What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt

Discover Egypt's hidden gems beyond the famed attractions! From desert camping adventures to historical expeditions and culinary delights, this expert guide reveals unique experiences.

Written by ETP TEAM

Published Jun 16, 2021 Updated Nov 25, 2023 11 min read

Summary

The article, penned by a team of seasoned tour experts, spotlights Egypt's hidden gems, going beyond the typical tourist spots.
Venture into the Western Desert for an exceptional overnight camping experience in the White Desert, exploring Bahariya Oasis and natural rock formations via 4x4 rides, topped with a magical night under star-studded skies.
Delve into the significance of El-Alamein, a vital Second World War site honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers, alongside a museum exhibiting wartime artifacts.
Indulge in Egypt's diverse cuisine at Sequoia, a restaurant overlooking the Nile, savoring traditional dishes and enjoying shisha while admiring the stunning view.
Alexandria offers a rich cultural experience, unveiling historical sites like the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay, and Pompey’s Pillar, showcasing Greco-Roman and Egyptian architectural wonders.
Explore lesser-known pyramids beyond Giza, discovering ancient structures at Saqqara, Dahshur, and Abusir, providing insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and architecture.

What to do beyond the usual sites in Egypt is a very attractive subject that sheds some light on all the hidden sites of Egypt. The purpose of this article is to offer every traveler all the information and details about all the usual sites to explore in Egypt. This article was written by a group of a very skilled and experienced team of tour operators, tour guides, and travel consultants who know all the finest usual and hidden places to explore in Egypt.

Being in a great exceptional country like Egypt can take you on a totally magical adventure through which you will be able to check some of the most exciting sites, visit the greatest historical treasures that date back thousands of years ago and all tourists know that there are so many must-visit usual places all around the country, but there are some unusual impressive hidden sites that worth being visited especially for the ones who are looking for absolute adventure and exploring impressive sites. In our article below, you will find the most interesting activities that can be enjoyed in Egypt, but they are not familiar ones.

1. Enjoy Camping Out in the Desert

Camping out in the desert - What to do beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

Among the most amazing things that you can enjoy in Egypt is heading from Cairo on a totally exceptional adventure into the Western Desert. Spending overnight camping in the White Desert is without a doubt one of the most interesting things to enjoy as an outdoor activity in Egypt. During such an excursion, you will be able to visit the glorious Bahariya Oasis while being on board a 4 X 4 and that will allow you to explore the gorgeous attractions all around you in addition to the wonderful rock formations in the area.

At night, you will get the most exclusive opportunity to set up a camp and enjoy camping with the local Bedouins under a dark, magical blanket full of impressive stars. Then, on the following day, you can enjoy an unforgettable hot spring and take some exceptional photos at the spot before heading back to Cairo. The heavenly city of Faiy is a highly recommended tour that we advise any adventurous traveler to take.

2. Explore A Terrific Exploration Trip to El-Alamein

El-Alamein War Museum in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

In order to understand more and more regarding the ancient history of Egypt, you need to visit some of the oldest attractions & highlights of each city and while being in Alexandria city, you can enjoy a trip to the hypnotic El-Alamein that played a very important role during the Second World War. Lots of British and Commonwealth soldiers have given their lives in the battles that took place there, defeating the nazi force.

Behind every single rock in this magical city of El Alamein is a story waiting to be narrated about the horrors and victories of WWII, which left a heavy mark on this glorious milestone. While being there, you will be able to check lots of graves that commemorate the lives of the British, New Zealand, and the Australian soldiers who fought there. You will also find a war museum that displays war memorabilia, including weapons, uniforms, records, models, and lots of other amazing items.

3. Taste the Egyptian Cuisine at Sequoia

The Egyptian Cuisine at Sequoia - What to do beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

If you want to enjoy a delicious meal with ancient roots, then Egypt has a lot to offer. You should, without a doubt, head to Sequoia restaurant, which overlooks the Nile River and serves the best recommended oriental & international food. The tastiest cuisines offered in Egypt include some marvelous vegan dishes which include Koshari, Ful Medames, Tameya, Mahshi, Molokhia, Moussaka, Molasses with tahini, and the traditional Aish Baladi.

There are a number of phenomenal meaty dishes in Egypt that could have Middle Eastern origins like kebab and kofta, Hawawshi, Hamam Mahshi, Feseekh, Shawarma, Fiteer Baladi, and more across the golden streets and corners are some of the most delicious deserts which include Basbousa, Baqlawa, Alexandria cheese fondue, Roz Bel Laban, Basbousa, and more appetizing foods. You can smoke your shisha pipe there and enjoy the fascinating view from one of the most famous waterways in the world.

4. Don’t Miss Alexandria Cultural Experience

Alexandria City - What to do beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

The coastal city of Alexandria is such a breathtaking example of an integrated Egyptian city that has the most astonishing coastal beaches, amazing hotels, and the best cultural sites that have the ability to uncover the most impressive secrets, facts, and information about the great history of Egypt. Some of the tourist sites go back to the Roman era, such as the impressive Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, which is renowned for its magnificent architectural works of Greco-Roman and Egyptian styles.

The Citadel of Qaitbay is a historical fortress created on the site of a grand lighthouse using its rocks, which was once one of the tallest buildings in the world. The phenomenal Pompey’s Pillar is one of the most amazing and enchanting monuments of Emperor Diocletian. Acors the shores and lands of the immortal city of Alexandria are some of the most dazzling architectural and artistic attractions, which include Montaza Palace, Stanley Bridge, The Corniche, El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque, Royal Jewelry Museum, and more epic marvels.

5. Discover Hidden Pyramids

The Pyramid of Pharaoh Sahure, Abusir - What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

While being in the golden lands of Egypt, a magical door will open, leading to one of the biggest archaeological milestones ever created in history, the pyramids. Aside from the famous three pyramids of Giza, there are more than 120 pyramids scattered across lower Egypt in magical spots Saqqara, Dahshur, and Abusir. Visiting these Pyramids will provide the chance to discover the grand step pyramid of Djoser that dates to the 27th century BC.

Within the epic lands of Dahshur are some of the most glorious constructions, which include the high, unique bent pyramid, the red pyramid, and the majestic Dahshur pyramids. The everlasting pyramid of Abusir can be seen as one of the most unique and phenomenal necropolises dating to the old kingdom of pharaohs and high-ranking officials of the 5th dynasty. These glorious pyramids acted as tombs and provided important, valuable insights into the architecture, burial practices, and religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians across 4500 years.

6. Visit the St. Catherine's Monastery

St Catherines Monastery, Sinai - What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

St Catherine Monastery is one of the holiest and most incredible attractions in the world. It acts as one of the oldest Christian monasteries in Egypt found on the Mount of Sinai. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site built between 548 and 565 by Byzantine emperor Justinian I that held some of the finest religious artifacts like the burning bush of Moses and many relics, manuscripts, icons, and artifacts that include the oldest Bibles in the world Codex Sinaiticus and the Syriac Sinaiticus.

The monastery has magnificent and beautiful surroundings that will make your visit truly entertaining and highly spiritual. Visiting St. Catherine's Monastery will be the key to witnessing how Abrahamic religions came into existence, which plays a vital role in shaping our world.

7. Attend a Local Festival

Ramadan in Egypt - What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

While being in Egypt, everyone will get to enjoy attending the most fun and thrilling festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Everyone will get to cast their eyes on the country's rich culture and traditions. There are a number of religious and cultural festivals & holidays in Egypt, like Ramadan celebrations, Eid, Easter, and Coptic Christmas, where the unique traditions of Egypt will come to life in front of your eyes.

Everyone will get to enjoy traditional music, dance, and food within the most marvelous surroundings. Attending the festivals of Egypt will be the chance to experience the great cultural, artistic, and historical milestones and culture of Egypt that were cultivated over thousands and hundreds of years.

8. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor

Luxor Hot Air Balloon - What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

Riding a hot air balloon ride over Luxor will be a thrilling adventure that feels like walking on clouds to uncover the immortal archaeological wonders that include the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut temple, Valley of the Queens, and many more glorious ancient temples. Everyone will get the most celestial and enriching sunrise view, thus providing a very peaceful and surreal experience that will create some delightful memories.

The beautiful architecture and art of Luxor will paint a beautiful picture filled with living glorious tales of gods and kings who created a powerful kingdom that was able to stand the test of time.

9. Scuba Diving in the Red Sea

Goatfishes in the Red Sea - What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

Every second spent diving in the blessed Red Sea will open a portal uncovering the immortal natural allure of crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The waters of the Red Sea are filled with beautiful and renowned scuba diving spots that include Ras Mohammed National Park, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab, which provide a magical insight into the heavenly marine treasures that come in many stunning, colorful coral reefs, underwater caves, and vibrant fishes.

From beautiful cities like Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab, everyone will enjoy a truly fun, unforgettable underwater experience filled with an incredible sense of tranquility and enjoyment from the moment you enter the divine waters of the Red Sea.

10. Visit the Cave Church in Cairo

Saint. Samaan the Tanner Hall - What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

The unique and extraordinary cave church in Cairo, which is known as the St. Simon the Tanner Monastery, is a remarkable church carved into the cliffs of Mokattam Mountain in Cairo, which was one of the places where the holy family hid in Egypt. The cave church is a true natural wonder that hosts some of the most incredible Coptic treasures and works of art carved in the inner surroundings of the cave.

It is adorned with religious icons and decorations and remains a great place of worship, prayer, and religious gatherings. This holy rock-cut golden piece of architecture will provide a distinctive and spiritually significant experience that will uncover some of the greatest and most magnificent facts.

11. Sail on a Dahabiya

Dahabiya Near Aswan - What to Do Beyond the Usual Sites in Egypt - Egypt Tours Portal

One of the most amazing and elevating travel experiences to Enjoy across the magical Nile River is a luxury dahabiya tour, which will deliver an intimate adventure that showcases the profound beauty of the Nile River and the ancient history of all the glorious attractions found across its banks. This beautiful leisurely journey onboard the dahabiya can only carry a few travelers who will enjoy the ideal services of comfortable accommodations and delicious Egyptian cuisines while discovering some of the most epic historical temples, villages, and archaeological sites.

Every moment spent on the dahabiya will truly feel like being an ancient pharaoh who sailed across the Nile back in the day in the most magnificent and luxurious manner.

Beyond the Pyramids: Unconventional Egypt Escapes

Out of the ordinary Egypt tours are the finest way to discover all the off-the-beaten-track monuments in the land of Pharaohs while enjoying the finest services and comfort at the most affordable prices.

Tags: Things to do

ETP TEAM

Egypt Tours Portal is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history, culture, and mysteries of ancient Egypt, helping travelers and history enthusiasts explore Egypt’s most iconic destinations and monuments. The team consists of experienced Egyptologists, archaeologists, historians, travelers, content creators, marketers, consultants, and explorers with 5–20 years of expertise in their respective fields.

The website provides accurate, regularly updated information developed by qualified experts and supported by trusted sources to ensure reliability and educational value. Drawing on more than 39 years of industry knowledge and resources, Egypt Tours Portal offers a wide range of travel services, including Egypt tours, Nile cruises, day tours, shore excursions and multi-country tours. Their services have earned positive reviews from travelers, recognition through awards, and mentions by respected news outlets and travel blogs, delivering both educational and memorable travel experiences across Egypt.

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Erin W

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

"We had a great experience touring Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor with Mahmoud. I would highly recommend him as a guide. He adapted to our needs (2 teenagers) and kept everything interesting. He was always prompt, professional, and easy to communicate with. He was also very prompt answering questions via WhatsApp"

Estelle V

"We would like to share our wonderful experience with Egypt Tours Portal. From the very first quote to our final airport drop-off, we were impressed by the professionalism, organization, and excellent communication from Walaa and the entire team. Our tour guides in both Luxor (“Habibi” was the best!) and Cairo were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about sharing Egypt’s history and treasures with us. We especially appreciated how thoughtfully the itinerary was planned — allowing us time to rest in the afternoons, scheduling visits during the cooler hours, and remaining flexible to accommodate our needs. Everything was smooth, well-organized, and made our trip truly memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Egypt Tours Portal to anyone looking to discover the incredible history, culture, and wonders Egypt has to offer."

Tim K

"We had an outstanding time touring Luxor with our guide, Essra. She was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly kind throughout the entire experience. Her explanations of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon brought Egypt's history to life. What really set her apart was her thoughtfulness. She made sure we stayed comfortable in the heat, surprising us with water and refreshments. She also took us to an excellent local restaurant that we never would have found on our own. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and passion for sharing Egypt made this one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting Luxor. On another note, the drivers we had each day were great. So professional, always on time and personable."

Will S

Bluff Park, Alabama

"We had a great vacation. Omar Haridi did our Nile Cruise and Zizi did our Cairo tour. They were amazing and very knowledgeable."

Mira F

"The best experience of my lifetime! Nour, the tour guide was absolutely amazing! Went over and beyond thinking about every little thing. I had a mishap and Egypt Air overbooked my flight and bumped me to a later flight causing me to miss an entire day of activities. Nour made sure I got to do every single thing I missed that first day. But that’s not all: his knowledge of old Egypt is unparalleled, he truly brings Egypt (Aswan Luxor) alive. I’ve traveled all over the world and met many tour guides: Nour stands apart from all of them. He’s also considerate, caring and genuinely wants his guests to enjoy the trip and learn the most about the incredible history of Egypt. He’s also funny and genuinely great to be around. Please, do yourself a favor when booking a trip in Upper Egypt and ask for Nour. Hands down the best guide ever!"

Paul B

Hook, United Kingdom

"Excellent guide Mr Mohamed Osman, who was incredibly knowledgeable and very informative. Couldn't ask for more. Food on day 1 was ok, but much better at lunch on day 2. Hotel was excellent. Also our driver was excellent. All in all a great experience. Would highly recommend."

Marianna A

"Our experience in Egypt, especially in Luxor and Aswan, was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide Omar. We cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply passionate about Egyptian history and culture. What made our tour extraordinary was that our guide is not only a master’s in Egyptology but is also currently pursuing a PhD in Egyptology. His depth of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. He is also very creative and artistic. Every temple, tomb, monument, and historical site came alive through his explanations. He did not simply recite facts, he explained the historical context, symbolism, religious beliefs, architecture, and fascinating stories behind everything we saw. It truly felt like we were traveling through ancient Egypt with a real scholar and expert by our side. He brought ancient Egyptian history to life by assigning us the roles of Egyptian gods and legendary heroes. Through these interactive mini-plays, we were able to experience, understand, and truly connect with the stories he shared. In Luxor, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple became an unforgettable educational and emotional experience because of the way he explained the history in such an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. In Aswan, his insights about Philae Temple, Nubian history, and ancient Egyptian civilization added so much depth to our trip. He answered every question thoughtfully and with incredible detail, and you could genuinely feel his passion for Egyptology. Beyond his academic expertise, he was one of the kindest and most caring people we met during our travels. He constantly made sure we were comfortable, safe, hydrated, and enjoying ourselves. He was patient, attentive, organized, and always willing to help with anything we needed. His warm personality and kindness made us feel welcomed not just as tourists, but as friends. He also paced the tours perfectly, allowing us enough time to truly appreciate each site without ever feeling rushed. His professionalism, friendliness, and genuine care created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Thanks to him, our visit to Egypt became far more than a vacation. It became an unforgettable journey into history and culture. If you are planning to visit Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere in Egypt, choosing this guide will be one of the best decisions you can make. He is truly exceptional, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had him as our guide. Thank you again for such an amazing experience. We will never forget it. Marianna and Khris"

James H

"This has been a tour agency and guides I can’t wait to give a glowing review to and to recommend to friends and family. Both Riham and Walid were happy to help coordinate excursions and share a wealth of knowledge. 10/10 experience"

H D

"We had a wonderful experience with the 5 day cruise. The price is wry reasonable. The best part is that the visits are done in very small numbers with a guide. It is almost like having a private guide. The food was good with lots of variety and all the staff members are very friendly and helpful. Omar Haradi, our guide was very knowledgeable and very generous with his time and with sharing his knowledge."

Marlina

West Palm Beach, Florida

"We just returned home from an incredible trip to Egypt, and we cannot say enough good things about Egypt Tours. From the moment we booked our trip until the day we flew home, their communication, organization, and attention to detail were outstanding. Our adventure began in Cairo, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Abdulrahman Mosbah. He immediately made us feel comfortable and at ease, and our Nile River sunset cruise was the perfect introduction to Egypt. Abdul’s warm personality and infectious enthusiasm made our first day both fun and memorable. The following day, we toured with Reda Elgendy, who brought the pyramids to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. Seeing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) was truly breathtaking and a highlight of our time in Cairo. In Aswan, we were greeted at the airport by Ahmed Haggag, who guided us over the next two days. Ahmed was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, and always kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. We learned so much while enjoying every moment of our time with him. Our final stop was Luxor, where we met Ghada Kamel. Saving the best for last, Ghada was absolutely exceptional. Her passion for Egypt’s history and culture made our visits to the temples and the Valley of the Kings unforgettable. She was engaging, informative, and truly outstanding. This trip exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did we experience some of the world’s most amazing historical sites, but each of our guides also shared valuable insights into Egyptian culture and daily life. We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Egypt, and gratitude for the amazing team at Egypt Tours. We highly recommend Egypt Tours to anyone planning a trip to Egypt. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!"

Alejandro M

"We loved it, great experience and treatment. Our guide Noah had great knowledge of the subject. Thank you very much."

Jeff T

"Our trip in May 2026 was fantastic! We saw all the major wonders of Egypt! Our incredibly knowledgeable guide Walid Ahmed met us at the hotel and was great at explaining all the particular uniqueness of each tomb and temple, inserting background myths and stories, keeping our tour on track, taking and sharing so many pictures so we could be in them as a couple and helping us navigate local customs. We strongly recommend Egypt, the tour and Walid!"

Joe P

"We had a wonderful week long vacation in Egypt, split between Cairo and Luxor. The tour was very professionally run with excellent communication starting weeks before our arrival and then nearly daily while in Egypt. A highlight was our English-speaking guide in Luxor, Walid Ahmed, who was extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. The tour was flexible and accommodating, allowing last minute special detours and restaurant choices. Overall, it was one of the best vacations of our life."

Damien B

"We had Ahmed Refaat as our family guide in Cairo, and he truly made our trip to Egypt unforgettable. His positive attitude, passion for Egypt’s history and culture, and incredible patience made all the difference throughout our stay in Cairo. Ahmed brought every site to life with fascinating explanations and was always attentive to our needs, making the experience enjoyable for both adults and children. We especially recommend him for visits to Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary places. Without any hesitation, we highly recommend Ahmed Refaat to anyone visiting Egypt. Thank you again for helping create such wonderful memories for our family!"

Departure20554993605

"Knowledgeable guide, clean vehicle, interesting stories about the sites. Tour guide: Muhmmed Abd El-aal was very nice to be in the company of, dry attentive and honest."

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