Destination back on tourist map as travel restrictions eased

Following Egyptair re-starting its direct flight from Heathrow to Luxor in November last year, a wealth of new attractions opening and the 100^th anniversary of the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb Egypt is back on the tourist map for 2022.

Philip Breckner from Discover Egypt said they have seen a surge in enquiries and bookings so far this year. He said, “Pent up demand for holidays since the pandemic and the fact Egypt represents excellent value is inspiring people to tick this destination off their bucket list in 2022. Above all there are no Covid related entry requirements other than being double vaccinated. 

“There is so much going in Egypt with new openings and anniversary celebrations, along with the chance to visit some of the world’s most fascinating antiquities that make Egypt hard to beat as a holiday destination.”

LATE DEAL 07 February 2022 on board a luxurious Dahabiya

Mr Breckner outlines why Egypt should be on people’s travel list this year:

New openings – the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum – a state-of-the-art complex based outside of Cairo is due in November 2022.  The museum will be the largest archaeological museum in the world with more than 100,000 artefacts, including King Tut’s entire treasure collection displayed for the first time.

In Luxor holidaymakers will also get the chance to visit the Grand Avenue of the Sphinxes, a 3,000-year-old ancient road which is lined with around 700 sphinxes that have been excavated and connect Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple. This opened at the end of 2021 and the 1.7-mile road is now one of the world’s largest ancient sites.

The National Museum of Egyptian Culture, the NMEC, also opened on 03 April 2021. A joint venture between Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities with UNESCO.  The main feature is the Royal Mummies, which were recently transferred from the Egyptian Museum

Hundredth anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb – Howard Carter led the team of archaeologists that found Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Holidaymakers can visit the house where Howard Carter lived which also features a replica of King Tut’s tomb. Discover Egypt can offer this as a stand-alone half day excursion for those staying in Luxor, including a visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queens in the West Bank of Luxor with an Egyptologist, for £77 per person.

Classic Nile cruises and city stays – Discover Egypt offer a wide selection of Nile cruises for 2022 that include visiting many of Egypt’s famous attractions, which can also be combined with city stays in Cairo and Luxor for the chance to visit some of these new attractions. 

The lead in price for a 7-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is from £1,245 per person on the five-star MS Tulip, which includes flights, full board cruise and 10 guided excursions. A 14-night holiday including a 7-night cruise and 7-nights in Luxor starts from £1,525 per person. All flights are direct from Heathrow. 

The Ultimate long cruise is back too for 2022 which cruises the length of Egypt and is the ideal way to see the best of Egypt’s sites along the Nile from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan. Prices for an 11-night cruise start from £3,185 per person.

Celebrate on the Nile in style

New for 2022 is the chance to book a Nile cruise on a traditional Egyptian sailing boat called a Dahabiya. The well-appointed Jaz Yakouta features six spacious cabins and is ideal for a celebration such as a special birthday or wedding anniversary with friends and family. Prices for a 7-night cruise start from £2,437 per person. 

Discover Egypt offers pre or post cruise stays in Cairo, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, El Gouna and Soma Bay for those that want to explore further, including visiting several of the world’s top diving sites. 

For more information and to book contact Discover Egypt on 020 7407 2111 or www.discoveregypt.co.uk