Tourism: 5 Good Reasons To Visit Egypt
A destination rich with a millennia-old history, Egypt continues to fascinate those who discover it. In the land of the pharaohs, tourism isn't limited to exploring the pyramids. To convince you, we've listed 5 good reasons to visit Egypt.
To discover a fascinating civilization.
Egypt is a destination whose very name is enough to conjure up images of pharaohs, pyramids, and strange gods such as Seth, Horus, or Isis...
In this country largely covered by the sands of the Sahara, the population is concentrated on the banks of the Nile. It was around this river that one of the most fascinating civilizations in the world developed.
For nearly three millennia, the Nile Valley witnessed the birth and prosperity of a unique civilization, ruled by kings and queens. Ancient Egypt had its own social hierarchy, its own deities, its own mythology, and of course its own writing system, the famous hieroglyphs!
Even today, the third most populous country in Africa can be explored like an open-air history book, and that's the first good reason to visit Egypt.
To admire the colossal ruins.
In this country, the vastness of the desert is not the only wonder that impresses visitors. The remnants of the past are equally magnificent and justify a visit to Egypt in their own right.
In the land of the pharaohs, the tombs of kings and queens are enormous, as exemplified by the famous Pyramids of Giza. The oldest of the three, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, is also the most imposing at 137 meters tall. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world to have survived the test of time.
In Memphis, a step pyramid stands amidst the graves of kings from the earliest dynasties.
Farther south, the temples of Abu Simbel had to be relocated in the 1960s to avoid being submerged by the waters of the Aswan Dam. Yet these structures built by Pharaoh Ramses II have lost none of their splendor. You will feel quite small standing before the four colossal statues that guard the entrance to the great temple…
To sail on a mythical river.
The best way to trace the thread of Egyptian history is undoubtedly to follow the course of the Nile. Taking a cruise on the Nile is a dream for many travelers. It's an unforgettable experience and another good reason to visit Egypt.
This legendary river, which brought life amidst the desert and allowed a magnificent civilization to flourish, remains the backbone of the country today. It runs through all of Egypt before reaching the Mediterranean. At 6,700 km, it is the second-longest river in the world after the Amazon.
Various types of vessels ply its waters, from small traditional feluccas to large cruise ships. Between these two extremes, the best compromise for taking a Nile cruise is the dahabieh, a graceful sailboat equipped with all the comforts.
To follow in the footsteps of famous personalities.
Already in the 19th century, this typical Nile riverboat carried adventurers, writers, and diplomats. By visiting the land of the pharaohs, you will walk in the footsteps of famous personalities, and that's another good reason to choose this destination.
Did you know, for example, that the queen of crime Agatha Christie wrote part of her novel "Death on the Nile" during a stay in Egypt? Before her, Napoleon Bonaparte, Champollion, Pierre Loti, and Gustave Flaubert had also fallen under the spell of this country…
To explore exotic cities.
The enchanting charm of this destination is not just about its ancient ruins that have retained a touch of mystery. The bustling Egyptian cities are the last of the 5 good reasons to visit Egypt.
Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, is a lively port city. Its mixed architecture reflects European, Greco-Roman, and Egyptian influences.
Further south, the capital is another must-see. At the entrance to Cairo, the Sphinx stands guard at the foot of the pyramids. The city will soon be home to the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world.
Cairo is also worth stopping by to admire Saladin's Citadel, its Coptic quarter with churches adorned with icons, and its large souk filled with glittering trinkets.
Heading further south, do not miss Aswan and Elephantine Island. The city, located near the first cataract of the Nile, is the gateway to the kingdom of Nubia. Since 1997, a museum has been dedicated to this civilization, whose lands were submerged by Lake Nasser. The best time to discover all these wonders is from October to April, before the summer heat.
