Filled with iconic landmarks and incredible landscapes, Egypt has a rich history and strong culture.  This is the Land of the Pharaohs and is home to one of the world’s greatest civilizations.

Egypt is filled with temples, mummies, pyramids and hieroglyphs and also has world class diving and incredible nightlife.

A week is barely enough time to scratch the surface.  

Top 5 Experiences in Egypt

1. Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Pyramid Complex, also called the Giza Necropolis, is the site on the Giza Plateau.  This includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World,  the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure as well as the Great Sphynx.  It also contains the boat of Khufu.  

Get there early before the crowds.  We also recommend attending one of the night shows.  It is a bit kitschy, but is well worth going and experiencing the Pyramids at night.

2. Aswan and Abul Simbel

Hire a driver and Egyptologist and leave early in the morning.  You will be driven through the desert on get to Abul Simbel in about three and a half hours.  On the way back, stop for a break and admire the desert.

Skip hiring a Fallucca in Cairo.  Hire one in Aswan and take a one hour to an hour and a half ride.  Try to schedule during sunset and be amazed at the sights including the Old Cataract Hotel from Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, hieroglyphics, and the Botanical Garden.

We recommend going with your Egyptologist and be driven to Luxor stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu.  Definitely take the agriculture road and experience the daily life of average Egyptians.

As an alternative to driving, if you have enough time, take a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan or from Aswan to Luxor.  On a 3 day cruise you will still see Kom Ombo and Edfu.

3. The Valley of the Kings & Luxor

The Valley of the Kings is an amazing area.  Your ticket will include entering 3 tombs.  King Tut’s tomb will cost extra but is worth it.

Karnak and the Luxor Temple are outstanding and not to be missed.  If you have time also stop and see the Colossi of Memnon.

To properly experience Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, 3 days is needed.

4. Visit Saqqara

Saqqara is about an hour’s drive from Cairo and definitely don’t miss.  Seeing the Bent Pyramid, Step Pyramid and the Red Pyramid were highlights. Also, the Imhotelp Museum is worth a visit. 

The best aspect of visiting Saqqara is that you will leave the crowds behind when visiting.

5. A side trip to the Red Sea

For world class diving and resorts, head to the Red Sea and you will not be disappointed. 

Don’t do like a lot of people and skip the rest of Egypt and just go to the Red Sea.