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Best Places to Visit in Egypt: A Region-by-Region Guide
The best places to visit in Egypt, organized by region and interest: Cairo and Giza, the Nile Valley, Abu Simbel, the Red Sea, Sinai, the Mediterranean coast, and the Western Desert, with advice on how to combine them.
Total Solar Eclipse in Egypt, August 2, 2027: Where to Watch and How to Plan
A practical guide to the total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027, which crosses the Nile Valley near Luxor: what to expect, where to watch, what to book early, eye safety, and how to plan the trip.
Giza Pyramids Balloon Ride: What the New Tethered Balloon Is and How to Plan It
A tethered balloon is being introduced near the Giza Pyramids to lift visitors about 150 meters for a short panoramic view. Here is what is known, what is not, and how to fit it into a Giza day.
Egypt Visa on Arrival 2026: New QR Code System, Requirements, and How It Works
How Egypt's new digital Visa on Arrival QR code works, where it started, how long it is valid, how it differs from the e-Visa, and what to check before you fly.
The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Who They Were, When They Ruled and Where to See Their Monuments
A guide to Egypt's pharaohs by period, from Narmer to Cleopatra VII, with the key rulers of each era and the temples, tombs and pyramids they left for visitors.
How Hot Does Egypt Get in Summer?
Very hot. From June to August, Luxor and Aswan often pass 104°F (40°C) by day, Cairo sits around 95°F, and the Red Sea is cooled by sea breezes. How tours adapt and who should go.
Long Nile Cruises From Cairo: Is the 12-Night Route Worth It?
Long Nile cruises of about 11 to 15 nights sail from Cairo through Middle Egypt to Luxor or Aswan. The route, the sites, the ships, and who it suits.
How Luggage Works on an Organized Egypt Tour
Porters move your bags between vehicle, hotel, and ship; you carry only a day bag. Here is how luggage works on an organized Egypt tour, step by step.
Egyptology Glossary for Travelers
About fifty Egyptology terms, from pylon and hypostyle hall to mastaba, cartouche, and ushabti, explained in plain English and grouped by where you will hear them.
Cairo to Aswan: Flight or Train?
Most travelers should fly: about 90 minutes in the air versus around 13 hours on the sleeper train. The train suits rail lovers with a spare night.
Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea: How Many Days Does Jordan Need?
Five days suits most travelers: two at Petra, a night in Wadi Rum, a day for Jerash or Madaba, and time at the Dead Sea. Plans for four to seven days.
Cairo Airport to Giza: What Tour Guests Should Expect
Giza sits on the opposite side of Cairo from the main airport, so the transfer typically takes about an hour to two hours. Plan arrival day for check-in and rest, not fixed sightseeing.
Managing Jet Lag When Flying From the U.S. to Egypt
Protect the first night's sleep, get daylight after arrival, stay hydrated, and keep the first full day light. West Coast travelers may need more time.
Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
Choose Hurghada for the easiest Red Sea extension after Luxor or a Nile cruise. Choose Sharm El Sheikh when Sinai, house reefs or Ras Mohammed are part of the plan.
The Jordan Pass and Jordan Entry for Egypt Combination Trips
How Jordan entry works for Egypt combination trips: visa on arrival, what the Jordan Pass covers, arrival points, and what to check before returning to Egypt.
Egypt for Christian Travelers: Coptic Cairo, the Monasteries and Sinai
Coptic Cairo, the Holy Family trail, the desert monasteries of Wadi Natrun and the Red Sea, and Mount Sinai, with a seven-day sample itinerary.
Egypt Entry Requirements for U.S. Travelers
Entry rules depend on your passport and can change, so please check the official source before you travel. A checklist covering passport, e-visa, health, customs and the official sources to check before departure.
Traveling in Egypt With Children
Plan half days, start early, and build in pool time. Carry water, snacks, and hats, stick to bottled water, and tell your guide the children's ages so tours are adjusted.
Is Alexandria Worth Adding to an Egypt Itinerary?
Alexandria is worth adding once your trip has room beyond Cairo and the Nile, usually at 10 days or more. On a short first trip, protect the Pyramids, Luxor and Aswan first.
What Currency Should You Take to Egypt?
Use Egyptian pounds for everyday spending, a card for ATMs and larger purchases, and a modest backup of foreign currency. Here is how to combine them safely.
Cairo + Nile Cruise or Cairo + Nile + Red Sea?
Add the Red Sea when you can give it at least three nights and want a slower finish. If your whole trip is 10 days or fewer, Cairo plus the Nile is usually the cleaner route.
Egypt Emergency Numbers, Embassies, Hospitals and Useful Contacts
Police 122, Ambulance 123, Fire 180, Tourist Police 126 and the U.S. Embassy Cairo, plus hospitals, insurance and what to do first in an emergency.
Is Hurghada Worth Adding to an Egypt Trip?
Hurghada is worth adding if you have at least three extra nights and want contrast after touring. Skip it on a short first trip if it would mean rushing Cairo, Luxor or the Nile.
Coptic Cairo: Practical Visitor Guide
Coptic Cairo is a compact historic quarter where churches, a synagogue, the Coptic Museum and Roman fortress walls fit into a focused half day, ideally paired with nearby Old Cairo sites.
Islamic Cairo: Where to Start
Start with Al-Muizz Street, walking from the northern gates to Khan el-Khalili and Bab Zuwayla. Save the Citadel, Sultan Hassan and Ibn Tulun for a separate half day.
Traveling in Egypt During Ramadan
Tourism continues through Ramadan in Egypt. What changes for visitors: site hours, meals, etiquette, the evenings and the busy Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Hurghada Boat Trips: Orange Bay, Giftun, Dolphin House and Mahmya
Orange Bay and Mahmya mean beach time on Big Giftun, reef trips mean more snorkeling, and Dolphin House is a wildlife search with no guaranteed sightings. Choose by the day you want.
Sunrise and Sunset Times in Egypt by Month
Sunrise and sunset times by month for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada, and how daylight, heat, and daylight saving should shape your Egypt sightseeing days.
What a Typical Day on a Nile Cruise Looks Like
A typical Nile cruise day pairs one or two guided temple visits with meals and several hours of sailing. Mornings often start early, while afternoons can be free on deck.
Cash, Credit Cards and ATMs in Egypt
Use cards for hotels, ships and larger restaurants, and Egyptian-pound cash for tips, markets and small purchases. Bring two cards and keep a backup.
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