Where to Stay

Although Egypt offers more hotel options than ever, there are a few properties that should be on your radar. In Cairo, stay at the new St. Regis hotel, on the Corniche, and request a guestroom with Nile River views. This recently opened 36-story tower features spacious accommodations, large suites, as well as fully serviced apartments. During your stay, get pampered at The St. Regis Cairo’s Iridium Spa, enjoy delicious cuisine at the hotel’s Jean-Georges Vongerichten Restaurant, and lounge by the pool after a day of adventures.

The best place to stay in Luxor is the Sofitel Winter Palace. This historic hotel, originally built in 1886, was formerly the retreat of the Egyptian royal family. Enjoy the charm, character, and unbeatable location of this landmark property. The hotel features only 92 large guestrooms and suites with high ceilings, grand public areas, and a large swimming pool surrounded by gardens. Don’t miss afternoon tea in the hotel’s Victorian Lounge during your stay, favored by celebrities and dignitaries who have stayed over the years.

In Upper Egypt, no hotel compares with the celebrated Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan. This fabled property, originally built in 1899 by Thomas Cook, was most recently reimagined by French interior designer Sybille de Margerie. The resort has two distinct sections, the original Palace Wing, and the newer Nile Wing tower. The resort’s atmospheric interiors and superb setting on the Nile facing Elephantine Island, has enchanted famous guests like Agatha Christie, who wrote the book “Murder on the Nile” while staying on property. Dinner at the hotel’s 1902 Restaurant is a must.

If you have a taste for adventure and seek a truly unforgettable desert experience, stay at the finest eco-lodge at the Siwa Oasis, Adrère Amellal. This intimate and authentic hideaway in the heart of Egypt’s western Sahara has only forty guestrooms and was built by hand using packed earth and sand. The lodge blends into the desert, as it has no electricity. In the evenings, enjoy candlelit dinners, marvel at the blanket of stars in the sky, and feel as if you were a million miles from civilization.

Beyond the Nile Valley

Egypt offers many interesting options for travelers who wish to explore further, or who may have already visited the above-mentioned sites. Here are four ideas to help get you started. Deep in the Sahara is the Siwa Oasis, a favorite spot of Alexander the Great, and one of the ancient world’s most revered oracles. Swim in the oasis’ many springs, climb the Mountain of the Dead, and wander into the Grand Sand Sea as you explore the most remote western corners of Egypt.

Alexandria, on the Nile Delta, is Egypt’s second largest city and full of history and legends. Visit the city’s modern library, explore the Kom el-Shogafa Catacombs and ancient sites to get a sense of life two thousand years ago, enjoy a day at a nearby beach, or take in the city’s Mediterranean atmosphere in a city café or walking along the Corniche.

For snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, visit Egypt’s Red Sea Shore, especially the area between Hurghada and Marsa Alam that have some of the best corals and marine wildlife in the world.

Finally, for a completely different Egypt, visit the Sinai Peninsula, land of holy places, miracles, and natural beauty. For the religious and adventurous, hike Gebel Musa (Mt. Sinai), where Christians, Jews, and Muslims believe Moses received the ten commandments, and visit the nearby Monastery of St. Catherine, the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the world. After desert explorations, spend a few days on the beach at one of the great resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh to relax and unwind.

Ultimate Experiences

Elevate your travels through Egypt with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A few ideas:

In Cairo
•Enjoy the privilege of early access to the Giza plateau for the best photos of the Pyramids and Sphinx, without the crowds.
•Taste Egyptian specialties with a private dinner al fresco, facing the Sphinx.
•Learn about the builders of the Pyramids on a special visit to the Workers’ Village and archaeological sites normally not open to the public.
•Visit the Egyptian Museum before opening hours with an expert guide.
•Experience the wonders of the soon-to-open Grand Egyptian Museum, on a private ‘hard-hat’ tour of the new facilities.

In Luxor
•Feel the thrill of an early morning balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and Luxor’s ancient monuments.

In Aswan
•Sail the Nile and enjoy a private lunch or sunset cruise on a felucca, traditional wooden boats in use since the days of Pharaohs.
•Go back in time with early access to the impressive Temples of Philae.