When you think of ancient history, magic, and myths, Egypt, with its iconic pyramids, usually tops the list. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to visit, this summer is your chance. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the most awaited attractions, is finally opening in Cairo this July!
Egypt’s timeless treasures
After nearly two decades in the making, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will be the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing all of King Tutankhamun’s treasures in one spectacular place. Much more than a museum, it’s a celebration of the world’s greatest ancient civilization, and being there means you’ll be part of a historic moment too.
Yet, Egypt is so much more than just its monuments. It’s a country packed with adventure, relaxation, and one-of-a-kind experiences—whether it’s cruising the Nile, exploring vast desert dunes, lounging at sun-soaked beach resorts, snorkeling Red Sea reefs, or camping beneath the stars.
So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to see Egypt in all its multifaceted splendor.
Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo is the perfect starting point when you land in Egypt. It’s a rich snapshot of the country, where the ancient, the modern, and the future meet, allowing you to feel Egypt’s charm and glimpse its evolving spirit.
This summer, the spotlight is on the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, which is set to officially open on 3 July 2025. Situated just outside Cairo with stunning pyramid views, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is one of the world’s largest and most advanced museums.
Here, you’ll encounter the complete treasure collection of King Tutankhamun—all 5,000 artifacts—brought together for the first time ever. Seeing the collection for the first time, which includes the famous golden death mask, chariots, jewelry, sandals, and even toys, is a moving moment.
Interactive displays bring the ancient world to life, and colossal statues like that of Ramses II awe visitors in the grand atrium. With serene gardens and lively eateries, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) promises a full-day adventure to visitors.
That’s just the beginning; Cairo also offers the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the mosques and citadel of Islamic Cairo, and the historic churches of Coptic Cairo. Plus, from Cairo, it’s easier to explore the rest of Egypt.
Mediterranean beaches & upscale resorts
Starting from Alexandria and stretching west, Egypt’s North Coast—or Al Sahel—unfolds with about 500 km of fine white sands and Caribbean-blue waters. It’s the ultimate summer escape for Egyptians, and international travelers are quickly catching on.
Modern beach towns like New Alamein blend yacht marinas and open-air concert venues with luxury condos, while quieter coves offer boutique hotels and guesthouses.
The “New Sahel” is now open to everyone, with luxury hotels, beach clubs, and fine dining on offer. Relax by the crystal-clear bays during the day and dive into the lively beach scene at night.
Exclusive resorts like Marassi and Hacienda Bay offer private beaches, golf carts for easy exploration, and a range of family-friendly activities. If you’re a solo traveler, you can head to heritage-rich El Alamein for its beaches and WWII history.
Don’t miss dreamy spots like Ras El Hekma’s lagoon-like bays or the rock-arched coves of Marsa Matrouh, with water temperatures a perfect 26°C—perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or strolling with a luscious mango juice in hand, letting the waves brush against your toes.
Hurghada & Sharm El Sheikh
If you’re dreaming of sunny shores and underwater adventures, Egypt’s Red Sea coast awaits.
This stretch of coastline is a world-class diving paradise, packed with colorful corals and lively marine life. Snorkel or dive at Ras Mohammed National Park near Sharm and swim among kaleidoscopic aquatic life. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh boast colorful reefs, crystal-clear waters, and unbeatable year-round sunshine.
For divers, the legendary Thistlegorm wreck near Sharm is a bucket-list experience. Not into diving? Marvel at marine life through glass-bottom boats or catch the steady Red Sea breeze while windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Adventure also calls inland, with quad-bike rides through the Eastern Desert and Bedouin mint tea under starry skies.
Western Desert & Sinai
Imagine chalk-white mushroom rocks rising from golden sands beneath a sky illuminated with stars—that’s Egypt’s White Desert National Park.
Overnight guided safaris from Cairo weave through the Black Desert’s volcanic domes and the palm-ringed Bahariya Oasis before setting up camp on lunar landscapes. Eco-friendly desert camps now offer stargazing, Bedouin treks, and sandboarding adventures.
Further across the Suez in Sinai, rugged mountains beckon adventurers. Hike Mount Sinai at dawn for an epic sunrise from a height of 2,285 meters, or ride camels through rust-colored canyons with Bedouin guides.
Sinai offers raw, wild beauty, encompassing everything from Dahab’s Red Sea dives to the highlands of St. Catherine. It’s a place where you can sleep under the stars in desert camps, dine on traditional Bedouin meals by a campfire, and feel the ancient history pulse through the land.
Egypt’s deserts—both the West and Sinai—are packed with excitement and adventure. This is Egypt at its most authentic, waiting for you to dive in and explore.
Luxor & Aswan
Visiting Luxor and Aswan feels like stepping into an open-air time machine back to the pharaohs’ era. And Luxor, called “the world’s greatest open-air museum,” is packed with monumental magnificence.
In Luxor, admire the imposing Karnak Temple and stroll down the illuminated Avenue of Sphinxes. Cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun’s tomb and countless other treasures lie hidden beneath the desert hills. History lovers will be thrilled to see intricate hieroglyphics up close, revealing stories carved in stone.
For the most magical—and comfortable!—time, explore these ancient sites at dawn or dusk.
As the Nile flows south to Aswan, everything slows down, and the cultural richness deepens. In Aswan, palm-lined islands dot the river, and a peaceful felucca boat ride takes you to Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis. Nearby, the Colossi of Memnon and other ancient sites stand proud, but the real gem is the Nubian culture.
Visit a Nubian village for colorful mud-brick houses, traditional music, and warm hospitality—you’ll be treated like family, with home-cooked meals and henna tattoos. Aswan’s lively markets offer a feast of spices and handicrafts, and the local museums celebrate Nubian heritage.
Top tips to craft the perfect Egyptian summer journey
Begin your adventure by landing in Cairo, Egypt’s largest and liveliest gateway to history, culture, and discovery.
From here, set out into the wild beauty of Bahariya Oasis and the White Desert, where surreal landscapes and starlit skies await. Then journey east to Sinai for breathtaking mountain hikes at Saint Catherine and Mount Sinai. Ensure that you always travel with a licensed guide to discover the safest and most scenic paths through these majestic terrains.
After your desert adventures, unwind along the shimmering Mediterranean shores of Sahel. Soak in the beachside bliss before returning to Cairo for a short, easy flight—just 90 minutes—to either Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, where warm Red Sea waters and radiant reefs await.
When you’re ready to explore Egypt’s ancient heartlands, return to Cairo and board the Watania Sleeping Train to Aswan.
In Aswan, step aboard a Nile cruise for a slow, magical sail to Luxor. Over 4–5 unforgettable days, you’ll visit ancient temples and tombs, with guided tours illuminating the stories of an everlasting civilization.
Getting around Egypt’s bustling cities is simple and stress-free—Uber, Careem, and Cairo’s metro system make exploring easy and affordable. Every journey, every stop, brings you closer to the soul of Egypt.
Are you ready to write your own chapter in Egypt’s glorious saga?