Egypt is packed with world class sights: pyramids, temples, deserts, mosques, fortresses, souks, the Nile and the coral reefs of the Red Sea.
We’ve been twice and both times have been mesmerised. We still have to visit Aswan and Abu Simbel – so they’re not on our list yet. We can’t wait to return, here’s our top 5:
Cairo:
Cairo is busy, large and packed with mad traffic, but we love it. Stay at least a few days and explore in sections. Don’t miss the mighty Egyptian Museum – one of the world’s best – with many parts of its collection rivalling the Tutankhamun exhibits. Check out the astonishing churches of Coptic Cairo – the Hanging Church and the Saint Sergius and Bacchus Church. We love the souks – specifically Khan Al-Kalli for trinkets and jewellery. While you’re there, don’t miss a mint tea in the historic cafe El- Fishawi and the nearby Al-Hazar Mosque. To complete your tour of Islamic Cairo visit the serene Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As and the nearby Gayer Anderson House – our favourite place in Cairo.
Giza:
Mighty Giza is 15 kilometres from Cairo and it’s phenomenal. All of it. The crowds of tourists pale into insignificance against the scale and grandeur of the pyramids. There are 9 pyramids – 3 large and six smaller ones in two lines of three, plus the Sphinx. Unless you’re claustrophobic go inside one. There’s more to see in Great Pyramid (Khufu), but less crowds and queues for Khafre and Menkaure. If you can ride, avoid the camels, and explore the desert by horse for unforgettable views.
Saqqara:
Saqqara is 27 kilometres south of Cairo and the largest necropolis in Egypt. It’s vast and uncrowded. We virtually had the place to ourselves by avoiding tour groups. Saqqara also has impressive pyramids – including the fully restored step Pyramid of Djoser. Don’t miss going inside.
It’s also home to the unique tomb the Serapeum a must visit complex with sarcophagi for burying Apis Bulls. Then there’s the mastabas (or tombs). The Mastaba of Kagemni, the Mastaba of Ti and Ankhmahor (the Doctor’s Tomb) are the best preserved, but if you visit some of the less famous ones, you can easily find yourself as the sole person in an ancient tomb. An unmissable experience.
There’s no public transport to Saqqara, we hired a car and driver for the day which worked really well for avoiding crowds, covering the distances of the site and finding quiet tombs. You can also book half day and full day tours.
Luxor:
The concentration of sights in Luxor is in our eyes unrivalled. Topping the list is the spectacular temple of Karnak. Try to go during the day and to a light show. Add to this: the The Valley of the Kings , The Valley of the Queens and The Tombs of the Nobles for intricate, beautiful and complex tombs; the massive Temple of Deir al-Bahri (or Hatshepsut’s Temple) and the smaller, but equally impressive temples of Medinet Habu, the Rameseum and Seti I. You can also take day trips to the nearby temples of Esna and Edfu from Luxor.
Due to extreme heat go early or late and take lots of water. Finally, don’t miss hiring a felucca for peaceful sunset trip on the Nile.
Sharm El-Sheikh:
If diving is your thing – Sharm is world beating. We’ve had our best dives there. The coral is spectacular, the variety of fish is astonishing, the visibility is good and the sharks are abundant. The town is bland, but totally geared to diving for both beginners and experts. There are lots of reputable dive schools and if you’ve done 20 dives consider a liveaboard.
As the Sinai currently has security issues outside of Sharm, keep our eye on local events.