If you are beginning to feel the effects of the winter blues, it’s
time to start planning your escape route. Dreaming of spending the
winter months somewhere warm, exciting, and cheap? Then Egypt is
definitely your kind of place.
This North African country has been attracting (and marveling) Western visitors since the 19th century, and the reasons for visiting have not changed much in nearly 200 years. First, the Egyptian Pound offers excellent value for money when it comes to the exchange rates. Next is the weather, which stays comfortably warm even during the winter. And of course, there’s Egypt’s tremendous variety of sights, attractions, and experiences that are real deal-clinchers.
This North African country has been attracting (and marveling) Western visitors since the 19th century, and the reasons for visiting have not changed much in nearly 200 years. First, the Egyptian Pound offers excellent value for money when it comes to the exchange rates. Next is the weather, which stays comfortably warm even during the winter. And of course, there’s Egypt’s tremendous variety of sights, attractions, and experiences that are real deal-clinchers.
Take a closer look at a hand-picked list of 6 great reasons to book yourself into a well-deserved trip to Egypt.
Egypt’s Western Oases
Because of their remote location, not many holidaymakers make it to
the Western Oases, but those who do talk about them as the the highlight
of their trip to Egypt. Siwa’s isolation gives the town a very special
feel, as this destination is well off the beaten track and off the
package holiday craze. Surrounded by hundreds of miles of desert, one
cannot but be awed by the natural beauty of the Oasis at Siwa,
which is home to nearly 400,000 trees and 300 springs. Stay at one of
Siwa’s eco lodges to best appreciate the uniqueness of this place.
Photocredits: Siwa Oasis by Shady Elkharasi
Explore the magical Sinai Peninsula
Take a road trip to the Sinai and explore its ancient monasteries and
dramatic mountain scenery. The Blue Desert is considered one of Egypt’s
hidden treasures. This is a man-made monument to peace among nations
and also a tribute to the country’s stunning natural landscapes. Combine
this with a trip to the Coloured Canyon and get ready to fall in love
with the Sinai’s stunning beauty.
Photo credits: Mount Sinai by Ivan Šlosar
Shopping in Cairo
Tourists can look forward to doing a bit of shopping during their holidays to Egypt. Shopping in Cairo
is always a popular option among tourists, whether in the city’s
numerous malls or the local soukhs and bazaars. Khan el Khalili Bazaar
is the kind of place where you can get lost in space and time, marveling
at the great deal of souvenirs, antiques, and bargains that are housed
in some truly impressive buildings. After some much-needed retail
therapy in Cairo, why not go on a gastronomic tour and have a taste of
various Egyptian dishes and cuisine. You can try sampling the local fare
at one of the many romantic restaurants which can be found right
outside the bazaar. More information can be found here
Photo credits: Thomson
Cosmopolitan Charm in Alexandria
If you’re in need of a change of scenery and pace after a few days in
busy Cairo, head to Alexandria (but be warned, you may want to stay!).
This elegant city sits on the shores of the Mediterranean and has a
clear European feel to it. The city is packed with world-class
historical monuments and UNESCO heritage sites and need I mention that
the beaches here are simply superb?
Photo credits: Thomson
Beach life in the Red Sea
The Red Sea offers nearly 800 miles of spectacular coastline. This is
also one of the world’s top diving and snorkelling spots, but the area
also fits the bill if you simply want to chill out and relax by the
beach. For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of tourist resorts,
there’s the uber popular resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, and for
everyone else, there’s picturesque laid-back Dahab.
Photo credits: Thomson
Historic Egypt
You can’t just come to Egypt and not visit the country’s finest archaeological sites. Ancient Heracleion,
a fabled sunken city which was thought to be the port of entry for
Greek ships entering Egypt, has only recently been unearthed after 1,200
years. A Nile river cruise is also said to be the experience of a
lifetime for some and a fantastic way of discovering the best of
enchanting Egyptian attractions and sites such as the Great Pyramids,
Minya, Assuit, Luxor, and Aswan.
Photo credits: Thomson
