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Egypt: Things to do!

  • 23/12/2020

The Land of the Pharaohs isn’t just an enchanting destination of mystifying temples and tombs. It is also a haven to soak in the sun and the sea or get completely immersed in its deserts and oases. Not to forget tracing the history along the banks of the life giving Nile River. Egypt provides a perfect combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation to the travelers. Here are a few of the must do’s while travelling to Egypt:

  • The great pyramids of Giza:

The Giza Plateau is a formation of three pyramids, where a father, son, and grandson constructed their afterlife tombs and mapped their journeys to the afterlife. It’s still a bit of a mystery as to how the pyramids were constructed and how long they took to complete, but there’s no question that the pyramids still represent the pinnacle of ancient Egyptian architectural accomplishments. The whole area, really, continues to hold many secrets yet to be uncovered, making the pyramids one of the most alluring and inviting places in the world.

The guardian of the necropolis, the Sphinx stands in front of the second Pyramid of Khepren. The mysterious great pyramid of King Cheops is where you can marvel at the sheer size of the construction. The second Pyramid of Giza is the second largest and the only pyramid that still carries part of its original casing. Then continue to the third and the smallest of the Giza Plateau pyramids. And no visit to the Pyramids of Giza would be completed without stopping at the panoramic view point where you get to see the all the pyramids of Giza in the one spot.

  • Memphis, Sakkara and Dahshour

The First real pyramid in Egypt, the Red Pyramid and its first try the Bent Pyramid in Dahshur, Dahshur is a famous royal necropolis in Egypt holds many famous Pyramids built by Snefru (Cheops' Father).

The site is about 40 km from Cairo. Then proceed to the Step Pyramid of Zoser. It was built in the 3rd Dynasty for King Djoser. The world’s earliest stone monument – was built at Saqqara in 2650 BC – more than 4,650 years ago!

Nearby the ancient capital Memphis was built around 3,100 BC, symbolically located at the spot where the Nile Delta meets the river valley, thus serving as a bridge, unifying the lands of Upper and Lower Egypt. Today, it is a tiny village 24 km south of Cairo, and about 3 km from the most ancient of the pyramids at Saqqara.

  • Islamic Cairo

Discover the best mosques in Cairo and spend the finest spiritual times in Islamic Cairo as well as enjoy the beauty and splendor of Islamic architecture. Cairo is called the city of a thousand minarets with its marvelous collection of mosques which date back to many different Islamic eras. Then there is the pearl of Islamic monuments the Mosque & School of Sultan Hassan which was built during the Mamlouky period, on the other side ElRefaei Mosque, built as per request of Khoushyar Haneem mother of Khedive, the mosque has tombs of most of Allawi royal Family such as khedive Ismail, his mother the founder of the Mosque, other royal members and most importantly the last king of Egypt, King Farouk, & the Iranian Shah Mohamed Reda Bahlawi. Then explore the mosque of the 03rd Capital of Egypt (AlKataaya) Built by Ahmed Ibn Tulun with its special designed minerate where you can explore the city from the top.

  • Nile Cruise:

Egypt is defined by the Nile. For many visitors a multi-day cruise upon this famed waterway that saw the rise of the Pharaonic era is a highlight of their Egypt trip. Cruising the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the temples that stud the banks of the river on the route between Luxor and Aswan, plus sunrise and sunset over the date-palm-studded river banks, backed by sand dunes, is one of Egypt's most tranquil vistas.

The two famous sights on a Nile Cruise are the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu's Temple of Horus, where all the big cruise boats stop. If you'd prefer a less crowded and slower experience though, and don't mind "roughing it" a bit, you can also cruise the Nile by felucca (Egypt's traditional lateen-sailed wooden boats), which also allows you to create your own itinerary. Cruise boats depart from both Luxor and Aswan, but feluccas can only be chartered for multi-day trips from Aswan.

  • Alexandria:

The most European of Egypt's cities, Alexandria has a history that not many others can match. The second capital of Egypt and its main port city, built by Alexander the Great, Alexandria which was also the capital Of Egypt under Cleopatra's authority. This seaside city has an appealing days-gone-by atmosphere that can't be beaten. Although today, there are few historic remnants of its illustrious past — feted in songs and books — this is a place made for aimless strolling along the seashore Corniche, café-hopping, and souk shopping.

  • Luxor (Kings Valley, Queens Valley and Hatshepsut Temple)

Explore the great Valley of the Kings where generations of Pharohs and Nobles were buried in crypts cut into the cliffs and guarded by the two huge Colossi of Memnon and Valley of the Queens, and then visit Temple of Queen Hatchepsut. This Temple was built for the great Queen Hatshepsut, to commemorate her achievements and to serve as a funerary Temple for her, as well as a sanctuary of the God Amon Ra.

  • Temple of Karnak

Walk among the avenue of the sphinxes between the Karnak and Luxor Temples, and enjoy an experience you will never forget. Karnak temple is dedicated to the god Amonis, and it is divided into three areas separated by rough brick walls. It is the largest temple supported by columns in the world.

  • Abu Simbel

Abu Simble Temple is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites. The great King Ramsis II had built his temple & next to it he built another one for his beloved wife queen Nefertarari. The twin temples in Abu Simble, known by the name of "Nubian Monuments" run from Abu Simbel downriver to Philea Island near aswan. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the19th dynasty during the region of the Pharoh King Ramses II, They serve as a lasting monument to the king and his Queen Nefertari , The complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968 under the supervision of a Polish archaeologist, Kazimierz MichaƂowski, on an artificial hill made from a domed structure, high above the Aswan High Dam reservoir.

  • Siwa Oasis

Way out west, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities. This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous fresh water springs, is one of the Western Desert's most picturesque spots. The town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel that dominates the view. This is a top spot to wind down and go slow for a few days, as well as being an excellent base from which to plan adventures into the surrounding desert.

  • St. Catherine's Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. This desert monastery is home to an incredible collection of religious iconography, art, and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the on-site museum), as well as the burning bush. For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine's also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Take the camel path for the easy route or climb the famous Steps of Repentance if you want better views.

And many more