When you think of Egypt, the pyramids of Giza are probably the first image that comes to mind. These ancient masonry structures are remarkable not only for their scale and precision but also for the mysteries surrounding them. But, that’s not all an Egypt tour package has to offer. Beyond these iconic structures are vibrant cities, ancient temples, cruises down the winding Nile river, bustling bazaars and lots more. Join us as we explore 5 unforgettable destinations across Egypt.

Alexandria
Set along the Mediterranean coastline, Alexandria traces its origins to Alexander the Great. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are an intriguing place to start exploring the city. Spread over 3 underground levels, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences. From here, move on to Kom El Dekka. What appears to be Roman-era ruins at first glance reveals beautifully preserved details like marble seating and intricate mosaic floors on closer inspection.

Closer to the sea stands the Citadel of Fort Qaitbey. This 15th-century fortress stands on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. If you’re a certified scuba diver, consider extending your explorations under the waves to catch a glimpse of Cleopatra’s Underwater Palace

Cairo
Most Egypt Tour Packages begin just outside Cairo at the Pyramids of Giza and the legendary limestone Sphinx. While you’re here, don’t miss the smaller yet equally intriguing Tomb of Meresankh III.

Within Cairo, you’ll notice 2 distinct quarters, Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo. Coptic Cairo is a historic stronghold for Christianity in the region and boasts of several iconic landmarks including the Hanging Church, the Babylon Fortress, Coptic Museum and Ben Ezra Synagogue. On the other hand, Islamic Cairo houses some of the oldest mosques of Egypt. A walk through this part of the city will show you why it’s also called the City of a Thousand Minarets. Some of the must-see attractions here include the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Citadel of Cairo and the ‘open-air museum’ along the bustling Al-Muizz Street.

Luxor
Between the 16th to 11th century BC, Luxor, then known as Thebes, served as the pharaohs’ capital. Today, the city has expanded across both bank of the Nile and is often referred to as the “world's greatest open-air museum”. An early morning hot air balloon ride gives you a unique perspective to Luxor’s ancient landscape.

On the West Bank, you’ll find the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens where you can explore the richly decorated tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I, Nefertari and other Egyptian royals. At a short distance from these tombs stands the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Across the Nile, the East Bank’s gardens, bazaars and restaurants are a stark contrast to the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex and the ancient Luxor Temple.

Aswan
Aswan’s calm energy is a striking contract to the lively buzz of Cairo and Luxor. Once the southern frontier of ancient Egypt, it’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in Egypt’s Nubian heritage. If you were to map your explorations from north to south, begin at the Elephantine Island. Wander through the archeological digs where you can see ruins of the Temple of Satet and ancient settlements as well as the remarkable Nilometer before making your way to the Nubian villages. Back on the mainland, the Unfinished Obelisk stands testament to Aswan’s role as one of ancient Egypt’s major granite quarries.

The Philae Temple is considered Aswan’s most prominent landmark. Known for its graceful architecture and beautifully carved reliefs, the temple is also a feat of modern preservation. In the 1970s, it was carefully dismantled and relocated from the submerged Philae Island to its current location.

Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel owes its fame to the majestic 13th century BC temples built by Ramses II. Carved into a sandstone cliff on the banks of Lake Nasser, the temple complex houses 2 temples; one dedicated to Ramses and the second to his queen, Nefertari. Beyond its scale, Abu Simbel is remarkable for its precise solar alignment. Twice a year, the sun’s ray fall on the inner sanctuary, illuminating its statues.

Equally impressive is the temple’s modern history. Like the Philae Temple, the Abu Simbel temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from being submerged in the lake.

Exploring Egypt Tour Package Options
Booking a curated Egypt tour package takes the hassle out of planning, allowing you to focus on exploring the country’s highlights and enjoying immersive cultural experiences. There are 2 main options available to travelers. You can either move from city to city by road or air or you could take a cruise down the Nile.

A cruise offers the added comfort of unpacking just once, with each day bringing a new stop at iconic monuments and ancient temples. It’s a relaxed yet enriching way to see the very best of Egypt.

At Odyssey, we’ll help you plan your travels across Egypt and give you a rich, seamless experience. We’ll go a step further - flight tickets, visas, insurance - we’ll handle it all so all you need to do, is pack your bags.