With Eid around the corner, many are thinking of taking a trip to celebrate the end of Ramadan. To help your search for interesting destinations, here are a few suggestions in Egypt and the region that would make for a fun trip with family and friends.
Luxor
With some of the world’s most mesmerising and unique ancient monuments, Luxor is the perfect destination to explore Egypt’s magnificent ancient history. Luxor’s offerings include its colossal Luxor and Karnak temples, the Valley of Kings, the colossi of Memnon, and so much more…You also can enjoy a hot air balloon trip, wind down at a spa, or enjoy the sound and light show at the Karnak Temple for a fun take on learning history. The Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel, boasting outstanding services and known to host royalty and celebrities throughout the years, is hands down the most iconic place to stay in Luxor and is only a short walk away from the Luxor Temple.
Ras Sudr
If a relaxing and fun beach getaway is more to your fancy, Ras Sudr is the place for you. It is best known for its ideal conditions for kite surfing, but there are many more water sport activities you can enjoy there, like windsurfing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, kayaking, or better yet, swimming with dolphins! Visiting the Moses Springs also makes for a unique experience and can be followed by an evening stargazing by a bonfire. Make sure to check into the Matarma Bay Beach Hotel with its peaceful huts and its elegant individually structured rooms. Join a yoga session on the shore in the morning, and you’ll never want to leave Ras Sudr.
Fayoum
Fayoum is one of the weekend getaways that Cairenes love, and it’s also great for Eid break! You can visit Wadi El-Rayyan, which includes the El-Rayyan Falls and springs, and is home to one of Egypt’s most famous natural reserves. Fayoum’s Magic Lake is also a beautiful and peaceful spot surrounded by sand dunes that is great for a fun swim and star-gazing at night. And don’t forget to visit Tunis village, recognised as the pottery capital of Egypt, where you can also enjoy a pottery class and return with an original memento made by you. For accommodations, you can choose between the Lazib Inn, Kom El Dekka or the Tunis Palace hotel. Each one is worth a visit. For those who enjoy camping, Remal El Rayan is a great glamping destination.
Farafra
Farafra Oasis boasts the iconic White Desert, a stunning area with stupendous, natural rock formations that will leave you in awe. Within the White Desert you can also enjoy spectacular natural formations at the Djara Cave and relax in one of the surrounding iconic hot springs like Bir Setta (Well Six). For sandboarding fans, there are some amazing soft, golden sand dunes in the Valley of Agabat. While many prefer to set up camp at Farafra, there are also hotels available in the area. The Rahala Safari Hotel is incredibly charming and architecturally encapsulates the beauty and uniqueness of the Western Egyptian desert.
Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Gaining in popularity with travellers while still waiting to be truly discovered, Oman is a breath-taking destination with countless activities waiting for you. You can enjoy a desert safari where you will explore Oman’s spectacular oases nestled between hills and sand dunes and the turquoise waters of Wadi Shab or Wadi Bin Khalid. Or go on a cruise to the Daymaniyat islands to snorkel with the whale sharks! Oman also has a unique culture that beautifully melds tradition and modernity in a way that will make your Eid celebration memorable. For accommodations, try the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort which is nestled in Oman’s mountainous area of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Boasting spectacular views from every room, the hotel uniquely blends modern luxury with nature and authentic Middle Eastern charm.
Marrakech
One of Morocco’s many gems, Marrakech is known for its unique architectural style as seen at the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Dar Si Said Museum, as well as for its central square of Dar El Fanaa, which is a huge bazaar where you can buy colourful Moroccan carpets and crafts, watch folkloric dance, and drink Moroccan tea with delicious pastries. You will also want to make sure to visit one of Marrakech’s legendary hammams. The Mythic Oriental Spa is one of the best places to wash away your Ramadan fatigue. Iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent also adored this city. His legacy lives on in the city’s Yves Saint Laurent Museum, housing a permanent display of his creations, and in the Jardin Majorelle, the stunning botanical garden named after its illustrious designer Jacques Majorelle, which Saint Laurent owned. For accommodations, you’ll want to check out the iconic La Mamounia Palace hotel, with its world-class amenities and beautiful, lush gardens.
Amman
Amman and all of Jordan has so much to offer. Besides the must visit to stunning Petra, the Jarash ruins, and the unbeatable experience of floating in the Dead Sea, there’s so much more to do in Jordan. Live out your Indiana Jones fever dream (which was shot in Jordan) and add a dash of adventure by visiting the Wadi Mujib canyon and river where you can go rock climbing and relax in the Ma’in hot springs. You can stay at The House Boutique Suites, which boasts outstanding amenities and is located just 1km away from the Jordan Museum and 500m away from colourful Rainbow Street, known for its funky cafes and great restaurants. For an unexpected twist to the usual Jordan tour, visit the Ajloun Forest Reserve which is covered in beautiful wildflowers during spring!
Djerba
The Tunisian Island of Djerba, with its idyllic white sandy beaches, is perfect for those looking for serenity and relaxation during Eid. Besides lazing on the beach, you can enjoy visiting the island’s natural reserves, including the Crocodile Reserves and Ras Rmel, dubbed Flamingo Island. If you’re up to it, hop on for a camel ride by the shore and finish the day off with a bath at the Ksar Ghislane hot springs. For accommodations, check into the beautiful TUI BLUE Palm Beach Palace which has amenities to fulfil your every need.