Why Egypt Is Such a Popular Destination for Czechs

One of the most sought-after destinations after COVID-19 for Czech citizens, Egypt is as popular as ever.

Egypt has an enduring popularity as a holiday destination. Whether for the mystique of its ancient civilization or the idyllic beach resorts on the Red Sea and Mediterranean, thousands of tourists flock there each year.

It is telling that after the pandemic, Egypt was one of the top 5 destinations searched for in Czech, and the only one of these 5 that is outside of Europe.

Most foreign visitors to Egypt will need to get a visa for their trip. Fortunately, Czechs can approve their visit by filling in an Egypt eVisa application online, skipping a trip to an embassy to deal with the paperwork in person.

Wonders of the Ancient Kingdom 

Of course, when most of us think of Egypt, the first thing that springs to mind are the Pyramids and, along with them, the ancient civilization that built them.

The mysterious and romantic image of Ancient Egypt is one of the main reasons people are drawn to the country. The days of the Pharaohs have long since passed, but their legacy can still be seen today in many places.

The Giza Necropolis is the most famous and popular site to visit. Home to the 3 iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, the necropolis dates to between 2600 and 2500 BC. The Great Pyramid (the Pyramid of Khufu) is the last of the original Seven Wonders of the World still standing. The entire complex, as well as the nearby ruins of Memphis, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are various other ancient pyramids scattered throughout Egypt. Some of the most important include the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur.

One of the best places to see the grandeur of Ancient Egypt is Luxor. Thousands of years ago, this was the city of Thebes, and today is known as “the world’s greatest open-air museum”. You can wander through the epic Karnak Temple Complex and marvel at the atmospheric Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, which form the Theban Necropolis on the west bank of the Nile.

If you take a long Nile cruise, it is worth venturing to the far south of Egypt to see Abu Simbel — the incredible temple of Ramses II, guarded by colossal statues.

There are new things still being discovered about the ancient kingdo, and indeed, archaeologists from Czechia have been at the forefront of several of these discoveries, including the largest mummification deposit ever found in Egypt and a huge tomb discovered in 2018.

Relax in the Egyptian Sun 

Egypt isn’t simply a great place to visit for its history. It is equally popular as a sun-and-sea destination, with top beach resorts in places like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Ras Sedr.

You have to remember that Egypt isn’t all desert. As well as the fertile Nile River Valley, the country has coasts on 2 seas: the Red Sea to the east and the Mediterranean to the north.

Both are great places to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches and great weather for getting a tan.

The Red Sea resorts are particularly popular, perhaps due to the range of activities available, from boat trips to diving. The coral reefs are renowned for the amazing array of sea life. Divers can swim alongside colorful fish, rays, sharks, and dolphins. It is also one of the few places on Earth where you can find dugongs.

It is also a major wreck-diving destination. The wreck of the British WWII cargo ship Thistlegorm ranks in the top 5 wreck dives worldwide. You can find boat trips to dive to the wreck departing from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik.

<h2> Cruising Through the Land of the Pharaohs </h2>

The coasts aren’t the only places to take it easy in Egypt. One of thing on many visitors’ bucket lists is to do a Nile cruise.

There are many to choose from. You can enjoy the luxury of a modern cruise liner, take a step back in time in a steamboat, or take a more intimate journey on a dahabiya — a traditional Egyptian yacht with a sail at either end.

Most cruises sail from Cairo and can take you to Luxor or even as far as Aswan. This is the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds — see the incredible monuments and historic sites, with plenty of relaxation in between.

All things considered, it is little wonder that Egypt remains one of the most popular destinations for Czechs and it is unlikely to lose its appeal any time soon. After all, many of its biggest draws have stood for millennia. Like the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt isn’t going anywhere.