Things To Do In Egypt

Stop and stare at the Great Pyramids of Giza

A visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the top places to visit in Egypt, is nothing short of a dream come true for most travellers around the world. They are, however, not the oldest in Egypt. That distinction goes to the Step Pyramid of Zoser or Djoser, the world’s oldest known stone monument. The three Great Pyramids of Giza, meanwhile, are the tombs of the Pharaohs Khufu (or Cheops), Khafre (or Chephren) and Menkaure. The complex also houses the Great Sphinx, which brings to mind the last lines from Shelley’s sonnet, Ozymandias: 

‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ 
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay 
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare 
The lone and level sands stretch far away. 

A complex of smaller pyramids and stone tombs or mastabas surround these main monuments, believed to hold the remains of Queens, royal families and officials of the Pharaohs. Our expert guides can arrange for a morning excursion to Giza, with a delicious lunch at Mena House or 9 Pyramids Lounge, both with excellent views of the Great Pyramids.

Discover the grand temples of Luxor

There is nothing quite like the grand scale of the monuments surrounding Luxor anywhere in the world. And then imagine, if you can, the river Nile cutting across this stunning landscape. While the river’s east bank houses the famous Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple, the west bank is home to the royal necropolis of ancient Thebes with a staggering share of tombs and temples. 

The Temple of Karnak is one of the most famous places in Egypt. Its highlight is a massive hall filled with equally tall and massive columns to hold up the roof. Make sure to enter the hall when sunlight from the skylights dramatically light up the ancient inscriptions on the wall that have been miraculously preserved to this day.  Or stay into the evening, for an impressive Sound and Light Show.

Our expert guides will take you through each architectural detail and the main hieroglyphic symbols, if you wish. The Luxor Temple, standing a couple of miles south of Karnak, is just as impressive and among Egypt’s top tourist attractions.

Explore the Valley of the Kings at Luxor

Visiting the west bank of Luxor is also among the best things to do in Egypt. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds the Valley of the Kings, where the Pharaohs of ancient Thebes lie buried. Luxor’s west bank, overlooked by the Al Qurn mountain, has functioned as the burial site of Pharaohs and their royal retinue for millennia. Among famous places in Egypt to visit, the vast necropolis includes the tombs of the Pharaohs Ramses III, Seti I and Ay. 

Our guides will help you navigate the magnificent burial chambers, etched with paintings and spectacular hieroglyphs that tell tales of Pharaohs and spell out prayers from the sacred Book of the Dead.

Visit the Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

Among the many treasures of the west bank, the most striking is perhaps the Temple of Hatshepsut, overlooking the Nile. This mortuary temple has been recently restored to its ancient glory. Don’t miss the depictions of rural life and religious rituals of ancient Egypt etched on the temple walls, which our guides will point out to you in detail. Also not to be missed when exploring the west bank are the Colossi of Memnon. These two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III guard the entry to his mortuary temple, now in ruins. 

We arrange hot air balloon rides over Luxor for you to take in the massive landscape spanning the east and west banks of the Nile. Aerial views of the city at sunrise are the stuff of magic. Watch ancient Theban temples, royal tombs and local farmlands float by below, while the river Nile glimmers in the sunlight across the distant horizon.

Pay homage to the sun at Abu Simbel

Four giant statues carved out of the rock face greet you before the magnificent Sun Temple of Abu Simbel. Built by Pharaoh Ramses II, both the temple and the statues are believed to represent his military might that stretched from Africa to Lebanon across the Red Sea. The colossal giants are said to represent Ramses II, and the major gods of Egypt – Ra, Amun, and Ptah. Deified as the sun god himself, the temple of Abu Simbel was established for worshiping the Pharaoh.

Of diving, snorkelling, hiking and hitting the food trails  

There’s more to Egypt than its UNESCO World Heritage status. From food walks in Cairo to hiking along the Red Sea Mountain Trail, we create immersive experiences for you. 

Visit the fishing village of Hurghada along the Red Sea coast for a relaxed diving trip. The islands and reefs near Hurghada are home to an abundance of marine life, spectacular coral reefs and sunken wrecks. We arrange customised Red Sea snorkelling tours for experienced as well as first-time divers. 

For a truly immerse experience, join us on a visit to traditional Nubian villages known for their colourful homes and warm hospitality. Stroll down the village streets lined with brightly coloured houses, shops and eateries. Interact with the local community and share a meal with a village family to get to know them better.

Explore the best Egypt has to offer with personalised visits to the country’s popular sites as well as little-known gems. Get in touch with us for a tailor-made holiday itinerary.