Egypt Travelers Recommend

Cruising the world’s longest river has long been a popular pastime for intrepid travelers. The most authentic and intimate way to cruise the Nile is aboard a felucca, a traditional sailboat used in Egypt since ancient times. Here are some of the best options for Nile felucca cruises throughout Egypt.

Cairo

Even the most time-pressed travelers can enjoy some time on the Nile River aboard a wooden felucca sailboat from Cairo. During an hour-long cruise, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline—its mosques, bridges, and skyscrapers—as you bob along, enjoying a warm breeze and a cool drink. Choose between an afternoon or sunset sailing.

Luxor

There’s something undeniably romantic about watching the sun set over ancient Thebes as you float along the Nile, and a short evening cruise is an excellent option for travelers with limited time in Luxor. Those with more hours to spare can embark on a full-day Nile River cruise to explore sites like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon alongside an Egyptologist guide.

Aswan

From the city of Aswan, a Nile cruise might take the form of a sunset sail around Elephantine Island, a leisurely sail along the Nile River banks to learn about daily life at the farms that hug the shore, or a private tour to Kitchener Island to visit the lush Aswan Botanic Gardens.

With a history dating back as early as 3100 BC—the time of some of Africa’s oldest civilizations—Nubia has long fascinated visitors to southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Here are some rewarding ways to discover Nubians’ unique culture and heritage.

• Visit with a Nubian family in a traditional community on the banks of the Nile River.

• Sail the Nile River to Soheil Island to observe daily life at a Nubian village.

• Chat with the locals over a glass of Egyptian coffee or karkade (hibiscus tea).

• Dig deeper into Nubian history at the Nubian Museum in Aswan, as well as the Aswan High Dam.

• Explore Gharb Soheil Village, a fishing village turned open-air museum.

Most journeys to Egypt begin and end in Cairo, but a mere 3-hour drive from the capital will bring you to Egypt’s second largest city—Alexandria. Here’s how to visit this culturally rich seaside metropolis, at once both ancient and modern, that could not feel more different from the nation’s capital.

Group Tours

For travelers on a budget, a group tour offers a wallet-friendly way to experience Alexandria while benefiting from the insight of a local guide and the intimacy of a small group. Depending on the day trip you choose, you might visit the former site of the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Roman Amphitheater, the Catacomb of Kom El-Shoqafa, the Library of Alexandria, the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, Pompey’s Pillar, and Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque (El Mursi Abul Elabas).

Private Tours

Booking a private full-day tour from Cairo to Alexandria means you’ll have your guide—even an Egyptologist guide, depending on the option you choose—all to yourself, freeing you up to ask as many questions as you like. An added benefit is a more flexible itinerary (and some tours are completely customizable); spend time exploring the points of interest that intrigue you and skip the ones that don’t. 

Things to Know

• Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast, 137 miles (220 kilometers) northwest of Cairo.

• Day trips to Alexandria can last anywhere from six to 12 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo.

• Choose a small-group tour or a private tour guide.

With three days in Cairo, you can cover a lot of ground, including the city's famous Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, and the ancient Ptolemaic city of Alexandria. Here's how to do it all in three days.

Day 1: Classic Cairo

Spend your first day in Cairo familiarizing yourself with the highlights of the city. Start with a tour of the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts, many of which were pulled from the tombs of old pharaohs. Book a guided tour and get whisked to the highlights you want to see, including the gold mask of King Tut himself. The museum also has a number of mummies and a gargantuan statue of King Khafre. In the afternoon, head to Coptic Cairo, aka Old Cairo. Tour its ancient churches, including the famous Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum with a guide who adds context to the neighborhood, which also includes mosques and a synagogue. Finally, join a tour of Khan el-Khalili, the most famous souk (bazaar) in the city, where you can pick up everything from food to locally made perfumes to papyrus paintings.

Day 2: Pyramids and Other Ancient Sites

Put your newfound knowledge of Egyptian history to use at the country's most famous attraction: the Giza Pyramids. Join a tour to enjoy round-trip transport to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home not only to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, but also to the iconic Sphinx. Many visitors also opt to preebook a camel, horse, or quad ride in the desert sands for ease. Consider a tour that includes visits to Saqqara and Memphis, as well, for more ancient exploration. Saqqara is best known for the Pyramid of Djoser, a step pyramid dating back to the Third Dynasty. Memphis was the ancient capital of Egypt and home to all sorts of ruins, notably ancient temples. Get dropped at your hotel afterwards to freshen up before supper: A dinner cruise on the Nile is an enchanting way to end your day.

Day 3: Journey to Alexandria

Spend your final day on a day trip to Alexandria, the second-largest city in Egypt. Named for its founder, Alexander the Great, this coastal city is home to numerous important points of interest, many dating back to its heyday as the hub of Hellenistic culture. Typical tours include a visit to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest roman burial site in Egypt that features an interesting blend of Greco-Roman and ancient Egyptian decorative features. Other notable sights include the Roman Amphitheatre, the only one in Egypt, and the seaside Citadel. Full-day tours also often include a stop at the Modern Alexandria Library, an ode to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria, which thrived under the Ptolemaic Kingdom but later disappeared.

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to the Giza pyramids. Whether you’re a history buff, couple, time-crunched visitor, or budget traveler, there’s a perfect, convenient tour to Giza from Cairo that help will ensure you see these ancient desert wonders before heading home.

For the Budget Traveler

A trip to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. A small-group, full-day pyramids tour balances the benefit of a knowledgeable guide with an intimate group, so you’ll still be able to ask questions. For even better value, combine your visit to the pyramids with stops at Memphis and Sakkara as well.

For the History Buff

Few places on the planet can rival the historical significance of the Giza pyramids complex, one of the wonders of the ancient world. If history’s a passion, opt for a tour led by an Egyptologist guide who can offer even greater knowledge and insight into the archaeological wonders you’re seeing, from the Great Sphinx to ancient Memphis.

For Couples

To experience all the romance that Egypt has to offer, combine a Egyptologist tour guide–led day tour of the ancient Giza pyramids with a romantic dinner cruise down the Nile River. Feast on gourmet Egyptian fare and watch a traditional dance performance—the ultimate date night in Cairo.

For the Time-Crunched Visitor

If you have limited time in Cairo, make the most of it with a comprehensive private tour that hits all the highlights, including the pyramids and Sphinx (including a camel ride on the Giza plateau), Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, and a traditional Egyptian bazaar where you can bargain for souvenirs and gifts to take home.

The Nile, the world's longest river at 4,258 miles (6,853 kilometers), has long been the lifeblood of Egypt, and a cruise along this famous waterway ranks as a highlight of a trip to the desert country. Here are some options for exploring the waters of the Nile River.

Sightseeing Cruises

You haven’t seen Cairo until you’ve seen it from the Nile, and a river cruise affords the perfect opportunity. One of the most popular—and traditional—ways to explore these iconic waters is aboard a traditional wooden Egyptian sailboat, known as a felucca. An evening sunset sail displays Cairo in a warm evening glow, as you bob in the water, cold drink in hand. See the Cairo skyline from the water—its skyscrapers, bridges, and waterfront promenades—and catch a glimpse of day-to-day life on the banks of this famous river, as traditional fishing boats and feluccas go about their business.

Dinner Cruises

If you’re looking for a special night out, Cairo-style, book a Nile River dinner cruise. Options include an open buffet, set menu, or à la carte menu dinner, and some even feature belly dancing or tanoura (a folk dance similar to the whirling dervish) while you overlook the sparkling city lights of the Egyptian capital.

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a star attraction in Egypt, the pyramids of Giza offer a completely different experience at night, when lasers, lights, and visual projections bring their history to life. Here’s how to visit the pyramids after dark.

When to Go

The sound and light show at the Giza pyramids is staged in English nightly at 7pm from October to April and at 7:30pm May to September. During Ramadan the starting time is pushed to 8:30pm. Depending on demand, there’s often a second or even third showing in another language—either Italian, Spanish, French, or German.  

How to Go

It’s possible to visit the pyramids of ancient Egypt to see the nighttime spectacle—of which the Sphinx acts as the storyteller—on your own. But the most convenient option is a guided tour from Cairo, which often includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Private transportation to and from the Giza plateau is another option.

Things to Know

• Translation headsets are free for non-English speakers.

• An evening’s second and third showings require a minimum number of spectators.

• Plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the show starts to see the monument at night and get situated.

• Some tours include round-trip transportation from Cairo hotels to the site.

A gateway between southern Egypt and Africa since antiquity, Aswan boasts 

ancient and cultural attractions, beautiful Nile scenery, and an easy charm. With three days in the city, you can enjoy its highlights, discover local culture, and take day trips or cruises along the Nile Valley or to Lake Nasser’s temples. Here’s how.

Day 1: Cover the Must-Sees

Start the day with a private tour to Aswan’s showstoppers: the island Temple of Philae, the Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk—a 3,500-year-old pillar unmoved from the quarry where it was first carved. In the afternoon, journey south to Lake Nasser to visit the Temple of Kalabsha, or sail across the Nile and ride a camel to 7th-century St. Simeon’s Monastery. This evening, take a horse-and-carriage tour through Aswan’s bustling streets and peaceful gardens and watch the city lights twinkle to life. Alternatively, devote your trip to a 3-night Aswan-to-Luxor Nile cruise. Tour the High Dam and Philae Temple and spend the next two days sailing the Nile downstream to see the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu and Luxor’s treasures.

Day 2: Abu Simbel, Luxor, or Edfu and Kom Ombo

Devote your second day to a day trip from Aswan. The most popular option is Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking Lake Nasser that can be done in a morning by air or on a day trip by car. Other options include the Ptolemaic-era temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo—the latter dedicated to the crocodile-headed god, Sobek—both among Egypt’s best-preserved. Alternatively, choose a private tour to Luxor, once the seat of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs. Follow the Nile to discover the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the sphinxes and columns of Karnak. Most tours include transport and entry fees, while some also include lunch.

Day 3: The Nile, Nubian Culture, and Night Lights

Spend your last day enjoying Aswan’s culture and leisure activities. Explore the Nubia Museum to learn about the Nubian peoples who settled in Aswan after their homelands were flooded by Lake Nasser, and perhaps ride a boat to the Nubian villages on Aswan’s west bank and Soheil Island. Alternatively, take a felucca sailboat ride on the Nile, gliding by farms and palms, watching birdlife, and enjoying lunch on board. Later, get a dose of Nubian culture with dinner at a family home, or wrap up your stay with a Philae Temple Sound and Light Show—a dazzling collision of ancient history and cutting-edge lighting and effects.

Ancient temples, painted tombs, colorful bazaars, and desert adventures: Luxor lays out a long lineup of attractions. From admiring the major sights to enjoying cultural experiences, culinary delights, and sports pursuits on top, here’s how to get the most from a 3-day stay.

Day 1: See the Sights

Spend today checking off Luxor’s archaeological highlights, starting with an exhilarating sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank’s mountains and temples. After this aerial overview, set off on a full-day tour of Luxor’s highlights, including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon in the West Bank and Karnak and Luxor Temple in Luxor itself. A private tour with an Egyptologist guide is invaluable in ensuring you get the most out of your visit. As the day ends, relax with a sunset felucca (boat) cruise on the River Nile or dinner at a local family home for memorable insight into local life and cuisine.

Day 2: From Abu Simbel to Abydos

Spend your second day exploring outside Luxor. Leave before dawn for a whistle-stop day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Abu Simbel, or consider an overland 2-day tour to Aswan and Abu Simbel, with visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo en route. Alternatively, go for a full-day tour of Aswan, traveling by road and train to see the city’s Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple, and gargantuan High Dam. The archaeological sites of Dendera and Abydos, two of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, make another popular day trip. Dendera serves up extraordinary astronomical ceiling reliefs, while Abydos is home to a series of richly detailed wall paintings.

Day 3: Delve Deeper or Kick Back

On your last day, discover any attractions you’ve missed, and, if you wish, kick back with desert sports or other activities. Choose a tour of the Luxor Museum to admire artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb and other pharaonic exhibits, or take a guided shopping tour to scout out quality souvenirs such as carpets, perfumes, and gold at Luxor’s lively bazaars. For an active day out, head to Hurghada to join a snorkeling cruise to Utopia Island on the Red Sea, or hop onto an ATV to race across Luxor’s desert plains and hills. Perhaps end your stay on a high note with a Sound and Light Show at Karnak. Book a ticket-and-transport package and view the temple on a walk-through experience of lights, music, and special effects.

Three days in Giza gives you scope to experience the must-see pyramids and Great Sphinx, cast your gaze over Cairo’s top sights, and see other Egypt attractions and cities—all with time left over for fun or relaxation. Here are a few ways to fill 72 hours in Giza.

Day 1: Top Giza and Cairo Sights

Dedicate today to Giza and Cairo highlights. Take in the three main tombs—Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure—and the Great Sphinx as a guide charts how they were constructed 4,500 years ago. Many tours include time to enter a pyramid, ride a camel, and see the millennia-old barge at the nearby Solar Boat Museum. In the afternoon, tour Cairo’s Egyptian Museum—a treasure chest of pharaonic exhibits including Tutankhamun’s gold mask—before exploring the Khan El-Khalili bazaar or Old Cairo’s Citadel and churches. Alternatively, leave Giza for the older pyramid fields at Saqqara and Dahshur and the relics of Memphis. You’ll be back in time to enjoy Cairo’s illuminated sights and dinner aboard a River Nile cruise.

Day 2: Luxor, Alexandria, or the Red Sea

Several top Egypt attractions are accessible on day trips by road or air from Giza. History fans can visit Luxor, an ancient capital of the pharaohs, to see the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and the Temple of Hatshepsut in a hassle-free day. Closer by is the coastal Mediterranean city of Alexandria, founded in the 4th century BC by Alexander the Great. Typically, tours here cover its catacombs, Roman theater, and sun-shaped library—a modern take on its classical original. For some beach time, meanwhile, head for Al Ein Sokhna—the closest Red Sea resort to Cairo—to swim and snorkel in the clear waters.

Day 3: Extra Sights and Fun

Use today to fill any gaps in your Cairo explorations, visiting Saqqara’s Step Pyramid, Dahshur’s pyramid fields, the Memphis Open-Air Museum, or any other sights you may have missed. If you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, book an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), horse, or camel ride across the Giza Plateau desert, or relax on a felucca sailboat ride along the Nile. Families, meanwhile, might want to visit the Pharaonic Museum—an open-air complex offering re-enactments of rural life, canal boat trips, costume photo ops, and more. This evening, take a last look at the pyramids at Giza’s sound-and-light show. See the tombs light up in a rainbow of colors as the narrator—cast as the Great Sphinx—chronicles the stories of their long-deceased pharaohs. 

Three days in Hurghada allow you to experience the natural wonders and adventures of the Red Sea, enjoy the city’s attractions, and discover the surrounding desert. You’ll also have time to venture farther afield, with trips to Cairo or Luxor. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Red Sea Waters and Desert Sands

The Red Sea is Hurghada’s star attraction, so immerse yourself in its waters. For spectacular snorkeling, join a full-day trip to coral gardens, islands, and dolphin habitats. Scuba dive trips that cater to both beginners and experienced divers run to places such as Giftun Island. Alternatively, step aboard a fully equipped boat and spend the day fishing for some of the Red Sea’s 1,000 species, such as grouper and snapper. Later, make tracks for Hurghada’s desert. Cross the plains on an ATV, or choose a tour with multiple activities, such as camel rides and Bedouin encounters. Many extend into the evening, with dinner and belly-dancing shows beneath the stars.

Day 2: Day Trip to Cairo or Luxor

Take a (long) day or overnight trip to Cairo or Luxor, by air or road. Perhaps go overland to Cairo to see the Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun’s treasures. Closer by is Luxor, the capital of Egypt during pharaonic times and the location of the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and more. If you’re not planning a return to Egypt any time soon, it might make sense to visit both Cairo and Luxor in one 2-day trip. Fly to Cairo in the morning and spend the day touring before flying on to Luxor for overnight and to explore its big-ticket sights the next day.

Day 3: From Sights to Sports

Spend your final day exploring Hurghada’s sights, such as St. Maria Church and old mosques, on a city tour, then let rip at a cable water park, bouncing across the waves on a wakeboard. Alternatively, slow the pace with a glass-bottom boat or submarine ride to see the underwater world without getting soaked. Other options include a day out at family favorite Aqua Jungle Park, with 35 chutes, 14 pools, and other attractions. Finally, round off your trip with a dinner-and-show excursion. Savor a traditional Egyptian dinner before watching an outdoor Arabian fantasia show of acrobatic horse-riding displays, folkloric dancing, stunts, and music.

With one day in Cairo, it's possible to see much of the large city. With the proper planning, you can stop at a museum, see the pyramids, and cruise the Nile River.  Here’s how to make the most of one day in Cairo.

Morning: The Egyptian Museum

Start your day off learning about Egyptian history at the Egyptian Museum, which houses the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts on earth. Here you find more than 100 rooms filled with everything from treasures pilfered from ancient tombs to real mummies, as well as statues, religious items, and other archaeological artifacts. The museum is also the home of the mask of King Tutankhamen, the stunning golden funerary mask in which the young pharaoh was buried. Visit independently or maximize your time on a tour. A guide can help educate you on Egyptian history and culture, in preparation for your next stop.

Afternoon: Experience the Ancient Giza Pyramids

It’s a short drive from Cairo to the town of El Giza, home to the country’s iconic monument: The Pyramids of Giza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses not only the three pyramids (Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure), but also several smaller pyramids as well as the Great Sphinx. While at Giza, take a camel, quad, or horse ride in the surrounding desert—doing so gives you access to otherwise hard-to-reach vantage points for taking photos of the ancient collection of monuments.

Night: Cruise along the River Nile

After freshening up at your hotel, finish your evening in Cairo in style with an evening dinner cruise along the Nile River. Cruises offer views of the city's skyline from the river, and many cruise options come with the choice of set menus or a la carte choices, most with plenty of vegetarian options. Cruises generally also feature live performances with traditional folk music, tanoura dance performances (similar to whirling dervishes found in Turkey), belly dancing, or some combination of the three.

Traditional wooden sailing vessels known as feluccas have been a fixture on the Nile River for centuries. Board a felucca from Aswan, one of the best places to take a Nile cruise with its scenic shoreside landscapes and fascinating ancient sites. Before you set sail, read below to find out your options for felucca cruises in the city.

Half-Day Cruises

On a half-day felucca cruise from Aswan, you can expect to float past palm-topped islands and riverside settlements. Some half-day cruises stop at Elephantine Island, a mostly rural island that is home to the ancient ruins of Abu. Other half-day cruises make stops at Kitchener's Island, the site of Aswan Botanical Gardens, and Soheil Island, where you can learn about the Nubian lifestyle. To see the river at its most glorious, opt for a sunset tour.

Full-Day Cruises

On full-day felucca cruises, you’ll have more time to truly relax as you float languorously down the Nile, passing some of the river’s cataracts (rocky stretches that create small rapids). Full-day cruises typically stop at a Nile River island, where participants either have free time to explore or can take a guided tour. Most full-day cruises include lunch on board, and the unhurried pace means visitors have the chance to chat with their guide about the history and culture of the surrounding area.

Located on the west bank of Cairo’s River Nile, Giza is synonymous with Egypt’s biggest-ticket ancient site—the Great Pyramids. Yet with Cairo nearby, there’s more to see and do here than explore these age-old tombs, even if you only have a day or short airport layover to spare. Here are our tips for spending one day in Giza.

Morning: Pyramids and Sphinx

Begin with a half-day tour of the standout site—the pyramids. Most tours are private, so you can explore the three tombs—the Great Pyramid of Cheops and the Khafre and Menkaure pyramids—as you wish, with a guide recounting their secrets and stories. After admiring their exteriors, pay extra to enter any that are open: Their chambers were once the resting places of their namesake pharaohs. Then, inspect the plateau’s other relics, including the Great Sphinx, crumbled Valley Temple, and Solar Boat Museum—home to a stunning pharaonic funerary barge discovered buried near the Great Pyramid. 

Afternoon: Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo

Cairo’s Egyptian Museum is a close second to the Giza Pyramids on most visitors’ must-see lists, so devote this afternoon to its extraordinary exhibits. From the pyramids, continue to the über-atmospheric museum and downtown Cairo, making for a full day’s sightseeing with easy transport—a big bonus in the congested city. Focus on the highlights of the museum’s 120,000 artifacts with help from your guide: admiring pharaohs’ jewelry, statues, mummies, and the treasures of boy-king Tutankhamun, including his gold death mask. After a visit here, many tours extend into Old Cairo to see its mosques, churches, and Khan El Khalili bazaar—a vast indoor-outdoor souk of perfume, gold, spice, and souvenir stalls.

Evening: Sunset, Show, or Sailing

After a busy day, slow the tempo. Many visitors choose to view the Giza Pyramids afresh: either on a camel or horse ride in the orange-gold of sunset or at a sound-and-light show that brings their history to life with dazzling lights, music, and commentary. Alternatively, book a River Nile dinner cruise and admire Cairo’s twinkling sights as you enjoy an onboard dinner, along with belly dancing and whirling dervish shows.

With two days in Cairo, you have time to take in top historic sites in the city and its surrounding areas, and squeeze in some shopping and live entertainment. Here’s one way to see Cairo in two days.

Day 1: A Day in the City

**Morning:**Start your morning with a visit to Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, home to many of the city’s oldest religious sites. While the area is best known for the Coptic Hanging Church, it’s also home to numerous mosques as well as the oldest synagogue in Egypt.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, head to the Egyptian Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of antiquities from Ancient Egypt. Here you find everything from ancient burial artifacts to Greco-Roman mummies, as well as the golden burial mask of the boy king Tutankhamun himself.  

**Night:**Wrap up your day with a sunset cruise aboard early-evening cruise on the Nile River aboard a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Follow this up with a visit to the Khan el-Khalili Souk, full of busy lanes and stalls selling everything from handicrafts to Egyptian cotton items to locally made small-batch perfumes.

Day 2: Ancient Archaeology

**Morning:**Get up early and head out to the Giza Pyramids, a short jaunt from Cairo—made easier on a tour with round-trip transport. Along with the three famous pyramids, the site is home to a number of smaller pyramids and ancient sites, the most notable of which is the iconic Great Sphinx.  

**Afternoon:**Spend your afternoon exploring the ancient ruins of Memphis, Egypt’s ancient capital city—some tours include this stop with one in Giza as well as Saqqara. In Saqqara you find the step pyramid of Djoser, likely the first stone monument in the area and inspiration for construction of the Giza pyramids.

**Night:**In the evening, return to Cairo for a dinner cruise on the Nile River. Most cruises last around two hours and feature a wide variety of food and drinks, with live traditional folk music and dance along with belly dance performances.

With its white sands and Red Sea waters, Hurghada is ideal for sun, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. But away from the beaches, the resort also offers desert mountains, Bedouin culture, adventure sports, and family fun. Here’s how to sample them all on a 2-day break.

Day 1: Red Sea Days, Arabian Nights

**Morning:**Visitors flock to Hurghada for its gorgeous waters, so start out on the Red Sea. Experienced scuba divers can sail to marine-life spots such as Giftun Island, while first-timers can take trips that include tuition and introductory dives. If diving doesn’t float your boat, opt for a snorkeling cruise to areas known for their coral beds and dolphin sightings.

**Afternoon:**Make more of the Red Sea with activities that let you experience its sea life without getting wet. A fishing trip is a treat for seasoned and newbie anglers, while a glass-bottom boat or submarine excursion is a great way for nonswimmers and young kids to view the underwater depths.

**Evening:**After an action-packed day, unwind with a Hurghada dinner-and-folklore-show package. Adults and kids will love relaxing over a traditional dinner before hitting the Alf Leila Wa Leila 1,001 Arabian Nights fantasia show. This outdoor extravaganza fuses Arabic horse-riding displays with traditional dance and music to make for a magical evening.

Day 2: City Sights to Desert Nights

**Morning:**Dip into history with a day trip to Luxor, southwest of Hurghada. While a tour means an early start, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning sights of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. If you prefer to stay in Hurghada, discover the ‘Ghost City’ of Umm el Howeitat—its abandoned streets are a haunting window into bygone desert life. 

**Afternoon:**Following a morning’s exploring, switch to more laid-back activities. Choose the adrenaline rush of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) expedition into the desert, or go for family fun with a visit to Hurghada’s Jungle Aqua Park to enjoy its slides and pools.

**Evening:**Spend your last night absorbing the mystique of Hurghada’s desert. Book an ATV or 4WD tour into the mountains, and as the sun sets, enjoy a barbecue supper and folkloric displays. Many trips also include a stop at a Bedouin village and activities such as camel rides and stargazing to make your final evening extra special.

Sharm el Sheikh is an ideal place to have the unforgettable experience of riding a camel in the desert. From a short ride through the sands of the Sinai Desert to a full-day adventure safari, here are some of the best options for traveling the traditional way.

Highlights

• Learn how to mount and ride a camel as you experience its unusual gait.

• Ride through the Sinai Desert, to the base of Mt. Matamir, or along a Gulf of Aqaba beach.

• Combine your camel safari with another Egyptian adventure, like snorkeling, stargazing, quad biking, or a traditional Bedouin dinner and cultural show.

• Camel riding tours can last anywhere from three to 12 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Some tours include pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh.

Combo Tours

While riding a camel is a quintessential desert experience in Egypt, it’s one of many adventures on offer, some of which can be combined into a single, action-packed day trip. Take a 4WD safari to the rugged Colored Canyon, snorkel the Blue Hole—one of the country’s most famous dive spots on the Red Sea—before riding a camel along the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, or ride into the desert for an evening of stargazing and Bedouin culture. For a more adrenaline-fueled day trip, combine your camel ride with a sand buggy or quad bike tour of the desert outside Sharm el Sheikh. 

If you only have a day to spare in Hurghada, planning ahead is key to enjoying as many of its attractions as possible. From prebooking snorkeling and scuba diving trips on the Red Sea to taking off on desert expeditions, here are our tips for experiencing the best of this Egyptian resort city in 24 hours. 

Morning: Soak Up the Red Sea

No trip to Hurghada is complete without experiencing the Red Sea and its white-sand beaches. Snorkeling fans can join full-day boat trips to various snorkeling hot spots, including reefs where they can explore underwater, watch for dolphins, and ride banana boats. If you prefer to stay dry, opt for a submarine trip. Settle onboard and admire the rainbow-hued corals and fish through viewing windows rather than a facemask. If you’re a novice or experienced scuba diver, Hurghada’s waters beckon with great visibility and rich sea life. Join an open-water boat trip that lets certified divers explore the depths on guided excursions, while beginners enjoy onboard tuition and introductory dives.

Afternoon: Exploring the City and Desert

Many boat tours finish by midafternoon, leaving you ample time to explore on land. An afternoon tour of Hurghada introduces you to the city’s top attractions, such as its Coptic Cathedral and fishing village. Alternatively, if you’re up for some full-throttle adventure, head into the desert on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), roaring along dusty trails before stopping for tea and a camel ride. For something gentler, meanwhile, wander around the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, where the tanks and transparent walkways are populated with nurse sharks, rays, reef fish, and other marine life.

Evening: Sunsets and Shows

If you opted for an afternoon ATV tour, it may continue into the night with a stop for sunset photos before a barbecue dinner and folklore show under the stars. Otherwise, relax and enjoy some classic Egyptian entertainment by booking an evening dinner-and-show experience that begins with a meal and culminates in an exhilarating horse-riding, belly dancing, and acrobatic show in an outdoor arena. If that doesn’t fit the bill, head into the desert on a 4x4 drive and savor dinner Bedouin-style as the sun sinks behind the mountains.

With two days in Giza, there’s time to check out not just the pyramids at the Giza Plateau but also the highlights of Cairo, from its Citadel to the Egyptian Museum. Here are our ideas for the ultimate 2-day stay in Giza.

Day 1: Following the Pharaohs

**Morning:**Most visitors head straight for the Giza Pyramids, so follow their cue. Book a private tour and marvel at the biggest—the Great Pyramid of Cheops—as your Egyptologist guide explains how it was built and why. Then, admire the neighboring pyramids and Great Sphinx before seeing the incredible ancient Egyptian barge at the plateau’s Solar Boat Museum.

**Afternoon:**With Giza done, venture south to the age-old necropolis of Saqqara. Admire its Step Pyramid—the world’s oldest pyramid—before visiting the Memphis Open-Air Museum, filled with the remnants of ancient Egypt’s capital. View the relics, including a gigantic fallen statue of Ramses II, before exploring nearby Dahshur, another pyramid-studded burial ground.

**Evening:**Take in Giza’s sound-and-light spectacle tonight. Watch lasers and projections bathe the pyramids in color as a narrator charts their story to music. Alternatively, set off on a camel or horse trek on the Giza Plateau to view the pyramids at sundown.

Day 2: Museums and More

**Morning:**Set your sights on Cairo today, perhaps beginning with a tour of the Egyptian Museum to see some of its 120,000 ancient finds, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Some tours round out a visit here with an optional River Nile felucca sailboat ride or souvenir-hunting time at Cairo’s Khan El Khalili bazaar. 

**Afternoon:**If you’re already on a full-day Cairo tour, head for the old city to view the Saladin Citadel, Coptic churches, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and other historical highlights. Otherwise, take a break from sightseeing and kick up the dust on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on the desert of the Giza Plateau. 

**Evening:**If you missed an ATV ride earlier, grab your chance this evening: The sun setting over the pyramids and Cairo’s cityscape will make it extra memorable. Or, combine a last dash of sightseeing with a romantic dinner on a River Nile cruise.

More than 94 percent of Egypt is comprised of desert, so it’s no surprise that Egyptian history and culture developed around life in this harsh environment. For today’s traveler, a trip here wouldn’t be complete without a desert experience. Here’s how to explore Egypt’s desert from Sharm el Sheikh.

Camel Rides

One of the best ways to experience the stark beauty of Egypt’s desert landscapes near Sharm el Sheikh is the way it’s been done for centuries: by camel. Options range from a short ride through the sands of the Sinai Desert to a full-day trek to the base of Mt. Matamir and the Nawamis plateau, with its collection of Bronze Age tombs.

Quad Bike and Sand Buggy Tours

Looking for an adrenaline-fueled desert adventure? Opt for a quad biking day tour through the crags and dunes of the Sinai Desert. Ride solo or shotgun with a friend as you soak up the spectacular scene unfolding around you.

4WD Safaris

With so much desert out there to explore, it helps to make use of a rugged vehicle to get you there. On a 4WD safari from Sharm el Sheikh, ride across the desert sands to the majestic Colored Canyon, named for the multiple hues that reflect off the oxidized surfaces of the rocks.

Mountain Climbing

Hike in the steps of Moses as you climb Mt. Sinai, Egypt’s most famous mountain where the Ten Commandments were received. An early-morning hiking trip up the 7,497-foot (2,285-meter) peak culminates in a stunning sunrise view. Be sure to visit St. Catherine’s Monastery before heading back into town.

Stargazing and Dinner Shows

You haven’t fully experienced the Egyptian desert until you’ve been there at night. Head out into the wilderness for a traditional Bedouin dinner around a campfire as you learn about the nomadic way of life. Once the sun goes down, the stars come out over the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula—a spectacular sight far from the lights of the city.

With the mighty Nile flowing through its center, Luxor is often described as a city of two halves—the modern East Bank and the picturesque West Bank, an archaeological paradise. Here are some famous sites not to miss while exploring Luxor’s historic side.

Valley of the Kings

Considered among the most significant archaeological destinations on earth, the Valley of the Kings was the burial place for many of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs—the most famous of which is the tomb of Tutankhamun, aka King Tut. The remaining tombs are divided into three sections; those of Ramses VI and Ay rank among the most beautiful, thanks to their intricate detail.

Temple of Ramses III

One of the most underrated historical sites in Luxor is the Temple of Ramses III, situated at the base of the Theban mountains. It’s best to visit this quiet complex—a palace and town surrounded by a defensive wall—in the late afternoon.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

This impressive mortuary temple, built by Queen Hatshepsut, seems to blend in with the limestone cliffs from which it was cut. The meticulously restored complex happens to sit on one of the hottest places on the planet, so most visitors come in the cooler morning hours.

Valley of the Artisans

It took a small army of builders and artisans to construct the magnificent monuments in the Valley of the Kings, and those workers lived in a village today known as the Valley of the Artisans. You can still make out the streets and outlines of old buildings, and a visit offers fascinating insight into the daily lives of average ancient Egyptians.

Colossi of Memnon

Standing nearly 60 feet (18 meters) above the desert plain, the two faceless statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III are often the first monuments you’ll see when visiting Luxor’s West Bank. Each of the two Colossi was cut from a single block of stone.

Lapping the shores of Sharm El Sheikh, the warm, clear waters of the Red Sea support a colorful reef that nurtures tropical marine life from clownfish to lionfish, from turtles to rays. Many Sharm El Sheikh dive spots offer shallower depths and/or limited current, making them perfect for beginner divers or trial scuba dives. Here are our top picks.

Naama Bay

Boasting a shallow incline, sandy bottom, coral pinnacles, and seagrass patches that draw both turtles and rays, Naama Bay is a popular option for dives from discovery packages to training courses. And it’s well-located for hotel transfers, too.

Sharks Bay

Despite the name, you won’t see any sharks at Sharks Bay. Vibrant coral gardens and sandy practice areas make this a great choice for scuba courses and beginner divers. Keep your eyes peeled for unusual creatures such as octopus, cuttlefish, and Spanish dancers—fish that resemble a flamenco dancer’s billowing scarlet skirt.

White Knight

Beginner divers don’t need to miss out on underwater drama at this ever-popular site. In addition to the coral wall, the eel garden, where marine eels pop out of the sand and undulate as if in the wind, is delightful. Thrill seekers will love the underwater canyon accessed either from above or through a short, shallow tunnel. 

Gardens

Three sites in one, Gardens is perfect for qualified open-water divers looking to extend their skills. Near Garden has an interesting coral wall; Middle Garden is sheltered with pretty reef and a sandy bottom where you might see stingrays; and Far Garden offers coral pinnacles that sometimes draw big fish from far out at sea.

Only got one day in Luxor? With advance planning, it’s possible to cover its highlights in a single day. From tours of the must-see ancient temples and tombs to shopping at the city’s bazaars and sailing on the River Nile, here are our suggestions for getting the most out of your 24 hours.

Morning: Hot-Air Balloon and the East Bank

Luxor’s sights are spread between the River Nile’s West and East banks. Begin on the West Bank, with a dawn hot-air-balloon flight over its mountains, pharaonic sites, and River Nile as the sun rises. Then, head off on a seamless full-day tour of both areas with lunch in between, or two half-day tours that cover each in turn. If you’ve opted for the latter, kick things off on the East Bank, the site of Luxor itself. Here, roam the pillared halls of Karnak—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and then delve into the smaller Luxor Temple, both with a guide to shed light on their history and carvings. 

Afternoon: The West Bank and Markets

This afternoon, switch your sights back to the West Bank, this time seeing it from the ground. Explore some of the Valley of the Kings’ mountain-carved pharaonic tombs—perhaps choosing to pay extra to visit Tutankhamun’s chamber if it’s open to visitors. Then, travel along the Nile to the spectacular Temple of Hatshepsut, built for Egypt’s first female ruler, and the two broken Colossi of Memnon statues of Amenhotep III, each etched with Roman-era graffiti. Maybe finish your afternoon on a shopping tour of Luxor’s markets, with a guide to help you find and haggle for mementoes such as alabaster ornaments, papyrus, gold, and jewelry.

Evening: Sunset Cruise and Light Show

Round off your day off with more classic Luxor experiences. Soak in the beauty of the Nile at sunset with a private cruise on a traditional felucca sailing boat, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride that takes in Luxor’s Nile Corniche, boulevards, markets, and local quarters. If an evening show is more your style, opt for the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple. Wander the halls and columns as they come alive with multicolored illuminations, laser beams, video projections, and the ‘voices’ of the pharaohs. Many ticket packages include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you won’t have to worry about transport.

Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was one of the ancient world’s centers of learning. Today, Egypt’s second city combines Mediterranean charm with a wealth of Greek and Roman ruins. With one day in Alexandria, you can take in the city’s essential ancient sights, savor delicious seafood, stroll royal gardens, and more. Here’s how.

Morning: Roaming Ruins

Start the day off right by discovering Alexandria’s essential ancient attractions. Tour the Serapeum, a Greco-Egyptian temple dedicated to the god Serapis. On the same site, don’t miss Pompey’s Pillar, a 100-foot (30-meter) red-granite column that’s an icon of the city. Next, descend into the mysterious Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, home to three stories of underground tombs and chambers dating back to Roman times. Admire the beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater with its white-marble seats (don’t miss the mosaics at the villas on the site), then journey to the waterfront corniche for a Mediterranean seafood lunch.

Afternoon: Seaside Strolls

In ancient times, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the wonders of the world, towering 328 feet (100 meters) above the Mediterranean. After it finally collapsed, during the 14th century AD, many of its stones were used to create the pretty sea fort that occupies its site: the Citadel of Qaitbay. Tour the fort (a guide can point out the pillars that once formed part of the lighthouse), then ride along the corniche and across the Stanley Bridge to the Montazah Palace Gardens. Follow in the footsteps of modern Egyptian kings as you stroll these lush waterfront grounds.

Night: Bright Lights, Big City

Just as the Nile corniche forms a centerpiece of Cairo, Alexandria’s corniche is a focal point of the city. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Egyptian experience—a horse-and-carriage ride along the waterfront. Next, travel back to the bohemian days of the 1940s and the world of novelist Lawrence Durrell’s Alexandria Quartet, with dinner at Abou el Sid, a stylish Egyptian restaurant kitted out with pieces from the iconic Pastroudis Café. Wrap up the night by returning to the waterfront, and raise a glass to the city of Alexander from a rooftop bar at a luxury hotel.