Egypt is the cradle of ancient civilization and is famous for its spectacular monuments like the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Its bustling cities, unparalleled landscapes, perfect weather and surreal beaches are just a few of the many reasons this destination should be at the top of your bucket list.
1. Cruising the Nile
On a cruise through Egypt you'll travel to Giza, Luxor and off-the-beaten-path Denderah, one of Egypt's best-preserved and less-frequented temples, where you'll get to explore a pyramid from the inside out. Stay at the historic Mena House Hotel, with views of the pyramids from your own private balcony, and at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza.
When you cruise to Edfu, you'll be able to view the Temple of Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III and once buried in sand and debris, this stunningly well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like.
Join your chef back on board for a local cooking lesson. Later, disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), who was considered by some ancient Egyptians to be the creator of the world. While there, view the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today.
2. Some of the World's Best Diving
One of Egypt's real treasures is it's spectacular dive sites. Egypt's Red Sea is said to be named after the periodic algal blooms that turn the water a reddish hue. Considered one of the world's top diving destinations, The Red Sea is home to over 1200 species of fish, 150 species of coral, reef sharks, hammerheads, turtles, manta rays, dolphins and even the rare dugong. This diver's paradise is home to historical wrecks, patch reefs, wall dives and shallow patch reefs.
One of the most popular wrecks in the world is the SS Thistlegorm. Located 3 hours from Sharm el Sheikh, this British transport ship stretches over 120 meters long and allows divers to explore its torpedoes, rusted machine guns and more.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Sharm el Sheikh is Shark and Yolanda Reef. This unusual dive site is home to barracudas, batfish, snappers, tuna, turtles and even blacktip sharks. The wreck of the Yolanda's cargo consists of bathroom fixtures, toilets and other plumping equipment. A popular photo op at this location is sitting on top of one of the toilet bowls.
3. Camel Trekking in the Desert
Get a taste of the nomadic lifestyle and experience the magic of the desert as time seems to stand still. This adventurous journey will take you deeper into the desert than most travelers can even imagine.
You can book a half day tour or if you're daring, you can join a camel safari for days or even weeks.
The beauty and tranquility of Egypt's deserts is sure to captivate you; sunset rides are especially stunning and nothing can quite compare to sitting beside a campfire while gazing up at the millions of stars above.
4. Searching for Treasures in Cairo
The Khan al-Khalili market in Cairo is one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East. The shop merchants here sell souvenirs, antiques, alabaster, silver, copper, vegetables, perfume, jewelry, street food, spices, leather goods, Arabic coffee and more. Browse the tightly packed stalls all on a street that has hardly changed for centuries.
Bargaining is expected, so be prepared to negotiate.
Visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun and items dating to 4000 BC. View its famed Mummy Room, featuring the remains of Egypt’s pharaohs, including Ramses II. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, built in AD 1356 and among the finest examples of early Mamluk architecture. Next, walk from the twin-towered Bab el-Foutouh, a fortified gate in Cairo’s Old City walls, to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the city’s major souks (open-air marketplaces).
5. Exploring the Ancient Egyptian Temples
The Temple of Hathor at Denderah is among the best-preserved temples in Egypt. View its massive stone roof, dark chambers, underground passages and columns inscribed with hieroglyphs.
The Valley of the Kings is a burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter, the tomb of Tutankhamun is yours to discover, as you set foot inside its 35-century-old walls.
Later, stop at the lovely Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Don't forget to enjoy a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
Abercrombie & Kent began on the plains of Africa, where Geoffrey Kent and his parents, Valerie and Colonel John Kent, pioneered a new style of luxury adventure travel in 1962. From modest beginnings, A&K grew into a globe-spanning network of companies, opening destinations previously inaccessible to visitors and establishing a new benchmark for experiential travel.
Today, A&K is the world’s premier luxury travel company, with an unrivaled legacy of creating memorable, inspiring adventures in more than 100 countries on all seven continents. Their approach combines singular service, authentic local expertise and beyond-the-guidebook insider access, all of which come together to create a journey of a lifetime, every time you travel with them.
