One day trip in Egypt can be just what you need to spend a week in this thriving country. There are so many attractions to choose from, but we recommend focusing your time in Aswan, Luxor, or Saqqara. Read on for the best sites to see on your day trip in Egypt. Once you know what you want to see, you’ll have no problem arranging your trip.
Aswan
One of the most popular things to do on a day trip to Aswan in Egypt is to visit the Unfinished Obelisk, one of the world’s largest obelisks. This is a great way to learn about the fascinating culture of the Nubian people. Also, a day trip to Aswan includes a visit to the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel, one of Egypt’s historic hotels that has hosted Tsar Nicholas II and Winston Churchill.
Luxor
You can take a Day trip to Luxor in Egypt to experience the incredible sites in this ancient city. For instance, you can visit the Colossi of Memnon, massive stone statues of pharaohs dating back to 1350 BCE. These structures still depict the anatomy and seated postures of their respective kings, and are an architectural wonder. If you are traveling with children, you can take the excursion to see the mummification museum and Temple of Luxor. This museum is open from 9 AM to 1 PM, and 5 PM to 8 PM.
Saqqara
Take a Day Trip to Saqqara in Egypt and visit the incredible tombs and temples of the ancient Egyptians. You’ll be awed by the impressive array of mastabas and tombs, including the magnificent Imhotep Pyramid and the Valley Temple of Mummification. See the first-class mastabas depicting daily life in ancient Egypt. Also, don’t miss the Imhotep Museum, dedicated to the famous Egyptian architect.
Wadi Al-Hitan
If you’re planning a day trip to Egypt, you might want to try the Wadi Al-Hitan paleontological site. It is located 150 km southwest of Cairo, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides the unique fossils, this place also features abundant wildlife, including crocodiles, otters, and snakes. You can easily spend a few hours here on a day trip.
Aswan’s temples
If you’re planning a day trip to Egypt, consider a day trip to Aswan, a charming town on the banks of the Nile. The city is a tranquil interlude from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the country. Ancient Egypt referred to Aswan as the gateway to Africa, and the town’s prime location makes it the perfect base for touring southern Upper Egypt. Famous temples like Abu Simbel, the island temple of Philae, and the Nile-side Temple of Kom Ombo are all accessible from Aswan.
Cairo’s Islamic Cairo
A Day trip to the Islamic Cairo district of the city is a fascinating excursion, especially for those interested in architecture. You can visit Al-Azhar University, the oldest university in the world, which was conferred this status in AD 988 by Caliph El-Aziz. Today, it is the leading theological center in the Islamic world. The university’s main gate, the Gate of the Barbers, sits adjacent to a neo-Arab facade built by Abbas II. The mosque features a prayer niche from 1309 and five minarets.
Saqqara’s royal burial site
Take a day trip to Saqqara’s royal cemetery and explore the ancient pharaohs’ final resting place. The royal burial site dates back thousands of years to the time when kings ruled a united Egypt. It was chosen as the final resting place for seventeen pharaohs. Throughout the course of the 3,000-year history of the necropolis, kings and royals continued to be buried here. The entire complex covers about four square miles or ten square kilometers.
Packing for a day trip in Egypt
There are a few essential items to pack for your day trip in Egypt. You can expect temperatures to reach up to 100degF during the day and about 50degC at night. For the hottest days, choose loose-fitting cotton and linen dresses or pants. Sweaters are also essential for chilly evenings and can serve as an extra cover. Men should avoid wearing too much white clothing since the dust will turn them brown. Lightweight sweaters can be layered and worn under a variety of different types of clothing.