Egypt tourist sites

Pyramids of Giza

Near Cairo lies the most famous of all ancient Egyptian sites: the pyramids of Giza. These three towering structures were built in ancient Egypt as tombs for powerful kings and queens. Today, travelers can visit the pyramids by taking a bus or taxi from Cairo.
The Sphinx

The Sphinx, a great stone carving of a lion with a human head, rests near the Giza Pyramids. It is carved out of a huge block of sandstone, and represents Re-Horakhty, an ancient Egyptian sun god. Visitors can go near the Sphinx, but not close enough to climb on it or touch its sides.
The Nile River

The Nile played an important role in ancient Egyptian society, serving as a transportation and trade route and a source of food. With companies like Nile River Cruise, travelers can take a narrated cruise on the Nile for a unique perspective on ancient life in Egypt.
Luxor

Luxor was built around Thebes, an ancient Egyptian capital and the birthplace of Hercules and Dionysos. The most spectacular attractions are the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, and the city is home to a host of other ancient monuments.
Temple of Horus

The Temple of Horus is the second largest temple in Egypt and one of the best-preserved. Located in Edfu, about 115 km from Luxor, it is a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian architecture. Because it lay buried in sand until excavation in the late 1800s, visitors today can see the towering columns and pylon in excellent form.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The temple of ancient Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut is one of the most dramatic sites in Egypt. Situated at the base of a sheer cliff near Luxor, the temple was designed in terraces that seem to be an extension of the rocks.
Valley of the Kings

Located behind the Theban hills near Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, the burial site for 62 ancient pharaohs. Some famous burial sites in the valley include the tombs of Ramses I, Tutankhamen, and Amenhetep. Visitors to the area can hire guides to explain the local legends and mysterious curses that plagued early grave robbers.