Garden Tours of Egypt

See list of garden tour destinations by country

More is known about the gardens of ancient Egypt than another others in the ancient world, for the following reasons:

• some Egyptian garden spaces, made in the desert on the edge of the Nile Valley, have survived
• Egyptian tomb paintings in the Valley of the Kings provide amazing details of Ancient Egypt's gardens
• records of gardens were made because of the belief that a pharaoh's life did not end with his death
• Egypt's climate was, and is, astonishingly well-suited to making gardens

There is little evidence of Egyptian influence on European gardens, but nor can it be doubted. The surviving garden spaces in Egypt include: fragments of private gardens; the foundations of a few palace gardens (eg at Amarna); the great Temple compounds of Luxor. See Gothein on Egyptian gardens. See photo index on what garden historians should see in the Luxor area (East and West Thebes): the Domain of Amun, Egypt.

Travel arrangements for visiting Egypt's gardens

Why not try a Luxor Garden Short Break?

Visiting Egypt as an independent traveller is perfectly possible. The train and air systems are good, but finding one's way can be confusing and time-consuming. Many tourists therefore opt for an organised tour and a great choice is available. Leisurly tourists choose a Nile cruise. If you have patience to sit and watch the wonderful river scenery, it is a marvellous way to travel. If you have even more patience, do the trip by sail. There are two alternatives:

Dahabiya: a twin-masted antique houseboat. Only a few are left on the river.

Felucca: a traditional single-masted open boat. A wide choice is available.