Old and new: Egypt has it both.
Resorts & ruins, sand & sea and pyramids & squares. Egypt is the land of extremes, a place where the ancient and the brand new come together effortlessly. Glamials Marique traveled there with Sunweb, celebrated ‘the old & the new’ on the Red Sea Riviera, and came back with the best tips.
Old and new
When you say Egypt, you say the Nile. Of course you also say Cleopatra, Tutankhamun and pyramids, but without the Nile Egypt would be nowhere. With a length of 6,500 kilometers, it is considered the longest river in the world (although the Amazon sometimes also claims this title). Thanks to the Nile and the fertile soil around it, the world’s first civilization emerged here about 5,000 years ago. And memories of that time abound in Egypt. Think: pyramids, tombs, and temples.
But what today’s Egypt also offers are ultra-modern cities full of technical highlights. In the country and along the coast (of the Mediterranean and Red Sea), brand new ‘smart cities’ are emerging, equipped with ingenious irrigation systems, artificial lagoons and hundreds of meters high skyscrapers with lush roof parks and infinity swimming pools. It is precisely this combination of centuries-old and brand new that makes Egypt a unique destination. Old and new…
Fancy a dive into the Egyptian atmosphere? Then don’t wait too long! Thanks to Sunweb’s early booking discount, the earlier you book, the better your stay.
Old: Luxor
The most famous buildings of the ancient Egyptians are the pyramids and sphinxes. Especially in the Cairo area you will find these colossal and imposing grave monuments for the pharaohs. But Luxor further south also offers plenty of archaeological finds, such as the Karnak temple, the Luxor temple and the Valley of the Kings.
To sleep
To close your eyes like the pharaohs, surrounded by luxury and comfort (but fortunately not for eternity), the Steigenberger Achti Hotel is a nice choice. In the middle of busy Luxor, but thanks to the surrounding gardens you have peace and quiet. There are several restaurants (Italian, Syrian or an extensive buffet) and several swimming pools, and the hookah is ready for you on the shisha terrace. Make sure you sit on your balcony or by the pool at nightfall, because the view of the Nile as the sun sets is phenomenal!
To eat
Luxor offers plenty of eateries for locals and travelers who want an authentic experience. Yet tourists often opt for dinner in a hotel. For example, the Sonesta Saint George. It has a classic look (but not as classic as the excavations) and a delicious menu. Leave room for the chocolate dessert, a chocolate bomb filled with cream and fruit that is covered with even more chocolate live at your table. The view over the Nile is almost insignificant. Almost…
Doing
A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the west banks of the Nile. It must be a wonderful experience to see the landscape and ‘the largest open-air museum in the world’ bathed in the colors of the rising sun. That is, if you are not unlucky – like Glamial’s Marique – that the wind blows too hard and the balloon has to stay on the ground.
New: Lagoons of El Gouna
Barely 30 years ago there was nothing, now there are roads, houses, hotels and harbors. El Gouna is a brand new village, largely built in the last two decades. Just like in Dubai, there are artificial islands and lagoons. Don’t be afraid of a cold, ultra-modern environment. Everything is done in ancient Egyptian style; cozy streets and cobbled squares, picturesque African-Nubian architecture in sunny terracotta tones, lively harbors full of cozy cafés, restaurants and clubs. El Gouna is located on the coastal strip of the Red Sea, an area that is not known as the Red Sea Riviera for nothing. The atmosphere is luxurious, the water warm, the beaches white, the sea azure blue, the cocktails divine and the sun shines every day.
To sleep
The Belgian Lambrecht family – a kind of mix of the Pfaffs, the Verhulstjes and Kardashians – has a series of hotels in Egypt and Hungary. If you settle down in one of their Three Corners branches in El Gouna, you are likely to bump into one of the brothers, their international wives or mater familias Cecile. The Three Corners Ocean View is their adults-only resort. An oasis of peace and luxury with swimming pools, a well-stocked and always surprising buffet, entertainment and comfortable rooms. And guaranteed to be free of children’s voices, because no matter how much we love them, sometimes you just want some peace and quiet! Those little ones are very welcome again in the other Three Corners branch, Rihana. An all-inclusive resort with swimming pools, slides, various bars and restaurants, shopping center and a child-friendly beach. On holiday with the kids? Then be sure to use Sunweb’s Kids discount. This way you make your trip even more affordable.
To eat
Tasteful in every respect: Nicole’s Greenhouse serves tasty and healthy (vegan) dishes in a stylish decor (a mix of vintage and cool design). Highlights on the menu: tofu teryaki with coconut rice and the divine vegetable lasagna. Fun fact: it is run by a member of the aforementioned Belgian family. Nicole is, so to speak, the Kourtney of the Lambrecht clan.
Doing
The underwater world of the Red Sea is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. So put on diving goggles, flippers and snorkel. You can’t get enough of the colored fish, the coral reef and other sea treasures. Who knows, you might even meet dolphins. There is a beautiful underwater world just a few meters from the beach. But you can also do what Glamial did – take a yacht out to sea. Then you have double the fun: a beautiful trip (often with catering or BBQ on board), and snorkeling in peace and quiet.
Whether you like old or new: Egypt has both in abundance. On Sunweb you will find even more (practical) information about a trip to this enchanting country: from fashion tips to a description of Egyptian cuisine. You can also see here exactly which destination has what to offer and which region best suits your travel wishes. This way you can be sure that you book your absolute dream holiday!
Header image: Adobe Stock
