Egypt is distinguished with its gushing Nile, ancient treasures, great history, vast deserts, warm sun, and cool beaches. However, Egypt has more to offer than you might expect. You don’t have to look through hundreds of holiday destinations around the world for your perfect vacation; Egypt has it all.
2020 is set to be the year in which the largest archeological museum in the world – Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum – will open its doors. If you have visited Cairo’s existing Egyptian Museum – in Tahrir Square – you may notice that the old museum is just a storehouse of Egypt’s ancient treasures, while the new one offers a special theme that leads visitors through a journey to the ancient Egyptian world. Moreover, the location of the Grand Egyptian Museum is very close to the Giza plateau, on the edge of the Western Desert and outside central Cairo, which gives it an outstanding overview out at the great pyramids and adds even more atmosphere.What makes it more interesting is Giza’s newly inaugurated Sphinx Airport, which set to operate domestic flights.
About Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum
In 1992, the Grand Egyptian Museum was firstly announced, to deal with what was considered a pretty unsatisfying selection of institutions showcasing Egypt’s great treasures. The location was chosen to be away from central Cairo’s infamous traffic. Also, the building is designed to give more than enough space to welcome the world and show them the best of Egypt’s inheritance. Therefore, the Grand Museum is built on a slope of 162-foot difference in levels between the Nile valley, the entrance, and the Giza plateau, where you can find the main galleries.
Many sculpture gardens are situated in the museum park. Once you reach the main atrium of the GEM, Ramses II massive statue will be there to greet you. Then, the Grand staircase appears to lead you from valley level to Giza plateau; it’s lined with 87 statues of Egyptian kings.
Coming to the main galleries–at the left from the staircase– they are divided into four eras:
Pre-dynastic: Up to 3100 B.C.
Old Kingdom: The pyramid builders
Middle and New Kingdom: Tutankhamun, Ramses, and Co.
Greco-Roman.
Unlike the old museum, these main galleries were organized according to themes: Religion (beliefs and eternity), Rulers(kingship and power), and Society. There is also a separate kids’ museum within the Grand Museum, which will use state-of-the-art visual tricks to show Egypt’s ancient world to young visitors.
In the end, you are led right back to a path of tall glass windows that overlooking the pyramids plateau.
But there are a number of other interesting reasons to visit Egypt… here are just some:
Visit one of the oldest ancient civilizations in the world
The Great Pyramids are the only surviving ancient wonder, along with ancient Egyptians’ statues and tombs continue to seize the attention of top archeologists and, of course, the whole world. The Egyptian civilization is still to be discovered to this day.
Experience the spirituality
Egypt is the perfect place to escape from your daily routine life; take a break to receive a unique spiritual rebirth. Egypt features a diversity of worship serene places, which allow you to open your mind and soul to a new different culture. Follow the footsteps of Moses; visit Mount Moses, also known as Jabal Al Tor, and located in the beautiful Sinai Peninsula, where you can enjoy diving, mountain climbing, hiking, and many other interesting activities.
Explore the longest river in the world
The Nile River is ranked as the longest river in the world; it extends above 6,695 km in length and flows into the Mediterranean. Furthermore, you can visit a number of Egyptian attractions through the Nile; the most prominent being Luxor and Aswan.
Experience desert safaris
Around 90% of Egypt is desert, which make it the perfect spot for a perfect desert adventure. Most of Egypt’s visitors like to ride camels or quad biking across the Western desert. While one of the best reasons to visit Egypt is to take your family to enjoy biking and camel riding across some of the greatest deserts of Egypt such as the Sinai Desert, the Great Sand Sea, the Blue Desert, the Libyan Desert, or the Eastern Desert for more thrilling adventures. The Egyptian desert offers the best way to escape from the city crowds and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Search for treasures in Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasisis is famous for therapeutic tourism; it offers a diversity of hot and cool springs that can cure bones, kidneys, respiratory diseases and skin problems. Its mud – in certain areas – is also known to cure skin problems. You can treat some of the physical injuries via sand-burying massages in Siwa.
Eat delicious food
Egyptian cuisine has been influenced by neighboring countries in the Middle East and whole over the world; it offers a wide range of dishes that full of tasty flavors. It’s said that the food in Egypt shapes its culture. Egyptians turn to food in times of happiness and grief; food is the highlight of any occasion.
Enjoy the moderate weather all year round
Egypt’s high season never ends; summer is the perfect time to take a dip and go diving, and winter is the best time to visit historic sites (most of them are located in desert areas), whereas autumn is good for a luxury Nile Crouse.
Get a cool tan on Egypt’s surreal beaches
Beaches in Egypt are amazing along with the soft white sands that are perfect for honeymooners, families, friends, and even solo travelers.The popular tourist areas in Egypt including, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh,MarsaAlam, Dahab, and Sinai. All of those amazing beaches are ideal for family holidays offering water sports activities, luxury entertainment, and unforgettable diving.
Egypt is an amazing country that offering rich and diverse culture; its people speak different accents, eat distinctive food, have interesting traditions, and even they wear different fashions that represent each city. Go wandering around Egypt and enjoy the experience.
Sherif Khalil is Owner of Dunes & Beyond. Dunes & Beyond offers luxury tours, Nile cruises and desert safaris in Egypt.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Sherif Khalil is the Chairman and Founder of Dunes & Beyond, a company he established after spending 11 years in the field of luxury tourism. Dunes & Beyond is a travel company that provides luxury tours, where tourists are sure to experience excitement and thrills, but with a 'five star' attitude. Egypt is one of the main destinations alongside Jordan, Sudan and Morocco. When tourists book with Dunes & Beyond, they gain access to private guided tours, the best Egyptologists, luxury accomodations and more. Dunes & Beyond is the first travel company in Egypt to offer glamping; having the fun of camping in the deserts, but in a more luxurious form. Having spent a lot of time with international VIPs, organizing and arranging high-end journeys, Sherif Khalil is set on a vision to fill the gaps left by other travel companies and is determined to provide the highest quality services to all travelers and tourists.
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18 Comments
Egypt has never really sprung to mind for me as a holiday destination but the more I read about it, the more I’m tempted. I’m really interested in ancient history so like the sound of the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Egypt is preparing from now to a legendary inauguration for this moment, The Museum will be next to The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Airport
Very interesting to learn about the opening of Sphinx Airport near Giza. That should make for much easier travelling in Egypt. It’s a big country and not that easy to get around.
I’m hoping that the Sphinx Airport will be seeing the wheels of some low cost carriers touching down. Are there any budget airlines operating out of there?
So far only scheduled flights, but hopefully in the future.
I’m contemplating a family trip to Egypt in the coming year. And was waiting for the inauguration of this Grand Egypt Museum all this time. Heard that there is a fabulous children’s museum too inside?? My elder one takes a keen interest in ancient artifacts and archielogical sites. So, this will be the first visit of its kind. But I am a bit skeptical of the desert safari. Ofcourse, I and the kids love the adventure but my wife is asthamatic. Hope the desert sand doesn’t exacerbate the condition? She had a terrible attack in the past on a desert safari due to the sandstorm- that too while we were honeymooning in Dubai. So, I am intrigued to know the best time of the year when there are minimum or no dust storms occuring in Egypt. Can some please shed light?
Hello David,
Th best time to visit Egypt including the safari trip is October & November.
However, with the global warming, no one can guarantee the weather conditions.
Best,
Sherif
Sure thing Sheriff!!
But October and November? So, that means my kids will have to take leave from school! And do you have any idea when exactly is the Museum opening? Will it be operational next year around this time??
Hi David,
it should be open at the last quarter of 2020. But known exactly when. It is always better to visit Egypt in Winter since the Summer is very hot. But also visiting Egypt during Summer means you will avoid the traffic in the sites and also rate are cheaper than Winter.
The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum reminds me of the world’s second largest architectural competition that was held to select the best proposed design, style, interior and exterior of the magnificent building prior to its construction. A couple of my friends participated. What a fierce and fiery competition it was!!! With over 1500 architects and companies participating from 82 different countries it became the talk of the town!
That was 2002…..now we are entering 2020.Aaahh time flies!!
Can’t wait to visit and explore this grand attraction.
It is a must see museum specially that it will be next to Giza Pyramids. The whole area is being restored now with lots of hotels and international airport.
The thought of a cruise along the Nile attracts me. It would be an easy way to see all the attractions, Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings and all that etc. Do the sights then back on board for G & T and dinner. No unpacking etc. Easy.
But what’s the state of the Nile at the moment? Is the water high enough to cruise all the way?
My brother went to Egypt three years ago and he said it was a once in a lifetime kind of experience, but he did find some of it daunting. I think that’s in terms of the police presence and there were issues with the airport on the way back. I know he wished he’d read up a little more on what to expect before he went there, but he was still glad he went.
I’ve always been fascinated with Egypt, probably because of when you learn about the mummies and pyramids as a kid and the place starts to take on this mysterious vibe. It must be fascinating to see these things for yourself, so get that authentic experience. He didn’t do a Nile cruise though I know he regretted not getting around to it, I think he just ran out of time in the end. I’d be interested in doing that. When’s the best time to go in terms of balanced weather but it not being too busy?
Egypt is on my bucket list, so maybe one day..!
Egypt completely changed now than three years ago, The area of the New Egyptian Museum will be completely different with several hotel, Tunnels and even a new airport.
The best time ti visit is October and November. No crowd in Summer time but it is very hot so i would recommend October and November.
Sherif
I love archeaology and anything about ancient Egypt. I don’t know why I’m fascinated with that seeing as I live halfway around the world. This is great news to me because I’m actually planning to go on a pilgrimage next year that includes Cairo as one of the stops. And I didn’t know they’d be opening a new and grander Egyptian museum that will be able to display even more artifacts. Perfect timing!
Glad to know you will visit Egypt soon, the new Egyptian Museum should be open at the last quarter of 2020.
Best,
Sherif
Only a few weeks left before 2019 ends, if you are planning a vacation next year, you may want to consider traveling to Egypt. Aside from the great pyramid of Giza, there are many destinations that one can visit and it will surely make your stay worthwhile. I have tried many of the activities featured in this article when I visited last year and it was an amazing experience. Giza, no matter how many times I’ve seen it in pictures and tv shows, is awe-inspiring in real life. Riding a camel though was another story. But I did it for the experience. I was already there, right?
Cool, I really want to visit Egypt but I doubt I’ll be able to do it any time soon. There’s a lot of history to explore and for whatever reason, I guess because of their politics, it seemed like a viable place to go early in the 20th century. I guess I should study more about it before getting there. To me, it’s one of the most adventurous places to visit in the world.
About Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum
In 1992, the Grand Egyptian Museum was firstly announced, to deal with what was considered a pretty unsatisfying selection of institutions showcasing Egypt’s great treasures. The location was chosen to be away from central Cairo’s infamous traffic. Also, the building is designed to give more than enough space to welcome the world and show them the best of Egypt’s inheritance. Therefore, the Grand Museum is built on a slope of 162-foot difference in levels between the Nile valley, the entrance, and the Giza plateau, where you can find the main galleries.
Many sculpture gardens are situated in the museum park. Once you reach the main atrium of the GEM, Ramses II massive statue will be there to greet you. Then, the Grand staircase appears to lead you from valley level to Giza plateau; it’s lined with 87 statues of Egyptian kings.
Coming to the main galleries–at the left from the staircase– they are divided into four eras:
About Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum
In 1992, the Grand Egyptian Museum was firstly announced, to deal with what was considered a pretty unsatisfying selection of institutions showcasing Egypt’s great treasures. The location was chosen to be away from central Cairo’s infamous traffic. Also, the building is designed to give more than enough space to welcome the world and show them the best of Egypt’s inheritance. Therefore, the Grand Museum is built on a slope of 162-foot difference in levels between the Nile valley, the entrance, and the Giza plateau, where you can find the main galleries.
Many sculpture gardens are situated in the museum park. Once you reach the main atrium of the GEM, Ramses II massive statue will be there to greet you. Then, the Grand staircase appears to lead you from valley level to Giza plateau; it’s lined with 87 statues of Egyptian kings.
Coming to the main galleries–at the left from the staircase– they are divided into four eras:
But there are a number of other interesting reasons to visit Egypt… here are just some:
Visit one of the oldest ancient civilizations in the world
The Great Pyramids are the only surviving ancient wonder, along with ancient Egyptians’ statues and tombs continue to seize the attention of top archeologists and, of course, the whole world. The Egyptian civilization is still to be discovered to this day.
Experience the spirituality
Egypt is the perfect place to escape from your daily routine life; take a break to receive a unique spiritual rebirth. Egypt features a diversity of worship serene places, which allow you to open your mind and soul to a new different culture. Follow the footsteps of Moses; visit Mount Moses, also known as Jabal Al Tor, and located in the beautiful Sinai Peninsula, where you can enjoy diving, mountain climbing, hiking, and many other interesting activities.
Explore the longest river in the world
The Nile River is ranked as the longest river in the world; it extends above 6,695 km in length and flows into the Mediterranean. Furthermore, you can visit a number of Egyptian attractions through the Nile; the most prominent being Luxor and Aswan.
Experience desert safaris
Around 90% of Egypt is desert, which make it the perfect spot for a perfect desert adventure. Most of Egypt’s visitors like to ride camels or quad biking across the Western desert. While one of the best reasons to visit Egypt is to take your family to enjoy biking and camel riding across some of the greatest deserts of Egypt such as the Sinai Desert, the Great Sand Sea, the Blue Desert, the Libyan Desert, or the Eastern Desert for more thrilling adventures. The Egyptian desert offers the best way to escape from the city crowds and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Search for treasures in Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasisis is famous for therapeutic tourism; it offers a diversity of hot and cool springs that can cure bones, kidneys, respiratory diseases and skin problems. Its mud – in certain areas – is also known to cure skin problems. You can treat some of the physical injuries via sand-burying massages in Siwa.
Eat delicious food
Egyptian cuisine has been influenced by neighboring countries in the Middle East and whole over the world; it offers a wide range of dishes that full of tasty flavors. It’s said that the food in Egypt shapes its culture. Egyptians turn to food in times of happiness and grief; food is the highlight of any occasion.
Enjoy the moderate weather all year round
Egypt’s high season never ends; summer is the perfect time to take a dip and go diving, and winter is the best time to visit historic sites (most of them are located in desert areas), whereas autumn is good for a luxury Nile Crouse.
Get a cool tan on Egypt’s surreal beaches
Beaches in Egypt are amazing along with the soft white sands that are perfect for honeymooners, families, friends, and even solo travelers.The popular tourist areas in Egypt including, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh,MarsaAlam, Dahab, and Sinai. All of those amazing beaches are ideal for family holidays offering water sports activities, luxury entertainment, and unforgettable diving.
Egypt is an amazing country that offering rich and diverse culture; its people speak different accents, eat distinctive food, have interesting traditions, and even they wear different fashions that represent each city. Go wandering around Egypt and enjoy the experience.
Sherif Khalil is Owner of Dunes & Beyond. Dunes & Beyond offers luxury tours, Nile cruises and desert safaris in Egypt.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Egypt has never really sprung to mind for me as a holiday destination but the more I read about it, the more I’m tempted. I’m really interested in ancient history so like the sound of the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Egypt is preparing from now to a legendary inauguration for this moment, The Museum will be next to The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Airport
Very interesting to learn about the opening of Sphinx Airport near Giza. That should make for much easier travelling in Egypt. It’s a big country and not that easy to get around.
I’m hoping that the Sphinx Airport will be seeing the wheels of some low cost carriers touching down. Are there any budget airlines operating out of there?
So far only scheduled flights, but hopefully in the future.
I’m contemplating a family trip to Egypt in the coming year. And was waiting for the inauguration of this Grand Egypt Museum all this time. Heard that there is a fabulous children’s museum too inside?? My elder one takes a keen interest in ancient artifacts and archielogical sites. So, this will be the first visit of its kind. But I am a bit skeptical of the desert safari. Ofcourse, I and the kids love the adventure but my wife is asthamatic. Hope the desert sand doesn’t exacerbate the condition? She had a terrible attack in the past on a desert safari due to the sandstorm- that too while we were honeymooning in Dubai. So, I am intrigued to know the best time of the year when there are minimum or no dust storms occuring in Egypt. Can some please shed light?
Hello David,
Th best time to visit Egypt including the safari trip is October & November.
However, with the global warming, no one can guarantee the weather conditions.
Best,
Sherif
Sure thing Sheriff!!
But October and November? So, that means my kids will have to take leave from school! And do you have any idea when exactly is the Museum opening? Will it be operational next year around this time??
Hi David,
it should be open at the last quarter of 2020. But known exactly when. It is always better to visit Egypt in Winter since the Summer is very hot. But also visiting Egypt during Summer means you will avoid the traffic in the sites and also rate are cheaper than Winter.
The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum reminds me of the world’s second largest architectural competition that was held to select the best proposed design, style, interior and exterior of the magnificent building prior to its construction. A couple of my friends participated. What a fierce and fiery competition it was!!! With over 1500 architects and companies participating from 82 different countries it became the talk of the town!
That was 2002…..now we are entering 2020.Aaahh time flies!!
Can’t wait to visit and explore this grand attraction.
It is a must see museum specially that it will be next to Giza Pyramids. The whole area is being restored now with lots of hotels and international airport.
The thought of a cruise along the Nile attracts me. It would be an easy way to see all the attractions, Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings and all that etc. Do the sights then back on board for G & T and dinner. No unpacking etc. Easy.
But what’s the state of the Nile at the moment? Is the water high enough to cruise all the way?
Hi Sue,
The best time to sail is October and November.
Best,
Sherif
My brother went to Egypt three years ago and he said it was a once in a lifetime kind of experience, but he did find some of it daunting. I think that’s in terms of the police presence and there were issues with the airport on the way back. I know he wished he’d read up a little more on what to expect before he went there, but he was still glad he went.
I’ve always been fascinated with Egypt, probably because of when you learn about the mummies and pyramids as a kid and the place starts to take on this mysterious vibe. It must be fascinating to see these things for yourself, so get that authentic experience. He didn’t do a Nile cruise though I know he regretted not getting around to it, I think he just ran out of time in the end. I’d be interested in doing that. When’s the best time to go in terms of balanced weather but it not being too busy?
Egypt is on my bucket list, so maybe one day..!
Hi Wendy,
Egypt completely changed now than three years ago, The area of the New Egyptian Museum will be completely different with several hotel, Tunnels and even a new airport.
The best time ti visit is October and November. No crowd in Summer time but it is very hot so i would recommend October and November.
Sherif
I love archeaology and anything about ancient Egypt. I don’t know why I’m fascinated with that seeing as I live halfway around the world. This is great news to me because I’m actually planning to go on a pilgrimage next year that includes Cairo as one of the stops. And I didn’t know they’d be opening a new and grander Egyptian museum that will be able to display even more artifacts. Perfect timing!
Hi Roise,
Glad to know you will visit Egypt soon, the new Egyptian Museum should be open at the last quarter of 2020.
Best,
Sherif
Only a few weeks left before 2019 ends, if you are planning a vacation next year, you may want to consider traveling to Egypt. Aside from the great pyramid of Giza, there are many destinations that one can visit and it will surely make your stay worthwhile. I have tried many of the activities featured in this article when I visited last year and it was an amazing experience. Giza, no matter how many times I’ve seen it in pictures and tv shows, is awe-inspiring in real life. Riding a camel though was another story. But I did it for the experience. I was already there, right?
Cool, I really want to visit Egypt but I doubt I’ll be able to do it any time soon. There’s a lot of history to explore and for whatever reason, I guess because of their politics, it seemed like a viable place to go early in the 20th century. I guess I should study more about it before getting there. To me, it’s one of the most adventurous places to visit in the world.