Egypt: A mystical country at the top of every explorers destination list. After all it houses the greatest monuments on earth. Its temples and pyramids are world famous and they have intrigued the human race for centuries.
It feels as if time is frozen visiting this ancient land. The call to prayer can be heard in the distance. Horse carts can be seen on the streets and you can almost feel the pulse of ancient Pharaohs as you sail on the Nile River. Nothing brings you back in time more than Egypts great monuments, and it has many.
Built is 2500 BC, the Pyramids of Egypt an incredible sight. You can see them from almost any point in the city, but an up close and personal view is a must. Rent a camel and guide and explore the ruins as the ancient explorers did. You will be away from all of the tour buses and even have the extra bonus of riding through the back alley ways of Cairo.
Once you have explored Cairo, make your way south to Luxor a city located on the Nile River. It is here that you will find The Valley of the Kings, the final resting place for 63 kings and noblemen of ancient time. King Tut was buried here and his chamber can be explored.
Your camera will be confiscated at the gate if they see it around your neck. The don't seem to do a thorough search, so if you want to have memories of your time in the Valley, keep it in your bag until you enter the grounds. However, be respectful and do not take any photos inside the tombs. Flash photography can damage the fragile walls and you will be in trouble with the guards if you are caught, which will most likely occur. Some harmless photos of outside however will give you lasting memories of this incredible sight.
Only a handful of tombs are open at any given time. King Tuts tomb is not high on the tour route as it is not an impressive tomb compared to the others. The tombs of Rameses VI, Merneptah, and Rameses IV are far more impressive. The chambers are surprisingly large and airy. They have bright paintings on their walls depicting scenes from the book of the dead, and the book of caverns among others.
They are comfortable and almost cheerful inside. They were large, bright and colourful giving a sense of peace. Albeit, there arent any sarcophagi left and all jewels and artifacts have either been looted in the past or moved to the Antiquities Museum. Still the valley is a very impressive sight indeed.
Temple of Hatshepsut This was a surprising Temple that is a very popular destination. Egypt was ahead of its time by thousands of years. They had female Kings and Hatshepsut was one of their most successful Pharaohs. Ruling for 21 years.
Built in harmony into the side of a cliff, Hatsheput's Temple is considered to be the most dramatically situated temple on earth. Three tiers lead to the main grounds where statues and pillars create a labyrinth to explore.
In 1997 a tragic event took place where 60 tourists were killed at the temple. After over a decade of time, things have returned back to normal. You hardly notice that such an event took place, however the armed guards are a reminder of unpleasant times.
Back in the town of Luxor you can find a great temple within footsteps of your hotel. Located in the heart of the city it is an impressive monument. Make sure to visit it at night for awesome photo opportunities as they are lit up for viewing. There are many shops and restaurants located across the street from the temple all with great views of the square out front where children play football.
The last temple that you must see in Egypt is Abu Simbel. Located on Lake Nasser, it is bit harder to get to than the others, but well worth the visit. In the 1960's it was relocated to a hight point on the lakes banks. With the construction of the Aswan Dam, it would have been buried underwater and lost forever. The relocation was a success however and it is alive and well ready to be viewed.
They are now safe and sound and ready for your viewing. Four 20-metre statues representing Rameses II stand guard over the banks of the lake. Built around 1265 BC, three of the statues are still in relatively good shape. You can take a tour from Luxor to see these temples up close and personal, it is well worth the 280km travel from Luxor. Next to the pyramids, they are one of the most recognizable images of Egypt.
Not many destinations rival the ancient country of Egypt. Besides its great temples and monuments, it houses the Sahara Desert, the Nile River and is located on the Red and Mediterranean Sea, there are activities for everyone to enjoy and it will not disappoint even the most jaded traveler.
It feels as if time is frozen visiting this ancient land. The call to prayer can be heard in the distance. Horse carts can be seen on the streets and you can almost feel the pulse of ancient Pharaohs as you sail on the Nile River. Nothing brings you back in time more than Egypts great monuments, and it has many.
Built is 2500 BC, the Pyramids of Egypt an incredible sight. You can see them from almost any point in the city, but an up close and personal view is a must. Rent a camel and guide and explore the ruins as the ancient explorers did. You will be away from all of the tour buses and even have the extra bonus of riding through the back alley ways of Cairo.
Once you have explored Cairo, make your way south to Luxor a city located on the Nile River. It is here that you will find The Valley of the Kings, the final resting place for 63 kings and noblemen of ancient time. King Tut was buried here and his chamber can be explored.
Your camera will be confiscated at the gate if they see it around your neck. The don't seem to do a thorough search, so if you want to have memories of your time in the Valley, keep it in your bag until you enter the grounds. However, be respectful and do not take any photos inside the tombs. Flash photography can damage the fragile walls and you will be in trouble with the guards if you are caught, which will most likely occur. Some harmless photos of outside however will give you lasting memories of this incredible sight.
Only a handful of tombs are open at any given time. King Tuts tomb is not high on the tour route as it is not an impressive tomb compared to the others. The tombs of Rameses VI, Merneptah, and Rameses IV are far more impressive. The chambers are surprisingly large and airy. They have bright paintings on their walls depicting scenes from the book of the dead, and the book of caverns among others.
They are comfortable and almost cheerful inside. They were large, bright and colourful giving a sense of peace. Albeit, there arent any sarcophagi left and all jewels and artifacts have either been looted in the past or moved to the Antiquities Museum. Still the valley is a very impressive sight indeed.
Temple of Hatshepsut This was a surprising Temple that is a very popular destination. Egypt was ahead of its time by thousands of years. They had female Kings and Hatshepsut was one of their most successful Pharaohs. Ruling for 21 years.
Built in harmony into the side of a cliff, Hatsheput's Temple is considered to be the most dramatically situated temple on earth. Three tiers lead to the main grounds where statues and pillars create a labyrinth to explore.
In 1997 a tragic event took place where 60 tourists were killed at the temple. After over a decade of time, things have returned back to normal. You hardly notice that such an event took place, however the armed guards are a reminder of unpleasant times.
Back in the town of Luxor you can find a great temple within footsteps of your hotel. Located in the heart of the city it is an impressive monument. Make sure to visit it at night for awesome photo opportunities as they are lit up for viewing. There are many shops and restaurants located across the street from the temple all with great views of the square out front where children play football.
The last temple that you must see in Egypt is Abu Simbel. Located on Lake Nasser, it is bit harder to get to than the others, but well worth the visit. In the 1960's it was relocated to a hight point on the lakes banks. With the construction of the Aswan Dam, it would have been buried underwater and lost forever. The relocation was a success however and it is alive and well ready to be viewed.
They are now safe and sound and ready for your viewing. Four 20-metre statues representing Rameses II stand guard over the banks of the lake. Built around 1265 BC, three of the statues are still in relatively good shape. You can take a tour from Luxor to see these temples up close and personal, it is well worth the 280km travel from Luxor. Next to the pyramids, they are one of the most recognizable images of Egypt.
Not many destinations rival the ancient country of Egypt. Besides its great temples and monuments, it houses the Sahara Desert, the Nile River and is located on the Red and Mediterranean Sea, there are activities for everyone to enjoy and it will not disappoint even the most jaded traveler.
About the Author:
Deb Corbeil is one half of Canada's Adventure Couple. Side by side with her spouse Dave Bouskill they have trekked, hiked, biked and climbed to over 30 countries all over the world. Check out their website theplanetd for more tips, advice and information on travel and adventure destinations. To view their photo gallery check out picturetheplanet
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