Holiday in Egypt…Land of the Pharaohs

Egypt. Land of Tutankhamun and Cleopatra, of the Nile, pyramids, opulent tombs and catacombs…

If you are considering travel, consider this ancient and stunning land.

Experience and cruise the Nile in luxury and comfort aboard a beautiful Nile cruiser, featuring spacious cabins, stylish bars, an array of shops, lounge, restaurant and swimming pool. The Nile rises south of the Equator, flowing northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. It is generally regarded as the longest river in the world. It is definitely one of the most historic. Drift past palm fringed villages and irrigated fields. Dream of the ancient past as you glide gently down the river that witnessed the majesty of the Pharaohs…

Is a visit to Giza with a local expert on your must-do list? Step back in time and wonder at the mysterious Sphinx stooped at the foot of Chephrenís Causeway. Take an adventure inside one of the awe-inspiring Pyramids. In Memphis (not the home of Elvis), capital of the Old Kingdom, marvel at the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. The Alabaster Sphinx is so called because it is made from the yellowish-white stone calcite, very similar to alabaster. The carving was believed to have been performed between 1700 and 1400 BC, and it is unknown which Pharaoh is being honoured.

Sakkara offers the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, which dates from 2686BC and is the oldest in the world.

Luxor Temple is dedicated to the god Amun, often fused with the sun-god Ra into Amun-Ra. The Luxor Temple had begun to be excavated in 1884 by Professor Gaston Maspero. Excavations were carried out sporadically until 1960. Luxor Temple is built of a sandstone referred to as Nubian Sandstone. Interesting fact, the two obelisks flanking the entrance are not the same height, but they create the illusion that they are. In Luxor (ancient Thebes), there are six great temples. From Luxor, continue this amazing journey to the mammoth temple complex of Karnak. Stroll down the avenue of Ram-headed sphinxes and stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall.

In 331 B.C., Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great. In this, the second largest city in Egypt, explore the Alexandria Library, the Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa, the Roman Amphitheatre and Qaitpey Citadel. The Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa, rock-cut tombs with features unlike that of any other catacomb in the ancient world, is considered one of the seven wonders of the Middle Ages. Archaeologists believe that the Catacomb of Kom el Shoqafa was begun in the 2nd century A.D. and was used to intern the dead for the next 200 years.

In Aswan, partake of high tea in colonial English style at the city’s famous Old Cataract Hotel. Experience the magnificent Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel. The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples in Abu Simbel, a small village in Nubia in southern Egypt. They are situated on the western bank of Leke Nasser about 230 km southwest of Aswan. Or enjoy a morning wandering the Botanic Gardens, Elephantine Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum or delight in the Nubian bazaar.

Cairo—home of Tutankhamun’s treasure: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne, precious jewelry! King Tut, as he is popularly called, was a Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, who ruled ca. 1332 BC – 1323 BC. Tutankhamun means Living Image of Amun. See a real mummy!

Egyptian cuisine is very simple, and this simplicity is what makes it extremely tasty and worthy of a culinary adventure. Some recipes date back 5000 years, and, during ancient times, food was actually used as a means of payment.

Egypt holidays is a must for every traveller! Allow Fine Travel, your travel concierge, to show you this wealth of ancient history and opulence. King Tut and Cleopatra await!