Lonely Planet Egypt: Perfect for exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled (Travel Guide)

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Egypt is generally considered safe to visit, but if you face any issues that you believe require law enforcement interference, look for police officers with a tourism police badge on their shoulders – it’s a navy blue half sleeve with a gold eagle in the middle, and “Tourism and Antiquities Police” written at the bottom. They are stationed at every tourist destination in Egypt and can also be reached by dialing 126 from any Egyptian mobile number. We’ve established that Egypt leans toward conservative, and this extends to public displays of affection. While holding hands with your partner won’t garner much attention, limit your public physical interactions to what would be considered mild and proper. Time stands still at the turquoise Blue Lagoon. Located between the shadows of the Sinai Mountains and the crystal waters of the Red Sea, the Blue Lagoon has flat waters and strong winds, making this Red Sea sweet spot a kitesurfer’s paradise. From papyrus papers and traditional souvenirs to carefully crafted silverware and hand-painted ceramics, markets in Egypt are a treasure trove. But if you feel like something is overpriced, don’t shy away from haggling. Planning tip: For a picture-perfect location to finish the drive, keep driving to Shark Observatory Cliff on the southern edge of Ras Mohammed. Here you'll get a sweeping view of this wondrous landscape. 3. Drive and dive along the Red Sea coast

The ship is partially powered by solar panels, and you can see how much electricity is being generated by the sun as well as the carbon dioxide savings on a screen inside. What travelers should know before visiting Egypt Egypt’s bustling capital city is layered with cultural, religious, architectural and even culinary history. Its wonders stretch far beyond the walls of its famous museums. You can take in centuries worth of sights just by walking down the city streets, and discover untapped wonders just by saying hello to a stranger. Then there are the Pyramids of Giza, truly a wonder of the world. About 50km north are two flat-topped mountains known as the Twin Peaks, a key navigation point for travellers. A favourite destination of local tour operators, the view from the top of the surrounding symmetrical hills, all shaped like giant ant-hills, is spectacular. Just beyond here, the road climbs a steep escarpment known as Naqb As Sillim (Pass of the Stairs); this is the main pass that leads into and out of the Farafra depression and marks the end of the White Desert. Siwa is also famed for producing some of the country’s best dates, and you may be able to sample straight from the tree – just ask locals first. Every November, Siwa holds the Siwi Palm Date Festival.

You'll find decent weather across most of the country, although in Cairo and Alexandria be prepared for rain. If you’re here to delve into Luxor’s glut of Pharaonic riches, winter brings blue skies and pleasant daytime temperatures to make long days of rambling around ancient ruins a pleasure rather than an endurance test.

Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum, is a testament to the ancient Egyptian civilization through its sheer wealth of temples and monuments. Scout new ways to explore the planet's wildest places with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. 1. Cross Sinai, from the mountains to the coast What’s more, the water is warm all year long, so even in the winter months this is a popular spot for swimming and diving. It can even get a bit too hot during the summer months. Plan to arrive in Marsa Matrouh in time for dinner and wander through the renowned Souq Libya before calling it a night. Marsa Matrouh is fairly conservative, so behave respectfully as you make your way around town. Old Cairo is also home to the beautifully restored Wekalet el Ghouri Arts Center that hosts a wide array of cultural events. Here you can see an unforgettable Tanoura show – a whirling dervish performance that merges Egyptian folklore and Sufi spiritual chants. This colorful and mesmerizing one-hour experience is a must-see for anyone visiting Cairo.Siwa is a prime destination for tourists looking to escape the winter chill and it's a leaping off point for the Great Sand Sea (the world’s third-largest dune field), swimmable hot and cold springs and crystal clear salt lakes where you can float effortlessly, supported by the saline waters. The boat also stops in Esna for the Temple of Khnum, a small but wonderfully preserved structure. Look up to spot the column-topping capitals, each of which has a colorfully decorated, unique bouquet of palm fronds, bunches of grapes, lotus flowers and papyrus shoots. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. 1. Have breakfast at the pyramids

El Gouna has great aquatic activities, and lots of options for hiking and safaris in the surrounding desert landscapes, appealing to younger travelers. It also has bougie boutiques, cultural events and top-tier culinary experiences thanks to its many upscale restaurants, appealing to an older set. Begin your temple-hopping at the Temple of Karnak – the perfect manifestation of pharaonic ambition. A few kilometers southwest of Karnak is the stunning Luxor Temple. If you can, visit at night when the temple lights are turned on. About 40 minutes northwest of the Luxor Temple lies The Valley of the Kings – a popular tourist destination and includes the tombs of Ramses III, Seti I and Ay. Dozens of balloons take to Luxor’s skies every day at dawn for a view that’s literally breathtaking. Watch the sun rise and light up the Theban hills, local farms and ancient monuments. See the Nile River glistening in the distance and wave at locals watching from their balconies. Trust us, it’s definitely worth that 3am wake-up call and pre-ride anxiety. 12. Take a sunset felucca ride along the Nile But these hulking vessels aren’t the only way to get out on the river, and for a more intimate experience, sign up for a dahabiya cruise with an outfitter like Nour El Nil. The guest rooms are surprisingly spacious, with comfy hotel-like beds, plenty of wardrobe and storage space, and good-sized bathrooms. Many staterooms come with balconies.

Many visitors to Egypt say that the Great Temple at Abu Simbel, fronted by gigantic statues of the seated pharaoh, is their favorite, thanks to its over-the-top architecture (a signature of Ramses II), its serene lakeside location and incredible tale of rescue from the rising waters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.