Cairo is intense. 20 million people. Traffic. Noise. But the history is unmatched.
The Pyramids of Giza sit just outside the city. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest—originally 146m high. The Sphinx guards them with a lion's body and human head carved from limestone.
Arrive by 8am for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Interior pyramid access has daily quotas (300 visitors per pyramid) that sell out by mid-morning. General admission costs 540 EGP (€16), Great Pyramid interior 900 EGP (€27).
The Egyptian Museum in central Cairo holds Tutankhamun's treasures and thousands of artifacts spanning 5,000 years. The new Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza opens with even more space and modern displays.
Islamic Cairo brings medieval mosques, souks, and UNESCO sites. Al-Azhar Mosque dates to 970 AD. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar is chaotic, colorful, and perfect for getting lost.
Luxor was ancient Thebes—capital of the New Kingdom. The monuments here are extraordinary in scale and preservation.
Karnak Temple is the world's largest religious complex. 134 columns represent palm trees—each massive. Luxor Temple sits in the city center, dramatically lit at night.
The West Bank holds the Valley of the Kings where pharaohs were buried in rock-cut tombs. Tutankhamun's tomb is here. The Temple of Hatshepsut rises in terraces against the cliffs—architecturally stunning.
Nile cruises run 4-5 days between Luxor and Aswan. You stop at Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple while sailing past date palms and desert hills. Five-star ships cost €650-1,000 in shoulder season, €900-1,600 in peak months (October-April).
Hot air balloon rides over the West Bank at sunrise reveal the scale of the temple complexes. Book 2-3 months ahead during peak season for early-bird discounts.
The Red Sea offers some of the world's best diving. Warm water, exceptional visibility (up to 40 meters), and pristine coral reefs.
Hurghada is the main resort town—evolved from a fishing village into a 20km stretch of hotels and dive centers. It's family-friendly and budget-accessible. Giftun Islands marine reserve has spectacular reefs. Water temperature ranges 22-29°C year-round.
Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula offers access to famous sites like Ras Mohammed and the SS Thistlegorm wreck. It's geared toward experienced divers and has a vibrant party scene.
Best diving months are March-June and September-November when water is 22-27°C with calm surface conditions.
Many visitors combine a Nile Valley trip with Red Sea beach time. The contrast is perfect—history and culture inland, relaxation and diving on the coast.
