Egypt Sightseeing

Dashur
A dramatic contrast to the bustle of Giza and Cairo, Dashur can be found further south from Saqqara and sees virtually no visitors year round. You may find that you are virtually the only people present, with the exception of the occasional police guard. The Red Pyramid is situated in Dashur and is as big and impressive as the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is home to beautifully adorned rooms, narrow stone doorways and several vaulted ceilings.

Deir el Medina
This houses the remains of a village that was once home to the craftsmen responsible for the royal tombs. Deir el Medina was once a heavily populated town where workers ranging from masons to painters raised their families. Craftsmen who resided here decorated their own tombs with delicately painted scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt; a complete contrast to the formal paintings on the royal tombs

Edfu
Edfu can be found halfway between Aswan and Luxor. It is home to the Temple of Horus, one of the top preserved temples in Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this large temple has many important features including several chambers and halls which are all decorated with incredible wall drawings and high columns.

Great Pyramid of Giza
Visiting the pyramids of Chephren, Cheops and Mencerinus is an unforgettable experience. Ramps lead down into the pyramids and are ideal for children, while adults have to bend over to climb in. Once inside, the pyramid houses high ceiling galleries. It is a truly awe-inspiring sight which is equalled by nothing else on Earth.

Saqqara
Similar to Cairo but with a less dense tourist population, Saqqara is home to the Step Pyramid. The north side of the Step Pyramid is famous for the peek hole located in a stone shed, where it is possible to see a statue of Zoser inside. Live scarab beetles can be spotted throughout many tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti. Tour guides will often offer to grab a bug for a souvenir – you do not need to accept it.

Valley of Kings and Queens
The Valley of Kings and Queens is home to an impressive number of tombs. Extravagant tombs such as that of Thutmosis III can be found here. This tomb makes its visitors climb a 30-meter ladder in order to fully experience its magnificence. The tomb of Khaemsawet displays a scene of Ramses introducing his son to Anubis and other gods of the afterlife. The painting shows the prince groomed and dressed like a typical village boy.

Day trip to Aswan
The Aswan High Dam and the temple of Philae are Aswan's two biggest attractions. The temple of Philae is on an island which is only accessible by boat; it's a big hit among adults and children alike for its fun factor. The Aswan High Dam offers a breathtaking view of Lake Nassar. Impressive diagrams near the dam describe how the dam was constructed.

Relax in a café
Throughout your holiday, you'll find that you are in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities as well as the often draining experience of shopping in Egypt. Whether it is day or night, traditional cafés offer an ideal way of unwinding and resting tired feet. Local men can often be seen enjoying a drink and some animated conversation in one of these cafés but local women never visit them.

Ride horses and donkeys around the pyramids
Riding a horse or donkey is often the most practical and sometimes the only way of exploring the areas famous for their pyramids. There are no roads in the areas northwest of the main pyramids and horseback is the ideal way of exploring the desert freely. Those on horseback are also less likely to be approached by men posing as guides as well as souvenir sellers

Ride on the Nile
Whether it's on a river taxi, felucca or motor launch, a cruise on the Nile is a must for any visitor to Egypt. Rented by the hour, boat excursions are an enjoyable way to spend the day, or even just an hour. The felucca is a sailboat and also an incredibly pleasant way of travelling along the river. The African Queen motor launch is relaxing with its comfortable cushions and freshly served teas. Popular destinations to visit while travelling the Nile are the Banana Islands and Qanatar.

Visit the Egyptian Museum 
One of Egypt's most noted tourist attractions, the Egyptian Museum, is a large imposing place displaying a number of Ancient Egypt's artefacts. You don't need to be a frequent museum-goer to enjoy the delights of the Egyptian Museum; the gold displayed in the Tutankhamun collection as well as the skeletal faces of unwrapped mummies are enough to keep most visitors entertained. The Tutankhamun section is dedicated to King Tut and is filled with treasures found at his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. King Tut's mummy was mistreated during examination and was therefore not in a good enough condition to be transported to Cairo. His throne, bed, coffins, funeral mask, papyrus as well as other objects are all on display inside the museum.

Watch a local soccer game
They say to truly enjoy a country; visitors must live like a local. Watching a soccer game on the West Bank is a fun way to spend the afternoon. You will be surrounded by locals and an extremely friendly and excited atmosphere. Whatever age or gender you are, you will be warmly welcomed and might even be invited to play a game yourself.