In the history books at school, we learned that Egypt depended on the River Nile, the only region in which it was not desert, that the country has one of the longest and most intriguing histories of ancient civilization, being responsible for the construction of some of the monuments and the most famous characters of mankind, such as the pyramids, sphinxes, also having been one of the most powerful of their time and one of the first to appear independently in the world. There is mystery, right?
Egypt's rich cultural legacy, as well as its attractions, the Red Sea and archaeological sites, have made tourism the vital part of its economy, taking countless tourists to visit the country. Have you ever thought to see all this up close? I already. It is a trip that should mark a lifetime! Researching destinations and some options for my next vacation, I started to be enchanted by what I could find in Egypt after getting to know a little of the eastern world (Turkey).
I fell in love with the spices, the charming people and their fascinating stories, the colorful and varied nuances of the cities, markets, foods, teas, one of the registered and traditional brands also in Egypt. In addition, there are more than 6 thousand years of registration. It is not possible to go through this world without thinking about having the opportunity to know it up close!
Well, in the urge to find cool places and what I cannot miss if I choose Egypt as my next trip, I decided to make a short list of what I need (and maybe you too!) To know if I ever make a trip to Egypt. There are countless cities and monuments, but I will start with the basics, come with me:
The city of Cairo is the gateway to the country and its most emblematic symbol is right there. The Pyramids of Giza have been the most popular tourist destination in Egypt since antiquity and have been popular since the Hellenistic period, when the Great Pyramid was listed by Antipater of Sidon (Greek, poet and writer) as one of the Seven Wonders of the World - being the only one that still exists.
The archaeological site is located on the Giza plateau, just outside Cairo, Egypt, and includes the complex with the Great Pyramids (Cheops, Chephren and Miquerinos) , in addition to the massive sculpture known as the Great Sphinx , several cemeteries, a working-class village and an industrial complex.
Close to the center of Cairo, there is also one of the most incredible museums in the world, the Egyptian Museum. Next to Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys art, history and anyone visiting the city. The museum was opened in 1902 to house the antiquities of Ancient Egypt.
Inland there is the largest collection of Egyptian archaeological history in the world. There are more than 120,000 artifacts, including the treasure from Tutankhamun's tomb and most of the mummies that have been discovered since the 19th century. The pieces on display in the museum range from the beginning of the Ancient Empire of Ancient Egypt (approximately 2700 BC) to the Greco-Roman period.
A New Egypt Museum is being built near the Giza Pyramid Complex to house all the artifacts in the current structure, but it has not yet opened.
Khan el Khalili is an old commercial area, a huge market of narrow alleys with thousands of small tents with traditional goods: shoes, fabrics, spices, jewelry. There are streets full of people, tables at the doors of cafes, shops and manufacturing workshops. It is a huge bazaar in the heart of Old Cairo, a region full of historic buildings, museums and typical tea houses.
Together with the Al-Muski market, it forms the most important shopping area in the city. It is in these places that we end up finding great memories to take home, handicrafts from the simplest to the most elaborate, souvenirs of the most varied species and everything imaginable.
Nothing makes me happier than visiting a market like this. I love to observe colors, flavors, people, people's behavior. Khan el Khalili is said to have a unique and unforgettable smell of spices. At the same time, you can see life go by: people dressed in their tunics and turbans, discuss buying and selling goods. Others, sitting on the sidewalks, think about life and smoke while watching the daily movement. That's where I go with my camera!
Completed in 1183 AD high on the mountain, the Citadel of Saladin served as the seat of government in Egypt for 700 years and was the focal point of the fortifications built to protect the city from attacks by the European Crusader armies. Its Alabaster Mosque is one of Cairo's most famous landmarks. The silhouette is the most dominant feature of the city skyline.
The Citadel also contains a second mosque, the National Military Museum, the Police Museum and several other museums dedicated to the palace of Muhammed Ali.
Leaving Cairo, in the city of Luxor, are the tombs of pharaohs like Ramses II and Tutankhamun. The site is famous for the oldest Egyptian archaeological sites and known as "the largest open-air museum in the world”. In Luxor, there are many monuments: the ruins of the ancient Temple of Karnak (it took almost two thousand years to be fully built and for another thousand years it was submerged in the sands) and Temple of Luxor, which are within the modern city on the East Bank.
Tombs and temples are located on the West Bank, among them are the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The city is located between the East Bank and the West Bank of the River Nile and was originally called Thebes in ancient times. Many balloons in the scenery (Valley of the Kings, where all the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt were buried - some still have the original inscriptions and paintings of the hieroglyphics very clear to this day) and claim to be the most unforgettable experience of the trip.
In the city of Aswan, they say it is the ideal place to explore the ruins of Abu Simbel, which is almost on the border between Egypt and Sudan (formerly Nubia). It takes 3 hours to travel to the south of the country, but the tour is mandatory. The temples were built by order of Pharaoh Ramses II in honor of himself and his favorite wife Nefertari. The Great Temple at Abu Simbel is one of the best preserved in all of Egypt.
Known by the Egyptians as the city of the Nubians, Aswan is peaceful, relaxing and full of hospitality. Its colorful villages show the peculiarity of their customs and traditions, making the visitor feel at home. The city does not have as many monuments as Cairo and Luxor, but what enchants is the tranquility: a ride by Feluca (small sailing boats), the sunset, a happy hour in one of the cafes or restaurants on the Nile.
Staying in Aswan, it is also possible to visit Philae Island, the Ptolemaic Temple of Isis, the last one where hieroglyphics were inscribed. Built in honor of the goddess Isis, one of the strongest in Egyptian mythology, it was used as a venue for ceremonies in honor of her, performed by many priestesses.
Who has never heard of Alexander the Great? Well, Alexandria is the city he founded in 331 BC. Located on a strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mareotis, it serves as a gateway to Cairo and Giza. Places like the Montaza Palace, the Khom el Shuqqafa catacombs, the citadel of Qaitibay and the Pillar of Pompey are favorites to visit on the spot.
The famous Library of Alexandria cannot be overlooked either. Rebuilt in 2002, it is the largest in Egypt and has specialized facilities, laboratories, a planetarium, a scientific museum, a calligraphic museum and a room for congresses and exhibitions. Its architectural design has been internationally praised and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
There is no way to talk about Egypt without talking about the River Nile. And if you look for any package or tips on what to do in Egypt on the Internet, everyone will say “a cruise on the Nile”. It may seem cliché but seeing Egypt through different eyes like Nile River Cruise should be interesting and not for nothing that is so recommended.
The Nile River is closely linked to the economy, geography, religion, culture and countless stories of the country. Imagine how many things didn't happen there? There are options of 4 or 5 days on board, with full services, between the cities of Luxor and Aswan with schedules and tours of the temples and sights. There is also the typical sailing boat called felluca for those who are willing to venture to stroll through the waters by the rock of the sea!
A place little known by tourists, but highly sought after by Christians who visit Cairo. The orthodox church complex includes a large temple with a capacity for 20,000 people, making it the largest church in the Middle East, and other churches built in the caves of Mokattam Mountain, which is within an area known as the City of Garbage. Inside the two largest temples and on some external rocky walls scenes and biblical verses were sculpted.
For those who think that Egypt is just desert, sand, mummies and pharaohs, they were wrong! Egypt has a wide variety of beaches located in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, which extend for more than 3,000 kilometers. The Red Sea has calm waters, colorful coral reefs, rare fish and mountains. Want more? You can dive on the beaches of the Gulf of Aqaba.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, the waters are crystal clear and there are many reefs on the banks. There is even an area (Ras Mohamed) that is a well-preserved nature reserve, and many people end up snorkeling and diving. The city is also bustling at night and has many restaurants to suit all budgets, bars and parties. For those who want to rest and less movement, there is also the option of the smaller and charming little town called Dahab.
Well, this is just the beginning! I continue the quest to share here some tips and cool places to get to know the destination. Is that you? Have you ever been to Egypt? Do you have any tips to give? Leave it in the comments!
