Egypt is synonymous with its age-old wonders like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the Western Desert. However, there is much more to this historic land than meets the eye. At Galaxia, we love unearthing the lesser-known side of Egypt that can add a unique wow factor to your trip. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore Egypt’s most intriguing secrets and lesser-known gems.
Imagine a city submerged beneath the sea for thousands of years, waiting to be uncovered. The Lost City of Heracleion, situated off the coast of Alexandria, is a true marvel. Here, you’ll find 64 ancient ships, 700 anchors, colossal statues, and treasure chests filled with gold coins. It’s like stumbling upon an Egyptian Venice, complete with a mysterious network of canals. To this day, the question of how this city ended up underwater remains a mystery.
Enter the surreal landscape of the White Desert, where chalk-like rock formations defy imagination. These unique structures, shaped like ice cream cones, mushrooms, and even chicken legs, are in fact, otherworldly calcium deposits sculpted over millennia by the relentless forces of sandstorms. Walking through this lunar-like terrain, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto the surface of the moon itself.
El Saf holds one of the world’s largest cemeteries, the City of the Dead, stretching across vast expanses of land. What also makes this site truly astonishing are the countless white cone-shaped mausoleums that dot the landscape, each one crowned with a distinctive round dome. Together, they create a breathtaking and eerie spectacle that defies explanation.
Standing proudly for over 3,400 years, the Colossi of Memnon are not just captivating due to their sheer size and age. These colossal statues also have an acoustic secret. Ancient Egyptians noted that at dawn, as the sun bathed the desert in its golden light, the statues emitted a strange, melodious ringing sound. It was this mystical song that inspired the creation of these iconic monuments.
For a truly Instagram-worthy experience, visit the End of the World Cinema, an abandoned outdoor movie theatre in the Sinai dating back to the ’90s. Today, it’s a collection of weathered woven seats that seem to sing in the desert breeze. In fact, no one knows why this cinema was left to the elements, leaving room for you to craft your own theories about its mysterious existence.
If you’re considering a trip to Egypt, you might be wondering how many days you need to allocate for exploring this fascinating country. The answer will depend on your travel style and interests, but we recommend at least a week to truly immerse yourself in Egypt’s wonders. This will give you enough time to visit the iconic sites in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, as well as explore some of the lesser-known gems like the White Desert and the Lost City of Heracleion. Of course, if you have more time, you can always extend your stay and discover even more of Egypt’s hidden treasures.
Egypt is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture that attracts tourists from around the world. The best time to visit Egypt is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is mild and comfortable. During this time, you can explore the ancient pyramids, temples, and tombs without worrying about the heat and humidity that can make it uncomfortable during the summer months.
If you are planning to visit Egypt during the summer months, from June to August, be prepared for extremely hot and dry weather, with temperatures reaching over 104 Degrees Fahrenheit . Despite the heat, you can still enjoy your visit to Egypt by planning your itinerary around early morning or late afternoon activities in air-conditioned spaces.
The best time to visit Egypt is during the winter months, when the weather is mild and comfortable. However, if you do decide to visit during the summer months, make sure you drink plenty of water, wear light and breathable clothing, and plan your itinerary wisely to avoid the heat of the day.
Explore the land of pharaohs and pyramids, where the ancient world comes alive amidst a rich tapestry of culture. A trip to Egypt is incomplete without a stay at one of its grand, opulent hotels that offer the finest amenities and services known to humankind. Luxuriate in the lap of extravagance at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, the Ritz Carlton Cairo, the Maritim Jolie Ville Resort & Casino Sharm El Sheikh, or the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan (cue the bucket list!). These hotels are a sensory feast for the traveler’s soul, boasting stunning locations, exceptional dining options, and plush spas and wellness centers that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Egypt’s hidden gems are like pieces of a forgotten puzzle, waiting to be explored and uncovered. While the grandeur of its ancient monuments will always captivate, it’s the enigmatic and off-the-beaten-path wonders that truly make Egypt a land of endless fascination.
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