Unveiling The Wonders Of Egypt: A Travel Guide For Everyone

Lifestyle Collective, December 16, 2023

By Iolee Anagnostopoulou

Grab your sense of adventure and pack your sunscreen! We’re about to discover the incredible wonders of Egypt—a place like no other, where ancient history meets modern chaos. 

Having just returned from a trip there, I want to take you on a lighthearted trip through three must-visit destinations that left me in awe: Cairo, Hurghada, and Luxor.

So, buckle up, habibis, and let’s explore the land of pyramids, mummies, and millennia-old mysteries! 

Cairo: Where Pharaohs Meet Traffic Jams

Cairo, a sprawling metropolis straddling the Nile, welcomes you with open arms. It never sleeps, with most shops open 24/7 and traffic noise at any time. Buses don’t stop—they simply slow down so people can hop on and off. 

Still, you can’t beat the sight of 3/4 fully grown men riding on a single motorbike next to horses and tuk-tuks…or that we didn’t witness even one accident! 

Here’s a snippet of what you can expect in this massive city of delightful contradictions:

The Great Pyramids Of Giza

Prepare for an encounter with the colossal stone giants who have stood proudly over the Nile for over 4,000 years. Marvel at and enter these astonishing feats of human (or not?) engineering, ride camels in the perfect desert landscape, and take your next profile picture!

The Egyptian Museum 

Get ready to be blown away by more bling than a rapper’s mansion as you dive into the treasures of Tutankhamun and other notable pharaohs. From dazzling jewellery and the original ‘Book of the Dead’ papyrus to well-preserved mummies and insanely detailed sculptures, this soon-to-be-moved museum offers a spectacular journey through ancient Egypt’s opulence.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Bargain hunters unite! This bustling old market will test your haggling skills while constantly tempting you with vibrant trinkets. Here, you’ll find exotic souvenirs like papyrus paintings, oriental perfumes, and reproductions of antiquities. 

It’s worth visiting even just for the confidence boost, as every salesman will try to get your attention with a waterfall of compliments, attempted in several languages! My favourite ones were ‘Are you from the moon?’ and ‘Shakira!’.\

Saqqara Necropolis 

If you’re keen on stepping off the beaten path and into some royal tombs, Saqqara is the place for you. This burial ground of the ancient city of Memphis boasts the mesmerising Step Pyramid or Pyramid of Djoser—the oldest complete stone building complex in history and a predecessor to the more famous pyramids at Giza.

Hurghada: Sun-Kissed Adventures And Chill

Nestled along the warm and salty Red Sea, Hurghada beckons with its promise of sun, sea, and adventure. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Red Sea Riviera

Dive into crystal-clear waters, enjoy snorkelling among colourful fish, try an exciting water sport or simply sip cocktails on a sandy beach—the choice is yours! Much to my surprise, there’s a tide at the Red Sea, and it ain’t shy about showing up.

Desert Safari 

For adrenaline junkies, conquering heart-stopping dunes in Mad Max style and learning about the ways of the desert in a Bedouin village are absolute musts. You may also witness a mesmerising sunset, ride a camel, and try some tasty Bedouin bread prepared before you.

5* Resorts

Hurghada spoils you with an array of luxurious yet relatively affordable resorts. Take your pick and indulge in an all-inclusive paradise with abundant food choices, swimming pools, spas, beach access, and evening entertainment. You’ll feel like royalty, minus the sceptre.

Luxor: The Ultimate Temple Run

Luxor will quickly transport you to a different era. Here’s what you can’t miss in this fancy city built upon the ruins of ancient Thebes:

Karnak Temple Complex

Prepare to be dwarfed by the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious building ever made and evidence of ancient Egypt’s architectural prowess. Walk through colossal pillars, marvel at immense obelisks, and make a wish while you circle the temple’s lucky scarab 7 times anti-clockwise. Legend has it that your wish will come true in either 7 hours, 7 days, or 7 years.

Valley Of The Kings

Delve into the mysteries of pharaohs and visit the final resting places of renowned rulers. These rock-cut underground tombs contain elaborate hieroglyphs, original-colour paintings, and, most notably, King Tut’s mummy.

Hatshepsut’s Temple

This is not just another temple; it’s a testament to the only woman who ruled Egypt as pharaoh. The striking terraced structure is as intriguing as the story of the queen who commissioned it, whose figure was believed to feature in the rock formation of a sitting woman above the temple.

Top Tips

Best Time to Visit Egypt: Plan your visit between October and April to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the sweltering heat of summer.

Is It Safe?: Egypt is generally safe for tourists, with guards and metal detectors at popular attractions, hotels and busy restaurants. An Egyptian Armed Forces person was with our organised group on the bus whenever we were crossing the desert between cities. 

Like any destination, exercise common-sense precautions and stay informed about local conditions.

Is It Intense?: Yes! The pyramids and temples are large buildings, and a lot of walking, squatting, and stair-climbing are involved. Couple that with intense heat, large crowds, and early 4-5 a.m. starts to compensate for the long distances, and you have a cocktail of soreness, tiredness, and whining. 

So, if you’re in poor shape or have mobility issues, do yourself a favour and skip the trip until you can fully enjoy it.

Packing Essentials: Pack sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a good hat and light scarf, sunglasses, and modest clothing that covers your arms and legs for visiting religious sites.

Accepted Currencies: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. However, US dollars or Euros are accepted almost everywhere and are much easier to carry.

Tipping: You’ll get asked to tip for almost everything in Egypt, from having your photo taken to negotiating a good bargain. Tipping service providers, like guides, drivers and hotel/restaurant staff, is customary. 

Still, some random people can be a bit too much. It is best to keep some 1$ bills handy and exercise generosity at your discretion.

Interesting Religious Sites: Visit St. Anthony, the world’s oldest Christian monastery, and climb the 1,158 steps to the cave where the saint spent his final 40 years—out of 105, no less! 

It’s also worth visiting the Alabaster Mosque in Cairo and the oldest church in Egypt, where Mary, Jesus, and Joseph hid for 3 months after fleeing persecution from King Herod. 

Final Thoughts

When people tell me they’ve heard mixed reviews about Egypt, I answer that each person will give you their version. You’ll never really know the truth unless you experience it for yourself. For me, Egypt was a destination like no other. One that surprised, delighted, and sometimes perplexed me. The size of the pyramids and monuments was beyond my wildest imagination, and their historical significance simply left me humbled. 

My favourite thing was how comfortable I felt in the country despite the stark contrast to my life experiences. The smiles and warm greetings from locals made me feel at home, while their unique sense of humour always cracked me up. On the flip side, excessive tip-fishing can be a nuisance, particularly from men to women tourists. And, of course, the prevalence of litter and air pollution, especially in Cairo, is disheartening. 

But hey, it’s a reminder that even the most magnificent places have their challenges, and these shouldn’t deter you from experiencing them first-hand. Ultimately, it’s all about limiting your expectations, being open-minded, and immersing yourself in this land of contradictions. 

So pack your sense of adventure and unleash your inner Indiana Jones, for the wonders of Egypt are waiting to be discovered! Witness the enigmatic charm of this captivating country and let it leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.