Suez Canal

The Suez Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea across 193 kilometers of Egyptian territory. Opened in 1869 after ten years of construction, the canal revolutionized global shipping by eliminating the need to sail around Africa, cutting the journey between Europe and Asia by thousands of kilometers.

Port Said

Port Said, located at the Mediterranean entrance of the canal, is the best place to observe the massive container ships, tankers, and other vessels that transit the canal daily. The city's waterfront promenade offers excellent views of the shipping traffic, and the Port Said National Museum and Military Museum provide historical context for the canal's construction and the city's role in modern Egyptian history.

Ismailia

Ismailia, located midway along the canal on the shores of Lake Timsah, is a pleasant garden city that served as the headquarters of the Suez Canal Company during the colonial era. The Ismailia Museum houses artifacts from the region, and the city's tree-lined streets, colonial-era buildings, and lakeside setting make it a surprisingly charming destination.