Travel

The Secret Vacation Spot Europeans Love: Egypt

When we were last in Mykonos, we have a habit of talking up the staff. One of our favorite servers told us about where he goes on vacation. We figured he might go to one of the Greek isles, considering he’s Greek, but instead he said everyone goes to …Egypt.

Egypt was completely off our radar, but once you take a look at everything there is to see, the history and the pricing, and you might be booking your next Escape to Egypt.

Why Egypt

Egypt has been a land of magic and adventure for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The ancient country was once home to one of the most advanced civilizations, and remnants of their existence still stand today. 

Ancient Egypt has inspired games, books, movies, TV shows, and everything in between. This post will show you why it should inspire your next holiday. 

Giza Pyramids

One of the most famous landmarks in the world are the Pyramids of Giza. The Great Pyramid of Giza is also the largest and oldest of the pyramids in this ancient complex; and additionally it is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

It has been dated back to 2600 BC and stands at a colossal 140m high. The pyramid is also home to numerous chambers that once housed the remains of kings and queens, as well as their treasures. Considering it is one of the oldest structures on the planet and is still in exceptional condition, it is a must-see. 

River Nile

The River Nile is the life source for Northern Africa and Egypt. The Nile is also the primary source of water for Egypt, Sudan, and South Sudan. The Nile travels through 11 countries, allowing the growing of crops along its banks.  

For holiday-makers, you can take boat rides up and down the ancient river; the relaxing waters and incredible scenery are unmatched. 

Museums of Egypt

The Egyptian Museum, also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, can be found in Cairo. It is home to over 120,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts. First built in 1901, it is one of the most extensive collections of Egyptian artifacts globally. 

While the Egyptian Museum is the oldest, the biggest is the Grand Egyptian Museum. It is set to open this year and will feature exhibits that include the complete tomb collection of Tutankhamun and many artifacts from Luxor, Minya, Sohag, Assiut, the Delta, and Alexandria. 

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and extensive ancient sites. It is home to undiscovered tombs, riches, mummies, and curses. This is where the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1920, with the site still being excavated to this day. 

Set in the desert, you reach the site by boat to Luxor and then by car. You can visit Tutankhamun and take a guided tour to see the incredibly well-preserved tombs and chambers. 

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple complex is a sprawling site that differs from almost every other ancient landmark in the country. Luxor isn’t dedicated to a single god, king or queen, but was used as a ceremonial site for the crownings of Egyptian rulers. 

Numerous human-headed sphinx statues flank the path leading to the temple. At the entrance, two giant sandstone structures stand on either side, decorated with hieroglyphs and battle scenes. Inside, you will find several statues of gods, columns, and remnants of the past. 

Naama Bay

Found on the coast of the Red Sea, Naama Bay is a breathtaking stretch of beach that is mainly accessible through the Sharm El-Sheik resort. The 1.5km long beach is widely regarded as the best beach in the country. 

The clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, especially when you go a bit further out and discover the coral reef. There are also numerous snorkeling tours available if you want to find what is lurking beneath the surface. 

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina was first opened in 2002 and has enough shelf space to hold 8 million books, with the main reading area of the library measuring 20,000 square meters. 

This building is almost too large to process and is also more than just a library. It features specialized libraries for maps, multimedia, and the blind and visually impaired. It has four museums, four art galleries, 15 permanent exhibitions, a manuscript restoration lab, and a planetarium. 

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was built about 3000 years ago by the Pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is considered one of the best examples of ancient construction and a masterpiece of a building. 

On the central east-west axis, the temple served to receive the barque of Amun-Re, and the north-south axis was designed to represent the life cycle of the Pharaoh. A 1km causeway connects the building to its valley temple. 

Great Sphinx of Giza

Another incredibly recognizable structure is the Great Sphinx. The figure has the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of a falcon. While an exact date for its construction is unknown, experts believe the head resembles that of Khafre, a Pharaoh who ruled around 2600 to 2500 BC. 

The Sphinx can be found on the Giza Plateau, adjacent to the Great Pyramids. The Sphinx has also become a symbol of Egypt, seen on coins and money and depicted almost everywhere you go. 

As you can see, Egypt is home to many landmarks and structures that aren’t replicated anywhere else in the world. A holiday in this ancient and magical country is one you will never forget and one you will have difficulty matching. 

Andrew Wise

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Andrew Wise

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