Is a trip to Egypt on your bucket list in 2023? Do you dream of yourself being able to see temples, tombs, and pyramids in real life? Sailing down the Nile, dining on typical Egyptian food or seeing King Tutankhamun’s golden death mask? Well, this might just be your year Plan an Egypt Trip in 2023, Here are ten reasons why you should accept one of our holiday packages for Egypt in 2023.
1. Egypt Reopened Airports and Welcomes Tourists After COVID-19 Closure
On May 15, 2020, Egypt officially launched its reopening, beginning with dozens of hotels in beach communities such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, and Marsa Alam along the serene Red Sea coast of Egypt, where Egypt’s best scuba diving spots are. Hotels were permitted to open at 25 percent capacity after following rigorous health and security protocols. These areas of Egypt reported the fewest number of infections with Covid-19 and were initially the safest to reopen.
In July, 6,000 tourists visited Egypt from different countries, including Switzerland, Belarus, and Ukraine, and spent time soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches of the region. No cases of Covid-19 were found amongst the visitors, according to Arab News. This should inspire many travellers to schedule a trip to Egypt in 2023.
All Egyptian museums, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Nubian Museum in Aswan, as well as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and other archaeological sites in Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria, are open and ready for tourism as of 1 September 2020, while security measures are maintained.
2. A vacation in Egypt is very affordable.
The cost is one of the main worries when it comes to travel, and, of course, due to ever – airfare prices, this often seems to weigh heavier on destinations are much further away. However, it’s shockingly economical and a fit for all budgets when you split it down, and Egypt vacations in 2023.
You should make your Egypt trip suit your budget, whether you’re trying to see Egypt on a budget, or booking a luxurious Egypt tour. There are a range of accommodation options available in Egypt and a fraction of the price of what you will pay in, say, Paris or New York City, is even the most comfortable of options.
As for tour packages in Egypt, when you consider all that is included, they are also very affordable. When you consider everything that is included, even luxury tours have great value. Note, most tour packages in Egypt include all along the way: lodging, transportation, meals, temple entry, tombs, museums, and other locations, As guides along the way, and not to mention a private, qualified Egyptologist. You could actually find that Egypt tour packages are, in fact, a better deal if you actually took the time to compare these costs with those of preparing and doing it all yourself.
Booking early and flying during the shoulder or off season are a few other great tips to save money when travelling in Egypt. Doing both will result in additional savings on airfare, housing, and even guided tours.
Although Egypt seems like (and is for many) an exotic travel destination, it is very affordable to visit at this time. So don’t let costs stop you from visiting Egypt and preparing your private trip to Egypt in 2023!
3. Egypt is Full of Fascinating History
Egypt has so much to give, but history is a major part of why people are so attracted to this country. Egypt has an amazing ancient history which, for hundreds of years, has fascinated the world. You don’t have to be a die-hard history enthusiast to be amazed at the stories and tales you will hear during your trip to Egypt.
The history of ancient Egypt is of greatest interest to the majority of tourists to Egypt; the time of the Pharaohs, the Pyramids, King Tutankhamun, Queen Cleopatra, and the conquest of Alexander the Great. While this time is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating aspects of the history of Egypt, it is definitely not the only component.
The history of Egypt can be traced back to 3500 BC. Although not much remains from this moment in time, studying and seeing just how much the country has changed and evolved is completely fascinating. From the construction in the third dynasty of the first pyramid to the carving of the Rosetta stone in 196 BC. The Arabs’ conquest of Egypt in 642 and the 1798 invasion of Napoleon Bonaparte. Today as well, new tombs are continually found and fresh riches are discovered.
One of the key reasons why I highly recommend you invest in a guided tour of Egypt is Egypt’s fascinating past. There’s always something new to learn and see, no matter how much you think you already know; stuff that you wouldn’t know or discover without a knowledgeable Egyptologist as a guide.
If you have something unique that you want to concentrate on, or are most interested in, a certain aspect of the history of Egypt, or even a certain location, then it is completely worth looking into private tours of Egypt so that you can arrange your experience on the basis of your wishes and needs without thinking about anyone in your community.
Take a look at this post for the top historical places in Egypt to help you plan your dream trip to Egypt in 2021, if you are a major history fan.
4. A Nile Cruise is a Once in a Lifetime Experience
How do you feel about sailing down the Nile? A beautiful boat with a swimming pool and rooms with small balconies and wide windows. Watching the sun set over the desert, catching glimpses of the locals who farm along the beaches, and having incredible views of some of the temples and cities of Egypt from the water. Sounds pretty good, huh?
A cruise on the Nile is one of the best things to do in Egypt and an absolute must for every holiday in Egypt. There are plenty of possibilities that make it possible for a variety of different budgets, not to mention that it is a fun and relaxing way to fly.
Most Nile cruises provide everything you need to experience this part of Egypt in the best way. Not only travel and lodging, but also three meals a day and guides along the way to the stops. As with most tour packages in Egypt, you can choose to join a community tour in Egypt or choose a private tour. I always recommend private tours to Egypt for the highest and most personal experience.
A Nile cruise is really the best option for those looking to explore Luxor, Aswan, and the temples between them, and promises to add an extra special element to your holiday in Egypt. Check out our guide here to choose the best cruise on the Nile in 2023.
5. Egypt is a Great Scuba Diving and Beach Destination
The pyramids, temples, and tombs are immediately imagined by most people when you think of Egypt. You can be shocked, however, to learn that Egypt is also an amazing beach destination with many water activities and sports on offer.
In Egypt, there are three key beach towns: Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, and Dahab. They all offer the same things, but each has a different kind of atmosphere. Hurghada is similar, but also serves as a popular cruise port, while Dahab has a more laid back boho style feel. Sharm el Sheikh is a more upscale resort area. No matter which one you’re picking,You get some nice beaches, snorkelling, boating, and scuba diving opportunities.
Scuba diving is one of the major attractions in the coastal areas of Egypt. The beautiful corals of the Egyptian Red Sea are renowned and there are some world-famous diving sites in the region. Situated near Dahab, the Blue Hole is a diver’s favourite. It’s a 120-meter-deep sinkhole with coral-clad walls. There is an arch roughly half way down, but it is well outside the scope of recreational diving,Although the Blue Hole is one of the world’s best dive sites, it can be dangerous for divers who do not comply with their personal limits, so dive smart and go with a trusted guide.
Egypt is also a great place to get certified if scuba diving or free diving is something you’ve been debating but have not quite gotten around to yet. There are plenty of dive sites suitable for beginners and in Egypt the certification rates are considerably cheaper than in North America or most destinations in Europe.
Egypt makes for an ideal beach holiday, whether you are searching for a lazy beach break where you can just chill on the beach, or are interested in discovering the beauty of the Red Sea. To help you decide where to visit the Red Sea, take a look at this article.
6. Egypt is Home to Some of the Best Museums in the World
Museums are cherished by some people and some people don’t. But, I can guarantee that no matter what end of this museum continuum you’re standing on, Egypt’s museums will wow you.
Egypt is home to many impressive museums, but the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is probably the most impressive right now. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, located in a beautiful building dating back to 1901, is home to over 120,000 artefacts. There are plenty to see, from statues to jewellery, papyrus to masks, and you could honestly spend days seeing it all, if not weeks.
The main highlights here are the Tutankhamun Gold Mask, which is 11 kilogrammes of solid gold, and the Royal Mummies Hall, which needs an extra ticket, but is completely worth the small extra cost.
The Luxor Museum, which overlooks the River Nile, is another prominent museum. Compared to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, there are substantially fewer objects on display here, but the Luxor Museum takes pride in this.While there is a limited range of objects to see here, they are of high quality and well presented, making it easier to see and learn for visitors. Objects found in the grave of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, a couple of royal mummies, and an impressive double statue of the crocodile god, Sobek, and Pharaoh Amenhotep III are highlights of the collection at the Luxor Museum.
Two more museums worth visiting include the Nubian Museum in Aswan, which includes around three thousand artefacts from various time periods. You will find mummified crocodiles at the Kom Ombo Shrine, as well as the small but fascinating Crocodile Museum.
A word of advice, especially when you’re a museum enthusiast. It is possible to visit museums on your own, but this is one of those situations where it is very helpful to employ a guide. Signage is missing in the museums, especially in English, leaving many visitors confused what they are actually looking at.In addition, as described earlier, there are literally thousands of things on displays that make it easy to ignore the relevant ones or miss them. For this reason, I highly recommend hiring a guide, although it takes time to hire a professional (you can find several tips online for guides and Egypt tour reviews) rather than just hiring a local in front of the museum offering their services.
7. Egypt’s Temples Will Blow Your Mind
While the Great Pyramids of Egypt may be the country’s best-known emblem, the temples are the true highlight of ancient Egypt. Nothing can prepare tourists for the amazing feeling of walking along the ancient paths where the Pharaohs once stood. That is a fairly mind-blowing idea when you think about it.
Spread throughout Egypt, there are a variety of different temples. Some of them come in a variety of sizes, types, and various preservation levels, but each has something unique and special to offer. Of course, during your luxurious Egypt tour in 2023, you won’t have time to visit them all, but these are some of the ‘must-see’ ones.
- Karnak Temple: Karnak Temple is traditionally the favourite when it comes to Egypt’s temples. It was constructed over a period of 2000 years and is considered to be the largest religious building ever built. Located in Luxor, not only in the city, but throughout Egypt, the Karnak Temple is one of the key highlights. During the day, visitors can tour around the temple ground, and can attend the light show,which tells of the history of this temple, at night.
- Luxor Temple: Also situated in Luxor, another interesting must-see is Luxor Temple. Although Luxor Temple is not as big or as comprehensive as Karnak Temple, it is very interesting because it is where many of the pharaohs of Egypt were crowned.
- Hatshepsut Temple: Queen Hatshepsut was one of Egypt’s most prominent queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut is significant not only because it honours the Queen of the Pharaoh of Egypt, but also because of its architecture. This temple of remembrance is very similar to classical Greek architecture, which would not be visible in Greece until 1000 years or so later. More detail about Queen Hatshepsut.
- Abu Simbel Temple:Another firm favourite when it comes to Egypt’s many temples is the Abu Simbel Temple. These two temples, at the second cataract of the Nile River, were cut into a rock cliff. However, the temples had to be moved when the Aswan High Dam was built. It was a major undertaking that took four years, but it was successful and today, after the Great Pyramids, it is the second most visited site in Egypt.
- Temple of Medinet Habu: The Temple of Medinet Habu is situated in Luxor and is the Ramses III mortuary temple. Its history is also steeped in mythology, and it was considered to be a magical location. When the Libyans invaded in the 20th century, the temple protected the Theban people and it was the site of several festivals associated with Amun as the god of fertility.
- Kom Ombo Temple: The Kom Ombo Temple, since it is a double temple, is a fascinating temple. Half of this temple is dedicated to Horus, while the other half is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, who is identified with Set: the enemy of Horus. Each side has gateways and chapels of its own.
- Edfu Temple: It is acknowledged that Edfu Temple is one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, making it a must see. This temple is devoted to Dendera’s Horus and Hathor and was the site of the annual Coronation Festival.
I highly recommend making sure you take a guided tour of these sites in Egypt, as with the museums, so you can get the full stories and the best information. Be sure to read this article for more on Egypt’s temples.
8. Egyptian Food is Delicious
What’s up with the food? Food is, after all, a major part of travel and, for many, one of the most important aspects of selecting a destination for travel. Well, don’t worry, because there’s cheap, abundant and delicious Egyptian food.
Thanks in part to tradition, geography, and faith, Egyptian food is the ideal blend. Expect lots of vegetables with chicken, duck, rabbit, and pigeon as the most common meats. Beef and lamb, but not as popular, are available. You can also find plenty of fresh fish and seafood options along the coastal zones.
Many of the most common dishes in Egypt have been around for centuries, although they have been improved and increased over the years. With that in mind, while in Egypt, here are a few must-try dishes:
- Kushari: A common dish that’s found in restaurants and street vendors alike. It’s a combination of tomato sauce, spaghetti noodles, macaroni, onions, garlic, and lentils, and a sauce for kids.
- Ta’meya and Ful Medames: Egyptians make a falafel of fried fava beans, called Ta’meya, eaten with bread and tahina. It’s normal to see Ta’meya served during the day at every meal. It is also accompanied by another dish that is cooked fava beans, vegetables, and spices called dul medames.
- Kebabs and Kofta: Major fans of Egyptian Kebabs and Kofta are meat lovers. Whilst kofta is minced meat, kebabs are most commonly prepared with lamb or veal. All are grilled, and salad, tahina, and bread are eaten.
- Om Ali: Do not leave Egypt without trying Om Ali, for those with a sweet tooth. This sweet snack is made from milk, almonds, raisins, coconut, and sugar-soaked puff pastry and is then baked.
9. The Highly Anticipated Grand Egyptian Egyptian Museum Will Finally Open Its Doors 2023
You would no doubt have heard of the Grand Egyptian Museum if you are a follower of Egyptology or are planning on travelling to Egypt in 2023. When it comes to museums and tourism, it is one of the most awaited openings in the world and, despite a few delays, it is slated to open next year.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is almost finished, according to Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani, and although there is no official opening date set at this time, the museum is scheduled to open in early 2023. It was expected to open in 2020, but due to COVID-19, it was postponed to 2023.
Although, without a doubt, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is a favourite among tourists, it has reached its prime. The current Egyptian museum is a bit thin, both in terms of being able to handle the number of visitors and in terms of its lack of artefact ability. New finds are frequently made and there is no space for the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities to store them.
In addition, to preserve and protect the objects, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is clearly not equipped with the necessary technology. There have been many lighting, humidity, and temperature issues that have actually caused these treasures to be further impaired.
It was apparent that Egypt needed a new, larger, and more modern museum to house and exhibit its treasures in a healthier and more secure setting, and so the plans to open a new, larger museum were launched in 1992.
Still much more for Why You Should Plan an Egypt Trip in 2023.
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