Egypt is home to one of the most ancient cultures in the entire world, making it a very popular travel destination. As captain Jako Hall explains, the country has a rich history and many impressive sites to see.
This northeastern African nation has something literally for everyone, from the pyramids to desserts to metropolitan cities such as Cairo.
If you're planning a trip to Egypt, here are some of the best things to see and do on your journey.
The Pyramids
No trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to Giza's pyramids, where you can see the Sphinx and many smaller tombs. The pyramids are among the most iconic sights throughout the world.
These monuments were constructed nearly 5,000 years ago, making them one of the earliest feats in human history. The oldest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Giza, was constructed in roughly 2570 BC, making it the oldest Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. What's more impressive is the fact that it's the only one of the Ancient Wonders that remains mostly intact.
Cruise Down the Nile
The Nile River is the lifeblood of much of Egypt, spanning more than 4,000 miles in total. It's the longest river in all of Africa and is often considered the longest in the world.
One of the most impressive things you can do on your trip to Egypt is taking a cruise down the Nile. Along your journey, you can see the temples and tombs constructed near it and many other destinations.
Explore Cairo
The capital city of Egypt, Cairo, is both a modern and ancient city wrapped up into one. It's right on the Nile and isn't far from the pyramids either, making this an easy trifecta for you to complete.
You can visit the many fortifications, tombs, and mosques located in Islamic Cairo, the heart of the city. Buildings in this area date from the 7th century through the 16th century.
Head to Coptic Cairo to see Egypt's Christian past, which dates as far back as the 6th century BC. And when you're done with history, there are plenty of modern places to go in this metropolitan city, too.
Don't Forget Alexandria
Cairo is the main city on travellers' itineraries to Egypt, but don't forget about Alexandria. It's the country's second-largest city, and it's located right on the Mediterranean Sea.
Here, you can experience remnants of the ancient culture, such as the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. But, at the same time, you can experience coastal relaxation in a tropical atmosphere.
Hit the Beach at Sharm El-Sheikh
If you're looking for total relaxation by the coastline, Jako Hall recommends visiting Sharm El-Sheikh. It's one of the country's most popular coastal towns, where you can relax on the beach and take in some sun rays.
There are plenty of water sports and activities to do here, and you can also take trips through old markets and have a bite to eat near the water.
About Jako Hall
Captain Jako Hall is an experienced mariner and a former naval officer known for his strong work ethic and ability to lead and motivate crews. He pursued Maritime Studies at the University of Technology in Cape Town and has received the highest level of training in Navigation and Seamanship during his years in the Navy. After 13 distinguished years in the Navy, Jako joined the superyacht industry, following his passion for creating unique and exclusive experiences for high-net-worth clients. He's managed multi-million euro projects that required attention to detail and efficiency and has a proven track record of operating at sea in remote and unsupported areas.