Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is home to a staggering 20 million people. Although it may be known for its crowded and polluted streets, it also holds some incredible gems. The city boasts a large museum filled with priceless artifacts from the Tutankhamen tomb, as well as the Sainte-Marie and Saint-Serge Coptic churches, the Ben Izra synagogue, the Fusta souk, the Hassan & Rifay, and Ibn Tulun mosques, the Saladin citadel, and lastly, Al-Azhar park.
If you're staying in Egypt, don't miss seeing the pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos) and the Sphinx (which has a lion's body, a man's head, and a royal headdress). These incredible landmarks are located on the outskirts of Cairo and have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1979.
Alexandria, the country's second city, boasts a rich heritage from Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. If visiting for a day, exploring the library, taking a stroll around the Anfushi district, and enjoying a romantic walk along the Corniche overlooking the Mediterranean is highly recommended.
Luxor, the ninth largest city in Egypt, is situated about 700 km away from Cairo and on the banks of the Nile. The city thrives mainly on tourism, with an average of 4 million visitors annually. This is unsurprising since Luxor is home to the most ancient Egyptian monuments. The Temple of Amun, in particular, is a must-visit. It's situated in the heart of the ancient city of Thebes. It boasts several elevated structures, including a large pylon and two well-preserved courtyards with imposing colonnades.
As you walk down the alley lined with sphinxes with ram heads, you will come across the temple of Karnak, an extension of the Temple of Amun. This ancient temple was built in the 14th century BC during the reign of Amenhotep III and later modified by Ramses II. Ramses II added six statues and two obelisks, with one of the obelisks now standing in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It's a magnificent sight to behold!
Near Luxor lies the Valley of Kings and Queens, which the Colossi of Memnon mark. This valley is home to the resting places of the most renowned pharaohs and their spouses from the New Kingdom era. The tombs of Seti 1st, Ramses VI, and Nefertari are particularly treasured.
Located south of the old Aswan Dam, the Temple of Isis/Philae was installed on the island of Aquilka between 1974 and 1976 to protect it from rising waters. This beautiful temple can be accessed by water taxi, and once inside, you'll be mesmerized by its exquisite hieroglyphics, ornate columns, and stunning ceilings. The temple's peaceful atmosphere and lovely lighting will make your visit memorable.
Located on the shores of Lake Nasser, near the Sudan border, Abu Simbel is a remarkable temple in Egypt that was saved from flooding. This ancient temple is dedicated to three gods: Re, Amun, and Ramses II. Inside the hypostyle room is a statue of Osiris, and the following room is dedicated to Ptah, the god.
Aswan promises to taste the sweetness of life on the Nile: begin on a felucca to visit the colorful and artisanal villages of the Nubians, and let the gaze wander along the reliefs of the desert and the river.
The Red Sea, which has a coastline in Egypt, is famous for its stunning seabed and coral reefs. As a result, diving and snorkeling are highly popular activities in the area.