Dive boat trips to the wreck are organized from both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. There is a wealth of history here to explore. Ptolemy I, one of Alexander's generals, succeeded Alexander as pharaoh and established the Ptolemaic dynasty.Cleopatra, a direct descendant of Ptolemy I, was the last Greek ruler of Egypt. [28], There are nine international airports in Egypt that serve all of the county's major cities including Cairo International Airport and Taba International Airport.[31]. Amid the orange dunes and jagged rocks of this desert valley, a vast fossil cache of the oldest prehistoric whales (the basilosaurus and dorodontus) were discovered, hugely aiding human understanding of the evolution of whales.

The mud in many areas is also said to cure skin issues. Greco Roman art, architecture and ruins attest to the importance of Egypt in their regard. As of May 2009, the currency notes in circulation have denominations of E200, E100, E50, E20, E10, E5, E1 and 50PT. Egypt may be known for ancient treasures and rich history, but there is more to this nation than you might expect. These include: Pyramids: there are more than 70 pyramids along the Nile, with the three pyramids of Giza being the best-known. A favorite with Europeans on winter-sun vacations, many of the resorts here cater to families on one- or two-week sun-and-sand breaks. Visit mosques that have been standing for 1,200 years, such as the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and more. Principal among them are the Pyramids and Great Sphinx at Giza, the Abu Simbel temples south of Aswan and the Karnak Temple Complex and Valley of the Kings near Luxor. There may be restrictions on the amount of currency that can be taken outside of Egypt, and generally it should not exceed E5,000.[34][35]. In central and southern Egypt several years may pass without any significant rain. The best way to discover the region is via a safari trip. These mosques are a perfect chance for architecture, art and history buffs to soak up some culture. Up the coast, between the port town of Nuweiba and the border town of Taba are the bamboo hut retreats that offer complete get-away-from-it-all respites from life and back-to-basics beach life. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Abu Simbel, Divers enjoying the underwater beauty of the Red Sea. Keen to visit Egypt but not quite sure where to begin with planning your itinerary? Siwa town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel, known as the Fortress of Shali, which dominates the view, while various temple remnants, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area. Ancient Egypt is one of the most interesting and oldest civilisations in the world. Tourists arrivals reached a pinnacle in 2010 by reaching 14.7 million visitors. This is a top spot to wind down and go slow for a few days, as well as being an excellent base from which to plan adventures into the surrounding desert. Accommodation: Where to Stay near St. Catherine's Monastery. In 1976, tourism was a focal point of the Five Year Plan of the Government, where 12% of the budget was allocated to upgrading state-owned hotels, establishing a loan fund for private hotels, and upgrading infrastructure (including road, rail, and air connectivity) for major tourist centres along with the coastal areas. The museum's star collection is the haul of golden treasures unearthed from Tutankhamen's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. For desert fans and adventurers, this is the ultimate weird playground, while anybody who's had their fill of temples and tombs will enjoy this spectacular natural scenery. The temple, begun by Seti I, sits amid a vast necropolis site where archaeological excavations are ongoing. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. As per the Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, Egypts tourism sector is the biggest loser of the coronavirus outbreak. Consider joining Culture Trips specially curated 10-day Egypt adventure, led by our local insider. A short walk away is the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As, built by the Arab Muslim army commander (and later, first governor of Egypt) after conquering Egypt. Here are some of the top reasons Egypt should be your next destination. From natural pools and crystal blue waters to steady beaches as well as surfing spots, they are not to be missed. Then ride a camel to the desert monastery of St. Simeon on Aswan's east bank. The beaches of Egypt are a dream come true with the country home to internationally renowned beaches guaranteed to delight sunseekers. The video showed a crowd of young boys closely approaching the two women, who constantly appeared getting away. The Sphinx, a lion-bodied guard, stands beside pyramids in Giza. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Respecting the tradition of the house of Ptolemy, the Caesars of Rome continued to honour Ancient Egyptian religion.The continuous homage offered by Greek and Roman rulers to the local traditions of Ancient Egypt is the essence of Greco Roman culture in Egypt. For many visitors, a multi-day cruise upon this famed waterway that saw the rise of the Pharaonic era is a highlight of their Egypt trip. This is by far, Aswan's most popular activity and the most relaxing way to take in the local sights. Wherever youre going to enjoy your horseback riding experience in Egypt, rest assured youll have a view to go with it. Nile Cruising started during the early 19th century when Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt made his journey up and down The Nile.[29]. Take the river ferry across to Elephantine Island and stroll the colorful streets of the Nubian villages. The coast of the Sinai Peninsula has well-visited seaside resorts, in addition to Hurghada city on the Red Sea coast and the Famous El Gouna Resort 25km Hurghada.[28]. Attractions in Cairo include the Cairo Museum and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. This highly scenic environment looks like something out of a science fiction movie and is a favorite destination for 4WD desert trips and overnight camping, which are both easiest organized in Bahariya Oasis. Travelers native to most of Africa must have proof of cholera and yellow fever vaccination. Everyone's heard of Giza's Pyramids, but they're not the only pyramids Egypt has up its sleeve. Memphis was founded in about 3000 BC by Menes, along with 11 other pyramids.

Cairo International Airport is the main gateway to Egypt and is located about 15 miles northeast of the city in northern Egypt. Even in a country festooned with temples, Abu Simbel is something special. However, the tourism sector returned and regained its activity quickly during the 2010s and especially after the most recent 2017 Hurghada attack to achieve the highest annual tourism revenues. One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, amid the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. A 35-second video clip was recorded and shared by the guide accompanying the tourists, where the man was heard complaining about the Egyptian boys running after foreigners and addressing the tourism minister to look into the matter. At one point, one of the women was seen pushing a boy away after another one around appeared touching her from the backside. Egypt is defined by the Nile. Beach lovers head to the Sinai or the Red Sea Coast to soak up the sun, while archaeology fans will have a field day in Luxor. In 1979, tourism experts and advisors were brought in from Turkey and several new colleges were established with Turkish help between 1979 and 1981, to teach diploma courses in hospitality and tourism management. Ras Al Bar the dazzling breathtaking beach, Alternative honeymoon destinations in Egypt, Hajj, paying tribute to Abraham and his devotion to God, Celebrating the Nile Flood, wiping Isis tears. There a various other temple remnants to see here but for most visitors, the Temple of Osiris is the main reason to visit. A complaint of verbal and physical harassment was filed by the tour guide filming the incident. [15], The tasks of tourism security in Egypt are carried out by the General Administration of Tourism and Antiquities Police, which is responsible for developing plans to secure tourists and protect antiquities, museums and cultural facilities within the framework of the general plan of the Egyptian Ministry of Interior. With the exception of a strip along the Mediterranean coast, Egypt has a desert climate, being entirely within the Sahara. The coral reefs of the Red Sea are renowned among scuba divers for both the soft corals on display and the vast amount of sea life, ranging from colorful reef fish and nudibranchs, to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and even dugongs. Just wandering around Egypt is an experience in and of itself. [7], In the first half of 2014, the number of tourists further declined by 25% as compared with the same period of 2013, while revenues shrank by 25% as well. Ancient Egypt grips the imagination, touches the soul and inspires the uninspired. [18], In May 2022, the case of two female tourists being harassed by 13 teenage boys surfaced, raising questions over the safety of tourists, especially female tourists, in the country. The west bank's lush farmland and barren cliffs are where the vast majority of Luxor's tourist attractions sit, with so many tomb and temple sights that it has been called the biggest open-air museum in the world. [27], Major tourist destinations include the millennia-old monuments in the Nile Valley. Tombs of the Nobles, 200-year Anniversary of Deciphering the Rosetta Stone. Justly famous for its megalithic proportions, Abu Simbel is also known for the incredible engineering feat carried out by UNESCO in the 1960s, which saw the entire temple moved from its original setting to save it from disappearing under the rising water of the Aswan dam. The big bonus of choosing a resort on the Red Sea coast over one on the Sinai Peninsula is that you are within day-tripping distance to Luxor, so this is best place to visit for beach life if you still want to easily see some of Egypt's most famous monuments. Mount Sinai, also known as Jabal Al Tor or Mount Moses, is considered a holy site and is visited by pilgrims from religions including Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque, and make sure to climb up to the roof of the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila for the best minaret-speckled panoramas across the district. Day-tripping distance from Cairo, Saqqara is a vast necropolis of tombs and pyramids that was utilized during every era of pharaonic rule. Central Cairo is accessible from the airport by bus, taxi, or limousine. Alexandria has a history that not many others can match. The Fayoum itself, with Lake Quran, the pottery village of Tunis, and Pharaonic ruins scattered across the hinterland, is an interesting place to visit, but the main tourist attraction here, in the nearby desert, is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Al-Hitan. This is Ramses II's great temple, adorned with colossal statuary standing guard outside, and with an interior sumptuously decorated with wall paintings. The Church of St. Anthony, within the fortress-like compound, has an interior of secco wall paintings that are considered one of the most important collections of Egyptian Coptic art in the world and date from around the 11th and 12th centuries. Nearby, the pyramid site of Dahshur is home to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which should be included on any Saqqara visit. [6], During the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, the number of visitors plummeted by over 37% that year falling from 14 million in 2010 to 9 million by the end of 2011. During a Roman civil war, Augustus put an end to centuries of Ptolemaic rule when Cleopatra sided with Marc Anthony against Augustus. Most of the network connects the densely populated area of the Nile delta with Cairo and Alexandria as hubs.

Memphis was the administrative capital of ancient Egypt. [26], The highest number of tourist arrivals to Egypt in 2019 (before the international Coronavirus pandemic) was from Germany (2.5 million arrivals) followed by Ukraine (1.5 million), Saudi Arabia (1.4 million) and Libya (0.75 million). Egypt's most tranquil town is Aswan, set upon the winding curves of the Nile. [25] According to Khaled al-Anani, the average number of tourists who visited Egypt in April 2021 is nearly half of the average monthly number of 2019. There are plenty of historic sites here and numerous temples nearby, including Philae Temple on its island, but one of Aswan's most popular things to do is simply kicking back and watching the river life go by. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving ancient wonder, along with ancient Egyptian statues and tombs, continue to seize the attention of top archaeologists and, of course, the wider world. In the visitor center itself, a museum dedicated to the site does an excellent job of explaining Wadi Al-Hitan's importance, and displays many of the site's other finds, including a skeleton of a basilosaurus whale that measures 18 meters long. Instead every corner you turn here is home to some wonderful piece of ancient art or statuary, which would be the highlight of any other museum. Ancient Egypt is truly a cradle of civilization. The atmospheric, narrow lanes of the capital's Islamic Cairo district are crammed full of mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools of learning), and monuments dating from the Fatimid through to the Mameluke eras. Given Egypt's Middle Eastern and African status, and its location in the midst of a regional conflict zone, it has been subject to several unfortunate terrorist incidents, the most famous of which is the Luxor incident in 1997, the Cairo incident in 2005, the Sharm el-Sheikh incident in 2005, the Dahab incident in 2006 and the downing of Metrojet Flight 9268. Tourism became an important sector of the economy from 1975 onwards, as Egypt eased visa restrictions for almost all European and North American countries and established embassies in new countries like Austria, Netherlands, Denmark and Finland. However, it regained some ground in the 2017 rankings being rated 75th overall. Between October and mid April the daytime temperatures are cooler and the Nile's locks are open. livre gyptienne, "Egyptian pound" in French). This service is especially attractive to tourists who can spend the night on the train as it covers the stretch between Cairo and Luxor. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. Today the site is regarded by divers as one of the top five wreck dives in the world due to the vast cargo of cars, motorbikes, and WWII memorabilia that can be seen both scattered on the sea bed around the wreck and inside the ship itself. In the past, it used to work all the way from Cairo to Aswan for more than two weeks, but due to the development of the Nile, they stopped doing Nile Cruises all the way from Cairo, and it is now working from Luxor to Aswan. If you'd prefer a less crowded and slower experience, though, and don't mind "roughing it" a bit, you can also cruise the Nile by felucca (Egypt's traditional lateen-sailed wooden boats), which also allows you to create your own itinerary. There's much more to see beyond the Step Pyramid, though, with some of the surrounding tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti, showcasing some of the finest tomb paintings you'll see in the country. It's best known for its Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which shows how the architects of Ancient Egypt advanced their engineering knowledge to finally create a true pyramid shape. Hurghada and El Gouna are the two main resort towns, while the smaller, and still being developed, town of Marsa Alam is much farther south. Much of the land here is desert, making it the perfect spot for a new kind of adventure. This desert monastery is home to an incredible collection of religious iconography, art, and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the on-site museum), as well as the burning bush. In particular, while in the hypostyle hall, which was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, note the columns topped by heads of the Egyptian god Hathor, and the wall reliefs of the emperor paying tribute to the Egyptian gods. The approximate official exchange rate for US$1 is E15.75 as of April 2020. This is ancient Thebes, power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see on one visit. The latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed that Egypt is one of the world's fast-growing tourist destination; for 2017, it raised to 8 million compared to last year which was about 5.26 million. The Temple of Hathor at Dendara was built in the late Pharaonic era and extended during the Roman period, though Dendara itself was an important cult center from early on in the period of Ancient Egypt. Cruises are offered along the Nile ranging from short tours between Luxor and Aswan to longer cruises that include the northern town of Dendera. Not only is it delicious, but the food in Egypt shapes the national culture. In the year 2020, tourism related revenues dropped by nearly 70% to $4 billion. Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Egypt. It offers diverse locations for an unforgettable experience including bright corals and colourful, distinctive fish. With so much to see and do, Egypt offers visitors a chance to create itineraries that combine culture, adventure, and relaxation all on one trip. [9][10] As of the 2019 rankings, Egypt ranks 65th overall. and 25PT. Backed by orange-hued dunes, this is the perfect place to stop and unwind for a few days and soak up the chilled-out atmosphere. It's a higgledy-piggledy place, with little labeling on offer and chronological order severely lacking. Today, sitting on the desert edge of Cairo's sprawl, these megalithic memorials to dead pharaohs are still as wondrous a sight as they ever were and an undeniable highlight of any Egypt trip. You can visit a number of attractions along its length; the most prominent being Luxor and Aswan, both of which feature on Culture Trips exclusive small-group Egypt tour. Cruising the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the temples that stud the banks of the river on the route between Luxor and Aswan, plus sunrise and sunset over the date-palm-studded river banks, backed by sand dunes, is one of Egypt's most tranquil vistas. The Alexandria-Cairo-Luxor-Aswan link is served daily in both directions by air-conditioned sleeper trains of Abela Egypt. Located in central Egypt, Luxor International Airport serves the Nile Valley and acts as a gateway to tourist destinations of the region. From around the middle of April locks on the river are closed in order to manage water levels, requiring passengers to disembark on one side of the lock and transfer to another boat on the other side. Its the highlight of any occasion. As the temple lies north of Luxor, it isn't on the main Nile cruise ship route, so it receives much fewer visitors than the temple sites in Luxor itself and the Nile-side temples to the south. The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (E or . abbreviated to "LE" or "L.E." A treasure trove of the Pharaonic world, Cairo's Egyptian Museum is one of the world's great museum collections. Many cruises are aboard a larger vessel that functions as a floating hotel. [2][4] Revenues from tourism reached the highest point at $12.6 billion in the fiscal year 2018-2019. Cairo is the megalopolis that can't be beaten for city slickers, while Siwa oasis and the southern town of Aswan offer a slice of the slow pace of the countryside. Spend a few days here exploring the colorful wall art of the tombs and gazing in awe at the colossal columns in the temples, and you'll see why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists. Some cities even have different languages. Having awed travelers down through the ages, these tombs of the Pharaohs Cheops (Khufu), Chephren (Khafre), and Mycerinus (Menkaure), guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are usually top of most visitor's lists of tourist attractions to see in Egypt and often the first sight they head to after landing. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. As stated by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), Egypts revenues from tourism for the months of 2020-2021 fiscal year plunged by 67.4%. The last surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.

Dahab is a low-key beach town with a budget-traveler heart, which is just as much about desert excursions and adventures as the sea. For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine's also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Copyrights Egypt 2022. The pyramid of Cheops is the largest at 145 metres in height, and is referred to as the Great Pyramid. Today, exploring Abu Simbel is just as much about admiring the triumph of this international effort to save the temple complex as it is about gaping in wonder at Ramses II's awe-inspiring building works, itself. Travelers should note that the Egyptian Museum's swag of riches is in the process of being transferred to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, near the pyramids, which is tentatively due to open (after years of delays) in November 2022.

Egyptian Railways is the backbone of passenger transportation in Egypt, with 800 million passenger miles annually.[32]. Luxor's east bank is home the modern city, with its vibrant souq; the two temples of Karnak and Luxor; and the museum. The church is also home to the tomb of St. Anthony (the father of monasticism) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Egyptian Coptic Christians. [14] Egypt is one of the hottest and sunniest countries in the world. Famed for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt has a glut of tourist attractions. Not a champion? This has impacted a diverse range of businesses directly or indirectly dependent on tourism, from travel accommodation and tourist attractions to car rental and air transportation, as well as health and wellness industries. Peak tourist season in Egypt runs from mid October to May, during winter and spring. This is where you'll find the labyrinth shopping souq of Khan el-Khalili, where coppersmiths and artisans still have their tiny workshops, and stalls are laden with ceramics, textiles, spice, and perfume. The tourist inflow increased to 1.8 million in 1981 and then to 5.5 million in 2000. It is where the prophet Moses received the divine commandments from God. From May until October daytime temperatures are relatively high, especially in Luxor and the southern parts of the country. Two terminals serve international and domestic flights, with a number of Egyptian carriers including Air Cairo and Egypt Air operating from the airport. Ranking as the longest river in the world, the Nile extends around 6,695km (4,160mi) and flows into the Mediterranean. [16][17] All combined have negatively affected the tourism sector during that period. There are further tombs in the Valley of the Queens. Sand-burying massages are also popular in Egypt and are said to treat physical injuries. Cairo has some of the best Islamic architecture and art on earth. Wadi Al-Hitan is in the Fayoum area, a lush and fertile depression fed by ancient canals and surrounded by desert. Tourism is one of the leading sources of income, crucial to Egypt's economy. Make sure to visit the Hanging Church, which holds a fine collection of icons and was built half over the Roman-era water wheel (hence the church's name). The legacy of Ancient Egypt, with names like Ramses, Nefertiti and Tutankhamen and places like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx echoes in art, literature and popular culture.When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, Ancient Egyptian priests proclaimed him pharaoh after the oracle of Siwa declared Alexander to be a descendant of Amun, the chief deity of Ancient Egypt.