Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Egypt Beyond the Pyramids
Egypt is famous to the whole world by majestic Pyramids of Giza but this ancient world has much more to offer than the famous structures. To the Omani travellers, and in particular the one who are eager to discover the rich historical background, the colourful culture and the magnificent sceneries that Egypt is bedecked with, there are so many more things to see, over and above the pyramids. Egypt offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience with its ancient temples and markets, oases and sun-soaked beaches.
You may want to take a trip and you may want to have your travel documents in order, then the process of requesting an Egypt Visa from Oman is easy. Muscat or any other city, Omani citizens and residents are specifically addressed by Egypt Visa Services in Oman. Thus, after you have obtained your Egypt travel visa, here are the top 10 places you must visit in Egypt besides the pyramids.
1. Luxor The Greatest Open Air Museum in the World
Also known as the largest open-air museum in the world, Luxor is a place where the ancient history is being brought back to life. Go to the Valley of the Kings where pharaohs such as Tutankhamun were buried, be awed by the majesty of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Do not also miss a quiet cruise in the Nile River to enjoy scenic beauty.
2. Aswan- A Door to Nubian Culture
Aswan is the southern pearl of Egypt, where life is very calm and rich in culture. Notable sites are Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and the Unfinished Obelisk. Nubian village is a colorful place to visit with local food, music and handicraft.
3. Abu Simbel-Grandness of Monument
Abu Simbel is situated close to the Sudanese border with two temples made of rocks, constructed by Ramses II. These marvelous buildings have been moved in a huge UNESCO initiative to prevent their submersion in water. It is one of the strongest witnesses of the ancient Egyptian engineering and art.
4. Alexandria -The Pearl of the Mediterranean
A city established by Alexander the Great, Alexandria combines Greco-Roman culture and contemporary Egyptian lifestyle. The Citadel of Qaitbay, the beautiful Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are some of the must sees. A stroll on the Corniche presents stunning ocean sceneries.
5. The Siwa Oasis- A Paradise In The Desert
Enjoy serenity in Siwa Oasis, which is close to the west border of Egypt. It is a kind of a hidden treasure, with green palm groves, salt lakes, and remains of the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, which was visited by Alexander the Great as well. The natural springs and Berber culture are also other features of Siwa.
6. White Desert- Surreal Natural Wonder
The White Desert is something quite different in Egypt because it has strange rock formations made of chalk which are shaped by the wind and the desert sand. This is a place where a camping trip under the stars is a magical experience, ideal photography as well as people who are in search of solitude and surreal scenery.
7. Dahab – Red Sea Paradise Playground
Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula is the destination to relax on the beach. It is a diving and snorkeling hot spot particularly in the renowned Blue Hole. There is also an opportunity to surf on kites or to enjoy the beach cafes. It is not as commercial as Sharm El-Sheikh but is as attractive.
8. St. Mount Sinai and Catherine Monastery
To the spiritual traveller, a climb on Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, is a very fulfilling journey. At the foot of it is St. Catherine Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world that is still in operation, a UNESCO world heritage site.
9. Fayoum- the Egyptian Countryside Presence
Fayoum is just a few hours drive away in the outskirts of Cairo yet it has a combination of desert, water, and historical sites. Travel to Wadi El Rayan to see the lakes and waterfalls or visit Wadi El Hitan which is called the valley of the Whales and you will see the remains of the ancient sea creatures which are fossilized.
10. Dahshur and Saqqara-Early Pyramid Sites
As you choose to skip the Pyramids of Giza, you may still observe the initial experiments with pyramids construction in Egypt at Saqqara (the Step Pyramid insists there), at Dahshur, where the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid were built earlier than in Giza. These less crowded places are equally as fascinating and historically important.
Conclusion
Although Pyramids of Giza is probably the most popular sight in Egypt, the real spirit of this country is in its variety of landscapes, ruins and lively cities outside of Cairo. Egypt has something extraordinary to offer to every traveler: be it exploring the oases of the desert such as Siwa or diving in Dahab or discovering the secrets of the past in Luxor and Abu Simbel.
So if you’re an Omani citizen or resident planning your next adventure, don’t stop at the pyramids. Get your Egypt visa from Oman, pack your bags, and prepare for a journey through a land that has mesmerized travelers for millennia. With easy access to Egypt Visa Services from Oman, and a world of wonders waiting, there’s never been a better time to explore Egypt beyond the pyramids.
