Why visit Egypt? Is Egypt worth visiting? Why do tourists visit Egypt? Why should YOU visit Egypt? These are all questions which many people ask. In this post, we will look at the top reasons why so many people choose to visit this fascinating country. It is often said that everyone should try to visit Egypt at least once, and we agree.

When people think about Egypt’s ancient sites, the legendary Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx are often the first images that comes to mind. While the Giza Pyramids are certainly worthy of their reputation, there are many other ancient sites which are just as impressive. So, aside from famous Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, what are some ancient monuments which every visitor should try to visit? Let’s take a look…

The Temples of Ramses II – Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel temples are one of the most breathtaking tourist attractions in Egypt. These ancient temples are one of Egypt’s most recognizable ancient sites, second only to the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo. They really are one of the most remarkable representations of Ancient Egypt.

Most tourists who visit the Abu Simbel temples travel to Abu Simbel from either Aswan or Luxor. Getting there by road takes about 4 hours, but most people who have visited the site will say that it was well-worth the long drive. Many Nile River cruises will include a day-trip to the temples, traveling by road from Aswan. Most Lake Nasser cruises also stop at the Abu Simbel Temples.

As with so many other ancient Egyptian monuments, the temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel are best visited with a professional travel guide. If you happen to book one of our Nile Cruise and Stay packages, one of our guides will accompany you to all the sites listed in your chosen itinerary.

The Valley of Kings – Luxor

The Valley of Kings is an ancient royal necropolis. It is located on the west bank of the Nile River near the modern-day city of Luxor. The necropolis is home to more than 60 ancient tombs. Several of Ancient Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest here. Unfortunately, many of the tombs were broken into and robbed in antiquity. Even the mummies which once occupied them were removed.

One exception was the tomb of King Tutankhamun. His tomb was discovered during the early 20th-century. It was still sealed and intact. His mummy was still in the tomb, along with a huge collection of artifacts. Most of the artifacts are now on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, while his mummy is on display inside his tomb.

If you are looking for reasons to visit Egypt, the Valley of Kings is yet another reason why you should visit. Several of the tombs are open to visitors. Due to the immense popularity of this tourist attraction, it features in all Nile River cruises offered on our site.

Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complex – Luxor

These two temples give you two more reasons why Egypt is worth visiting. The Karnak Temple complex is huge. In its day, it was essentially a city of temples. Unfortunately, not much of the complex has remained intact, but don’t let that put you off from visiting the site. It is today the second-most visited ancient site in Egypt, second only to the Pyramids of Giza.

While the complex is today viewed as a vast open air museum, it was once a place of great religious significance. It is believed to have been one of the largest religious sites ever constructed, a task that took more than 2,000 years to complete.

Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple complex feature in all of our Nile River cruise itineraries. They also feature in many of our Nile Cruise and Stay vacations.

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – Luxor

Queen Hatshepsut’s temple is located on the west bank of the Nile River, not far from the Valley of Kings. It is truly a breathtaking site and is today considered to be one of Egypt’s “Incomparable Ancient Egyptian Monuments.”

Queen Hatshepsut was Ancient Egypt’s only true Egyptian female ruler. Under her rule, Egypt flourished which greatly benefited everyday Egyptians at the time. She was also responsible for the construction of many other impressive structures. However, it was her huge terraced mortuary temple which was the most impressive of all.

Nearly all quality Nile River cruises will include a visit to this temple while in Luxor. It is definitely one of the greatest ancient monuments in Egypt and one which all visitors should try see during their stay.

The Temple of Isis and Hathor – Aswan

While Aswan cannot compete with Luxor in terms of ancient tourist attractions, it does still have many to offer. One that really stands out is the Temple of Isis, also known as Philae Temple. It is believed to have been the last true Egyptian temple built by the Egyptians in antiquity.

It really is a wonderful place to visit. Many visitors find it hard to believe that this temple was relocated in entirety from its original location. If it had not been moved it would have been lost to the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

However, the temple was seen as being too valuable to lose. As a result, the entire complex was dismantled and then reassembled on higher ground. No visit to Aswan is complete with a visit to Philae Temple. For this reason, it is featured in nearly all good quality Nile cruises.

Why visit Egypt if you have already visited before and seen all of the most popular ancient attractions? Is Egypt worth visiting for reasons other than sightseeing? Absolutely! There is a lot more to Egypt than only ancient pyramids, temples and tombs. In fact, one of Egypt’s biggest draws is year-round good weather.

Thousands upon thousands of people visit Egypt each year, not for sightseeing, but for a relaxing holiday. Many visit for the country’s SCUBA diving opportunities, while many just want a relaxing holiday on Egypt’s beautiful Red Sea coast.

A lot of airlines even offer direct flights to places like Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada from a number of countries in Europe. Of course, there are also regular domestic flights from Cairo to these popular coastal cities.

The Egyptian government has also made it even easier to visit this part of Egypt which is known as Sinai. They have done this by waiving visa requirements. Today, the citizen of many countries can visit the Sinai region without a visa. However, you can only stay in the country for a maximum of 14 days, and you cannot travel outside of the Sinai region. This is great for those who simply want to enjoy a vacation near the sea.

Egypt’s coastline has some of the world’s best dive sites. With crystal-clear waters and hundreds of breathtaking coral reefs that are teaming with aquatic life, SCUBA diving in Egypt is like a dream come true. Quite understandably, places like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are full of dive shops. Most cater for all skill levels, and many also offer internationally recognized SCUBA diving courses.

The industry is highly regulated, with dive schools and dive boat operators having to follow strict safety regulations. Some dive sites are, for example, off limits for novice divers and/or beginners. Providing you book through a reputable tour operator, dive trips are very professional and very safe.

SCUBA diving trips offered on our own site usually include visiting two or three different dive sites on a modern and fully equipped dive boat. Lunch is provided along with free drinking water and soft drinks. All equipment is also included in the price, and a fully certified diving guide accompanies you during all dives.

If you are a SCUBA diving enthusiast, or if you are eager to start diving, you now have one more excellent reason for visiting Egypt.

Why visit Egypt only to spend most of your vacation surrounded by sand in a sweltering desert? You would be surprised by the number of people who visit Egypt for precisely this reason. Maybe they have already seen all the popular monuments they wanted to see. Maybe they just want to take a break from city life, and enjoy the sort of tranquility which the Sahara has plenty of.

Contrary to what so many people believe, the Sahara Desert is not just sand dunes as far as the eye can see in all directions. In fact, only a relatively small percentage of the Sahara consists of sand dunes.

What also surprises many people who venture into this mighty desert, is the sheer number of ancient artifacts waiting to be seen and explored. Not only are there countless ancient treasures to be seen and explored, but the chances are you will have them all to yourself. Don’t be surprised if you don’t encounter even one other tourist during your trip into the desert.

Sleeping under the desert sky is an experience which is simply beyond words. It is only in remote areas like this, miles and miles away from any light pollution, that one can see the true splendor of the night sky. It is a sight which people remember for the rest of their lives.

Despite its beauty and tranquility, the Sahara Desert can also be deadly for those who don’t show it the respect it deserves. Under no circumstances should tourists attempt to explore the Sahara without a knowledgeable and experienced guide.

If you want to experience the mighty Sahara, we recommend booking a desert-themed tour from a reputable Egypt tour operator. We also recommend looking for a tour package that also includes a visit to the White Desert, preferably with some desert camping as well.

A journey through Egypt can be a culinary adventure unlike anything you have experienced. No matter where about in the country you are, you will find vendors and restaurants selling a vast variety of tasty foods and treats and other types of Egyptian food. You can literally eat something different at every meal time every day during your vacation. Egyptian cuisine is famous, and for good reason.

Dishes, flavors and cooking styles also vary considerably from one part of the country to the next. No matter where you go, you will find something which you have not tried before. Egypt is also famous for its street food and snacks, all of which are ridiculously affordable. If you remain in the country too long, expect to put on weight.

Egyptian people are notoriously friendly. Don’t be surprised if strangers approach you in the street if you appear to be lost or confused about something. This is especially the case outside of the larger cities. Admittedly, some venders and touts can be very pushy, to the point of coming across as being rude. However, it would be hugely unfair to see all Egyptians in the same light.

Such is the friendliness of the Egyptians, that many of our past clients have enjoyed long lasting friendships with our guides who accompanied them during their stays in Egypt.

Egypt is a fascinating country, and it literally has plenty to offer all those who choose to visit. Whether you are traveling on a shoestring budget, or whether you want a luxurious vacation in the sun, Egypt can deliver.

Why visit Egypt? Because lifelong memories are GUARANTEED! Visit us now to see our epic range of Egypt Vacations holidays or to book your dream vacation today.