Egypt travel that takes advantage of Egypt’s geography is far superior to any rush through Egypt trying to see everything. Egypt is a combination of history, cities, cruises, beaches, desert, and culture. When planning a tour of Egypt, there is much that can be accomplished logically and without too much shifting of gears.
The tour plan will definitely be drawn up considering your speed, interest, and budget. Whereas some individuals are interested in visiting the archaeological sites around the clock, there are those who would love to visit the temples, taste Egyptian food and go on a Nile cruise.
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Start With Cairo and Giza
The modernity and past of Egypt are represented in Cairo, and it would be fantastic to start the trip from there. One should always remember about spending enough time in order to visit the Giza Plateau, the main museums, mosques, churches, bazaars, and the sights on the banks of the Nile River.
All these places constitute the UNESCO World Heritage site, “Memphis and its Necropolis.” Today, the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the only Wonder of the Ancient World left standing.
Two days should be spent in Cairo and Giza, if possible. Running around in one day means that much time will be wasted in traffic jams, and not enough time for visiting all the sights.
Things to Include in an Effective Egypt Travel Package
The tour should be easy without being too restrictive. It should have specific information about airport transfers, domestic transport, accommodation grades, entry fees, guides, meals, and additional tours. Verify whether the quoted cost covers any internal flights or train fares to travel longer distances.
Consider the amount of free time included in the travel package. A fully occupied schedule could get monotonous after a few days of traveling. An effective travel package should balance guided tours and free time.
While comparing operators such as MSM Travel Egypt, pay more attention to the actual itinerary and not the number of places to visit. You can ask how much time you will spend in each place of interest, how you will travel, and the nature of the guides.
Include Luxor to See the Great Temple Landscapes of Egypt
The city of Luxor requires some number of days since most of the major sights in the city can be found in both sides of the Nile River. The East Bank is known to have Karnak and Luxor temples while the West Bank has royal tombs, mortuary temples, and Valley of the Kings. The Egypt Tourism Board also recommends Hatshepsut’s Temple in addition to the valleys of Kings and Queens.
Starting your day early is more comfortable, particularly when the weather is hot. This might allow you to enjoy the attraction quietly without big crowds.
A Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan Can Be Considered
The Nile cruise enables you to carry fewer clothes and be linked to several archaeological sites via the river. There are many Nile cruises that operate from Luxor to Aswan. The dahabeya is one such smaller ship that offers an easy-paced mode of cruising.
While making arrangements for a cruise, one needs to take into account various things such as cabin size, meal arrangements, excursions, guides and docks. The cheapest cruise may not necessarily be the most beneficial one because other charges will be there for transfers, excursions, entrance fees etc.
Those who plan to go on Egypt travel packages with a cruise also need to find out the timings of sightseeing in advance.
Slow Down in Aswan and Visit Abu Simbel
Aswan offers a more laid-back ambiance compared to Cairo and Luxor. It is ideal for those wanting to relax, enjoy river views, Nubian culture, island-hopping, and taking it easy after hectic sightseeing. Philae Temple is one of the important sites here, and Abu Simbel can also be incorporated as a different day visit.
Nubian monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae have been declared a World Heritage site. A number of temples have been relocated as part of an international effort to save these monuments from flooding caused by the construction of Aswan High Dam.
Abu Simbel needs additional time, so do not try to include it in your schedule if the day is too tight.
End With the Red Sea or a Desert Break
Several days into your itinerary of temples and museums, a sea holiday makes complete sense. The Red Sea offers activities such as snorkeling, diving, boat trips, and restful vacations. It is important to note that the Egyptian Tourism Authority stresses the significance of Nile and Red Sea holidays.
Vacationers who are interested in well-equipped resort areas can go for either Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. Vacationers who prefer a less grand area can opt for Dahab. Vacationers who have more vacation days can think of visiting Siwa or some other desert place.
Such an extension makes it possible to create a balanced itinerary before leaving Egypt.
Select the Right Timing to Suit Your Touring Preference
Egypt can be visited at any time of the year; however, there will always be variations in the climate throughout the different seasons. The official advice about visiting Egypt states that the winter period is relatively cool in temperature, while summers get quite hot in the desert areas and south destinations such as Luxor and Aswan.
If you are a touring enthusiast who likes to explore the open sites archaeologically, it will be more comfortable in the cool period of time to do so. Summer tours can also work well for you, but only if you start early and allow yourself breaks and proper hydration during the day.
Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable shoes should be taken. A light jacket can be helpful on cool evenings.
Check Visa Requirements Prior to Payment for the Trip
Visa requirements differ according to one’s nationality; hence it is advisable to check the regulations prior to making any payment for the services that cannot be refunded. The official website of the Egypt e-Visa provides the list of nationalities eligible for the Egypt visa, as well as information about having a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and other travel details.
Design a Tour Program That Will Be Compliant with Your Speed
First time tour program of seven days may concentrate on Cairo and Luxor or Cairo and short Nile trip. If you will have 10-12 days available, then it is possible to design a tour program with Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. For two weeks it would be possible to also include Abu Simbel, cruise and beach/desert trip.
Good tour programs for Egypt must allow you to do more, but not make your days too exhausting. Ask about reasonable transfer times, less hotel changes and some leisure time for every destination.
At the end of the planning stage, it would be wise to compare the program prepared by the operator (MSM Travel Egypt or another one) and your own needs.
How to Make the Most of Egypt?
Exploring Egypt is more pleasant when there is some planning to the journey and time for relaxation. Cairo and Giza are great to begin with, Luxor and Aswan are guaranteed to bring history to life, and the Nile River will serve as a means of connecting many amazing destinations.
The travel can be planned according to one’s pace of travel, mode of transport, accommodation, guides, and interests.
