The first image that comes to mind when anyone talks of Egypt is either of pyramids or Pharaohs. Considering Egypt as synonymous with pyramids is a mistake many travelers make. But Egypt is so much more!
The country, which was home to one of the oldest civilizations, has mystery and magic in every nook and corner. You just have to know where to look! If you have the heart to go beyond the usual tourist trail (don’t worry, you are obviously going to see the pyramids right on the first day!), you will be signing up for exclusive experiences at some of the most offbeat places.
Beauty awaits in every corner of Egypt. And if you are a U.S. citizen, taking a trip to the country will be all the more seamless, for you can now apply for an Egypt visa for U.S. citizens online and that the Egyptian Pound is at a lesser value than USD. Take ideas from this blog and plan your itinerary in a way that covers the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, as well as a few of the offbeat places and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Hidden Gems Waiting to be Discovered
Beyond Egypt’s famous attractions lie a few hidden gems that most people often do not include in their itinerary. You will be missing out on so much if you do the same! While the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx are indeed majestic, the lesser-known treasures exude magic all the same!
Siwa Oasis
Historic charm:Â The Oracle Temple, even though in ruins, holds an ancient spell of breathtaking beauty. Also, do not miss out on the mud-brick exterior of the Shali Fortress.
Natural beauty: Cleopatra’s Spring has water that’s like a turquoise mirror, and taking a dip can get you completely relaxed! Also, witness the views from the Dakrur Mountain.
Cultural encounters: Get an insight into the unique traditions and the craftsmanship of the Berber, a local Egyptian community.
- Located in Western Desert, near the border of Libya
- An estimate of accommodation will range somewhere between $50 to $200 USD / night
Dahab
Snorkeling and diving: The Blue Hole has vibrant coral reefs, among which thousands of marine lives. Dive underwater and give a treat to the adrenaline junkie in you!
Adventure sports:Â Kite surfing, windsurfing, or camel trekking are some of the amazing things you can do in Dahab City.
Relaxed atmosphere: The boutique shops and the beachside cafes have a laidback vibe, where you can unwind after a day of sightseeing and enjoy the picturesque coastline.
- Located in Sinai Peninsula, along the coast of the Red Sea
- An estimate of accommodation will range somewhere between $30 to $150 USD / night
Aswan
Nubian culture: Located on the banks of the Nile are the Nubian villages, where you can interact with friendly locals and marvel at the colorful houses.
Philae Temple: To satisfy the mythological lover in you, pay a visit to this ancient temple that is built in reverence to Goddess Isis.
Felucca Sailing: A trip to Egypt remains incomplete without witnessing a sunset over the river Nile. Go for a sailboat ride the traditional way to Elephantine Island to fulfil your wish.
- Located in Southern Egypt, along the banks of the river Nile
- An estimate of accommodation will range somewhere between $40 to $250 USD / night
Fayoum Oasis
Wadi el-Rayan:Â This is essentially a protected area, but you can come here to gaze in amazement at the mesmerizing beauty that the lakes and the waterfalls bring.
Qarun Lake: One of the oldest lakes in the world, this is the place where you can relax, fishing and birdwatching in peace!
Roman heritage:Â If archeology is your field of interest, the Greco-Roman city of Karnis awaits you! Do not forget to visit the Hawara Pyramid.
- Located in the Southwest of Cairo
- An estimate of accommodation will range somewhere between $40 to $250 USD / night
Al-Minya
Beni Hassan Tombs:Â Take a tour around the ancient tombs and marvel at how well-preserved the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the wall paintings are even today!
Tuna el-Gebel:Â Largest known necropolis in Greco-Roman architectural style, this place is essentially a catacomb of animals and birds that are sacred to Goddess Hathor.
Malawi Museum: Egypt’s rich history is laid bare in front of your eyes, and you stare in amazement at the artefacts and potteries, and even mummies.
- Located in Upper Egypt in the South of Cairo
- An estimate of accommodation will range somewhere between $20 to $100 USD / night
A Few Off-the-rack Activities to Do
If you have planned your itinerary in a way that you still have time in hand after visiting the above-mentioned hidden gems, here are a few more activity ideas for you to do (check the video links for detailed guidance):
- Book an evening to see the splendor of an Egyptian Sufi dance performance in Cairo
- Pay a visit to the famous Cave Church located in Garbage City
- Visit Deir el-Medina in Luxor and go back in time with the remains and ruins
- Camp out in the White Desert and also see the Bahariya Oasis
- Opt for an exploration at the El-Alamein and get hypnotized at the war horrors and victories
- Do not stop at the famous pyramids of Giza; visit the lesser-known spots of Dahshur, Saqqara, and Abusir and see the unique red pyramids and bent pyramids
- Attend a local festival like Coptic Christmas or Eid to witness Egypt’s local traditions
- Ride on a hot air balloon above Luxor and get a bird’s eye view of the Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, etc.
A Few Essential Tips for Travelers
Here are the three most imperative guidelines for traveling to Egypt from the U.S.:
- Before anything else, you must know about the Egypt visa travel requirementsand apply for a visa. There is an Egypt visa for U.S. citizens online, and you can either choose from a single-entry tourist visa or a multiple-entry tourist visa. The application procedure is easy as well – just get on a reputed site, fill out the online application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the visa application fee to get your approval mailed to you within a couple of days.
- The Egyptian Pound is lesser in value than the USD, so you do not have to worry about going overboard with the budget. While most Egyptian places do accept USD, it is better to get a little amount of currency exchanged so that you can tip at the necessary places without facing any problem (the practice of tipping is prevalent in Egypt, and the small amounts cannot be paid via USD).
- You are not likely to face any language barrier in Egypt; most people speak and understand English. But since Arabic is the official language, it will be better if you learn a few Arabic phrases for greeting or thanking. Better if you have Google Translate downloaded on your smartphone!
Ready to Get a Glimpse at Unexplored Egypt?
If you want to make the most out of your trip, plan it in a way that covers the usual sightseeing points but also takes you to the unexplored parts of the country. This is how you unravel the true charm of an ancient country like Egypt and make memories worthy of a lifetime.
Know about the Egypt visa travel requirements, plan for the visa application in advance, and get the bookings and flight tickets with discounts. While planning an extensive trip might be a little on the higher side of your expenses, you are not going to regret what’s in store for you right from the moment you set your foot in the airport!
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