Egypt's riches lie in her cultural heritage, spectacular natural beauty, her enviable year-round climate and the warmth and hospitality of her people. Whether you are traveling to Egypt for the first time or returning once again like so many travelers before you, it is a country as alluring as its history. Our own travelers have taken the time to explore its cities in depth, sample some of its traditional cuisine and have listed below what we believe are some of its best kept secrets. Recommendations are purely based on personal experiences.

Cairo

Rising from the shimmering desert, Cairo is an intoxicating blend of cultures, history and people. Known as the “mother of the world” there is a tantalizing choice of sights and sounds to experience in this city.

The three pyramids of Giza, Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus still standing majestically on a desert plateau; museums that claim one of the oldest antiquities, medieval bazaars, open air café’s, dinner on a cruise boat with belly dance and a vibrant nightlife.

Alexandria

Having conquered Egypt in 332 BC Alexander the Great, ordered that a city be constructed before setting off for Asia in search of further conquests. Thus, was born Alexandria.

The turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean, beautiful gardens at Montazah, Graeco-Roman ruins scattered across the city and the warm Mediterranean weather makes it an idyllic summer weekend.

Suez Canal

The Suez Canal, opened in 1869 was created to shorten the trade route between Europe and the exotic East. A pleasant and charming little sleepy town with tree-lined boulevards and colonial houses with open verandahs. A great place to watch gigantic container ships passing by and have fresh sea food. 

Fayoum
  

Fayoum, known as the Land of the Lake by the Pharaohs, is ideal for a day’s excursion from Cairo. Popular for hunting game and birds, today you could sit by the banks of the Lake Qarun and fish. Or drive off-road to Wadi Rayan where the bones of a giant whale lie in the desert sands.

No visit to Egypt is really complete without taking the time to cruise down the River Nile. You could choose between 3, 4 and 7 nights cruise from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa. Ships make periodic stops along the way, for conducted tours to the magnificent temples, some by evening light and others by day.

Abu Simbel
The Temples of Abu Simbel, situated 240 kms south of Aswan are the mightiest temples of Ramses II dedicated to himself and his Queen, Nefetari whose tomb is in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Abu Simbel can be visited by road or flight. 

Hurghada
Lying on the mainland on the shores of the Red Sea is the Hurghada beach resort. Merely a 4 hours drive from Cairo it is ideal for those who want to explore the rich marine life of the Red Sea. Submarine trips, glass bottomed boats, snorkeling and diving packages can be arranged. Desert safaris, camel rides and Bedouin dinners are also popular excursions from Hurghada.

Sharm El Sheikh
  

Sharm el Sheikh at the tip of the Sinai peninsula is the Egypt’s Riviera. Golden beaches, sparkling seas, open-air bistros, street side restaurants and a wonderful underwater world that rivals the Great Barrier Reef. With wonderful year round weather it is a great place to sun bathe, swim, snorkel, dive, windsurf, canoe, sail or para-sail.

One of the most famous pilgrimage sites is the St. Catherine’s monastery at the foot of the Mt. Moses. It is believed to be where Moses received the 10 commandments.

Egyptian cuisine is known for its flavor and use of fresh ingredients. The staple in every Egyptian’s diet is a bread called Aish (means life). Fava beans or ‘fuul’ is also important. At a local lunch or dinner one can expect to have a soup, meat that is grilled or vegetable stew, bread, green salad, and rice or pasta.