Are you planning a long-awaited trip to Egypt? Then you’ll need our comprehensive packing guide.

If you’re planning to visit Egypt anytime soon, you’re probably thinking about Egypt packing guide and the dress code (what you should and shouldn’t wear in Egypt), which necessities you should pack in your luggage, and which you should leave at home. If you plan to book an Egypt tour package, you should have an itinerary ahead of time, knowing in advance where your travels will take you. That alone will help you make decisions when packing. As with any trip, the weather will play an essential role in what you pack for Egypt.

Weather in Egypt

Since Egypt’s weather varies depending on the area of the country and the time of year you visit, the dates of your trip will dictate which items make it into your suitcase. With basically two seasons – summer and winter, with the coldest months being November through March – narrowing down your packing list, based on the month of your trip and the Egypt destinations you intend to visit, should be a snap.

Before traveling to Egypt, decide on what to wear in Egypt for your comfort.

Before traveling to Egypt, decide on what to wear in Egypt for your comfort.

Bear in mind, the summer months in Egypt can be stifling. Temperatures can soar in the 100s and humidity can hover around 60 percent in August. That makes for a hot and steamy experience at the Pyramids and other attractions. For this reason, many travelers opt to visit Egypt between November and March when the temperatures are considerably cooler, usually hovering in the 60s and 70s by day and dropping to the 40s and 50s at night. In which case, a jacket should find its way into your luggage. April is also milder than the summer months, but temperatures can still make their way into the high 70s and 80s in the daytime but cool down after dark.

Dress code in Egypt
Egypt is a Muslim country, and therefore, generally conservative. In most places, women will be covered from head to toe. In some progressive areas of Cairo, women may appear more westernized in their appearance. They might not wear abayas or hijabs, but that isn’t typical of Egyptians. Paying attention to wardrobe choices is an excellent way to tell the locals from visitors. Check out our women packing guide here.

While travelers won’t need to dress like Egyptians, all tourists should respect the country’s culture and dress appropriately. Clothing should be loose-fitting and modest. Leave the tank tops, mini-skirts, short shorts, body huggers, plunging necklines, and sheer clothing at home. Women should be prepared to cover their shoulders outside of resorts and beaches and cover their heads inside the mosques. Mosques should loan the necessary garb for women, but keep a pashmina in your bag just in case.

When you’re at the resort or on the beach, though, the modesty rules don’t apply. Bathing suits (even bikinis) are fine for a day of sunbathing, and strappy sundresses and cut-out pieces are acceptable while in the resort. Be prepared to change clothing for your adventures throughout Egypt, though. Even while you’re on an Egypt private tour, you should follow the dress code.

Basic shopping and packing tips for your Egypt trip
To stay cooler in hot months, stick with natural fibers and avoid synthetics. Light-weight, breathable cotton and cotton/linen blends will become your best friend in Egypt.

White or very light-colored garments will dirty easily because Egypt is in the desert and quite dusty. Stick with colors and medium-colored neutrals. In summer, avoid black or very dark colors, as those will attract heat, and could make you feel warmer.

Comfy flat walking sandals may be better than sneakers in the warmer months, allowing feet to breathe.

Forgo the high heels in Egypt. Old streets and walkways don’t lend themselves to skinny high heels. Stick with flats, low heels and wedges, if you must.

In winter months, you’ll need a sweater or jacket in the evenings when temperatures can be 50 degrees or below. Layering may work best.

If you booked a luxury Egypt tour package, some itineraries might include meals at fine dining restaurants. Select a few smart outfits for nighttime outings. Check out our guide about things to know before visiting Egypt.

Now let’s move on to the essentials to pack for Egypt. Below, a list of wardrobe basics for both women and men. Let’s start with women.

Women’s Clothing Essentials for Egypt
Maxi-skirts or skirts below the knee

Long, flowy dresses

Palazzo pants

Cropped pants

T-shirts

Three-quarter sleeve shirts

Button-up blouses

Pashmina or large scarf

Bathing suit and cover-up

Undergarments

Wide-brimmed straw hat

Comfortable, cool walking shoes

Flip-flops for the beach or pool

Breathable tennis shoes

Dressier shoes, flats, low heels or wedges for evenings out

Small cross-body purse for evenings

Sunglasses

Costume jewelry

Basic watch

Hair accessories to keep hair back on hot days

(If you plan to visit in cooler months, add a pair of jeans, cardigan sweater, warm scarf, beanie, and windbreaker type jacket.)

Workout clothing (in case you want to exercise in the hotel fitness center)

Tote or day bag

Now, on to the gentleman. You’ll see that packing for guys is a bit easier.

Men’s Clothing Essentials for Egypt
Khaki pants

Knee-length shorts

Breathable dress slacks

T-shirts

Golf shirts

Button-up shirts

Undergarments

Sandals

Breathable tennis shoes

Flip-flops for the beach or pool

Driving shoes of loafers for evenings out

Swim trunks

Sunglasses

Basic watch

Baseball hat (or another hat to protect your face from the intense sun)

(If you plan to visit Egypt in cooler months, add a pair of jeans, pullover, scarf, beanie, and windbreaker type jacket.)

Workout clothing (in case you want to exercise in the hotel fitness center)

Backpack for day trips (optional)

Other Essentials to Pack for Egypt
Sunscreen (30 SPF or higher) to combat the intense sun in Egypt

Hand Sanitizer

Passport

International cell phone and charger

Power Bank to recharge your phone during a day of sightseeing

Universal travel adapters (I recommend two in case one fails)

Camera (You’ll have your phone camera, but invest in a compact digital camera to capture the highlights of your trip.)

Earbuds

Refillable water bottle (to keep water cooler than throwaway plastic bottles)

Travel pillow for sleeping on the plane

A fold-up bag to bring back all the souvenirs you’ll find shopping at the souks

$25 in cash (USD) to pay for a visa upon arrival

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the weather is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

Today we will talk about the Christian Monuments and Monasteries in Egypt, when it comes to religion in Egypt, most of us tend to think either of the current dominant religion (Islam) or, especially in terms of tourism, of the ancient religion. The beliefs of god-king Pharaohs, the afterlife, and the concept of multiple deities fascinates most of us and is often a tourism focal point. However, what you may now know is that Christianity also played a large role in Egyptian history and still does today.

The Christian religion has an interesting history in Egypt. It has changed and adapted over time, but ultimately survived over thousands of years. Amid the bustling streets of Cairo and out amid the wind-blown sands of the desert you will still find Christian churches, monasteries, and monuments; many of which are still working and in use today.

For those interested in learning more about Christianity in Egypt, and the monuments and monasteries that you can still see and visit, this article is for you.

Christianity in Egypt

The Arrival of Christianity in Egypt
Christianity is said to have been brought to Egypt by the Apostle Saint Mark shortly after the death of Jesus Christ.

While the arrival of Christianity in Egypt was not entirely without conflict, many Egyptians quickly accepted and adapted to this new religion. This was in part due to timing, but also because Christianity and the ancient Egyptian religion had many similarities.

Christianity arrived in Egypt at a time where the old belief system was falling apart. The god-king Pharaohs had been dethroned and the Roman Empire had swept into the country. While Christianity was new and different, there were many similar aspects that the Egyptians understood. Concepts like the death and resurrection of a god and the belief in an afterlife; a paradise where good and faithful souls would be rewarded.

Furthermore, the sign of the Christian cross was very similar to that of the Egyptian Ankh and, of course, the belief that God chose Egypt as a hiding place for baby Jesus was a source of pride for many Christian Egyptians.

Christianity in Egypt Today
Today, Christianity is the second largest religion in Egypt (the dominant religion is Islam). The majority of the Christians are Coptic Christians, and it is estimated that there are somewhere between 20-30 million followers of this faith in Egypt alone. In fact, Egypt has the largest Christian population in the Middle East and North Africa.

Christian Monuments and Monasteries in Egypt
Unsurprisingly given the history and current status of Christianity in Egypt, the country is home to a number of Christian churches, monuments, and monasteries. Many of which can be visited during your Egypt trip.

While Christian monuments and monasteries don’t tend to be the focus of most escorted tours of Egypt, you can customize your vacation and ask to include some of these sites in your private tour packages of Egypt.

Here are some of the main Christian monuments and monasteries in Egypt that you may be interested in seeing for yourself.

Hanging Church of Cairo
The hanging church in old Cairo is actually called the Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. It’s one of the oldest churches in Egypt and is thought to date back to the 7th century, although there was another building located on the same site that dates as far back as the 3rd century.

The Hanging Church gets its nickname because of its appearance. The church itself is built above a gatehouse of a Roman-built fortress, and the nave is suspended over a passageway making it appear as if the church is hanging above. While the site is impressive today, it was even more impressive in the past when the ground level was several meters lower.

The Hanging Church, one of the most famous Christina Monuments in Cairo, Egypt

The Hanging Church in Cairo is not just historic and unique in its appearance, but it’s also one of the most religiously significant churches in Egypt. It was designated as the official residence of the Coptic Orthodox Pope in 1047. Several patriarchs chose to be consecrated, elected, and enthroned in this church and it is known as a site for several different apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Today, tourists are welcome to visit the Hanging Church. Admission is free and the church is open from 9am to 5pm every day. Coptic Mass is held from 8am-11am on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 9am-11am on Sundays.

Abu Serga Church

Abu Serga is another historic church located in Cairo. Also known as Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, it is believed that Abu Serga was built either in the 5th or 8th century. This church is dedicated to two Martyrs named Sergius and Bacchus who were Roman officers that were killed and martyred after it was discovered that they were both secret Christians.

It is also believed that Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus stopped in the spot upon which the church was built after they fled to Egypt. As such, for most visitors, the main draw of Abu Serga is the crypt where the Holy Family is said to have rested.

The Church of Saint Barbara

Dating back to the 5th or 6th century, the Church of Saint Barbara is another historic church that can be found in Cairo. Like most of the other Coptic buildings in Cairo, it was rebuilt multiple times- the most notable of which was during the 11th century.

The Church of Saint Barbara was originally dedicated to St. Cyrus and St. John, two martyrs who were worshipped for their healing powers. However, documents dating back to the 13 century say that relics of St. Barbara were moved and kept here, hence its current name. This church is known for its precious items which included bible caskets, two-door panels, and ancient icons, most of which now can be found in the nearby Coptic museum.

Monastery of Saint Simon

The Monastery of Saint Simon is one of the most unique Christian sites in all of Egypt, and also the largest Christian church in the Middle East.

The Monastery of Saint Simon is located in what is referred to as ‘Garbage City’ which is within the limits of metropolitan Cairo. The official name for this area is Manshiyat Nasser, and the majority of people who live here are Coptic Christians known as the Zabbaleen. They collect garbage from Cairo’s residents (for a fee) and bring it back to their neighbourhood to sort and find recyclable goods.

It was the Zabbaleen that built the Monastery of Saint Simon in a cave within Garbage City. Saint Simon was a tanner from the 10th century, and this monastery built in his name can seat up to 20,000 people. There are also separate church spaces built within the surrounding caves, creating a large Christian complex within Garbage City.

While this part of Cairo isn’t exactly known for tourism, hundreds of thousands of people still make the pilgrimage to this monastery every year.

Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Officially known as the ‘Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai’, this monastery is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria and is located at the mouth of a gorge near the base of Mount Sinai.

This monastery was built between 548 and 565 and is one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. It was built by order of Emperor Justinian on the site where Moses is said to have seen the burning bush; a sacred site to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

St. Catherine Monastery is one of the most amazing Christina monuments in Egypt – Photo Credit: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Saint Catherine’s Monastery also contains the world’s oldest continually operating library which is home to a number of unique books. It also holds the second largest collection of early codices and manuscripts (the Vatican Library has the largest number). The Codex Sinaiticus, which dates back to the 4th Century and is one of the oldest preserved manuscripts of the Bible was found here. Also discovered at the Monastery was the Syriac Sinaiticus, which pre-dates the Codex Sinaiticus and was crucial in understanding the history of the New Testament. The Syriac Sinaiticus can still be found at the monastery today.

Unsurprisingly, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monastery of Saint Anthony

The Monastery of Saint Anthony is located in the eastern Sahara Desert, in the Red Sea Mountains near modern-day Hurghada. It was built by an oasis where Saint Anthony the Great, one of the ‘Desert Fathers’, spent his time after choosing to travel into the desert to escape those seeking his advice as he believed that it distracted him from his own worship.

The Monastery was built in 356, a few years after Saint Anthony’s death. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and the same rituals have been practiced here, unchanged, for more than sixteen centuries.

While this monastery was attacked and faced a lot of damage over the years, it still has plenty to see. Today, the monastery acts like a small town with several churches, gardens, and even a working bakery. There are plenty of remarkable paintings, some of which are believed to date back to the 7th and 8th centuries, as well as ancient woodworks, and more than 1700 documents in the library.

Monastery of Saint Paul

Located in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, the Monastery of Saint Paul dates back to the 5th century. Saint Paul is believed to have been the mentor of Saint Anthony. Saint Paul was orphaned by the age of sixteen and left his inheritance behind to dedicate his life to Egypt. He found refuge in the Eastern Desert where he lived to be 113. It is said that Saint Anthony sought out Saint Paul after hearing that there was a man in the desert who was holier than he. The two became friends until Paul’s death. According to the stories, Anthony saw Paul’s spirit carried away by the angels and watched as two lions then dug a grave and buried his body.

The Monastery of Saint Paul also known as Deir Anba Bula, is built like a fortress. This was common due to Christian monasteries and churches being raided and pillaged by Bedouin and Berber groups. Despite its remote location, the Monastery of Saint Paul still fell under attack several times over the centuries.

Should you choose to visit, there are three churches on the grounds which you can visit including that of Saint Paul the Anchorite which is dug into the cave where Saint Paul spent so many years. There are also many manuscripts owned by the monastery that you can view as well.

Wadi El-Natroun

Wadi el-Natroun is a valley located about 62 miles from Cairo. In ancient Egypt, it was important as it was full of the carbonated sodium needed for the mummification process. It was also important to the Romans, who found the area to also be a source of silica which they used for making glass. However, while this wadi was full of resources, it also had another use; a safe haven for Christians fleeing Roman persecution.

At one point, Wadi el-Natroun was full of monasteries. However, after the wear and tear of time, weather, and Bedouin raids, only four monasteries have survived and can be seen today. These are:

1) The Monastery of Anba Bishoy

2) The Monastery of Baramus

3) The Monastery of Abu Makar

4) The Monastery of El-Suryan

It is possible to visit all four of these monasteries as a day trip from Cairo. The Monastery of Abu Makar is especially impressive. It is home to more than 100 monks and has over 600 works who live on the grounds and work on the monastery’s farm.

Final Word
Without a doubt, Egypt has a rich religious history and while the ancient Pharaonic religion and current Islam religion tend to be the focus, those who have an interest in Christianity in Egypt will not be disappointed by the incredible churches, monasteries, and Christian sites spread throughout the country.

If you are interested in adding any of these Christian monuments and monasteries to your visit, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to customize your Egypt private tour package to your interests.

Discover the Valley of the Kings in the West Bank of Luxor

Egypt is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and this country has a fascinatingly rich and complex history. One of the best parts of your escorted tours in Egypt will be learning the stories and legends of the pharaohs and queens of ancient Egypt and marveling at their impressive tombs in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

Valley of the Kings, also known as valley of the secrets

One of the most awe-inspiring sites in Egypt in the West Bank of Luxor. This is where many tombs were built for the powerful pharaohs and nobles, filled with riches to accompany them into the afterlife. This setting has been a major focus of archaeological interest since the 18th century and the most well known is the tomb of Tutankhamen – one of the most famous archeological sites in the world.

All of the best Egypt tours will take you here, as this amazing collection of buildings gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the powerful leaders of ancient Egypt.

The hidden tombs of the Valley of the Kings

About the Valley of King

The Valley of Kings was created around 1539 BC and it was used until around 1075 BC. In total there are 60 tombs within the valley and they are for the pharaohs well as for their favorite nobles, their wives and their children. The Valley of the Queens was created around 1300 BC in the time of Ramses, but even after that some wives were buried with their husbands there.

The best tombs in the Valley of the Kings

Unfortunately, nearly all of the tombs have been opened up and robbed throughout the centuries – but even what is left behind shows the wealth and power of the pharaohs.

Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings

Bring a flashlight with you when you are visiting the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, as it is very useful for seeing the wall paintings and reliefs in the dark corners of the tombs. Also, make sure that you are wearing comfortable walking shoes as there are many stairs and sometimes you will be walking on uneven stone. Bring plenty of water with you as well as sunscreen and a sunhat for when you are walking between each of the tombs in the bright sunlight.

Amazing paintings in the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings has a visitor center with toilets and a small-scale model of the entire valley, so that you can plan out where you want to go first. There is also a tourist bazaar near the visitor center if you need to buy snacks or cold drinks. Keep yourself hydrated, as the sun will be very hot! You may want to consider taking advantage of the little electric train that runs from the visitor center to the start of the tombs area. In the heat of the day it is worth it so that you can avoid the walk.

Tomb of King Tut in the Valley of the Kings

You can read Egypt tour reviews to find out which tour operator will offer you the best experience. We have tour guides who are experts in Egypt history, so we provide an exceptional experience for our guests by enriching their visit with knowledge about this intriguing time period. Also, we are very flexible so that you will be able to customize the tour to your desires. To find out more about our experiences at the Valley of the Kings, you can contact us at any time.

Eid al-Fitr

After fasting for an entire month, Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, or ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’. For three days, starting on the first day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, people celebrate with feasts, family and festivals. Look for vendors selling kahk cookies (nut-filled cookies covered in powdered sugar) while taking in the festivities, a tasty treat synonymous with Eid for many locals.

Eid al-Adha

Arguably the most important holiday in Egypt, the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’ is not one for vegetarians and vegans. About 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, sheep and goats are slaughtered (often in the middle of the street) for a mighty feast.

Sham el-Nessim

Each year on March 21st, Egyptians celebrate the coming of spring by spending the day outdoors. Join the locals for this ancient holiday by packing a picnic and heading to a park or public garden.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

As if the two temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari weren’t impressive enough, they were constructed in such a way that twice a year, the sun’s rays reach its innermost chambers and illuminate three stone gods that reside within, while leaving Ptah (god of the underworld) in the dark. And those days just happen to be Ramses’ birthday (October 21) and coronation (February 21). Coincidence? We think not.

Are Egypt tours safe?
This has to be one of the most asked questions right now, especially after the revolutions of January 2011 and June 2013. To be honest it is actually safer for tourists here than it is for many Egyptians! Granted, what happened in Taba in February 2014, with the blowing up of the bus containing South Korean tourists, was not good news, but without trying to make that event sound light, attacks aimed at locals and tourists have happened here for many years: bombings in Taba and Nuweiba (October 2004); Sharm El Sheikh (July 2005); Dahab (April 2006); the Khan El Khalili (February 2009); and of course the infamous massacre at Deir El Bahri (the Temple of Hatshepsut) in Luxor (November 1997). The big problem is terrorism is a world-wide threat, not something that is just confined to Egypt! If one was to look at a list of terrorist attacks, as well as cold-blooded shootings and such-like, it would seem that there are only two places left in the world that are safe to visit: the Arctic and the Antarctic!
The most important thing that any reputable tour company in Egypt has to do is to ensure the safety of their customers; whether it be a huge company with hundreds of staff or a small company run by just a couple of people. Should a situation arise (the January 25th revolution for example), then the safety of the customer is paramount and procedures are put into place to get them out of harm’s way, even out of the country, as soon as possible: with no extra cost for doing so, and refunding where applicable (many companies lost a lot of money, some had to cease trading, ensuring the safety of their customers in January/February 2011 and making sure all due monies were refunded). Granted, there are lots and lots of companies who simply do not care, they just want the profits, but this is a world-wide phenomenon and not just Egyptian. Many of those companies actually no longer exist: the customers DID get there refunds, even by using the courts, and so the companies own attitudes forced them out of business! Each and every tourist is looked at as a human being, a fellow human being, and this is why the reputable companies will do all they can for them.
So, the question still remains, is Egypt safe? Going by reports in the media it would appear to be no. But from the ground in the country itself, by actually going out into the streets and visiting the places that tourists normally visit, the answer is yes, and very much so. Egypt’s tourist sites are safe, they all have a heavy police presence and this helps keeps the idiots away. Ironically, these sites are actually safer since the ouster of ex-President Mohamed Morsi than they were after the resignation of ex-President Hosni Mubarak, the relevant authorities obviously learning from their mistakes. But as we are talking about Egypt being safe NOW, not in the near or distant past, let us look at a few things for proof.
Since the ouster of ex-President Morsi there have been many problems throughout Egypt, but especially in Cairo. These facts are reported by the media, either wholly or semi-truthfully (or in the case of a media outlet based in Qatar, almost truth free) and the world listens. Unfortunately the follow up is never done! Take the situation of the sit-in, and eventual clearance, of the Rabaa Al Adawiya Mosque. Forgetting the ins and outs, right and wrongs, of what happened in August 2013 (this article is not judgemental in any way towards the ouster, and subsequent aftermaths, of ex-President Morsi), there are some facts about the location of the Mosque that people should know. It is actually located in an area of Nasr City that tourists do not visit, unless they wish to see the site where ex-President Anwar Sadat was assassinated or his burial place, across the main road at the Unknown Soldier Memorial. There are no hotels or major tourist sites in the immediate vicinity, yet it is/was the epicentre of the world’s government’s advisory warnings to not travel to Egypt! The Rabaa Al Adawiya Mosque is now as it was before the sit-in, though with a medium police presence, and the traffic is as manic as ever.
None of the major tourist sites have been in any type of danger. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (the Egyptian Museum or Cairo Museum), in Tahrir Square, was not ransacked this time and has been open for business throughout. To be perfectly honest, the Museum of Islamic Art is the only tourist site to be damaged, and it was only included in specialised itineraries, so was not what is generally termed a “major site”. Likewise the Mallawi Museum near Minya; well off the tourist path and only, usually, visited by those who have a specialised reason for doing so.
Right now Egypt is as safe to visit as it was prior to the January 25th revolution. Granted there are the unfortunate deaths of police and army personnel, but Egypt has always had a problem with troublemakers coming from the Sinai, it was just not headline news whenever it occurred. Downtown Cairo is now street stall free, with plenty of room to walk around the tourist shops in Talaat Harb, Kasr El Nil, and Tahrir Street. The streets are being regularly patrolled to ensure it stays so, and this has also led to a lot more cleanliness, with street sweepers and street washers driving around, throughout the night. There are no mass marches throughout the capital, and if any do occur they are swiftly dealt with, and they are never in areas frequented by tourists.

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be seen with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen such as the breathtaking Sharm El-Sheikh , Hurghada’s red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan like Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey’s Pillar and Alexandria Library, White and Black Desert.

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

Egypt boasts of a spectacularly beautiful landscape filled with cultural gems. Sun, sea and sand interspersed with a touch of exotic culture and heritage, the gushing river Nile, ancient monuments, vast deserts, world-famous coral reefs to cosmopolitan cities – enough reasons to visit Egypt! That ensures you don’t have to browse through hundreds of holiday destinations across the globe for your perfect vacation – the mesmerizing land of Egypt has it all!

A land that gave birth to one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’ – the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East located in Cairo – Khan-el-Khalili, coastal resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh – ideal for family holidays, jam packed beach resorts brimming with luxury, water sports activities, entertainment and shopping…the list is long! Here are the top 12 reasons why you should visit Egypt right now.

12 reasons why you should travel to Egypt:

1-Gaze At The Pyramids of Giza.

Let’s state the obvious first, right? The initial draw for many tourists to Egypt is to see the pyramids that we all learned about while in primary school. And, in my opinion, they don’t disappoint – they’re spectacular! The Great Pyramid of Giza (the largest of the three) is the oldest and is the only one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” which is still standing.

2-Play Kissy-Face With The Sphinx.

Also located in Giza near the pyramids is the Great Sphinx. The sphinx is the oldest known monumental sculpture and is generally believed to have been built sometime around 2520-2494 BC. You can pay a small price and have a talented local to pose you to appear to be kissing Mr. Sphinx.

3-Indulge in Delicious Egyptian Cuisine.

I found Egyptian food to be fantastic! I loved lamb kebab (minced meat skewers), baba ghannoug (a spread made with eggplant), kofta (meatballs), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), shawarma (shredded meat in a pita) and even mahshi hamam (roasted pigeon stuffed with rice and herbs)! (Hey, don’t knock the pigeon until you’ve tried it).

4-Search for Treasure while Shopping in Khan-el-Khalili

The Khan al-Khalili market in Cairo is one of the Middle East’s largest bazaars and is filled with copper, spices, alabaster, silver and perfumes. The “Khan,” as it is often called, may be my very favorite of all the markets and bazaars I’ve visited during my travels. If you have a discerning eye and are a good negotiator you can find great deals on quality products.

5-Hit the Beach and Splash in the Red Sea.

Need a break from the heat and sightseeing? If you’re seeking relaxation and respite head to Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera. The area is jam-packed with beach resorts and brimming with five star luxury, watersports, shopping and entertainment.Reasons Why You Should Travel to Egypt

6-Admire Ancient Antiquities at the Egyptian Museum.

While in Cairo, browse the dazzling collection at the Egyptian Museum. Where else can you see King Tut’s golden mask and mummies? Read more about the top 5 “must-sees” in the Egyptian Museum here.

7-Kick Back, Relax and Cruise the Nile River.
I’m typically not a “cruise” person, but I thoroughly enjoyed my three night cruise on the Nile River traveling from Aswan to Luxor. Aside from forcing me to relax and slow down a bit, the scenery from the ship was fantastic and ever-changing. One moment the ship was drifting past lush jungle foliage, and the next the scenery was changing to a camel-filled arid desert. From the deck of the ship, you’ll see Egyptian men plowing their fields and women washing their dishes in the river – sights seemingly unchanged from hundreds of years ago.

8-Explore Temples, Temples and More Temples.
After the pyramids, the main reason most tourists visit Egypt is to travel back in time (or, pretend to be Indiana Jones) while exploring the country’s ancient temples. The temples are filled with interesting carvings, paintings and hieroglyphics. My favorite that I saw is the one pictured above of a woman giving birth!

9-Feel the Thrill while Sailing on the River Nile.
A felucca is a small, traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat. It’s possible to take a felucca tour lasting several days; however, I would recommend taking an hour or two cruise at sunset while in Cairo,Luxor or Aswan. The ride is a beautiful and a memorable experience.

10-Experience Alexandria’s European Flair.
Alexandria was the place for wealthy Europeans to vacation in the 1930’s. Although the city is well-past it’s golden era, Alexandria makes for an interesting visit since the city has an extremely different vibe from other Egyptian cites. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time as you stroll the through the streets lined with gorgeous, albeit run-down, European style buildings.

11-A Scenic Hot Air Balloon Ride
Get the once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the glories of the ancient historical sights of Egypt from the air. This hot air balloon ride can take you to explore the majestic side of Egypt as you glide over the pyramids, burial grounds and some of the best ancient temples.

12-Mix and Mingle with Friendly Locals.
Unfortunately, it seems that sometimes Egyptian men get a bad rap in Western media. In my experience, all the Egyptians I met were kind and helpful.

Squat toilets are most common in Egypt, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas.
There are guarded toilets around main places, which surpass the former, but bear in mind that they are used by so many tourist. Someone may be stationed in front of the restrooms, giving toilet paper at a price of 2 LE, and they sometimes ensure the restrooms are kept quite clean.

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light, sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt.

Egypt is a Muslim country, and therefore, generally conservative. In most places, women will be covered from head to toe. In some progressive areas of Cairo, women may appear more westernized in their appearance. They might not wear abayas or hijabs, but that isn’t typical of Egyptians. Paying attention to wardrobe choices is an excellent way to tell the locals from visitors. Check out our women packing guide here.

While travelers won’t need to dress like Egyptians, all tourists should respect the country’s culture and dress appropriately. Clothing should be loose-fitting and modest. Leave the tank tops, mini-skirts, short shorts, body huggers, plunging necklines, and sheer clothing at home. Women should be prepared to cover their shoulders outside of resorts and beaches and cover their heads inside the mosques. Mosques should loan the necessary garb for women, but keep a pashmina in your bag just in case.

When you’re at the resort or on the beach, though, the modesty rules don’t apply. Bathing suits (even bikinis) are fine for a day of sunbathing, and strappy sundresses and cut-out pieces are acceptable while in the resort. Be prepared to change clothing for your adventures throughout Egypt, though. Even while you’re on an Egypt private tour, you should follow the dress code.

Basic shopping and packing tips for your Egypt trip
To stay cooler in hot months, stick with natural fibers and avoid synthetics. Light-weight, breathable cotton and cotton/linen blends will become your best friend in Egypt.

White or very light-colored garments will dirty easily because Egypt is in the desert and quite dusty. Stick with colors and medium-colored neutrals. In summer, avoid black or very dark colors, as those will attract heat, and could make you feel warmer.

Comfy flat walking sandals may be better than sneakers in the warmer months, allowing feet to breathe.

Forgo the high heels in Egypt. Old streets and walkways don’t lend themselves to skinny high heels. Stick with flats, low heels and wedges, if you must.

In winter months, you’ll need a sweater or jacket in the evenings when temperatures can be 50 degrees or below. Layering may work best.

If you booked a luxury Egypt tour package, some itineraries might include meals at fine dining restaurants. Select a few smart outfits for nighttime outings. Check out our guide about things to know before visiting Egypt.

Now let’s move on to the essentials to pack for Egypt. Below, a list of wardrobe basics for both women and men. Let’s start with women.

Women’s Clothing Essentials for Egypt
Maxi-skirts or skirts below the knee

Long, flowy dresses

Palazzo pants

Cropped pants

T-shirts

Three-quarter sleeve shirts

Button-up blouses

Pashmina or large scarf

Bathing suit and cover-up

Undergarments

Wide-brimmed straw hat

Comfortable, cool walking shoes

Flip-flops for the beach or pool

Breathable tennis shoes

Dressier shoes, flats, low heels or wedges for evenings out

Small cross-body purse for evenings

Sunglasses

Costume jewelry

Basic watch

Hair accessories to keep hair back on hot days

(If you plan to visit in cooler months, add a pair of jeans, cardigan sweater, warm scarf, beanie, and windbreaker type jacket.)

Workout clothing (in case you want to exercise in the hotel fitness center)

Tote or day bag

Now, on to the gentleman. You’ll see that packing for guys is a bit easier.

Men’s Clothing Essentials for Egypt
Khaki pants

Knee-length shorts

Breathable dress slacks

T-shirts

Golf shirts

Button-up shirts

Undergarments

Sandals

Breathable tennis shoes

Flip-flops for the beach or pool

Driving shoes of loafers for evenings out

Swim trunks

Sunglasses