Category Archives: Egypt

Top Things to Do When In Sharm El Sheikh

Away from the pyramids, tombs, and historical sites of Egypt lays the beautiful beach holiday destination of Sharm El Sheikh. Famed as one of world’s top beach and water sports destinations, it attracts a lot of water adventure enthusiasts as well as families.

Sharm El Sheikh Sharm El Sheikh is home to a number of amenity-rich resorts and places of tourist interest that will leave you spoilt for choice. When in Sharm El Sheikh, here are the things that you must try.

Visit Ras Mohamed National Park

This magnificent natural reserve lies at the tip of Sinai Peninsula some 38 km south of Sharm El Sheikh, and is one of the most beautiful places in Egypt with sprawling desert and untouched mountains. The white sand beaches, saltwater lakes, mangrove forests, and mesmerizing diving and snorkelling sites are its key draws. Some of the hotspots to visit in the national park are Aqaba Beach, Old Quay Beach, and Shark Observatory cliff top.

Try Watersports

Water sports enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Sharm El Sheikh for a variety of adventures on offer. The place has top notch diving and snorkelling sites that house excellent coral reefs, shipwrecks, and highly diverse marine life. Waterskiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, glass-bottomed boat trips are some of the other water adventures you can try.

Spend an evening at Naama Bay

Naama Bay area in Sharm El Sheikh is all about spending a relaxed holiday by the beach. The beautiful beachfront of the bay is a perfect place for sun lounging where you can rent cabanas and loungers. There are several cafes, street hawkers, and shops that line up the pedestrian promenade and are a good choice for some souvenir shopping while you are here.

Visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Unlike other places of historical interests in Egypt, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is quite different. Located just 2 hours drive from Sharm El Sheikh and at the foothill of Mount Sinai, this is where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The monastery is home to a museum that has safely preserved ancient manuscripts. Visit the monastery on a day trip and you can also include a hike up the Mt. Sinai for some adventure.

Explore the Old Market

Also known as Sharm al-Maya, Old Market is the main market area of this town. The best time to visit this market is after sunset when the place is enlivened with locals and tourists alike. Traditional shisha, beautiful Arabic lamps, crafts, wood work, and spices are some of things this market is famous for. You will also find here traditional cafes and restaurants to spend your evening.

A Look at Cairo’s Top Contemporary Art Galleries and Museums

The lovely capital of Egypt, Cairo is home to some terrific contemporary art galleries and museums. Take a look.

Zamalek Art Gallery

Promoting contemporary art in Egypt, Zamalek Art Gallery welcomes culture and art lovers from different parts of the world. The gallery has a permanent collection from established Egyptian artists as well as promising young talents of the country. It has been a hub of contemporary Egyptian art for more than 20 years and is also involved with many remarkable projects including The Art collection of the Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel, 2011, The Art collection of the DusitThani Hotel, Lake View, 2010, The Art collection of the DusitThani Hotel, Lake View, 2010, and more.

Cairo Opera House

Cairo Opera House is a part of Cairo’s National Cultural Centre and is one of the finest performing arts venues in the Egyptian capital. With some of the best musical groups in Egypt,

Cairo Opera Housethe place treats visitors to fabulous music and dance performances in the city. There are two opera halls and an open-air theatre in the house, and the place has become a popular cultural landmark in the city. The place also hosts art exhibitions.

Gezira Center for Modern Art

Also known as the Egyptian Modern Art Museum, Gezira Center for Modern Art is dedicated to modern and contemporary art contributing to the development of fine art movement in Cairo. The museum is a part of the National Cultural Centre on El -Gezira Island and displays over

Gezira Center10,000 paintings and sculptures reflecting the development of the Egyptian art movement from the early 20th century. Visitors would love to explore the collection of works by renowned Egyptian artists such as Mahmoud Sa’id, Ragheb Ayad, Gazbia Sirry and Mohammed Naghi.

Al Masar Gallery

Opened in late 2008, Al Masar Gallery captures the attention with the work of renowned Egyptian artists. This art gallery hosts an array of exhibitions displaying a true presentation of the modern and contemporary Egyptian art. Visitors can explore works by prominent artists such as Kareem Al Qurity and Sami Aboul Azm displayed at the newest gallery space – The Art Lounge of the gallery.

Townhouse Gallery

Established in 1998, Townhouse Gallery is the first independent art space in Egypt situated in downtown Cairo’s bustling car mechanics district. A large number of large-scale events have been initiated by the gallery including the citywide Nitaq Festival (1999). It is home to a collection of contemporary fine art and works with the aim to bring contemporary art to general populace. Discover fine works of international artists including Amal Kenawy, Nader Sadek, Amina Mansour, Osama Dawod and Basim Magdy.

Cairo’s Top Attractions for First Time Visitors

Nestling along the banks of River Nile, Egypt’s sprawling capital is not only a historian and an archaeologist’s dream but also a culture lover’s haven. Site to several world-famous attractions that remain unmatched in grandeur, taking a trip to Cairo is like travelling back to the cradle of civilisation. Since there’s a lot you can explore here, don’t forget visiting these top attractions, especially if it’s your first time in the city:

The Pyramids of Giza

The-Pyramids-of-Giza

Believed to have brought the whole of Egypt together for their construction at one point of time in history, the Pyramids of Giza are archaeological wonders needing no introduction. Archaeologists and historians are still grappling to understand the exact process of their construction, lending them an air of mystery. The three pyramids- the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu, the sphinx pyramid of Pharaoh Khafre and the pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaure must be explored on separate days for an elaborate tour of their individual palaces, temples, solar boat pits and other features.

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian-Museum

The Egyptian Museum is quite literally the treasure trove of some of the world’s most fascinating arts and artefacts. From over 1, 20,000 precious artefacts housed at the museum, one can gain insights into the Egyptian history spanning over several centuries. Do check out mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery amongst a range of other valued art pieces but do not, under any circumstance, miss boy-King Tutankhamen’s treasures, including the gold death-masks discovered in his tomb.

Mohamed Ali Mosque

Mohamed-Ali-Mosque

Decorating the stunning citadel of Salah el-Din, the Mohamed Ali Mosque stands out because of its favourable location, its 52 metres high dome and 84 metres tall minarets as well as the prominent use of Alabaster stone. The mosque took a period of around 18 years, from 1830-1848, to be completed; the ornate interiors and exteriors vouch for the fact.

Nilometer

Nilometer refers to the Turkish-style pencil dome located inside the Monastirli Palace compound. The tomb was used to check the water levels of the river during different period of a harvest cycle, thereby predicting disasters and floods as well as fertile harvests in advance, cause of a big celebration. When you visit this architectural marvel from AD 861, don’t miss out descending the steps below the measuring column, leading right below the level of River Nile.

Citadel

The mighty Cairo Citadel is your best bet for panoramic views of the city. From a few terraces of the Citadel, it is even possible to see the Pyramids of Giza. If you would like a slice of history to go with beautiful sightings, a tour of the citadel will reveal that these buildings served as fortifications to protect the rulers of Egypt for over 700 years. You can get details on each of the rulers and other historical facts from your knowledgeable guide.

Cairo Opera House

Search for the finest performing art events in Cairo will lead you to the Cairo Opera House, part of Cairo’s National Cultural Centre. The building, including two opera halls and an open-air theatre, is shared by both the Cairo Ballet Company and the Cairo Opera Company. Visit here for witnessing some of the best music and dance performances in the city. It’s also possible to attend art exhibitions here. Do check the schedule before you go.

The New Camel Market

Travel about 35 kilometres northwest of Cairo to arrive at the New Camel Market, the largest camel market in the whole of Egypt. The scene here is pretty vibrant albeit crowded as hundreds of camel owners bring their animals here for trade of an everyday basis. It is advisable to visit the market on Friday for most action. Try to reach there between 7am-11am.

Egypt: Famous Ancient Monuments Other Than the Pyramids

Egyptian Pyramids are the only surviving ones out of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They are brilliant examples of the stunning architectural capabilities of ancient people and attract tourists from all over the world. But there is a lot more to Egypt as a holiday destination than just mighty Pyramids. Here is a list of four other historical monuments you must visit during holidays in Egypt.

Kom Ombo Temple

Kom-Ombo-Egypt

Located at a distance of 30 miles from Aswan, the Kom Ombo temple, also known as the Double Temple, dates from about 180 BC. The temple is unique as it is devoted to two gods – Horus, the falcon headed god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. You will be surprised to see two adjacent entrances to the same structure. The temple has a two of everything – two gods, two courts, two halls and so on!

Valley of the Kings

Valley-of-the-Kings

Valley of the Kings, situated on the West Bank of River Nile in the ancient city of Thebes is also known as the burial site of King Tutankhamun. It is said that the Valley of Kings is one of the most opulent tombs built by ancient Egyptians for enabling a better afterlife for their pharaohs. The extraordinarily carved walls, brilliantly crafted paintings and magnificently planned architecture inside the tomb will leave you spellbound.

Temple of Osiris

Temple-of-Osiris

The Temple of Osiris located in proximity to many other ancient temples in Abydos is among the biggest treasure after the pyramids in Egypt. The beautiful ruins of this temple will compel you to run your imagination back to the past and envisage the temple in all its glory. There are a few other ancient temples including the Portal Temple and the Funerary Complex located nearby this temple.

Abu Simbel

Abu-Simbel

Abu Simbel temple was built during the reign of the Ramesses II by cutting into a solid rock cliff located near the first and second cataract of the River Nile. It was built in such a way that every year precisely on February 22 and October 22 the sunlight would fall into the inner sanctuary and light up the three statues including one of the Pharaoh seated on a bench.

Explore the Charms of Sharm-El-Sheikh

Sharm-El-Sheikh

The picture-perfect seaside city of Sharm-El-Sheikh is located in the southern region of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. The destination is well known for its scenic beauty accentuated by the Red Sea and the mountainous appeal of St.

Sharm-El-Sheik

Catherine and Mount Sinai. The City of Peace, as it’s often referred to, is a popular holiday destination among travellers visiting Egypt. Read on to know about some of the major attractions of this peaceful and scenic city.

Ras Mohammed National Park

A must-visit attraction, the Ras Mohammed National Park is a nature reserve sprawling across nearly 480 square kilometres of serene deserts, pearly white beaches, and several exotic dive and snorkelling sites such as Shark Reef, Anemone City, and Jackfish Alley. Here, you can explore the vivid waters of the Red Sea containing coral-reefs, over 1,000 species of fish, and a plethora of other aquatic creatures such as hammerheads, manta rays, and whale sharks. Visit its Main Beach for a memorable snorkelling experience, camp at the Khashaba Beach, swim at the Salt Lake, or relax by the Marsa Bareika. Besides, you may also explore the mangrove forests of the Mangrove Channel; there is sure a lot to do at the Ras Mohammed National Park.

Naama Bay

One of the most popular attractions is the Naama Bay; a long, sandy natural bay in Sharm El Sheikh. The place teems with tourists, particularly in the evenings. Stroll along its fully developed shoreline along the well-paved walkway covered with bougainvillaea and oleander on the sides. The Naama Bay also contains local bazaars, restaurants, bars, and ‘Sheesha’ cafes.

Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Travellers should visit the historical site of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, which is located at the foot of Mount Sinai. Explore this ancient monastery, which is considered to be one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. It is also a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and has the oldest operating library in the world.

Ras Um Sid Cliff

The Ras Um Sid Cliff is a very high cliff-top location with several hotels and links the Na’ama Bay to the bay of Sharm El Maya. Visit this region and marvel at its vibrant and abundant coral reefs that make it so popular.

Sharm El Maya

Visit the Sharm El Maya, or the old town of Sharm El Sheikh. It is a stunning bay, which acts as a natural harbour. Check out its beach area, which has been recently developed and boasts several 5 star hotels.

Unravel Ancient Mysteries in Cairo

cairo

The mention of Egypt’s capital city Cairo brings to mind the mysterious, ancient and awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza. This bustling city is a popular travel destination due to its endless list of historical attractions. Some of these world famous historical attractions are well-preserved while some are in half dilapidated condition. However, these are all-time favourites. Listed below are some of Egypt’s pearls of the ancient world.

Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly the most popular and most visited attraction in Egypt, let alone its capital Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza are a collection of three primary pyramids or mortuary monuments, which were built around 4,500 years ago. Admire the architecture of the Pyramid of Cheops, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, which is the biggest pyramid of the three. Travellers can explore the interiors of its narrow passages, which contain a tomb chamber and a sarcophagus. The Pyramid of Chephren, popular as the Pyramid of Khefre, is the second pyramid. The Pyramid of Mycerinus, also known as the Pyramid of Menkaure, is the third and the smallest pyramid of the three.

Great Sphinx

Lying close to the Pyramids of Giza is the lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced Sphinx. Another world-famous and must-visit attraction, the Sphinx is said to be the guard of the Pyramids of Giza! Admire this ancient sculpture, which has a massive height of 66 feet and is 234 feet long. The monument is flanked by two ancient temples; one belongs to the Old Kingdom, while the other belongs to the New Kingdom.

Al-Azhar Mosque

Visit the serene Al-Azhar Mosque located in the centre of the Islamic Cairo district in Cairo. The mosque is a fine example of ancient architecture and is said to be one of the earliest surviving mosques in Cairo. Enter from the main entrance, the Gate of the Barbers, and reach the central courtyard to soak in fantastic views of the five minarets of the mosque. Walk through the courtyard to the main prayer hall, which covers a massive area of 3,000 square meters.

Saqqara

Another marvellous ancient site in Cairo, the Saqqara is located between Giza and Dahshur in southern Cairo. Saqqara is home to the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. The archaeological site, surrounded by palm trees, houses the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt’s oldest stone pyramid. The Step Pyramid is believed to have been built for pharaoh Djoser by architect Imhotep. The monument contains beautiful ancient graffiti on its walls.

The Citadel

Visit Cairo’s equally mystifying ancient site of the Citadel, which is located at the foot of the Mokattam Hills in Cairo. The Citadel contains many ancient monuments including the famous Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also popular as the Alabaster Mosque, the El-Nasir Mosque, and the Gawhara Terrace among others.

A Perfect Day in Luxor, Egypt

Luxor spoils one for choice with its slew of attractions and exciting activities to do. Often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, this extraordinary place boasts majestic grandeur and history that find reflection through its well-preserved architectural edifices.

luxor

The meandering River Nile adds its own bit of charm to the destination. If you are visiting Luxor, you may want to know how to spend an exhilarating day there. Well, that’s exactly what we have presented here.

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank of Luxor

Hot Air Balloon

Take in the breathtaking panorama of the city from the sky. The ride will give you a bird’s eye view of the archaic edifices of Luxor.There will be a professional guide to assist and educate you about the history of these structures throughout the flight.  The glimpse of the vast temples and tall statutes shining under the brilliant rays of the sun will expose the real beauty of Luxor. This hot air balloon ride will certainly be one of the best activities you would indulge in during your entire trip.

Enjoy the Attractive Sound and Light Show at the Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple is the most beautiful and astonishing one amongst all the monuments of Luxor.  The sound and light show, that is presented every evening in the temple premises, will take you on a wonderful journey down Egypt’s memory lane. Besides feeding you historical titbits, this show also gives you a guided insight into all the sections of the monument. After the show, simply sit on the banks of the Sacred Lake and reflect upon the beautifully spent evening, while watching the dazzling reflections of the lit up monuments in the waters of the lake.

Lose yourself in the Old souk

Want to experience the real Luxor essence? Step into the Old Souk and explore the bustling life of modern Luxor. All the locals in Luxor shop here for their day to day needs. The main entry of the market is of special tourist interest. Here you would find major shops that sell jewellery, spices, scarves, T-shirts leather goods, souvenirs, bags, clothing, and much more. The strong aroma of the spices and incense sticks will follow you all around the market. Just across the lane you can spot a New Tourist Souk that lacks the Luxor touch but is much better organised.

Egypt Holidays beyond the Pyramids: Top Tourist Activities to Enjoy

The Pyramids are definitely the biggest draw for tourists planning holidays in Egypt. In addition to the pyramids, there are numerous other attractions that do their bit to entice tourists to this African nation in hordes. Check out some of the notable ones here.

Hot Air Ballooning

Dotted with several temples and tombs, Luxor is often called the ‘biggest open air museum in the world’. Try hot air ballooning in Luxor to enjoy amazing views of this Egyptian city. The early morning hot air balloon ride is often billed as the best way to admire the soothing sunrise. The route of the ride depends on the wind, which means different rides offer you an opportunity to view the city in different ways.

Felucca Cruise

Felucca-CruiseThe capital city of Egypt, Cairo, sports an impressive blend of rich past and modern lifestyle. If you are looking for a relaxed time without delving into the past or dealing with the metropolitan chaos, book a felucca ride to sail through the waters of the River Nile. The waterfront is perhaps the most tranquil area in Cairo and the best place to connect with the serenity of nature. Add an extra zing to your felucca experience with night tours, when skyscrapers are illuminated with sparkling lights, creating a dazzling scene.

Camel Safari

Camel-SafariIf you choose to visit Sharm El Sheikh, this is one activity you cannot ignore. Enjoy a camel ride to explore the calm settings of the desert and take delight in the various interesting legends narrated by your tour guide. The tours are available throughout the year and most of the tours last for about five hours. Tour itineraries usually include pick-up and drop off at the hotel, Bedouin dinner, traditional dance performances, and of course, camel rides. Don’t forget to carry a light jacket as the temperature in the desert can fluctuate dramatically.

Snorkelling Cruise

CruiseGiftun Island National Park in Hurghada is among the best places to enjoy snorkelling in the waters of the Red Sea. Be a part of a snorkelling cruise to explore the colourful underwater life. If you don’t have snorkelling gear, rent it from the kiosks on the island. Many cruise operators are available in the city. Almost every operator offers hotel pickup and drop as well as lunch.

Best Desert Safari Experiences in the World Holidaymakers Just Can’t Miss

lDesert safari is indeed one of the most luring baits that set adventure freaks on a mad quest to grab air tickets for flights to different world destinations. This exciting adventure activity allows the holidaymakers to enjoy the enthralling dune bashing in scorched landscape near the city. The adventure filled ride over 4 x 4 sophisticated SUV vehicles through stunning spectacles of tanned terrains and challenging Bedouins all together make for a lifetime experience. Here’s a quick list discussing about the best desert safari destinations in the world.

Black Rock Desert, USA

The state of Nevada is much popular for Los Vegas however the Black Rock Desert in the region attracts many adventure seekers owing to its amazing desert safari trial. The accommodation for the visitors is set inside a camp at the oasis or the travellers even have a choice to soak in natural hot springs. The desert boasts dry lake beds, natural wet lands, scary cities and abundant flora and fauna which make the entire safari experience much more enthralling. Holidaymakers craving to experience a natural American desert life must not wait to net flights tickets for USA and partake in the Black Rock Desert Safari.

Cairo, Egypt

egyptEgypt is and will always be a hot favourite desert safari destination attracting holidaymakers from all corners of the world. Cairo, the capital of Egypt boats an extensive desert area providing enormous opportunities to the global visitors to participate in desert safari. The safari terrain of Egypt is quite extensive in comparison to other destinations and travellers need to spend almost a week to see the desert tourism in Egypt.

Dubai, UAE

dubaiDubai undoubtedly tops the popularity charts when it comes to experiencing the authentic slice of desert safari. Safari tours in the city are organized in both morning and evening hours thus giving the adventure seekers enough time to enjoy the amazing sport. Visitors can enjoy a 20 minutes safari aboard 4 x 4 SUV vehicles that pass through amazing sand dunes bashing. One can even try hands in the 15 minutes Quad biking, sand skiing or camel ride which are sure to give them a jaw-breaking experience. Soft drinks and water bottles are provided to the guests and later they are dropped at the preferred destinations.

Sharm El Sheikh Holidays in April – What to Do

Sharm-El-Sheikh-Holidays

Dubbed as the ‘City of Peace’, Sharm El Sheikh is a perfect place to relax, unwind and let loose in the lap of nature. Nestled brilliantly at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, this gorgeous beach resort features an incredible fusion of sea, sun and sand (desert, in fact) that tempts many to board flights landing here. As the summer sets in and the weather becomes relatively pleasant, an increased number of people plan holidays in this heavenly corner of Egypt. Literally, a trip to Sharm El Sheik in April promises to be an unforgettable holiday! If you are contemplating to book tickets and holiday deals for this Red Sea resort in April, here are top 3 things you must do.

Laze on the Tranquil Sandy Beaches

Home to some of the finest beaches in the Arab World, Sharm El Sheikh offers a sense of exclusivity and solitude and hence is a great choice for tranquillity seekers investing on tickets to Egypt. Walk leisurely on the pristine sand and soak up the beauty of the ocean! Surrounding barren deserts and an eclectic selection of resorts and restaurants abounding the Red Sea shore make it a real delight for couples and families alike. Sharm El Sheikh also boasts some of the most photogenic sunsets in Egypt, best enjoyed while lying on the sand.

Explore Your Adventurous Side

From scuba diving to camel trekking and enthralling desert safari; adrenaline junkies who book tickets for April holidays in Sharm El Sheikh are left spoilt for choice. The place is highly acclaimed for its incredibly diverse marine life that can be best spotted by scuba diving. Take a boat ride to reach the reefs of Tiran and Ras Mohammed, where diving could be your lifetime experience. Besides, the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm also allures divers from far and wide. Horseback riding, parasailing and quad biking are some other exhilarating activities that can be relished in this magnificent part of Egypt.

Relish Unmatched Opulence at Luxury Beach Resorts

Sharm El Sheikh is home to some of the best beach resorts in the Middle East that offer luxurious living like nowhere else. From a romantic escape to an action-packed holiday, these resorts are a great way to relish the best of opulence and hospitality of Arabian World. Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort, Four Season Resort and Iberotel Palace Hotel are some of the places that leave luxury seekers spellbound and gloating over their decision of netting tickets to this splendid beach destination in Egypt.