THE LAND OF THE PHARAOHS: EXPLORING EGYPT

TWENTY PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT EGYPT

Egypt is a destination that is at the top of many adventure's bucket list, and for good reason. The country is filled with mystic history, rich culture, vivid landscapes, incomprehensible architecture, and delectable cuisine.

After a few drinks at a trendy bar, six friends huddled in their booth to discuss the possibility of a lifetime. Our dear friend Youssef was traveling to Egypt to visit his mother and whimsically invited us all to join. Excited by the opportunity to traverse with a local, everyone immediately responded, "That sounds perfect."

The next morning, I woke up wondering if last night had been a dream spurred from our night out. I texted my friends and asked, "How serious they were from 1-10?” After receiving multiple, "10s", our trip to Egypt was born.

A month later, six friends set off for an unforgettable adventure where we wandered temples, mosques, and museums, marveled at artifacts, markets, and cafes, and explored the Red Sea, Sinai Mountains, and Sahara Desert.

Trip Highlights:

1. Enjoying fresh falafel, hummus, and Egypt's national dish: koshari

2. Discovering the ancient tombs of Saqqara

3. Haggling over curios at Khan el-Khalili, the oldest market in the Middle East

4. Admiring the grand architecture of Cairo's historic mosques and churches

5. Snorkeling in the bio-diverse waters of the Red Sea

I hope these photos inspire you to explore The Land of the Pharaohs.

The only wonder of the ancient world to have survived, the pyramids of Giza embody antiquity and mystery

Descending the thrilling, though tight, staircase into the tombs of Saqqara

Dahab, a relaxed beach town off the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula

Relishing the richly ornate details of The Hanging Church of Cairo

Nubian craftsmanship on display at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali framed by palm trees

Shopping at Khan el-Khalili, one of the world's most atmospheric bazaars

The 9th-century Mosque of Ibn Tulun is built around a light-filled, open courtyard

Enjoying an early morning breakfast of fresh falafel

The architectural grandeur of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Gazing at the empty desert, with it's wind-hewn natural pyramids and bluffs

The picturesque shores of the Red Sea, with Saudi Arabia in the distance

The matchless panorama view of Cairo's minaret-punctuated skyline

A treasure trove of exquisite handmade lanterns

Exploring the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of the grandest and oldest places of worship in Egypt

Posing at the Red Pyramid in Dahshur, which predates those of Giza and is considered the first true pyramid

Egyptian flags dance in the wind overlooking the city

Dahab's laid-back atmosphere against the shores of Egypt's finest beaches

The architectural splendor of what is still the intellectual and cultural center of the Arab world

A street cat seeks refuge from the sweltering sun

Taking in the sights at Cairo's wonderful and chaotic centerpiece

The waters of the Red Sea are famed for their diverse marine life

The quintessential Egyptian landscape under a blazing sun

MY EGYPT ESSENTIALS