Egypt tours are famous for including some of the oldest historical sites in the world, and while locations like the Great Pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo attract a fair amount of attention, the country is home to many other ancient sites that are just as appealing. Checking out some of the lesser known landmarks will not only give you the chance to see more of the country, you may also find you've avoided some of the larger crowds as well.
Valley of the Kings
The ancient Egyptians buried their Pharaohs in this region for a period of about 500 yearrs, and the site wasn't discovered until the early 20th century. Its excavation revealed a complex underground set of tombs, many of which are open to the public today. One of the most well-known tombs is that of Ramesses III, which is among the biggest toms that you can visit, and is adorned with intricate wall paintings that speak to the artistic skill of the ancient Egyptians.
Medinet Habu
Another structure from relating to Ramesses III, Medinet Habu is an often overlooked mortuary temple located close to his tomb. The first thing you'll notice is likely to be Medinet Habu's sheer size (it's nearly 500 feet long), but that's not its most appealing feature. Much like his tomb, the temple is famous for its artwork. In fact, it contains an estimated 75,350 square feet of decorated wall reliefs.
Karnak Temple Complex
The complex is home to many different ruins, and you could spend all day touring the various areas of Karnak. However, there are a few spots you should make sure to include on your tour. The Gateway of Ptolemy III Euergetes is among the most impressive structures in the complex, largely because of how well preserved it is. Additionally, you should explore the ruins of the Great Hypostyle Hall, which is what remains of an enormous structure that covered an are of around 50,000 square feet.
Jump to Jordan
Egypt is not the only country in the region with a lengthy history, and you should think about a tour of Jordan once you've checked all the ancient sites off your list. Petra is among the best places in Jordan to get a taste of ancient culture. This centuries old city is famous for its architecture, which is primarily cut out of rock.
