Landmarks
Sharm al-Sheikh
World-renowned for the picturesque marine life that thrives under its turquoise blue waters, Sharm al-Sheikh is a captivating Egyptian Red Sea resort city nestled between Ras Muhammad National Park and the Nabq Protectorate. “Sharm”, as it’s referred to by Egyptians, first appeared on the tourist map in the 1980’s, but back then, it was mostly visited by dive enthusiasts who were captivated by its magnificent coral reefs and virgin beaches.
Fast forward four decades and Sharm al-Sheikh has grown into a full-fledged city with five-star hotels and resorts, restaurants, golf courses, shopping malls, and movie theaters. Its world-class conference facilities have hosted major global conferences and international peace summits, which is why Sharm al-Sheikh is also known as “The City of Peace."
With an international airport that receives flights from most European countries, Sharm al-Sheikh is an easily accessible beach holiday destination, perfect for both solo adventures and iconic family vacations.
Cairo & Giza
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and one of the world’s largest megacities, with a vast metropolitan area stretching out as Greater Cairo to include Giza and the outer suburbs that have developed to the east and west of the city center. The beating heart of the city is nestled and centered around the banks of Egypt’s majestic River Nile and its glistening waters that have served as a lifeline for Egyptians since the dawn of human civilization.
Present-day visitors will still find a flurry of activity on the banks of the river, from lively cafes and strolling couples to gently bobbing feluccas (traditional sailboats) gliding their way across the water. Cairo’s position as a major cultural, economic, and political hub for Africa and the Middle East makes this vibrant, cosmopolitan city a magnet for movers and shakers from all over the region and globe.
From the moment you set foot in Cairo, no matter the time of day or night, all your senses will be awakened. Sorry New York, Cairo is the city that truly never sleeps! Founded in 969, its Arabic name “Al-Qahira” translates as “The Victorious.”
Cairenes are always ready to get to know visitors from around the world, and friendly banter runs in their blood. You won’t be leaving Cairo without a new friend or two. If you want to put your finger on the pulse of the social and cultural life of the Middle East, there is nothing that compares to spending time exploring Cairo. Whether your curiosity takes you to the picturesque alleyways of medieval Cairo, the 19th century French-inspired modern streets and facades of Downtown, or toward a relaxing brunch and massage in one of contemporary Cairo’s upscale neighborhoods, you will surely have an unforgettable experience.
No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip to the famous Giza Pyramids. Venture west across the Nile and head to where the lush green countryside meets the desert in Giza, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Memphis and its Necropolis. Explore a land saturated in ritual, mystery, and cult ceremony. In the shadows of the Giza pyramids, you can begin your journey with a trek from north to south, exploring all the monuments that led to the construction of the most famous structures in the world.
Fayyoum
Known for lush farmland, picturesque dunes, the beautifully mesmerizing Magic Lake, and cascading waterfalls, Fayoum is one of Egypt’s best kept secrets. Home to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site Wadi al-Hitan (Whale Valley), Fayoum is also one of Egypt’s most significant ancient cities and an area steeped in history and culture.
While the destination is well-known as the perfect weekend getaway for residents because of its proximity to Cairo, it isn’t always featured on the international travelers’ itinerary, but it is worth a visit. All you need to do is hop in a car or bus, drive less than two hours southwest of Cairo, and you will find yourself transported to a serene oasis surrounding the enormous Qarun Lake, one of the oldest natural saltwater lakes in the world. You can spend a quiet day or weekend learning about Fayoum’s traditional art and pottery, relaxing and dining on traditional Egyptian countryside dishes, and embarking on desert adventures!
Alexandria
Known affectionately by Egyptians as the “Bride of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria is a charming coastal city and port founded in 331 BC by its namesake, the legendary Macedonian ruler, Alexander the Great. Located in the north of Egypt along the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria was one of the most important cultural and intellectual centers of the ancient world. Today, Alexandria is Egypt’s second largest city with a rich cosmopolitan history and a vibrant eclectic culture that make it one of the Middle East and North Africa’s most unique and beloved urban centers.
North Coast & Al-Alamein
The North Coast, known to Egyptians as “Al-Sahel” is the country’s go-to summer vacation destination. In July and August, summer vacationers from across the country migrate north to the coast where the cool sea breeze, white sandy beaches dotted with colorful umbrellas, and azure blue waters of the Mediterranean are a welcomed respite from the summer heat. Most Al-Sahel goers either stay in privately-owned vacation homes or vacation rentals in gated compounds with direct access to private beaches. In recent years, however, more and more five-star luxury and boutique hotels have developed across the coastline in Al-Alamein and Sidi Abdel Rahman, as well as further north on Caesar Bay, Sidi Heneish Bay, and Almaza Bay. So, grab your swimsuit and sunglasses and experience a relaxing summer on the beach!
Middle & Upper Egypt
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.
Dahab
90 km north of Sharm al-Sheikh’s bustling coastline lies a laid-back beach town that attracts tourists and residents from all over the world. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, Dahab is now one of Egypt’s top diving and windsurfing hotspots, with unparalleled pristine coral reef waiting to be explored. Even though water sports are very popular in Dahab, this seaside destination is also perfect for a low tempo vacation and an excellent place for extended stays that help people recharge. At Dahab, you can mingle with a diverse local community and make friends in the blink of an eye.
Wadi al-Natrun
Located in the desert at the halfway point between Cairo and Alexandria, Wadi al-Natrun is regarded as one of the most sacred places in the world for Christian monasticism. For 1,500 years, the monks of Wadi al-Natrun enjoyed the isolation of the desert, nestled in a quiet oasis of palm trees and lush greenery. This area is home to four remaining monasteries, each rebuilt and restored over the centuries to preserve its important heritage and magnificent Coptic art.
Siwa Oasis
Friendliness and smiles are infectious in Siwa, Egypt’s most remote desert oasis. Located 300 km southwest of , Siwa is a charming urban oasis. This desert sanctuary may be off the beaten path, but the effort it takes to get there is well worth it. As soon as you arrive, you will feel as if you have stepped into a completely different world with serene, picturesque landscapes and a unique North African culture. Crisp Siwan air, winding village streets, therapeutic salt lakes, multicolored sunsets, and fertile ground full of glittering palms and olive trees make visiting this destination an unforgettable experience.
Spend your days soaking in hot springs, floating on crystal-clear and shockingly blue salt lakes, and exploring fascinating ruins and archaeological sites that date back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Travel beyond the town limits and you’ll find yourself in the awe-inspiring Great Sand Sea where you can jump, climb, and glide on towering sand dunes.
Marsa Matrouh
Known for gentle turquoise bays and white sandy beaches, the coastal city of Marsa Matruh has been drawing people to its shores for centuries. While newer North Coast destinations may have taken over as the places to see and be seen, Marsa Matruh has maintained its status as Egypt’s traditional summer getaway with old-world charm and simplicity, which Egyptians remember fondly from classic movies of the 50’s and 60’s that were filmed in the laid-back seaside town.
Nuweiba
Located north of Dahab, Nuweiba’s stretch of coastline is dotted with camps and small hotels of varying sophistication. Rustic, straw-covered Bedouin-style huts, situated beneath a rust-colored mountain range, are a few steps away from shimmering turquoise waters, inviting you to wade in and disconnect from the world beyond shore. This area was reportedly a resting spot for pilgrims while on route to and from Mecca, holding an air of spiritual stillness and peaceful, raw beauty. Evenings give way to a blanket of sparkling stars while you cozy up around the campfire, enjoying the hospitality and stories of your Bedouin hosts.
Luxor
Soak in the sunshine, sink into glorious sunsets, and sail back in time. Luxor, Egypt’s open-air museum, holds the memories and chronicles of ancient Egyptian gods and royalty. Split into two halves, the East Bank and West Bank, by the River Nile, Luxor never fails to mesmerize its visitors. Be prepared to wander through the hallowed halls of time and feel very small standing in the shadows of this city’s massive painted columns, statues, and walls decorated with beautiful reliefs.
Al-Bahariyya
Explore Al-Bahariyya Oasis where ancient rituals, religions, and agriculture have created the rich cultural layers that make the village the peaceful escape that it is today. Located 370 km southwest of Cairo, it is the closest Western Desert oasis to the capital city. Hot springs with healing properties and the Valley of the Golden Mummies are the main attractions in this lush oasis that is filled with beautiful date palms and olive trees.
Taba
Located on the Red Sea’s picturesque Gulf of Aqaba, Taba is a magical spot for travelers who are looking for a low-key destination to relax and take in the serenity and natural beauty of the mountains and sea in South Sinai.
The Gulf of Aqaba is rich with coral reefs and diverse marine life, making Taba a prime diving and snorkeling destination. Declared a natural protectorate in 1998, Taba is also known for unique 5,000-year-old geological formations. The protected area is home to rare wildlife, significant plant communities, and Bedouin culture.
If it’s natural beauty that you crave, grab your sunglasses and a good book and head to Taba, where you can spend mellow days lounging on sparkling sandy beaches with no interruptions and no busy itineraries. You get to set the pace. But make sure you don’t leave without peeking underwater. Dive or snorkel in the bright blue waters of the Red Sea, where you will be transported into a new dimension.
Book a relaxing therapeutic session in a salt cave, go on a hike in the mountains, lounge on the beach of any of the area’s high-end hotels, or take a dip in the sparkling Red Sea waters. With picture-perfect views and naturally soothing vibes, Taba is the perfect destination for anyone looking to unwind in a simple, yet luxurious, location.
Aswan & Abu Simbel
Move further south down the Nile from Luxor and embrace the tranquility of Aswan, a city nestled in lush greenery with friendly and welcoming Aswani locals. The beauty of this city is tied up in exquisite landscapes, with deep blue Nile waters contrasting against vibrant green riverbanks and warm deserts beyond.
This timeless city has fascinated travelers for centuries, and there is much to experience. Here, you’ll find quiet islands housing historic temples, a rich Nubian culture to explore with all its warm hospitality, and many more hidden treasures. Take a break from sightseeing and walk through a heavenly botanical garden to enjoy the birdsongs and the scents wafting through the air.
Take a day trip even further south to discover the romantic beauty of Philae Island, the serenity of Lake Nasser, and the fascinating history of the monuments along its banks and on its islands, culminating in the magnificence of the temples of Abu Simbel. Because of their priceless historical significance, all of these sites are registered together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Delta
The Delta region’s character is embedded in its people and its abundance of agricultural land. What the Delta offers visitors today is a view of Egypt’s everyday life.
Al-Farafra Oasis
Located in Egypt’s Western Desert, the charming Al-Farafra Oasis sits in a land depression surrounded by the White and Black Deserts and the Great Sand Sea. The terrain in the deserts just outside of Al-Farafra is surreal; it will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the set of a Star Wars movie, but at Al-Farafra, the magic of the moment is real! So grab your desert gear, book a tour with a specialized and licensed operator, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Ras Sudr
Ideally situated on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Suez with a spectacular coastline stretching 95 km, Ras Sudr is known as a windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot thanks to its ideal year-round wind patterns. Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Cairo, Ras Sudr is perfect if you’re in the city and looking for a quick beach getaway. As it’s about 200 km away, you can drive up there yourself or simply catch a direct bus from Cairo.
Hurghada
What started as a fishing village on the Red Sea is now one of the top tourist destinations in Egypt. Luxury beach resorts, year-long sunshine, stunning coral reefs, and pristine coastline make Hurghada a popular spot for beach lovers from around the world. Grab your swimsuit and head south to plunge into the blue waters and sunbathe on sandy beaches. After a day of water sports, relax with a nice meal of delicious seafood while you watch the sun sink below the horizon.
Al-Dakhla & Al-Kharga Oases
In between the road that loops out into the Western Desert from Cairo reconnects with the Nile Valley at Luxor passes through four oases, including Al-Dakhla and Al-Kharga Oases. Kharga is the oasis furthest to the south and is the largest of the four oases along the highway that connects them. Dakhla is a series of small settlements spread out along the highway and offers beautiful scenery of the Western Desert oases.
Al Gouna
Al-Gouna is a popular and luxurious resort town 25 km north of Hurghada on the Red Sea, and it’s known for its world-class marinas packed with gorgeous yachts. With a growing multi-cultural residential community, it’s become the vacation home destination of choice for Egyptians, particularly in fall and winter. This lively town has countless amenities, including a fully equipped hospital, international schools, a football team, a conference hall, and plenty of transportation services for getting around easily. Winding turquoise canals and lagoons, hundreds of dining and entertainment spots, leisurely beaches, and a variety of outdoor activities that include kitesurfing and sailing make Al-Gouna a fun and family-friendly destination.
St Catherine
Concealed deep in the Sinai mountains at an elevation of 1,600 m above sea level lies the town and protectorate of St Catherine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This holy ground is sacred to all religions and holds spiritual significance as the divine spot where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Today, this rustic town is home to one of the world’s oldest continuously functioning Christian orthodox monasteries built on the site of Moses’ Burning Bush at the base of Mount Sinai. Visitors from around the world visit to marvel at the natural and historic significance of this area, and many feel a deep spiritual affinity with the land.
For nature lovers, St Catherine is also the perfect base from which to begin an exploration of the surrounding mountain range with its many trails and valleys. This is a fantastic opportunity to hike in total peace, surrounded by mountain crisp fresh air and raw beauty. Due to its high altitude, the town is one of the only areas in Egypt to regularly see a dusting of snow in winter.
Soma Bay
Situated south of Hurghada, the resort town of Soma Bay occupies a peninsula surrounded by tranquil waters and panoramic views of the mountains. White sandy beaches, five-star hotels, world-class spas, golf courses, and an array of water sports make this an ideal travel choice for romantic getaways and quiet, luxurious holidays.
Safaga
Located 53 km south of the bustling hub of Hurghada, the quiet seaside town of Safaga is known for its undisturbed beachfront and excellent dive sites. It’s an excellent place to unplug and bury your feet—or your entire body—in the white quartz sand, which is believed to have healing properties.
Marsa Alam
The Red Sea town of Marsa Alam is a true paradise for nature lovers, where remarkable mangrove forests nestle in shallow translucent pools of turquoise water. The proximity of the Marsa Alam International Airport makes this a convenient relaxing getaway for those in search of a sun-filled vacation on pristine beaches. Feel your stress melt away with leisurely beach strolls, dive and explore vibrant reefs, swim and snorkel in hidden lagoons, or retreat to nature reserves for camping and stargazing.
Al-Ain Al-Sukhna
Al-Ain al-Sukhna is the perfect weekend beach getaway from Cairo. Regardless of where you are in the capital city, Sukhna, as it’s known to Egyptians, is easily accessible by car or bus. If you’re staying on the east side of Cairo, it can take less than an hour door to door, and a bit longer if you are driving from the west side. It’s no wonder that many Cairenes choose to spend their weekends in this quiet, relaxing resort town on the Red Sea surrounded by golden mountains!
Events
11 Jul
Zahi Hawass in Germany: Unveiling Latest Archeological Discoveries
History
11 July - 12 July 2022
Berlin, Germany
27 Sep
200-year Anniversary Of Deciphering The Rosetta Stone
History
27 September - 27 September 2022
Alexandria
31 Oct
4 Nov
Celebrating 100 years since the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb
History
4 November - 6 November 2022
Luxor
7 Nov
15 Nov
17 Nov
29 Jun
26 Sep
22 Oct
5 Jun
7 Jun
12 Jun
14 Jun
16 Jun
18 Jul
19 Jul
15 Aug
16 Aug
16 Aug
19 Aug
2 Sep
6 Sep
20 Sep
Awladna International Forum For Arts and Gifted
Art
20 September - 27 September 2022
Cairo, Opera House
20 Sep
26 Sep
27 Sep
1 Oct
2 Oct
24 Oct
4 Nov
10 Nov
Tebes International Festival for Spontaneous Arts and Children's Theater
Art
10 November - 15 November 2022
Aswan
13 Nov
15 Nov
16 Nov
17 Nov
18 Nov
29 Nov
7 Dec
14 Dec
21 Dec
Turathna Exhibition 2024
Other
21 December - 22 December 2022
Egypt international Exhibitions Center, cairo
9 Jan
9 Jan
17 Jan
2 Feb
2 Feb
Ismailia international Festival for Documentaries & Shorts
Art
2 February - 16 February 2022
Ismailia
2 Feb
2 Feb
2 Feb
5 Feb
6 Feb
7 Feb
13 Feb
the 10th Annual Conference of the Egyptian Businesswomen Association
Other
13 February - 18 February 2022
Cairo
20 Feb
1 Mar
Elsawy Culture Wheel
Tourism
1 March - 31 March 2022
26th of July street, Zamalek - شارع 26 يوليو، الزمالك Cairo, Egypt 11211
1 Mar
1 Mar
1 Mar
Bibliotheca Alexandrina - مكتبة الاسكندرية
Tourism
1 March - 31 March 2022
Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 21526 Alexandria, Egypt 21526
1 Mar
1 Mar
SAWA TENT at Mohamed Ali Palace – A Ramadan Affair of Royal Splendor
Tourism
1 March - 30 March 2022
Mohamed Ali Palace
1 Mar
1 Mar
1 Mar
1 Mar
7 Mar
29 Mar
2 Apr
7 Apr
12 Apr
15 Apr
20 Apr
23 Apr
25 Apr
27 Apr
2 May
8 May
16 May
29 May
1 Jun
3 Jun
International Conference on climate and environment
Conference
3 June - 4 June 2022
League of Arab States and Nile University
5 Jun
12 Jun
15 Aug
18 Aug
20 Aug
1 Sep
18 Sep
25 Sep
25 Sep
25 Sep
1 Oct
1 Oct
1 Oct
7 Oct
8 Oct
12 Oct
Innovative Solutions for climate Resilience and Water Sustainability
Other
12 October - 16 October 2022
Cairo
19 Oct
25 Oct
8 Nov
8 Nov
11 Nov
International Exhibition of Contemporary Art - Forever Is Now
Art
11 November - 6 November 2022
Giza, Pyramids
12 Nov
24 Nov
The Royal philharmonic concert orchestra
Musical
24 November - 27 November 2022
Giza, Pyramids Panorama
25 Nov
Sharm Elshiekh International Theater Festival for Youth
Art
25 November - 30 November 2022
Sharm Elsheikh
12 Dec
18 Feb
18 Feb
18 Feb
18 Feb
