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The Great Sphinx
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Egypt is known worldwide for the incredible archaeological heritage of its ancient civilisation which once ruled within the fertile Nile River Valley and founded a series of kingdoms in around 3000BC, where knowledge and learning in the fields of pure and applied sciences as well as religion and the arts were to have a deep influence on all future human endeavour throughout the rest of the world. Modern Egypt treasures these relics of its magnificent past, from the pyramids of Giza to the wonderful temples of Karnak or Philae, and welcomes millions of tourists and scholars who come to learn or simply enjoy the spectacle as well as seek possible respite from the heat of the typical archaeological tour in the many well-established leisure resorts which are concentrated around Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheik.
As well as the temples, pyramids, mosques and monuments of the Nile Valley, a favourite tour will be spent simply enjoying the view of the valley itself from on board a cruise ship or traditional felucca boat, the history of Egypt unfolding as you travel past the date palm-lined banks. Travellers often start their tour in Cairo, a frenetic, atmospheric and polluted metropolis which requires a lot of patience to enjoy, but should not be missed in order to form a complete picture of this fascinating country. Apart from the sites at Giza and Saqqara, visitors should visit the Citadel and Khan el-Khalili market in Islamic Cairo as well as the Coptic museum in Old Cairo. From here, visitors usually head to Luxor or Aswan. Known as the gateway to Africa, Aswan is steeped in Nubian culture, and its corniche provides lovely riverside walks, as well as having floating restaurants and a lively n
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The Nile
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ight life. Luxor is home to some of Egypts most extraordinary sights spread across the east and west banks of the Nile. The Luxor Museum is a must in order to get an overview of the significance of this place within Egypt's history, while tours are often taken to the colourful local bazaar. Other worthwhile stops while in the Nile Valley are at Minya and Balyana, where you can see the beautiful Temple of Seti.
The region of Sinai is less well-travelled, although Mount Sinai remains an important pilgrimage site for its religious significance. Its coast meanwhile is lined by resorts for those attracted to the area for its excellent diving opportunities. Egypt is a popular venue for religious tours, which may take you on the Holy Family Route or Exodus Route, or simply an unstructured religious tour taking in some of Egypts most significant religious sites. For others, holiday activities are available throughout the country if you prefer a round of golf, a fishing expedition or a bird watching tour. Nature treks which are usually also spiritually orientated are often made in the rugged areas of southern Sinai. The best diving is to be had around the resorts of Sharm el-Sheik, Taba, Dahab and Nuweiba on the Sinai and El Gouna, Hurghada, Soma Bay and Safaga on the Red Sea.
A great trip could also include a visit to one of Egypt's six oases. At Kharga, which has a Berber community, there are cultural attractions while Dhakla offers hot springs and camel rides. Farafra is the smallest and is a picturesque ancient fort town. To witness a great example of modern engineering, visit the Suez Canal on a tour run from the city of Port Said, or spend some time admiring the sights of Alexandria, Egypt's second city and then hit the beach.
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The Great Sphinx
|
Egypt is known worldwide for the incredible archaeological heritage of its ancient civilisation which once ruled within the fertile Nile River Valley and founded a series of kingdoms in around 3000BC, where knowledge and learning in the fields of pure and applied sciences as well as religion and the arts were to have a deep influence on all future human endeavour throughout the rest of the world. Modern Egypt treasures these relics of its magnificent past, from the pyramids of Giza to the wonderful temples of Karnak or Philae, and welcomes millions of tourists and scholars who come to learn or simply enjoy the spectacle as well as seek possible respite from the heat of the typical archaeological tour in the many well-established leisure resorts which are concentrated around Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheik.
As well as the temples, pyramids, mosques and monuments of the Nile Valley, a favourite tour will be spent simply enjoying the view of the valley itself from on board a cruise ship or traditional felucca boat, the history of Egypt unfolding as you travel past the date palm-lined banks. Travellers often start their tour in Cairo, a frenetic, atmospheric and polluted metropolis which requires a lot of patience to enjoy, but should not be missed in order to form a complete picture of this fascinating country. Apart from the sites at Giza and Saqqara, visitors should visit the Citadel and Khan el-Khalili market in Islamic Cairo as well as the Coptic museum in Old Cairo. From here, visitors usually head to Luxor or Aswan. Known as the gateway to Africa, Aswan is steeped in Nubian culture, and its corniche provides lovely riverside walks, as well as having floating restaurants and a lively n
|
|
The Nile
|
ight life. Luxor is home to some of Egypts most extraordinary sights spread across the east and west banks of the Nile. The Luxor Museum is a must in order to get an overview of the significance of this place within Egypt's history, while tours are often taken to the colourful local bazaar. Other worthwhile stops while in the Nile Valley are at Minya and Balyana, where you can see the beautiful Temple of Seti.
The region of Sinai is less well-travelled, although Mount Sinai remains an important pilgrimage site for its religious significance. Its coast meanwhile is lined by resorts for those attracted to the area for its excellent diving opportunities. Egypt is a popular venue for religious tours, which may take you on the Holy Family Route or Exodus Route, or simply an unstructured religious tour taking in some of Egypts most significant religious sites. For others, holiday activities are available throughout the country if you prefer a round of golf, a fishing expedition or a bird watching tour. Nature treks which are usually also spiritually orientated are often made in the rugged areas of southern Sinai. The best diving is to be had around the resorts of Sharm el-Sheik, Taba, Dahab and Nuweiba on the Sinai and El Gouna, Hurghada, Soma Bay and Safaga on the Red Sea.
A great trip could also include a visit to one of Egypt's six oases. At Kharga, which has a Berber community, there are cultural attractions while Dhakla offers hot springs and camel rides. Farafra is the smallest and is a picturesque ancient fort town. To witness a great example of modern engineering, visit the Suez Canal on a tour run from the city of Port Said, or spend some time admiring the sights of Alexandria, Egypt's second city and then hit the beach.