Egypt is a country steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of ancient monuments and landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, there is no shortage of must-see destinations in this captivating country. Here are seven of the top places to visit if you are planning to on taking Egypt vacations.

1. The Great Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids of Giza are a true marvel of engineering and architecture. They were built over a period of several decades, using an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks weighing anywhere from 2 to 80 tons each. The largest of the three pyramids, the Pyramid of Khufu, stands 147 meters tall and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Visitors can enter the pyramids and explore the burial chambers, where pharaohs were laid to rest with treasures and offerings for the afterlife. The pyramids are also surrounded by smaller tombs, temples, and the Sphinx, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history.

2. The Sphinx
The Sphinx is a massive statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It is believed to have been built during the reign of the pharaoh Khafre, around 2500 BC. The Sphinx stands 20 meters tall and 73 meters long, and its face is thought to represent the pharaoh himself. Visitors can admire the Sphinx's impressive size and detail, and learn about the many legends and theories surrounding its construction and purpose.

3. Luxor
Luxor is a city located on the east bank of the Nile River, known for its wealth of ancient ruins and temples. The most famous of these is the Karnak Temple Complex, a vast complex of temples and halls built over a period of 1,500 years. The complex covers an area of over 100 hectares and is dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. Other must-see attractions in Luxor include the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs and their families were buried in elaborate tombs, and the Luxor Temple, a well-preserved temple dedicated to the god Amun.

4. Aswan
Aswan is a city located in the south of Egypt, known for its beautiful natural scenery and ancient landmarks. One of the most popular attractions here is the Abu Simbel Temple, a massive temple complex built by the pharaoh Ramesses II over 3,000 years ago. The temple is famous for its four colossal statues of the pharaoh, each standing over 20 meters tall. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the Nile River, explore the Nubian villages, and visit the Aswan High Dam, an impressive engineering feat built in the 1960s to control the Nile's flooding.

5. Alexandria
Alexandria is a city located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors to Alexandria can explore the ancient Roman amphitheater, visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and see the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library that pays tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the greatest libraries of the ancient world. Alexandria is also home to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built by the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay to protect the city from Ottoman invasion.

6. Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is a beautiful desert oasis located in the western part of Egypt, near the Libyan border. This remote and tranquil area is known for its stunning natural scenery, including palm groves, salt lakes, and sand dunes. Visitors to Siwa can explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of the Oracle, where Alexander the Great is said to have sought guidance from the gods, and visit the Cleopatra Bath, a natural hot spring where the legendary queen is said to have bathed.

7. Dahab
Dahab is a popular seaside resort town located on the Gulf of Aqaba, on the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula. This laid-back town is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and world-class diving sites. Visitors to Dahab can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the Red Sea, explore the nearby desert, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Dahab is also home to the Blue Hole, a famous diving spot with a 130-meter drop-off and a rich marine life.

In conclusion, Egypt is a country with a rich and fascinating history, and there are countless places to explore and discover. Whether you're interested in ancient ruins, natural wonders, or modern cities, Egypt has something to offer everyone. These seven destinations are just a few of the many must-see attractions in this captivating country.