Experience Egypt

Try to guess how many spoons of sugar are in a pot of Bedouin tea while befriending the residents of Dahab, the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet.

Visit the Friday Market to check out Dahab’s local artisan scene and taste mouthwatering home-cooked snacks and baked goods.

Get a temporary traditional henna tattoo while relaxing on the beach and trick your friends back home into thinking it’s real!

Explore the underwater statues that have been placed to encourage coral reef growth at the Underwater Museum in the Lighthouse area.

Get your hair colorfully braided by Bedouin children who are ready to help you enjoy a fresh look at any of the beachfront cafes off Dahab’s main promenade.

Take a stroll through the Antoniadis Villa and Gardens, built to resemble a miniature version of Versailles in France. The villa and lush gardens date back to the 19th century and were owned by Sir John Antoniadis.

Visit the Cavafy Museum, which was once the apartment of renowned Greek-Alexandrian poet Constantine Cavafy (1863–1933). The small apartment is now a tribute to his life and his rich body of work with many of his documents and manuscripts on display.

Take a day trip to nearby Al-Qusair to explore an Ottoman-era citadel, visit a Roman port, and shop at a traditional souk (market).

Enjoy a dip in the exquisite Al-Nayzak, a natural turquoise blue pool 5,000 m in diameter and shaped like an eye. Local legend claims that the unique geological formation was created by a meteorite, but that theory has been debunked!

Take a camel safari through Wadi al-Gemal Natural Protectorate and stop to chat with the local Bedouins. Taste camel cheese and have several cups of special coffee ground with ginger and cardamom and brewed in a gebena, a traditional clay pot with a long neck.

Take a boat trip to White Island off the coast of Ras Muhammad—it’s only visible during low tide.

Go on a spiritual journey with a sunrise trek up to the top of Mount St Catherineit’s only two and a half hours away by car or bus.

Head to the Old Market and shop for local souvenirs and spices you didn’t even know existed.

Camp out under the stars at one of the Bedouin camps in Ras Muhammad or Nabq Protectorates.

The Sacred Sacristy Museum in the St Catherine Monastery, home tosome prized religious manuscripts, art, and icons.

The Church of St Catherine with its elaborately carved wooden door and the famous Mosaic of the Transfiguration, one of the monastery's most renowned treasures.

The Burning Bush where, according to scripture, God spoke to Moses.

A saltwater lake with a freshwater spring bubbling up in the middle—the salty water is believed to have healing powers.

The Keep, or Al-Qasr, the oldest tower in Wadi al-Natrun, built over a well and storehouse to keep the monks alive in the event of a long siege.

Go on a Zarda A Bedouin trip into the desert with a licensed tour agency where you can explore and enjoy a traditional meal of lamb or chicken cooked in a sand pit.

Swim in Al-Maya al-Baida Rent a private boat and go for a swim in these shallow waters that glow from the surrounding depths.

Enjoy a Mediterranean sunset and watch the clouds turn pink while enjoying a delicious meal at one of Al-Sahel’s many beach bars.

Join a fitness or yoga class by the sea. There are plenty of options to choose from, and the Mediterranean is an amazing backdrop for a workout.

Wake up early and take a walk on the beach; if you’re out before noon, you will most likely have the beach to yourself.

Try the locally-grown figs while you’re in Al-Sahel; this delicious fruit is at its best during the summer months.

Explore the hard and soft coral reefs with stunning marine life, including moray eels, barracuda, snappers, razorfish, rays, and some endangered sea turtles.

Sit with Bedouin women to learn more about their handmade crafts; they usually walk along the shore, stopping at each camp for an hour or so.

Dive off the shore at Abou Lou Lou House, ideal for beginners and experienced divers, as well as snorkelers. You can easily spot over a dozen lionfish here on any given day, and this reef is considered a “cleaning station” for bigger sea creatures.

Take a desert safari for a Bedouin BBQ dinner in the desert, complete with campfire stories and lots of tea with aromatic herbs.

A day trip to Utopia Island, a stunning natural bay with golden beaches and surrounded by gorgeous coral reefs and marine life.

The Well of the Martyrs, at the St Bishoy Monastery, where the Berbers allegedly washed their swords after they killed the Forty-Nine Martyrs of Scetis. The well still produces fresh water.

When visiting Philae, hop across to the neighboring island by boat for a view of its temples from a different vantage point! Great for photographs when the sunflowers are in bloom.

Ask a fuluka/boat captain to take you to a beach for a cool and safe dip in the Nile near the Nubian village of Gharb Soheil or on a small island near Philae.

Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, hibiscus tea has been served in Nubia. Make sure to try this beverage, served hot or cold, in its place of origin!

Check out the best views of Al-Bahariyya and the surrounding desert from Gabal al-Ingleez.

Cycle in and around Al-Bahariyya to explore the villages, springs, palm groves, orchards, and historical sites.

Hike up to Gabal Maghrafa, a mountain famous for the dinosaur fossil remains that were discovered there.

Ride in the only submarine operating in the Red Sea for an unbeatable panoramic tour under the water.

Take a boat ride in Lake Burullus in Kafr al-Sheikh and visit more than 20 islands located inside Egypt’s second-largest natural lake.

Buy traditional Akhmim cotton clothing and scarves from Suhag, which is known for hand-loomed cotton and linen textiles.

Visit the two colossal statues of baboons, the sacred animal to the god Thot, the deity of scholarship and writing, at the former site of Hermopolis, located an hour south of Al-Minya in Al-Ashmunein.

Explore the variety of fruits and herbs grown on Banana Island in Asyut.

Go dune jumping in Agabat Valley’s soft golden sand.

Visit Crystal Mountain, a geographical wonder of the White Desert.

Take a walk around the oasis gardens filled with palm, citrus, apricot, carob, and olive trees.

Bathe in the hot spring of Bir Sitta at sunset or at night for a magical end to your day.

Take an early morning bird-watching trip around Elephantine Island to see some magnificent birds and enjoy the peaceful quiet of Aswan.

Visit the Sharm al-Sheikh Museum where you can browse through collections depicting human civilization and culture with a focus on ancient Egypt.

The Christian monks of the monasteries of Scetis in Roman Egypt who were massacred by Berbers during a raid in 444 AD.

Charter a fully serviced dahabiyya, a two-masted sailing boat, to cruise up the Nile from Aswan to Lake Nasser and experience an unforgettable luxury tour of Abu Simbel and other ancient sites

Take a boat trip to Mahmya Island, an ecotourism project on Giftun Islands that is perfect for people who enjoy spending an entire day on the beach with excellent cuisine, beach sports, and fun activities for kids.

Go on a hike and climb your way through the mountains on a guided tour arranged by your hotel. You’ll get to explore a different side of the desert, along with a lovely bonfire and some traditional music.

Go horseback riding in the desert between Abusir and Saqqara to see the ancient monuments from the sand dunes

Blue Lagoon, Abu Galum, a global kitesurfing spot.

Catch an authentic whirling dervishes performance at Wikalat al-Ghuri.

Grab a bite to eat in one of Cairo’s rooftop restaurants and cafes for some panoramic views of the bustling city.

Hop on a camel for a beach ride led by a Bedouin guide along the shore or take a longer trip to a nearby Bedouin village to see a different side of Hurghada.

Explore the old fishing village of Al-Maqsaba on the banks of Lake Burullus and see a quietly preserved Egyptian way of life.

Take a felucca in the Delta’s calm waters passing by mud-brick villages, wading water buffalos, and catch a glimpse of the varied birdlife that thrives in the area.

Go dolphin watching off the coastline while enjoying a boat ride around Giftun Islands. They’re known to hang out here and love racing with boats while performing tricks!