Few destinations compare to Egypt. A delightful mix of ancient treasures and modern cities, it is a country steeped in antiquities, ancient artefacts and adapting traditions.
As is only fitting for a country that holds the Great Pyramids of Giza, we’ve highlighted the seven wonders of Egypt you need to discover on your next trip.
1. Explore the Great Pyramid of Giza with an Egyptologist
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a must-see on any trip to Egypt. Join a knowledgeable Egyptologist as you delve into its history. Built by Pharaoh Khufu, whose reign started around 2551 B.C., the pyramid stands 455 feet tall. Along with Pharaoh Khafre’s pyramid and Menkaure’s, it makes up the Pyramids of Giza complex. Meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their gods in the afterlife. In the evening witness an audio visual sound and light show, as you immerse yourself in this Fourth Dynasty wonder.
Fun fact: this is the only wonder of the world that has remained relatively intact throughout the years.
2. Visit the bustling capital of Cairo
What better way to explore Egypt’s vibrant capital than with a Local Expert? Set on the mighty River Nile, this bustling capital is home to Tutankhamun’s treasures, his full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded thrown and precious jewellery. Delve into his history with an expert before heading to the top of Cairo’s Citadel and taking in sweeping views of the city. Visit the Alabaster Mosque. Commissioned by Muhammad Ali Paha between 1830 and 1848 it is situated in the Citadel itself.
3. Explore Luxor with a local resident
Situated on the east bank of the Nile, Luxor is an ancient city that is positioned on Thebes, the pharaoh’s capital at the height of their power. Today visitors head there to visit the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, two surviving ancient monuments. Meet a local resident from a nearby village and hear more about local life as you try authentic Egyptian sun bread.
4. Sail to Aswan via felucca
As you cruise along the busy Nile river, you’ll spot many traditional feluccas. Hop on board one in Aswan, where you have the opportunity to meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries before heading to Aswan’s famous venue, the famous Old Cataract Hotel. Join the likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie before you for a High Tea in true colonial English-style. Christie supposedly wrote her esteemed novel, “Death on the Nile,” in this very location.
While you’re in Aswan, take some time to visit Abu Simbel. Consisting of two temples carved into the mountainside, this is one of the most impressive attractions you will come across on your trip to Egypt. It is located near the border with Sudan, approximately 300 km from Aswan and there are more than a dozen flights each week going back and forth. The flight is less than an hour, so you’ll definitely have time to squeeze this into your itinerary.
5. Reach Philae Island by motorboat
Delve into the legend of Isis and uncover more about Ancient Egypt’s gods on a visit to the Temple of Isis. Situated on pretty Philae Island, downstream of the Aswan Dam, learn about Isis, the goddess of protection and her role in Ancient Egypt. The wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus, legend has it she used her magic spells to help people in need.
6. See the oldest and largest pyramids
Travel shouldn’t always be about superlatives, but when it comes to the pyramids it is. In Karnak stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Sakkara also impresses with the oldest pyramid in the world. Named the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, it was built over 4500 years ago. Located 30 km south of Cairo, this is the biggest archaeological sites in the country, with a vast collection of tombs and mastabas, so we recommend having a knowledgeable guide by your side for a proper tour of the area.
7. Get lost in the Valley of the Kings
You can’t head to Egypt without visiting the Valley of the Kings. Start in its gateway, West Bank and embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut, a temple dedicated to Hatshepsut, one of the few female rulers in Ancient Egypt. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun were buried.
Experience it for yourself: Wonders of Egypt
Which of the 7 Wonders is in Egypt?
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the World (or Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and also the oldest. Constructed some 4,500 years ago, it plays a pivotal role in the history of Ancient Egypt. While there is a lot of information available about this landmark, there are still plenty of secrets left to be uncovered. Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities has launched the ScanPyramids project back in 2015 to identify any unknown internal voids and structures using modern technology.
How many great wonders are in Egypt?
Egypt boasts one of the seven wonders of the world: the Great Pyramid of Giza. Visited yearly by over 14 million tourists, this spectacular site is an absolute must on your travel bucket list.
Is the Sphinx a seven wonder?
The Sphinx is viewed as part of the Giza pyramid complex, thus making it part of the seven wonders of the world.
