10 reasons to visit Egypt

On November 4, 1922, British archeologist Howard Carter discovered the burial site of King Tutankhamen. The discovery was a sensation. Unlike many other tombs, this one had remained largely intact and was not looted, containing the mummy of Tutankhamen and many precious artifacts.

Across the city of Luxor lies the so-called Valley of the Kings, named after the numerous royal tombs situated here. Note that entrance tickets for the Valley of the Kings are valid for only three tombs. Additional tickets must be bought to see the remaining sites.

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to the famous pyramids of Giza, classified as one of the seven wonders of the world. The imposing structures were built by some 10,000 workers between 2620 and 2500 B.C. and are located between the Libyan desert and Cairo. The equally famous and mythical Sphinx statue stands imposingly at the entrance of the complex.

One of the world's most important pilgrimage sites, Mount Sinai is regarded as sacred in several major religions. It was here that, according to the Bible, God spoke to Abraham, and presented Moses with the Ten Commandments. At 2,285 meters (7,496 feet), Mount Sinai is a challenging climb, yet the views certainly make up for the effort.

The Greek Orthodox Saint Catherine's monastery, situated at the foot of Mount Sinai, is one of the world's oldest of its kind. Established in the 6th century as a fortress, today it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since it's still home to several monks, only certain parts of the building may be visited.

This pyramid is the oldest stone building in Egypt and it's also the only one not to feature a square base. Dating back to about the 27th century B.C., it was built during the first phase of pyramid construction. The Djoser pyramid has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It lies the heart of Saqqara necropolis, an ancient burial complex.

This ancient temple, which also enjoys UNESCO status, was built in the 13th century B.C. by Pharaoh Ramses II. The site was designed as a link between heaven and Earth. If you choose to visit, consider traveling by boat — taking in the temple from Lake Nasser is truly special.

Established in 1835, the Egyptian Museum features over 150,000 artifacts, among them antique statues and mummies. The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), near Giza, is slated to open in late 2022, when it will supplant the Egyptian Museum as the country's premier antiquity museum. It will display the objects found in Pharaoh Tutankhamun's grave, among other unique finds.

Easily one of Egypt's finest national parks, it is ideal for travelers passionate about snorkeling and scuba diving. Ras Muhammad National Park is situated on the Red Sea and boasts some of the world's most colorful coral reefs, teeming with marine life. The nearby city of Sharm El Sheikh will host the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference starting on November 6.

Popular with holidaymakers, water sports enthusiasts and divers, the Red Sea features long beaches and balmy temperatures year-round. Ancient port towns, traditional fishing villages and state-of-the-art holiday resorts line its coasts. Hurghada, a major tourist center, boasts plenty of bars, restaurants and holiday activities.

The city of Luxor, in Egypt's south, features some of the country's most interesting sites. Among them are the Karnak Temple Complex and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Many fantastic Nile cruises embark from here, while hot air balloon rides, affording glorious views from up high, can also be arranged.