EGYPT

ALEXANDRIA (HBE)

Alexandria, Egypt’s storied Mediterranean port, is a luminous blend of Greco-Roman grandeur and cosmopolitan charm. The city remains a beacon of culture, anchored by the ultra-modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, which stands on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. Visitors can descend into the eerie Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa or stroll the elegant Corniche at sunset. Renowned for its fresh seafood and historic cafes, Alexandria offers a cooler, breezy alternative to Cairo, where the echoes of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra meet a vibrant, modern Egyptian pulse.

ASWAN (ASW)

Aswan is Egypt’s most tranquil destination, where the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing between granite boulders and palm-fringed islands. It remains a favorite for those seeking a mix of history and relaxation. Travelers can explore the Unfinished Obelisk, sail a traditional felucca at sunset, or visit the Tombs of the Nobles. The city’s souq is famous for high-quality spices, hibiscus tea, and hand-woven Nubian baskets. Aswan is not just a stopover for Abu Simbel; it is a cultural destination where the hospitality is as warm as the Saharan sun.

LUXOR (LXR)

Luxor, the “World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum,” is a majestic city on the Nile where ancient Pharaonic grandeur meets modern Egyptian life. On the East Bank, the colossal Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple dominate the landscape, connected by the restored 3 km Avenue of Sphinxes. Across the river on the West Bank, the sun sets over the Valley of the Kings, home to over 60 royal tombs including Tutankhamun’s. Whether soaring in a hot air balloon at sunrise or sailing a traditional felucca, Luxor remains the spiritual heart of the Nile and a preeminent 2026 cultural capital.