In order to worship the gods in their temples, several festivals were organised throughout the year in ancient Egypt. Some of these festivities were regional, and others were observed all across the country. A celebration would often start with a priestly procession of the cult figure, accompanied by musicians and dancers. The statue would occasionally move in a procession between temples, staying at the second temple for a predetermined number of days before returning. During the Opet Festival, an Amun statue was transported from Karnak to the Luxor Temple.
Ramses III engraved a "calendar of festivals" with a list of about 60 distinct holidays on the southern wall of the Medinet Habu temple on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor. A detailed list of prerequisites for each feast as well as information on which treasury will cover each festival of Amum are supplied.
The eight "feast of heaven" days are also listed, along with the 365 daily offerings. Some of the biggest annual festivals are listed below:
The King's Coronation Celebration took place on the 26th of Pakhons, the ninth month (originally one day, but lengthened to 20 days). The Festival of the New Year coincides with Sirius, the star with the greatest brightness, rising in the sky. The Festival of Opet lasts 24 days and begins on the nineteenth day of paophi, the second month. Amun, Mut, and Khonsu parade at the Lovely Festival of the Valley.
The number of bread loaves needed for a festival's food offerings varied substantially; one needed just 84 while another needed more than 4,000. The surplus food that the priests didn't eat during the feast was given to the populace. A mythical region in the western sky where crops in the fields reach incredible heights is known as the FIELD OF REEDS (also known as SEHET AARU or the ELYSIAN FIELDS).
The goddess Neheb-Kau, who was connected to the Field of Reeds, was frequently depicted as a snake with wings and the limbs and legs of a woman. She has two pots of food for the hereafter in her hands. The Pyramid Texts are the first to mention the Field of Reeds:
One who is cleaned at the Field of Reeds is said to be cleansed. In the Field of Reeds, Cleansed is Re One who is cleaned at the Field of Reeds is said to be cleansed. This Unas in the Reeds Field is cleansed. Hand of Unas in Re's hand Take his hand, Nut! Shu, raise him! Shu, raise him!
In the Middle Kingdom (2055 - 1650 B.C), the Coffin Texts suggest that the deceased will be required to labor in the Field of Reeds, and at about the same time the Coffin Texts were written, magical figures called ushabtis were introduced. Each ushabti was given a magical spell so that when the deceased was called upon to work in the Field of Reeds, the ushabti would answer for the deceased and perform the work. The concept of the Field of Reeds was expanded during the New Kingdom (1550 - 1069 B.C) when it was regularly included in the vignettes that decorated the Book of the Dead. According to Osirian mythology (see Chapter 145 of the Book of the Dead), the deceased was required as part of his passage into the next world to spend time working in the Field of Reeds.
In another, there was a legendary region known as the Field of Reeds, where the fields yielded astonishingly large crops. The dead is shown with his wife harvesting grain in this tomb mural. The deceased's ultimate objective, according to the (Images by Pat Remler) version, was to buy a piece of land after his trip through the Underworld was through and he had been cleared of all charges (see Weighing of the Heart Ceremony).
The Field of Reeds, the Netherworld, and his summary of his earthly efforts were symbolised by this. The dead are regularly seen in the Book of the Dead's vignettes ploughing, sowing, and harvesting, sometimes with their wives, and they are always clothed in their finest clothing as if they were on a royal tour. Although the exact location of the Field of Reeds is uncertain, it appears from the Book of the Dead that it is somewhere within the Netherworld.
According to legend, the wheat and barley that grew to such enormous heights in the Field of Reeds provided the dead with food akin to the nectar and ambrosia of the gods. That wasn't the same as the real food sacrifices made for the deceased on Earth. Several literature throughout the years have posited that the Field of Reeds may have also existed on Earth, either in the eastern Delta, on a delta island, or in the distant Kharga Oasis. In the following years, the expression "field of reeds" has evolved to mean either death or the Netherworld.
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Egypt has many historical sites that you can visit and enjoy. Each tour is different and unique. If you go on a Nile cruise, you can visit Abu Simbel, Aswan, and Luxor in the South and enjoy the temples, tombs, and the treasures of the Nile. In the North, enjoy the Pyramids of Giza, The Egyptian Museum, Sakkara. Mosques, churches in Cairo, and many landmarks located in the city of Alexandria. On the East, Enjoy a beach tour for diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the Red sea. Every city has its charm, history, and flavor where you can do many tours and activities.
Your Egypt Tours is one of Egypt’s leading and most trusted travel agencies, known for its personalized service and expert care. As a top-rated company for Egypt tour packages, we ensure every Egypt trip is safe, seamless, and unforgettable, offering competitive prices, excellent customer service, and the highest standards of quality. With us, you’re always in good hands.
The average cost of a one-week trip in Egypt is around 1600 USD, including visits to tombs, temples, and a Nile cruise. Prices vary depending on the Egypt tours and the level of luxury you choose.
It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt, as it’s highly chlorinated and may cause stomach issues for travelers. During your Egypt tours, it’s best to drink bottled water and use tap water only for washing or brushing your teeth.
The best time to enjoy Egypt tours is from September to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and Nile cruises. Summer (May to September) can be very hot, but it’s also a good time for budget travelers.
Egypt is generally hot and sunny most of the year, with winter falling between November and January, and summer peaking from June to August. Winters are mild, while summers can get very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. The pleasant weather from September to March makes it the best time to enjoy Egypt tours and explore the country's top attractions comfortably.
Yes, Egypt is a very safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and strong security measures in all tourist areas. The government ensures that accommodations and attractions remain clean and well-monitored for travelers’ comfort. When you book Egypt tours, you’ll find professional guides and organized arrangements that make your trip worry-free and enjoyable.
Egypt offers adventures for every traveler. Explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza, sail along the Nile on a Luxury cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and discover ancient temples and tombs that tell the story of the Pharaohs. Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, or enjoy a relaxing beach escape. Book one of our Egypt tours to experience the perfect mix of history, culture in one unforgettable journey.
Yes, you can, summer is still a great time to explore Egypt! While temperatures can rise to around 45°C, seaside resorts like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam offer refreshing escapes with diving and snorkeling opportunities. Sightseeing in the early morning or evening helps you avoid the midday heat. Summer also brings great deals on hotels and services, making it ideal for travelers on a budget. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Egypt tours during summer can still be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Egypt has a modest dress code, especially for women, since it’s a Muslim country. Light, comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid short shorts or skirts. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. During Egypt tours, you can dress casually and comfortably; formal wear is optional unless you want to make your Nile cruise dinner extra special.
You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Cairo Airport, the process is simple for USA, UK, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens. The visa costs $25 USD and can be purchased at the visa office before immigration. You can also apply for an E-Visa through the official portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. During your Egypt tours, our team can assist you with all visa-related inquiries to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Your Egypt Tours travel agency recommends two weeks so that you can enjoy the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, explore the sights of Cairo, and relax in the Red Sea islands and nature reserves.
The best Egypt Nile River cruise depends on your preferences, budget, and how many nights you wish to spend on board. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend a 5-star luxury Nile cruise that offers exceptional comfort and service. If you prefer a more private and intimate journey, choose a Dahabiya Nile cruise, ideal for small groups of around 15 people. For adventurous travelers, the traditional Felucca boats provide a simple and authentic way to sail the Nile during your Egypt tours, though they offer fewer amenities.
The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April where it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Egypt travel usually have guided tours to archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. Also have optional activities may include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling in the Red Sea, or desert safaris.
