Egypt is a beautiful country to visit that mixes ancient heritage with the fresh and contemporary world. The following are nine unforgettable Egypt experiences in complete detail, with estimated costs table in GBP and EGP at the end:
Table of Contents
1. Explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The pyramids of Giza, outside Cairo, Egypt One of the greatest iconic structures in history. These tombs were constructed as temples for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure in the Fourth Dynasty (c2600–2500 BCE), and they are stunning in their architectural and engineering ability. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest, was the highest construction for more than 3,800 years.
There is the Great Sphinx of Giza, a lion’s body and a human head made of limestone that is nearby and represents power and knowledge. It is believed to stand in for Pharaoh Khafre, it faces the rising sun and is a sign of solar worship.
The pyramids and Sphinx reincarnate ancient Egyptian afterlife ideals: both buildings are enormous and designed to fine art, and have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
2. Cruise the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan
A cruise along the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan is an enchanting and ancient Egypt tour. Typically of 4–5 days the cruise starts in Luxor where you will find the Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, Pharaohs’ burial places decorated with intricate artifacts.
Traveling south, passengers stop off at Esna with its ancient temple and Edfu, home to one of the most pristine Temples in Egypt: the Temple of Horus. Another pitstop is Kom Ombo, where a distinctive twin temple stands between the crocodile deity Sobek and the Egyptian God Horus.
The trip finishes in Aswan, which is renowned for its calm atmosphere, the Isis temple Philae, and the engineering marvel that is the Aswan High Dam. The majority of cruises include deluxe facilities, tour guides and on-board entertainment that allows for relaxation as well as learning about Egypt’s past. This epic journey shows the splendor of the Nile and the arts of antiquity.
3. Visit the Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings outside Luxor in Egypt is full of ancient treasures. More than 60 rock-cut tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs and nobility stand here, rich in decoration and chronology.
- Tutankhamun’s Tomb (KV62): Led by Howard Carter in 1922, it was filled with riches, including the famous golden death mask. The tomb is small but so important.
- Ramses VI Tomb (KV9): An incredible star map and the goddess Nut appears on its astronomical ceiling.
- Seti I Tomb (KV17): One of the largest and most intricately decorated, with brightly painted figures depicting ancient Egyptian funerary customs.
- Thutmose III Tomb (KV34): It reaches up steep steps and has peculiar oblong walls containing images from the Amduat, the afterlife scroll.
There are graffiti from construction workers, tombs and construction materials to be found on foot as well, making the Valley a wonderful entryway into Egypt’s spiritual past.
4. Snorkeling and Diving in the Red Sea (Sharm El Sheikh/Hurghada)
The Red Sea especially in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada is an international destination for snorkeling and diving because of the pure waters and marine life. Coral reefs such as Ras Mohammed National Park in Sharm and Giftun Island off Hurghada are awash with colored fish, sea turtles and sometimes dolphins.
Dive-tourists can dive the iconic SS Thistlegorm wreck, a WWII shipwreck with unexploded artifacts, or Jackson Reef, populated by diverse corals and pelagic fish. Snorkellers will find shallow reefs on shore or on boats.
The two destinations are geared towards both novices and experienced divers, and there are plentiful dive centres, professional instructors and rentals. The marine life makes for a great sea vacation among spectacular coastlines.
5. Explore Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Islamic Cairo, an ancient neighborhood of culture and beautiful architecture, is the Islamization of Egypt. There is also the Sultan Hassan Mosque, an architectural wonder in Mamluk style, and the Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the world’s oldest universities. The Citadel of Saladin with its vistas and beautiful Mohamed Ali Mosque is also another must-visit.
Nearby you will find Khan El Khalili Bazaar, which is an ancient 14th-century market. The narrow alleyways were lined with shops for handmade jewelry, spices, clothes and artifacts. The food is fresh from the Egyptian street, or they can sit in the traditional cafés such as El Fishawi, which serves mint tea in the buzzing atmosphere. Both Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili together provide a fascinating insight into Egypt’s past and culture.
6. Visit Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel Temples of Lake Nasser in southern Egypt are impressive temples constructed by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of two giant rock temples cut into the rock face: the Great Temple (for Ramses II) and the Small Temple (for Queen Nefertari).
The temples are also noted for the massive statues of Ramses II that stand at the doorway and the elaborate interior scenes of his triumphs and religious images. It is built so that every year sunlight hits the temple’s interior when Ramses’ birthday and coronation day coincide.
All of the complex was moved to the top to avoid floods from Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, an engineering marvel and a must-see for tourists.
7. Tour the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Egypt’s Museum in Cairo is a treasure house of antiquities and an archaeological journey through 5,000 years of Egyptian history. It is built in Tahrir Square and has more than 120,000 objects from the world’s most renowned Tutankhamun Collection. One could marvel at the child pharaoh’s gold mask, jewels and gorgeous urns.
The Royal Mummy Room, with its intact mummies of great leaders such as Ramses II and Hatshepsut, and fine statues, papyri and tools from several dynasties are other highlights. Both of the museum’s floors are organized by collection: Old, Middle and New Kingdom materials, as well as Greco-Roman finds.
This is one of the most popular cultural sites in the world, with stunning exhibitions providing a unique perspective on ancient Egyptian art, philosophy and daily practices.
8. Visit the White Desert National Park
The White Desert National Park in Egypt’s Western Desert is a surreal expanse of chalky rock formations formed by wind erosion over millions of years. It is renowned for its contrasting elements, with icy white limestone peaks (some mushroom-shaped, others animal-shaped, and others abstract), all of which feel almost supernatural.
Key sights include Crystal Mountain, a mountain range filled with glittering quartz crystals, and the Black Desert, dotted with volcanoes. The Mushroom and Chicken Rock is one of the most popular photo locations.
Ain El-Serra, an oasis covered in greenery is also accessible for travelers to visit and camp under the stars to experience the desert’s silence. White Desert is a nature-rich destination ideal for hikers and birdwatchers.
9. Experience Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, both in Luxor are extraordinary ruins of ancient Egypt.
Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile was founded largely by Pharaoh Amenhotep III and extended by Ramses II. It’s dedicated to the revival of the king: the Avenue of Sphinxes, colonnades and statues of Ramses II. The temple comes into a mystical glow when it’s lit at night.
Karnak Temple is a huge complex and is the largest religious structure ever constructed (more than 200 acres). Other attractions are the Hypostyle Hall with its columns, the Sacred Lake and the temples of Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Both temples are linked by the rebuilt Avenue of Sphinxes for a spectacular historical tour.
Summary Table of Costs
| Activity | Cost GBP | Cost EGP |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramids of Giza | £10–£50 | EGP 400–2,000 |
| Nile Cruise | £200–£400 | EGP 8,000–16,000 |
| Valley of the Kings | £5–£20 | EGP 200–800 |
| Red Sea Diving/Snorkeling | £20–£100 | EGP 800–4,000 |
| Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili | £10–£30 | EGP 400–1,200 |
| Abu Simbel Temples | £8–£100 | EGP 320–4,000 |
| Egyptian Museum | £10–£26 | EGP 400–1,040 |
| White Desert Tour | £60–£120 | EGP 2,400–4,800 |
| Luxor & Karnak Temples | £10–£25 | EGP 400–1,000 |
These are approximate prices, make sure to confirm prices before your travel.
