Egypt Travel Guide 2025: Complete Guide to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria & Red Sea

Giza Plateau & The Great Pyramids Must-See

The last surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza continue to awe visitors nearly 5,000 years after their construction. The complex includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure, and the enigmatic Sphinx.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid crowds and heat, or late afternoon for golden hour photography.

Photography Tips: Use a wide-angle lens for pyramid shots, bring a telephoto for capturing details, and don't miss the Sound & Light Show for dramatic night photography.

Insider Tip: The panoramic viewing area offers the classic pyramid lineup shot. For unique perspectives, consider a camel or horseback ride around the plateau.

Key Attractions:

• Great Pyramid of Khufu: The largest and oldest of the three
• Sphinx: The legendary lion-bodied guardian
• Solar Boat Museum: Houses the reconstructed Khufu solar ship
• Camel Rides: Traditional way to explore the plateau

Egyptian Museum & Downtown Cairo

Home to the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection.

Highlights: The Royal Mummy Room, Tutankhamun's golden mask and treasures, and artifacts from every period of ancient Egyptian history.

Photography: Natural light from the skylights creates beautiful lighting conditions. Flash photography is prohibited in many areas.

Nearby Attractions: Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo's architecture, and the Nile Corniche.

Downtown Cairo Exploration:

• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Centuries-old market perfect for souvenirs
• Al-Azhar Mosque: One of Cairo's oldest Islamic monuments
• Islamic Cairo: Historic district with mosques and madrasas
• Coptic Cairo: Ancient Christian churches and the Ben Ezra Synagogue

Islamic & Coptic Cairo Hidden Gem

Beyond the pyramids, Cairo's historic districts offer rich cultural experiences that many tourists overlook.

Islamic Cairo Highlights:

• Citadel of Saladin: Medieval Islamic fortification with Mohamed Ali Mosque
• Sultan Hassan Mosque: Masterpiece of Mamluk architecture
• Al-Muizz Street: Historic thoroughfare with magnificent Islamic monuments
• Bayt al-Suhaymi: Well-preserved 17th-century house

Coptic Cairo Highlights:

• Hanging Church: One of Egypt's oldest churches, built over Roman gatehouse
• Coptic Museum: Collection of Christian Egyptian artifacts
• Ben Ezra Synagogue: Oldest Jewish temple in Cairo
• Church of St. Sergius: Traditional site where Holy Family stayed

East Bank: Temples of the Living

Luxor's East Bank represents the world of the living in ancient Egyptian cosmology, home to magnificent temples where gods were worshipped.

Karnak Temple Complex:

The largest religious building ever constructed, Karnak is a vast open-air museum that took over 2,000 years to build. Its highlight is the Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 massive columns.

Photography Tip: Visit at sunrise when the light filters through the columns, creating dramatic shadows and highlights.

Luxor Temple:

Located in the heart of modern Luxor, this temple is beautifully illuminated at night. Unlike other temples, it's not dedicated to a god but to the rejuvenation of kingship.

Best Time: Late afternoon through evening to see the temple in both daylight and dramatic lighting.

Luxor Museum:

Features a beautifully curated collection of artifacts from the Theban temples and necropolis, including royal mummies and statues from the Tutankhamun cache.

West Bank: City of the Dead

The West Bank of Luxor is home to the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, where pharaohs and nobles were buried for nearly 500 years.

Valley of the Kings:

The burial place of Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II. Your ticket includes entry to three tombs (Tutankhamun requires separate ticket).

Must-See Tombs: KV62 (Tutankhamun), KV9 (Ramses V/VI), KV17 (Seti I - requires extra ticket)

Valley of the Queens:

Burial place of queens and royal children. The most famous is Nefertari's tomb (currently requires special permission), renowned for its exquisite paintings.

Other West Bank Highlights:

• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut: Dramatic terraced temple built into cliffs
• Medinet Habu: Mortuary temple of Ramses III with vibrant reliefs
• Colossi of Memnon: Two massive stone statues of Amenhotep III
• Ramesseum: Mortuary temple of Ramses II
• Nobles' Tombs: Less crowded with beautifully preserved scenes of daily life

Aswan's Iconic Sites

Aswan offers a more relaxed pace than Luxor, with beautiful Nile scenery and important archaeological sites.

Philae Temple:

Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The boat ride to the island is part of the experience.

Sound & Light Show: Highly recommended for dramatic evening photography

Abu Simbel:

The monumental temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, relocated to save them from Lake Nasser. The twice-yearly solar alignment (February 22 and October 22) illuminates the inner sanctuary.

Getting There: Early morning convoy or flight from Aswan

Aswan High Dam:

An engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser and controls the Nile's floods. The viewpoint offers perspective on its massive scale.

Unfinished Obelisk:

Provides insight into ancient stone-working techniques. This massive obelisk cracked during quarrying and was abandoned.

Nubian Villages & Elephantine Island

Experience the vibrant culture of Egypt's Nubian people and explore the historic Elephantine Island.

Nubian Villages:

The colorful villages on the West Bank offer authentic cultural experiences. You can visit local homes, see traditional crafts, and learn about Nubian heritage.

Photography: The brightly painted houses make excellent subjects, especially in the golden hour light

Elephantine Island:

Home to the Aswan Museum and the ruins of Abu, an ancient settlement. The Nilometer here was used to measure the Nile's water level.

Kitchener's Island (Aswan Botanical Garden):

A peaceful oasis with exotic plants and trees from around the world, created by Lord Kitchener in the 1890s.

Felucca Sailing on the Nile

No visit to Aswan is complete without a felucca ride. These traditional wooden sailing boats offer the most peaceful way to experience the Nile.

Short Rides: Perfect for sunset views of the Nile islands

Multi-Day Trips: Camp on river islands and sail to Kom Ombo or Edfu

Photography Opportunities: Capture traditional sailing scenes, river life, and stunning sunsets

Alexandria's Historic Treasures

Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was the center of Hellenistic civilization and home to the legendary Library of Alexandria.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina:

The modern revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria, this stunning architectural masterpiece houses millions of books, museums, and exhibition spaces.

Highlights: Main reading room, manuscript museum, antiquities museum, and planetarium

Citadel of Qaitbay:

A 15th-century defensive fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders). Offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Kom el-Dikka:

Roman-era archaeological site featuring a well-preserved Roman theater, villa remains with mosaic floors, and bath complexes.

Catacombs of Kom el-Shouqafa:

The largest Roman burial site in Egypt, blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles in a fascinating fusion.

Corniche & Modern Alexandria

Alexandria's Mediterranean coastline offers beautiful views and a glimpse into modern Egyptian life.

Corniche Walk:

The 15-mile coastal road is perfect for strolling and watching local life. The eastern section is more upscale, while the western end is more traditional.

Montaza Palace Gardens:

Former royal gardens with lush landscapes, beaches, and the Montaza Palace. A popular escape from the city bustle.

Stanley Bridge:

Modern landmark offering beautiful views, especially at sunset when locals gather to socialize and fish.

Alexandria National Museum:

Excellent overview of Alexandria's history from Pharaonic through modern times, housed in a beautifully restored Italian-style palace.

Hurghada: Accessible Beach Paradise

Egypt's original Red Sea resort town offers beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and a range of accommodation from budget to luxury.

Diving & Snorkeling:

The Red Sea is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Day trips to Giftun Island offer excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Best Dive Sites: Abu Ramada, Careless Reef, and the Giftun Islands

Desert Safari:

Quad biking, camel riding, and Bedouin culture experiences in the Eastern Desert.

Marina & Promenade:

Hurghada's modern marina area features upscale restaurants, shops, and beautiful sunset views.

Sharm el-Sheikh: Luxury Resort Destination

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh offers luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and access to world-renowned dive sites.

Ras Mohammed National Park:

Egypt's first national park features spectacular coral walls, abundant marine life, and the famous Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef.

Naama Bay:

The heart of Sharm's tourist area with beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.

St. Catherine's Monastery:

Day trip to one of the world's oldest working Christian monasteries, located at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Mount Sinai Sunrise:

Early morning hike to watch sunrise from where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Dahab: Bohemian Beach Town

For a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, Dahab offers world-class diving and windsurfing in a laid-back setting.

The Blue Hole:

World-famous dive site with a coral-lined sinkhole reaching depths of over 100 meters.

Three Pools & Canyon:

Excellent snorkeling and diving sites with unique geological formations.

Bedouin Culture:

Authentic experiences with local Bedouin communities, including overnight desert camps.

Siwa Oasis: Desert Paradise Hidden Gem

Located near the Libyan border, Siwa Oasis feels like another world with its unique Berber culture, salt lakes, and ancient oracle temple.

Highlights:

• Temple of the Oracle: Where Alexander the Great was declared son of Zeus
• Cleopatra's Bath: Natural spring perfect for swimming
• Fatnas Island: Picturesque island in a salt lake
• Great Sand Sea: Epic dunes for sunset viewing
• Shali Fortress: Ancient mud-brick city ruins

Abydos & Dendera: Temple Treasures

These less-visited temple complexes offer some of Egypt's best-preserved reliefs and unique architectural features.

Abydos:

The cult center of Osiris features the Temple of Seti I with its famous King List and beautifully carved reliefs.

Dendera:

The Temple of Hathor is remarkably well-preserved with a monumental ceiling and the famous Dendera zodiac.

Faiyum Oasis: Nature & History

Just a few hours from Cairo, Faiyum offers waterfalls, lakes, and important archaeological sites.

Wadi El Rayan:

Protected area with waterfalls in the desert and the Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan) UNESCO site with fossilized whale skeletons.

Qarun Lake:

Egypt's third-largest lake, perfect for birdwatching and water sports.

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Egypt's climate varies significantly between regions, affecting the ideal travel times.

Egypt Itinerary Suggestions

Tailor your Egypt experience based on your available time and interests.

7-Day Classic Egypt:

• Days 1-3: Cairo (pyramids, museum, Islamic Cairo)
• Days 4-5: Luxor (East and West Bank)
• Days 6-7: Aswan (Philae, High Dam, felucca)

10-Day Comprehensive Egypt:

• Days 1-3: Cairo
• Days 4-6: Nile Cruise (Luxor to Aswan)
• Days 7-8: Abu Simbel & Aswan
• Days 9-10: Alexandria or Red Sea extension

14-Day In-Depth Exploration:

• Days 1-4: Cairo & day trips
• Days 5-8: Nile Cruise (Luxor to Aswan)
• Days 9-10: Abu Simbel
• Days 11-14: Red Sea relaxation or Western Desert adventure

Photography in Egypt: Pro Tips

Capture stunning images of Egypt's wonders with these photography guidelines.

Essential Gear:

• Wide-angle lens for monuments and interiors
• Telephoto lens for details and candid shots
• Polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors
• Tripod for low-light temple shots (check restrictions)
• Extra memory cards and batteries

Best Shooting Times:

• Golden Hour: First and last hours of daylight for warm, soft light
• Blue Hour: Just after sunset for dramatic skies
• Midday: Use for interior temple photography

Photography Restrictions:

• No photography inside most tombs (check individual sites)
• No flash photography in museums
• Additional fees for professional cameras at some sites
• Always ask permission before photographing people

Classic Egypt Photography Tour

Our signature 10-day tour covers Egypt's iconic sites with expert photography guidance at every location.

• Cairo: Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo
• Luxor: Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings
• Nile Cruise: Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
• Abu Simbel: Sunrise photography session
• Professional photography instruction throughout

Egypt Highlights & Red Sea Extension

Combine ancient wonders with Red Sea relaxation on this comprehensive 12-day journey.

• 7 days exploring Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan
• 5 days at luxury Red Sea resort
• Underwater photography instruction
• Desert landscape photography sessions
• All transfers and domestic flights included

Hidden Gems of Egypt Tour

Explore beyond the classic route to discover Egypt's less-visited treasures.

• Abydos and Dendera temples
• Faiyum Oasis and Valley of the Whales
• Alexandria's Mediterranean coast
• Siwa Oasis desert experience
• Small group, expert local guides

Custom Egypt Itineraries

Design your perfect Egyptian adventure with our travel experts. We specialize in creating personalized journeys that match your interests, pace, and photography goals.

• Tailored to your specific interests
• Flexible duration and destinations
• Expert local guides and photographers
• Seamless logistics and premium accommodations
• Special access and unique experiences