively
- 2.
Stay hydrated in the desert heat
- 3.
Book a licensed Egyptologist guide