Mysterious and haunting, the spectacular Pyramids of Egypt symbolize the rich cultural heritage of Ancient Egypt. These ancient wonders, dating back 2700 to 2500 BC have fascinated visitors since tourism began, and still remain a number one destination for travelers.
With Cairo the main city as your base, a tour from the Pyramids starts from the suburb of Giza. The Step Pyramid may be the one you're likely to visit first, situated in Saggara, followed by the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and also the Pyramid of Menkaure. The enigmatic Sphinx near the Pyramid of Khafre continues to be carved from the bedrock from the Giza highland, and is an awesome sight. The Egyptian Museum showcases 1, 20,000 antique pieces in the pre-historic times to the Greco-Roman era, and can include the spectacular collection of King Tutankhamen.
Pyramids apart, Cairo has all of the trappings of a modern city, plus some of the most entertaining night clubs and opera houses. The Khan-el-Khalili souk retains its 14th century aura, and shopping through its intriguing streets can be very an adventure.
100 km the west of Cairo is Egypt's largest oasis, the Al-Fayoum. Here, soak within the beauty of the lonely sands near Wadi Rayyan, and go to the Qasr Qarun and the Pyramid of Meidum.
There's more to Egypt today compared to Sphinx and the Pyramids. With the River Nile since it's life source, and the lasting influence from the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic invasions, Egypt has plenty available for tourists. Besides, the state's concerted effort at developing tourism has exposed a number of coastal resorts, river cruises and desert safaris, adding value towards the Egyptian holiday.
Blessed having a location that faces the med in the north and the Red Sea towards the east, modern Egypt's beaches and diving destinations are gaining recognition. The waters from the Red Sea are tranquil, and residential to colored corals and rare marine life.
Sharm-el-Sheikh around the Red Sea on the tip from the Sinai Peninsula is a quaint and colorful resort, using the Bedouins and tents co-existing peacefully using the discotheques, night clubs, golf courses and casinos. The beach is conducive for diving, and also the stretch up to Ras Nusrani is dotted with diving sites.
85 km further north of Sharm-el-Sheikh around the Gulf of Aqaba is Dahab, a Bedouin village which has grown into a modern resort, where you can access the Ein Khudra oasis, the lagoona (ideal for kite surfing!) and the Colored Canyon. You are able to take a day off for a desert safari having a Bedouin guide, or drive to Mt. Sinai, 2 hours away. Here, you can ascend the summit, and go to the 6th century monastery of St. Catherine.
Taba around the tip of the Sinai Peninsula teems with tourists throughout every season, and is popular for diving and gambling. Hurghuda, Nuweiba Ras Sidr and Mars Alam are also waterside locations frequented by local and foreign tourists.
Luxor in central Egypt is popularly known as an "open air museum", and figures high in itinerary of vacationers to Egypt. An overnight journey by train from Cairo goes to this ancient city. The tourist site covers the town of Luxor itself on the eastern bank from the Nile, Thebes or Waset on the western bank, and Karnak, north of Luxor. The Temple of Luxor, the Karnak temple, tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Asasif, Ramesseum, Medinet Habu, Colossi of Memnon, the Valley from the Queens and Malkatta Palace are the monuments you must not overlook.
Alexandria, 225 km from Cairo is Egypt's largest coastal city across the Mediterranean, and has a rich past, being ruled successively through the Greeks (Alexander the Great founded the city!), the Romans, the Persians and also the English. If you start early, you ought to be able to return to Cairo the same day.
Things to see in Alexandria: Pompey's Pillar, the Kom al Sukkfa catacombs and also the excavated ruins at Kom al Dikka are symbols in the past, while the Montaza Royal Gardens, Antoniades Park, Shallalat Gardens, Alexandria Zoo, Green Plaza, Fantasy Land and also the Maamoura Beach are good spots for recreation. The renovated Alexandria Library with 4.Two million books is one of the greatest literary sites on the planet, and definitely to be visited.
While touring Egypt, don't lose out on the delectable cuisine, which tastes probably the most original at the street vendors! Fresh herbs, garlic and onions in generous quantities are utilized in their vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Kushari, Mahshi and Shawerma are the dishes you may like to check out, apart from the kababs and koftas!
And to buy a little of Egypt, shop for those exquisite papyrus rolls -the styles change from engraved relief, to painted, to stony. Besides, Egyptian statues, mosaics, mother of pearl, perfumed glass, cotton textiles, copper pieces depicting the pharaohs and folklore, and leather goods are just some of the souvenirs you are able to pick up before you bid Ma'as salaama to Egypt!
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