Egypt is currently one of the few Countries open to tourist from the USA. Many Citizens of the US are looking for respite in these trying times and are considering Wanderlust and Bucket List Vacations for a much needed respite from the walls of their homes. For many it may be their first time out of the country, for some first time on the continent of Africa, and for others it could be a familiar and favorite vacation destination. For the first timers this Blog is for you! In a quick synopsis I’ll touch on the must see destinations in Egypt and cover who and what type of traveler each city would appeal to. I will also touch on various excursions available and most importantly what to do to get your Life on the world’s runway.
Cairo:
Is the capital of Egypt and one of the most important touristic cities. Cairo is the center of Egypt’s culture and politics with a population of over 20 Million people it is the largest city in Africa. It contains the Egyptian museum that has more than 100,000 pieces of artifacts, it also has many museums such as the Islamic art museum, Coptic museum, and civilization museum.
Due to Cairo’s Islamic architecture it has also earned the name of the city of a thousand minarets. In Old Cairo it has Al Azhar Mosque which is associated with the university and is known as Egypt’s oldest degree earning Islamic Institution. You can’t miss the Mosque of Mohamed Ali which is inside the Cairo Citadel which was the largest medieval fortress in the world. It also houses the Mosque of Al-Nasir Muhammad, Mosque of Sulayman Pasha, and Mosque of Al-Azab. Then head over and check out the Al-Rifa’I Mosque and the Mosque of Sultan Hassan. If that isn’t enough cardio for your day trek onward to El Moez street which is one of Cairo’s oldest streets as it dates back to the foundation of the city it’s now considered an open-air museum for Islamic architecture.
Cairo also has its place in the history of Christianity where in the Old Cairo lies Coptic Cairo. It’s a must see not just for those of the Christian faith but for all. It consists of The Babylon Fortress, The Coptic Museum, The Hanging Church, The Greek Church of St. George, and many other Coptic Churches and historical sites. Two of the highlights are Abu Serga Church (Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church) which is believed to be built over the spot where the Holy Family stayed for about 3 months, and The Synagogue Ben Ezra which is said to be the place that Baby Moses was found.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses a great deal of artifacts, mummies, coffins, stones, gems, and belongings that was once buried with the Kings and Queens to be used in the afterlife. Make a stop while your there its worth it. This year 2021, they will be opening the Grand Egyptian Museum and closing the current site and it looks like it’s going to be spectacular from what I saw from the outside view.
No Stop to Cairo is complete without some serious haggling at the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. It is Cairo’s famous Bazaar and Souq in the historic center of Cairo and is one of the main attractions for Tourist and Egyptians alike. Pick up your Traditional and Knock off Crafts, Spices, Lanterns, and Souvenirs while you are here.
Don’t worry about accommodations in any of these places as there are plenty to choose from. Ranging from no star to 5 star there is something to fit every travel budget and preference. Food options are plentiful, from fast food American options to the finest of Egyptian cuisine everyone’s pallet will be satisfied. Cairo would be the major airport in the country where you can fly into and reach this destination there are several flights into Cairo International Airport daily from various airlines!
Giza City:
Want to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
Well to get to the Great Pyramids of Egypt you’ll have to head over to the West Bank of the Nile to Giza Plateau. It should be a must do item on your list. You can spend a Full or half day there as The Giza Pyramids consist of The Great pyramids built for King Khufu, King Khefre, and King Menkaure.
No trip to the Giza Necropolis is complete without laying eyes on The Great Sphinx of Giza. While there you can learn about their theories on the construction and the history.
Don’t miss out on a Camel Ride, a Horse Back Ride, a Horse and Carriage Ride, or kick up some dust on ATV’s around the Plateau as the views are unparalleled. At night take in the Sound and Light show and see the spectacle of light and the oral theories of the pyramids.
There is more to discover in Giza outside of the plateau there is a little known site called Saqqara which houses several smaller but none less significant pyramids as it is here where you can find the oldest pyramid or stone structure ever built in history called The Pyramid of Djoser also known as the Step Pyramid.
If you have time after visiting Saqqara head down the road to Memphis City which is a World Heritage Site located at the entrance to the Nile River Valley it was the first capital of Egypt. Here you can check out remnants over 5000 years old such as the statue of Ramses II and the Temple of Ptah.
There are Hotels in Giza City to fit every budget and food for every pallet! Cairo would be the closet airport to fly into to reach this destination.
The Nile River:
Also known as the Mother of all Men or the Father of Life.
At the banks of the Nile one of the oldest civilizations in the world began.
The longest river in Africa going through 11 countries and the longest river in the world which flows northward to the Mediterranean Sea. It was considered the source of life by the ancient Egyptians playing a vital role in the history of the country of Egypt and the continent of Africa. It’s the primary water source of Egypt and Sudan. It is said by the Egyptians that should a visitor once look upon the beauty of the Nile, the return of that visitor to Egypt is assured.
Most of the population and populated cities of Egypt lie along parts of the Nile Valley north of Aswan and nearly all the cultural and historical sites of Ancient Egypt are found along the banks of the river. The White Nile and the Blue Nile joint together at Khartoum in Egypt to form the Nile.
Ancient Egyptians used to plan their calendar around the Nile River and the Stars.
Along the Nile you can partake in a dinner cruise with belly dancers and music, enjoy a Felucca Ride along the Nile, or take a River Cruise along the Nile!
You you can access the Nile from any major city in Egypt along the banks. There are various accommodations and transportation options available for you to enjoy your Nile view!
Alexandria:
Also known as the Bride of the Mediterranean by the locals is the largest city on the Mediterranean.
A Mediterranean Port City in Egypt and the second largest city in Egypt.
The city has Greco-Roman Landmarks, Old-World Cafes, and Sandy Beaches! It’s a popular tourist destination and an important industrial center.
While there make sure to check out the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, The citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria Library, Serapeum Pompey’s Pillar, and the Corniche!
Moreover, you can’t miss the fresh fish offerings at one of the local restaurants it’s sure to please.
A day trip here from Cairo will suffice as it’s around a 2.5-hour drive but if you desire more time in the area there are plenty of places to accommodate your lodging needs. You can also fly in directly to Alexandria airport if you so desire.
Luxor:
Travel on down to the east bank of the Nile to see the Pharaoh’s capital at the height of their power during the 16th-11th centuries B.C. on the site of the ancient city of Thebes. It houses 1/3 of the world’s most valuable ancient monuments, and antiquities in the whole world.
Known as the World’s greatest open-air museum. It contains the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of Kings, Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu, Tombs of the Nobles, vast desert scenery, beautiful Nile views, and more!
Spend a few days exploring the sites but make sure you don’t miss the mummification museum, and a handmade Alabaster Shop.
On top of the must do list is the pinnacle of the stop! Take a sunrise Hot air Balloon ride Luxor, the open-air museum. Seeing the views from thousands of feet off the ground makes it even more unbelievable. There are also Nile Lunch and Dinner Cruises and Felucca Rides offered in Luxor.
There are several accommodation options in Luxor to choose from to fit every budget and food for every pallet! Luxor would be the closet airport to fly into to reach this destination or you can take an overnight train in from Cairo.
Aswan:
Home to Nubian Village and known as Egyptian Paradise it’s a must-see place while in Egypt.
Here is where you’ll see the African elements of the country as it still holds to its African roots and cultures. You’ll meet the locals/aboriginal people who were able to maintain their heritage, their language, their traditional dress, family and religious traditions, and culture.
Although now Egypt along with other Northern African continent countries which is and always has been on the continent of Africa have become more synonymous with middle eastern culture and religion due to the Islamic Crusades hundreds of years ago at the core its beginning and foundations are rooted in AFRICA, in its villages, its people, its traditions, its religions, and their beliefs.
After spending time in the Nubian Village make sure you stop at Philae Temple, which is dedicated to The Goddess Isis, Philae island (Elephantine), Aswan Museum, Kom Ombo, Temple of Sati, Khnum, and Pepinakht-Heqaib. Visit Seheyl Island to see the Famine Stela, the low and high dam, Trajan’s Kiosk, Kalabsha Temple, sail on Lake Nasser, or Explore a Souk.
Aswan Is one of the most peaceful places in all of Egypt.
If you’re up for a day trip be sure to check out the Temple of Abu Simbel and Temple of Nefertari built by King Ramses II. It’s about 4 hours form Aswan there is an airport also that does have limited flight availability. There are plenty of accommodations in Aswan as you can even spend the night in the Nubian Village for the full experience or select a hotel. Most will travel to Aswan by car from Luxor but there are limited available direct flights also.
Hurghada:
Is one of the most famous cities on the Red Sea. Resorts and Hotels ranging from No stars to 5 Stars provide facilities for vacationers to windsurf, kitesurf, yacht, scuba dive and snorkel. The city is known for its watersports, nightlife and warm weather.
It’s not a far drive from Luxor as you can drive between the two in about 4 hours. There is also a airport in Hurghada that has daily direct flights from Cairo and various International destinations.
Its a must see place while in Egypt some of the bluest water you’ll ever see!
There are many coffee shops and night life options there to fit every social desire.
You can reach Sharm el-Sheikh easily by catching a quick direct flight from Cairo. Accommodations are plentiful and range from Basic to Luxury.
Head to a true Desert Oasis!
A variety of distinctive scenic attractions that include moving dunes, natural sulfur springs, mountains, and its best-kept secret, Wadi Al Hitan will give you a full day of adventure and sightseeing!
The skeletons of hundreds of gigantic whales, sharks, and infinite fossils fill the desert valley, which is also known as The Valley of Whales, painting a vivid picture of the sheer scale of its wondrous inhabitants of 40 million or so years ago.
This is accessible via a 2 hour drive from Cairo and makes for a perfect day trip!
Siwa Oasis
Above are depictions of the most visited places in Egypt but of course not all encompassing.
This Rundown is by no means all inclusive but I hope that it sparks the light to venture out into the world and provides clarity for those that were looking at the various Cities and Sites of Egypt but were unsure of which city would best fit their desires. I would love to assist you in getting your life on the world’s runway! Please feel free to Click on the Plan My Travel tab on this site or for you convenience the link is here www.runwaylyfe.com/plan-my-travel there you can search and book your own travel and activities to most places in the world or fill out the contact Runway Lyfe section to be connected to a travel planner that will take the worry, stress, planning, and research out of the vacation for you. If you’re exclusively interested in activities and excursions in Egypt Click here for the Egypt activities booking page. Runway Lyfe does offer activities, excursions, guides, transportation, solo trips, group trips, and accommodations in Egypt. You can self book your activities here or contact me to plan your travel.
We are also offering a Small Group Trip Experience to Egypt in Aug 2021 click here for more information. I look forward to taking the guesswork out of your dream vacations.
Quick reminders:
Don’t worry about accommodations there are plenty to choose from. Ranging from no star to 5 star there is something to fit every travel budget and preference. Food options are plentiful, from fast food American options to the finest of Egyptian cuisine everyone’s pallet
will be satisfied.
You can connect to all of these cities and see the sites with no problems. Start off with a flight into Cairo and you’ll be able to take a domestic flight, river cruise, overnight train, or drive to any destination on the list.
Tips:
Make sure to stick to Bottled water!
If you’re looking for entertainment post dinner don’t worry many places have Belly Dancers, Singers, and other entertainment to keep you going!
Also, Americans don’t go there asking for HOOKAH lol it’s called Shisha… and it can be found in most lounges if referred to correctly!
We look forward to assisting you with booking and planning your expedition to Egypt and many more places around the world.
See you next time on the World’s Runway!
Good post.