Middle & Upper Egypt

The land of breathtaking temples, the path of the Holy Family, and warm, hospitable people

The area that stretches from the south of Fayoum to just north of Luxor can be referred to as Middle and Upper Egypt. Egyptians who live in this part of the country are known for their strength of character, generosity, values, and unique spoken dialect. The Holy Family passed through modern-day Asyut on their journey across Egypt. Suhag is home to two of the oldest Coptic monasteries in the world. Many ancient Egyptian monuments from the Middle and Old Kingdoms, as well as Graeco-Roman period, are nestled in the mountains, along the banks of the Nile and in the deserts of Middle and Upper Egypt.

What You Need to See

Al-Minya

Egypt’s seat of power during the reign of Akhenaten, Al-Minya has sites of interest from various historical periods.

Suhag

Suhag is home to the magnificent Abydos Temple and some of the earliest Coptic monasteries in Egypt.

Asyut

Asyut is a hub for Coptic history and monuments and home to a collection of ancient Egyptian tombs.

Bani Suef

Explore the 9th and 10th Dynasty capital of Lower and Middle Egypt, home to the Meidum Pyramid and the Necropolis of Dishasha.

Qena

Explore the striking beauty of one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples at Dendera.

Esna

Visit Esna Temple, one of the largest preserved temples from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods in Egypt.

DISCOVER

Hidden Gems

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.