The Wondrous Genres of Egyptian Sightseeing

by Yasmine Al Maghraby

Egypt is home to a variety of beautiful temples, breath-taking bodies of water, the famous Pharaohs and mystical healing destinations. To guide you through these various adventures; I’ve divided everything you need to see into four categories to help you pinpoint what to see, when to see and how to see it. Grab your bag packs and let’s dive into these categories together to better understand traveling in the wanderlust of Egypt.

 1.  Journey to Ancient Pharaonic Sites

Egypt is rich in history and incredible attractions of ancient Egypt, there are thousands of archeological tourist destinations that date back to more than 5,000 years. It all starts in heart and capital of Egypt, Cairo.The most marvelous sightseeing has to include The Great Pyramids of Giza, The Great Sphinx of Giza and of course; the Grand Egyptian Museum also known as the Giza Museum (estimated to be opening: November 2022), when inaugurated GEM will be the largest archaeological museum in the world.A little outside of Cairo you can visit Sakkara Step Pyramid which is the first pyramid to be built in Egypt, you’ll be located near the Dahshur Pyramids, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Leaving Cairo; Luxor and Aswan are the first cities that come to mind when talking about ancient Egypt. Whether it’s the Valley of the Kings that include the tombs of ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, The temples of Karnak, the Luxor temple, the Philae Temple of the ancient goddess Isis and of course the beauty that is Abu Simbel Temples and the Nubian Village in Aswan.

2.  Adventures on Egyptian Waters

With coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Nile River; there are countless destinations where you can enjoy the wonders of Egypt’s warm sand beaches and turquoise waters; that vary different backdrops to what you would prefer; whether its city, mountains or palm trees. If it’s the Mediterranean Sea you want to explore or the Northern Coast of Egypt (Sahel El Shamaly); its known to have the most turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches, you will ever see. Swimming, snorkeling or just floating in these blue waters will leave you feeling tranquil and serene. But, a deep breath with the view of the shoreline in the historic city of Alexandria is a life changing experience. With the hussle and bussle of the great city behind you and the Mediterranean crashing at your feet; it will definitely be an unforgettable experience.The Red Sea is home to world renewed diving spots like the Blue Hole in Dahab and Fury Shoals in Marsa Alam, incredible marine wild life, and adventures around every corner. You can travel to Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Dahab, Nuewibaa, El Gouna, Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Sudr, Ein Al Sukhna and many more unbelievably beautiful destinations. Snorkeling, hiking, kitesurfing, camping or scuba diving. Sunbath under the golden rays and enjoy incredible facilities at the countless beach resorts and camps. Experience peace, tranquility and adventure on the Red Sea shorelines.

Beaches aren’t the only Egyptian shorelines. The Nile River starts in Upper Egypt and ends at the country’s northern border with the Mediterranean Sea, in Lower Egypt. Activities on the famous Nile River include; 4 day cruises, Felouka boat rides and visiting Lake Nasser and the Great Dam. The Nile provides life nourishing waters for over 300 million people, rich in cultural and historical sites of Ancient Egypt that are found along the river’s banks. The Nile River is a sight to see and experience it’s glory.

3.  Holy Religious Temples

Egypt is known as a divine country. It’s been heavily influenced by the three great and holy religions of the world. With that in mind, it produced some of the most remarkable and divine monuments in the world. The three Abrahamic religions have written Egypt’s culture and architecture in a way that embodies unity, peace and serenity.

The most beautiful Islamic structures can be found in Egypt which it’s great rulers left behind for generations to appreciate. The glorious mosques with intricate architecture and precise details and engravings with stories to tell; waiting for people from all over the world to witness, their beauty. Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, El Refai Mosque, Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Al Azhar Mosque and Mosque of Muhammad Ali; just to name a few. After all, Cairo is the city of a thousand minarets.

Coptic Churches in Egypt are beloved by all, they are in the very essence of Egyptian identity. Visit and explore the rich Coptic history starting with the beautiful Saint Mary Church, the wonder that is The Hanging Church, The Church of Saint Menas and witness the gorgeous ceilings of Saint George’s Church located next to the Coptic Museum, and Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus Church.

The Jewish religion has also left its mark on Egypt, with only a few sights they are filled with beauty and serenity. A monument that embodies that spirit is Ben Ezra Synagogue. Take a walk to Old Cairo and experience Harat El Yahood located in Khan El Khalili. Hike on Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.