The 10 best tours in Egypt
21.07.2023 - 07:30
/ roughguides.com
Embark on a captivating journey through ancient wonders and modern marvels with our selection of the 10 best tours in Egypt. From exploring the iconic pyramids of Giza to cruising along the Nile River, these handpicked experiences will immerse you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of this enigmatic and historic country.
The only survivors among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza (called al-Ahram in Arabic) are one of the best tours in Egypt. Standing at the end of a boulevard (Shari’ al-Ahram) on the desert plateau above the western edge of Giza, across the river from Cairo, they can frequently be glimpsed from the city centre, shimmering in the distance through the haze of heat and dust.
The most striking aspect of the Pyramids of Giza is their size. But even with all the facts and figures, it is still hard to believe that these ancient structures remain in such a good state of preservation. The vision and workmanship of people 4,500 years ago in creating structures that would be the world’s tallest until the 14th century is staggering.
Marvel at the pyramids in Giza, explore busy Cairo, sleep on a luxurious sleeper train and explore more temples close to Luxor. This tailor-made introduction to Egypt is fast-paced, with several nights in Cairo at the beginning and end, enabling you to see many fascinating sights in Egypt.
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Sphinx pyramid Giza ©Shutterstock
There are many ways to enjoy the Nile, but it is hard to beat a cruise, on a modern cruise boat, a dahabeeyah or a simple felucca. Nineteenth-century travellers, including Flaubert, Amelia Edwards, Pierre Loti, Florence Nightingale and many others, sailed the Nile on wooden boats with cabins, propelled by two Latin sails.
Some of these vessels, which are a lot smaller than the cruise boats, have been restored and have started sailing the Nile again; others are being built in the same style. They make the journey from Luxor to Aswan slowly, usually taking six or seven days, and stopping at sites such as Gebel Silsilla and Al-Kab where the bigger boats can’t stop.
It is more expensive to travel on a dahabeeyah than on a regular cruise boat but in this age of mass tourism it is a privilege to see Egypt in all its tranquillity
They have a chef on board who cooks fresh food bought daily from the markets and farmers along the river. There is no pool, no hot tubs and no nightly entertainment. However, the experience is truly unique. Like Nile cruises, shop around the operators and look at a selection of options.
With this tailor-made Cairo & a luxurious Dahabieh sailing cruise, you will