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Egypt is among the world?s most popular tourist destinations. Its historical sites
attract throngs of people from all over the world. While this phenomenon of people-attraction
completely proves the allure of the region, it makes fully appreciating some of
the magnificent sites a little difficult to do. To quote one travel expert regarding
Egypt as a travel destination, ?You cannot fully appreciate it, feel its weight
and complexity, if you are not ever alone with it.? *
The must-see attractions of Egypt are not necessarily conveniently located for easy
sight-seeing -- they?re scattered all along the banks of the Nile River across hundreds
of miles. If you?re not a seasoned traveler in the Mid-east, the obvious best way
to see the country is with a tour. However, group tours are often noisy and hurried,
and leave you with far too little alone time during which you can contemplate the
full magnitude of what you?re seeing. You might want to opt for a private tour with
a personal guide. This option can be pricey, but if you?re only going to visit Egypt
once in your lifetime, you should see it on your own terms.
Whether you choose group, private or even independent touring, there are some destinations
in this sun-baked part of the world that are not to be missed.
 Cairo
- in Cairo you can easily see the sights of this modern city, enjoy urban nightlife,
boat rides along the Nile, cultural sights like the Citadel, and enjoy the short
drive to Giza for some pyramid gazing and riddling with the Sphinx. In this area
of the country you can also visit the cities of Memphis, and also Sakkara, the original
capital of a newly united Upper and Lower Egypt, established in 3100 B.C. In Memphis,
you can see the fallen limestone statue of Ramses II. Djoser?s Step pyramid can
be seen in Sakkara, along with over 200 other tombs and pyramids. See Hotels in Cairo.
Aswan - a short flight from Cairo can put you in Aswan, which makes a good
base from which to visit the famous Awsan High Dam, St. Simeon?s Monestery, Elephantine
Island and the impressive temples of Abu Simbel. Aswan also features a lively marketplace
and is the embarkation point for many Nile cruises.
Luxor - the magnificent temples of Karnak are just one of the incredible
historical treasures of this city which was the capital of the New Kingdom from
1550-1070 B.C. Situated on the East Bank, you could spend days exploring the Karnak
complex. But the West Bank is the gateway to the Valley of the Kings, the site of
the most well-known phaoronic burial chambers, such as the tombs of Tutankhamun,
and Ramses III. There is also it?s counterpart, the Valley of the Queens, with still
more excavated royal tombs.
 Sharm
el-Sheikh - Egypt is not all desert sand. There?s some beach action too.
At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh seems to be a mega-tourist
center. Carefully choose your hotel to get the atmosphere you want, based on how
close to the mainstream nightlife and tourist attractions you want to be. If you?re
a scuba diver or snorkeler, proceed with all haste to reserve dive time and enjoy
the incredible reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, in the area where the Red Sea
meets the Gulf of Aqaba. If water sports aren?t your style, take a jeep safari through
the dry river beds that make up the Colored Canyon, maybe visit St. Catherine?s
Monestery, or trek to Mt. Sinai.
With all there is to see you can easily fill up a 14-day itinerary that includes
flights, luxury hotel stays, river cruising, several land excursions, a couple of
relaxing days at the beach, a visit to the last remaining Wonder of the ancient
world, and even a pilgrimage, if you so desire. That?s quite a lot of bang out of
a 2-week vacation, and is worthy of a top spot on anyone?s ?things to do before
I die? list.
* Condé Nast Traveler journalist Klara Glowczewska
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