Top six places to visit in Egypt

Cairo

Start your luxury family holiday in Egypt in the capital. The different rulers shaped Cairo into the most influential city in the region; it is the heart of political, religious, and cultural life. Here, you are invited to decode history through architecture. Visit fascinating mosques such as Al-Azhar. Its structure and importance grew with the various rulers of Egypt. 

Enter a world of wonder when visiting The Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, where you will find the treasures of Tutankhamun. The oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East holds a vast collection ranging from the Predynastic period to the Greco-Roman era. It has the largest Pharaonic collection in the world . Experience the collection come to life with your own private Egyptologist.  Uncover the secrets behind the sarcophagus of Queen Kawit and the gold leaf masks of Yuya and Thuya. 

Enjoy majestic views from the Citadel, the medieval fort that overlooks the city. The hustle and bustle of life can be found in the Khan El-Khalili bazaar. The open-air market is one of Cairo’s main attractions with scenery resembling the children’s classic Aladdin. The bazaar offers products such as perfumes delicately scented with gardenia and Turkish rose. Here you can also find traditional kaf Fatima jewellery. It is the ideal place for souvenirs and practicing your haggling skills.

Pyramids of Giza

The resting place of pharaohs cannot be ignored when visiting Cairo. The magnificent structures still cause wonder and surprise when seen up close. Built by three consecutive kings – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – the pyramids tell of generations standing side by side through time. As a way of protecting their tombs, a 73-metre long and 20-metres high sphinx sits near them. The sphinx’s fantastical combination of man and lion, together with its vast size,  reveals its purpose as a protector of the three pyramids. For an up-close experience, A&K can offer you exclusive access to the paws of the Sphinx. With the sphinx as the backdrop, this is the perfect place for a family photograph. As the sun sets, bring the family together to see the sound and light show at the pyramids. Choose between 10 languages in this retelling of the history of the pyramids and their kings. 

Only two kilometres away, the Grand Egyptian Museum prepares to open its doors. The museum intends to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, with more than 100,000 artefacts. Here you will see Khufu’s solar ship. The 4,600-year-old ship owned by the pharaoh was recently relocated from the Cheops Boat Museum. 

Luxor

If the pyramids gave you a little taste of Egypt’s grandiose past, Luxor should be your next stop. Known as the biggest open-air museum, the former city of Thebes is home of awe-inspiring temples and monuments. Start your exploration with your private Egyptologist at the Avenue of Sphinxes, a three-kilometre road with more than 1,050 sphinxes. It connects Luxor Museum, in the south, with Karnak Temple, in the north. In the museum, you will find curated pieces of nearby archaeological sites, including the mummy of Ramesses I. 

Standing on the west bank of the Nile, the Theban necropolis displays an array of regal monuments. The Valley of the Kings takes prominence with its 63 tombs of pharaohs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. With so much to see, walking can become tiring. With that in mind, A&K can offer you dedicated private vehicles. Children can nod off when they like, and you have more autonomy on how long you want to stay in a location. 

The Nile

The mighty Nile has provided food, transportation, and freshwater to Egypt for more than 5,000 years. The river’s importance was so great that it was granted a spot in the hall of Egyptian gods. A luxury family holiday with teens would not be complete without a cruise on the Nile. Experience the sights and tranquility that it has to offer aboard a traditional dahabiya. The Sanctuary Dahabiya welcomes children over the age of 10 and it is available for charter. This elegant sailing boat takes you on a luxurious and private trip down the river passing by temples and tombs. Everyone can enjoy their own space and the day can be crafted around shared interests. Take a felucca around Elephantine Island and Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens in Aswan. Dock in smaller moorings or sandbanks for picnicking. 

Abu Simbel

When it comes to awe-inspiring monuments, Abu Simbel has earned its place. The rock-carved temples of Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari sit magnificently on the banks of lake Nasser displaying their beauty and power. Colossal statues with more than 20 metres of the pharaoh seated guard the entrance to the main hall of the temple.  Some believe the temples were built as a demonstration of power and restoration of Egyptian traditions to the Nubians. 

To preserve this important piece of history, the entire structure was relocated to a manufactured hill. In 1964, an international effort led by UNESCO wanted to save Abu Simbel from the rising waters of the Nile. This happened after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The relocation of the temples took close to five years and more than 3,000 workers. The temples were broken down into precise, numbered blocks. To make the move seamless, the same solar alignment was recreated. On 22 February and 22 October a narrow opening illuminates Ramesses II’s statue and two others inside the temple.   You can visit this archaeological site by air or by land from the nearby town of Aswan. 

The Red Sea

 The picturesque scenery of the blue waters, the coloured mountains, and the golden sand offer outdoor activities for the whole family. Experience the stunning coral beds and the vast array of marine life, with diving and snorkelling for the older children. The gentle winds invite you to windsurf and sail. Hikes and walks around the mountain areas reveal an astounding view. 

The thermal winds that once sped clippers to the east now bring thousands of migrating birds to the shores, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Here, you will also find over 800 species of fish, including stone fish and butterfly fish, as well as surgeonfish, jellyfish, and even some species of shark. 

Sun-worshippers can relax on the beach or retreat to the shade of the mangrove lagoons that line the coast. Our Red Sea holidays and cruises are the best way to discover this remarkable underwater world.