Everything we wish we'd known before our first trip to Egypt.
Egypt is a destination that rewards preparation. Here are our top tips for first-time visitors to make the most of this extraordinary country.
First, hire a private guide. Egypt's history is complex, and a good Egyptologist will transform stones and hieroglyphs into living stories. Second, start early — the best light and coolest temperatures are at dawn, and you'll beat the crowds at major sites. Third, carry small Egyptian pounds for tips, bazaars, and small purchases.
Above all, be open to the unexpected. Some of the most memorable moments in Egypt are unplanned — a conversation with a shopkeeper, an unexpected view of the Nile, the call to prayer echoing across a temple. Build flexibility into your itinerary, and let Egypt surprise you.
Let us turn this inspiration into your own unforgettable journey.