Egypt: Pyramids, the Nile and the Red Sea — More Than a Beach Holiday
Many people know Egypt as a land of warm seas and beachfront hotels. But venture beyond the resort and a completely different country unfolds: pyramids thousands of years old, temples with columns so thick it takes several people to wrap their arms around them, sunrises over the Nile. And beneath the surface of the Red Sea lie coral gardens counted among the most beautiful in the world. We've gathered the essentials so your holiday is both sunny and unforgettable.
Key points
- Sea and history are easy to combine: from the Red Sea resorts you can travel to both Cairo and Luxor.
- The cooler months are more pleasant for sightseeing; in summer, focus on the sea and set out early in the morning.
- In cities and at holy sites, modest clothing is appropriate, and haggling is the norm at markets.
- You'll need the internet for maps, translation, taxis and keeping in touch with your guide and hotel.
Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are what draw many people to Egypt at least once in their lives. It's best to arrive early in the morning, before the heat sets in and while there are fewer people. From the plateau, the desert stretches out on one side and a vast city on the other.
Cairo itself is loud and full of life. Its museums hold the treasures of the pharaohs, Islamic Cairo is a maze of old mosques and narrow lanes, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar overflows with lamps, spices, jewellery and tiny cafés. In the evening, it's lovely to sit by the Nile.
Luxor, Aswan and a Nile Cruise
Luxor is often called an open-air museum. On the east bank stand the temples of Karnak and Luxor; on the west bank lie the Valley of the Kings, with the tombs of the pharaohs, and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut. At dawn, hot-air balloons rise above the valley — an unforgettable sight.
River cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan: several days of slow travel along the Nile, with stops at temples along the way. From Aswan, where the Nile is especially beautiful, trips head out to the temples of Abu Simbel, carved straight into the rock.
The Red Sea: Reefs and Beaches
Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam and Dahab are the coast's main resorts. People come here for more than a tan: just put on a mask and you'll see corals and colourful fish right by the shore. In Ras Mohammed National Park and on the reefs of Marsa Alam you may meet turtles and dolphins, while Dahab is a favourite with divers and windsurfers.
In the Sinai, you can watch the sunrise from Mount Sinai and look inside the ancient St Catherine's Monastery at its foot.
What to Try
Egyptian food is simple, filling and absolutely delicious.
- Koshari — rice, pasta and lentils with tomato sauce and fried onions.
- Ful — stewed beans, the traditional breakfast.
- Ta'ameya — Egyptian falafel made from beans.
- Molokhia — a thick green soup.
- Freshly squeezed mango, guava and sugarcane juices.
- Karkade — hibiscus tea, served hot or cold.
Good to Know Before You Go
Egyptians are sociable and hospitable, and a few tips will make your trip go more smoothly.
- In cities and at holy sites, choose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Haggling is customary at markets — keep it calm and do it with a smile.
- Tips are expected almost everywhere, so it's handy to carry some small change.
- Drink bottled water and protect yourself from the sun: a hat and sunscreen are a must.
- It's safer to book excursions through your hotel or with trusted guides.
Staying Connected
In Egypt you'll need the internet constantly: to reach your guide, call a taxi, open a map in sprawling Cairo or translate a sign at the market. You can install your eSIM at home over Wi-Fi, so there's no need to hunt for a SIM card at the airport after you land. When a plan's validity begins is shown on the checkout page before you pay: for some plans it starts the first time you connect in your destination country, for others on installation or right after purchase. Your main number stays in your phone, and calls and messages to it keep coming in as usual, under your mobile provider's terms.
Choose an eSIM for your trip to Egypt in our shop — the plans for Egypt are collected on this page, and the installation details will arrive at the email address you enter at payment. Have a wonderful holiday!
Sources and further reading
- Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone · Apple Support
- How to use an eSIM with your Galaxy phone · Samsung Support
