There are many different types of tours in Egypt, each one hitting the highlights of the country and not straying off the beaten path. There are many pros and cons to each tour, but they all share a common theme: large groups. Some tours are crowded with 40 or more travelers, which can result in early wake-ups and hurried sightseeing. Others offer a high-quality experience that is not unlike a cruise-ship.

Ancient pharaonic monuments

A trip to Egypt is not complete without visiting its many ancient pharaonic monuments. The Great Pyramid, located in Luxor, is considered the largest in the world. It was built over thirty years by different Pharaohs. The complex covers 250,000 square meters (about 2.69 million square feet) and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Egypt. The temple of Edfu, which is located midway between Luxor and Aswan, is another prominent landmark.

The first pyramid built by the Ancient Egyptians was the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which was 62 meters tall. This was the earliest large monument in Egypt made entirely of stone. The Step Pyramid had an underground chamber, with ground-level rooms above. It was constructed over the tomb of the pharaoh Imhotep, who made the step pyramid appear like a giant staircase. The stelae are also found in the ancient Egyptian cities of Memphis and Thebes, which were once known as the capitals of the time.

Egyptian culture

For a first-hand experience of ancient Egyptian culture, join one of the many tours offered by Egypt’s national museums. Tours of Egypt‘s most iconic monuments can be found here. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, these sites are not to be missed. To learn more about Egypt’s history, visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. You will also be treated to a formal dinner, where you can ask questions and receive expert advice.

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the history of ancient Egypt is to join a tour organized by the National Museum of Egyptian Culture (NMEC). The NMEC has many exhibits spanning the history of Egypt. The Core Exhibition traces the development of Egyptian civilization, covering the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern eras. Other highlights include the Royal Mummies gallery, where you can view 20 pharaohs’ mummies. Also, the Capital Gallery gives you a panoramic view of the Cairene cities and features shows that introduce you to various capitals. The Thematic Galleries focus on different principal themes in Egyptian culture. Temporary exhibitions feature artifacts that are only shown for a few months.

Egyptian food

While on an Egypt tour, you’ll most likely eat some delicious food, including traditional Egyptian cuisine. Kofta and kebab are two popular street food dishes, and are a perfect way to wind down after a long day. Kofta consists of minced meat, onions, and fat wrapped in baladi bread. The kebab is grilled until golden brown and is a great snack or lunch. Egyptian grilled meat products are available at many specialized restaurants throughout Egypt. You can also order Baba Ghanoush, a dish made of eggplant, tahini, and lemon.

A delicious Egyptian dish is shawarma. It’s a large cone of pressed meat, cooked over a flame, and mixed with chopped vegetables. It’s then wrapped in a flatbread disc and eaten while touring the country. Another favorite Egyptian dish is flame-grilled lamb, which is similar to kebab. In Egypt, meat is grilled on a skewer and tossed with spices to make a spicy and flavorful dip. This dish is usually served with a salad of cucumber and tomatoes, as well as a simple chopped tomato salad sauce.