Whenever someone mentions Egypt your imagination runs amuck with ideas of travelling to ancient lands and immersing yourself into one of the most legendary and storied periods of human history. Rest assured, your imagination will not be disappointed on visiting the country’s abundant ancient treasures such as the Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining survivor of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Comprised of three jaw-dropping pyramids (Khufu, Khafra and Menkaura) that were all built to be royal tombs sometime between 2700 BC and 2500 BC. The largest of the three, Khufu, also known as ‘The Great Pyramid’, is made from more than 2 million stone blocks covering a staggering 13 acres. This reigned as the tallest building in the world for more than 4,000 years! Interestingly enough, modern archeologists believe that most of the treasures were looted within 250 years of their erection. There has always been an air of mystery behind these amazing structures due to their near-perfect symmetry without any surveying tools or modern equipment.
Egypt is bound to bring out the Indiana Jones in all of us. Another must-visit location is the Karnak Temple Complex that comprises an extensive blend of decayed temples and ruins such as the temples of Karnak and Luxor and their iconic lotus columns. Located on the east bank of the longest river in the world, the Nile River, Karnak has clear architectural evidence of each and every Egyptian ruler over the domain. Construction started a mind-boggling 4,000 years ago and did not end until the Roman Empire took control of the country 2,000 years ago. For those interested in Roman history, many trading outposts still remain in the desert. Not too far from Karnak is the Valley of the Kings, an exciting collection of hidden underground mausoleums and tombs containing the pharaohs and influential nobles from the 11th to 16th century BC. The tombs, containing notable pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II reveal the extensive and elaborate lengths the Egyptians went to in order to prepare for the afterlife.
Despite the countless other waterside temples accessible by Nile boats such as the impressive Dendera and Edfu, another outstanding site can be found across Lake Nesser at Abu Simbel. Colossal statues of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II have been cut into the cliff rock that acts as an entrance to the primary temple at Abu Simbel. Guests can explore these dimly-lit chambers within the 30-metre tall temple. The other temples found at Abu Simbel are equally stunning archaeological gems that are still considered feats of modern engineering.
Apart from its fabled history and internationally celebrated monuments, Egypt is also host to many postcard-worthy landscapes that will undoubtedly have travellers in awe. As previously mentioned, the River Nile is one of Egypt’s most popular destinations due to the archaeological sites that are dotted along its banks. It is well worth cruising down this tranquil river on a sightseeing boat whether it be a luxury liner or a traditional felucca sailboat. In recent years, outdoor adventurers have even started kayaking down the north-flowing river, passing sweeping sand dunes, stark cliffs, faraway mountain ranges, charismatic villages and much more.
And of course, what would a trip to Egypt be if you didn’t experience the iconic rugged beauty of the Egyptian desert. There are all sorts of adventures to be had here, from racing your way through the windswept sands in a dune buggy to pushing it to the extreme living like a Bedouin as part of an intense expedition.
Egypt is also known for its flourishing world-class beach resorts that have seduced international tourists over recent years. By the coast of the barren desert oasis, lies an incredibly diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem that many scuba enthusiasts travel from all corners of the world to explore. There is now an extensive list of beaches, islands and resorts that have quickly become the ultimate places to explore the Red Sea. Some of the best places to witness this underwater world of colourful corals and aquatic life include the popular resort town of Sahl Hasheesh Beach, the Secret beach that is seriously popular among Egyptians, Agiba beach, and what is widely considered to be the crème de la crème of Red Sea diving spots, Mahmya Island.
If you are looking for the perfect gift to give to someone who may be Egypt bound, look no further than Gifting Owl. With so many once in a lifetime Egyptian experiences available online, it couldn’t be any easier to search, select, purchase and send a gift your gift recipient will always remember you by.
A popular crowd-pleaser is the ‘Treasures & Tut Tour’, which will have your giftee stepping back in time to ancient Egypt as they are expertly guided around the fascinating Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in Cairo. The local tour guide will also lead you through some of the hidden gems of the city before ending the day in a relaxing felucca ride along the River Nile. Alternatively, the ‘Pyramids Adventure ex Cairo’ is another great introductory option for giftees staying in Cairo. The tour heads out to the iconic pyramids and sphinx early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat, ensuring that your giftee gets the perfect shot without any pesky photo-bombers in the background.
Another outstanding Egypt day experience is the ‘Alexandria City Discovery’ tour that takes guests to the pleasant city of Alexandria. Here, giftees will get to experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, the catacombs of Kom Kom el Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites in the world. Also included is a visit to the Alexandria Library and the Alexandria aquarium and zoo. From dolphins to black leopards, sharks to spotted hyenas, animal lovers won’t know where to look! If you are buying for an inquisitive foodie, the ‘Aswan Home Cooked Tour’ experience is the one for them. Your giftee will enjoy a delicious home-cooked Nubian meal with a local family as they learn about Nubian culture, history and traditions.
For the outdoor adventurers that are seeking a fast-paced experience, the ‘Hurghada Sahara Park Jeep Adventure’ is sure to satisfy. This 120km journey through the beautiful desert includes a visit to a pristine natural spring with some of the best water in the world and dinner around a campfire to enjoy the tranquillity of the desert at night. Similarly, the ‘Sharm El Sheikh Desert Sunset Tour By Dune Buggy’ tour is bound to excite. The sunset tour includes a guide who will help you through the breathtaking sights of the desert of South Sinai in these futuristic-looking buggies specifically designed to deal with the terrain of the desert. Zoom through the desert sands before stopping for some delicious Egyptian tea and No matter what type of person you are buying, there will no doubt be an unforgettable Egypt experience tailored to their tastes on Gifting Owl. Have no fear in choosing an experience as all Gifting Owl vouchers are fully interchangeable. Happy gifting!