PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
The last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,
the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world's
most recognizable landmarks. Built as tombs for the mighty Pharaohs and guarded
by the enigmatic Sphinx, Giza's pyramid complex has awed travelers down through
the ages and had archaeologists (and a fair few conspiracy theorists) scratching
their heads over how they were built for centuries.
Today, these megalithic memorials to dead kings are still as wondrous a sight as they ever were.
An undeniable highlight of any Egypt trip, Giza's pyramids should not be missed.
White Desert
Egypt's kookiest natural wonder is the White Desert, where surreally shaped chalk
mountains have created what looks like a snowy wonderland in the middle of the arid sand.
The landscapes here look like something out of a science fiction movie, with blindingly
white boulders and iceberg-like pinnacles. For desert fans and adventurers, this is the
ultimate weird playground, while anybody who's had their fill of temples and tombs will
enjoy this spectacular natural scenery.
Egyptian Museum
A treasure trove of the Pharaonic world, Cairo's Egyptian Museum is one of the world's
great museum collections. The faded pink mansion is home to a dazzling amount of
exhibits. It's a higgledy-piggledy place with little labeling on offer and not
much chronological order, but that's half of its old-school charm.
Upstairs is the golden glory of King Tutankhamen and the fascinating royal mummies exhibits,
but really every corner you turn here is home to some wonderful piece
of ancient art or statuary that would form a highlight of any other museum.
Siwa Oasis
Way out west, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities.
This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous
fresh water springs, is one of the Western Desert's most picturesque spots.
The town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel that dominates the view.
This is a top spot to wind down and go slow for a few days, as well as being an excellent
base from which to plan adventures into the surrounding desert.
St.Catherine's Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's stands at the foot of Mount Sinai,
where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. This desert monastery is home to
an incredible collection of religious iconography, art, and manuscripts (some of which can be
seen in the on-site museum), as well as the burning bush. For most visitors here, a trip to
St. Catherine's also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Take the camel
path for the easy route or climb the famous Steps of Repentance if you want better views.