Things to Do on a Day Trip in Egypt

day trip in egypt

There are many things to do on a day trip in Egypt, but if you’re new to the country, here are a few ideas. Explore the world-famous Sphinx, which was carved out of a single piece of limestone. Shop for souvenirs and local art in Cairo’s bazaar district, Khan El Khalili. Although these vendors are primarily geared towards tourists, you’ll find a higher proportion of genuine local merchandise.

Aswan

While planning a day trip to Aswan in Egypt, consider a few things to do. One of the most popular places to visit is the Old Cataract Hotel, a desert resort that charges only 300 EGP per person for food and a hotel room. From there, you can walk to the nearby Qubbet el-Hawa, an ancient mosque built on top of a sand dune.

Dahshur

A day trip to Dahshur, Egypt is an ideal way to see both the Red and Bent Pyramids. You can also see some smaller pyramids, including the Black Pyramid, which is more recent and eroded than the Red Pyramid. To enjoy this historic site, you’ll need to climb a long and uneven staircase. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll enter a tunnel leading to the pyramid’s chambers. Be sure to be careful and wear comfortable shoes!

Abydos

Take a day trip to Abydos in Egypt. This ancient city was a place of pilgrimage, necropolis, and worship of the god Osiris. Abydos once had ten temples, including the Great Osiris Temple and the Temple of Ramses II. Today, you can visit these temples, as well as several other sites in this area.

Aswan temples

The famous Colossi of Memnon and his surrounding ruins stand on the west bank of the Nile near Thebes. The original Colossi of Memnon weighs twenty-four tons and depicts the pharaoh Amenhotep III wearing a striped nemes-headdress. They are believed to have been made of Aswan stone, quarried nearby. The temples of Aswan can be reached by a short taxi ride.

Alexandria

A day trip to Alexandria, Egypt is a fantastic way to see this ancient city from an entirely different perspective. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with incredible architecture, including the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, a massive fortress built on the site of an ancient lighthouse. You’ll also get to see the famous Pompey’s Pillar, one of the world’s largest monolithic columns. On your tour of Alexandria, you’ll also visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

Luxor

If you have never visited this city, you’ll be surprised by the amount of things you can do in one day. The day starts early with a pick-up at your hotel at 5 a.m. The driver will take you to a newly built road through the desert. After two hours of driving, you’ll finally reach the green valley of the Nile. You’ll get to experience real Egyptian life as you learn about the daily lives of the locals. When you arrive in Luxor at around 10 a.m., you can see the famous Karnak temple complex and Abu El Hagag Mosque.