Top 10 Egyptian tourist attractions
Top
10 Egyptian tourist attractions
Egypt
is one of the oldest modern countries in history, there are just so many
wonderful places in Egypt that it's hard to make a top 10 pick, but we've done
our best. With dreamy deserts, fertile rivers, historic landmarks, and plenty
of culture to boot, you just need to get there and see it for real. You can
Choose your customize package to Egypt with: LuxorAndAswan.com
Pyramids of Giza
Without seeing the
pyramids you don't go to Egypt. In reality, you are likely to see them earlier
than you expect, poking over the skyline of Cairo's capital. The complex
consists of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the smaller Pyramid of Khafre, the
moderate Pyramid of Menkaure and the Great Sphinx on the eastern side.
Abu Simbel
It can be a bit of an
effort to get to Abu Simbel, sadly, but most travelers believe that it is worth
it. It is found in Nubia, southern Egypt, on the western bank of the Nile. The
temple complex was built under the reign of Ramesses II, who reigned in the
14th century B.C. Laborers sculpted the two towers directly into the cliffs,
with a colossal façade of 20-metre-high statues of Ramesses II. Impressive as
this is, the interiors are just as impressive with stone-cut rooms filled with
portraits, bas-reliefs and sculptures. Incredibly, the temples were relocated
to their current position in the 1960s, when the rising Nile River threatened
them. This temple looks like something from Indiana Jones. And in fact, the
concept was used in the Lost Ark Raiders. Although common all year round, twice
a year massive crowds flock to Abu Simbel to witness when sunlight penetrates
the inner sanctuary of the temple and illuminates the four statues deep within.
This is occurring on February 22 and October 22 to mark the birthday and
ascension of Ramesses to the throne.
Great Sphinx
The Sphinx is part of
the Great Pyramids complex, but it needs to be identified on its own. One of
the most famous landmarks in the world must be the statue of a reclining lion
with a human head. There is still a lot of discussion about its history and the
mystery surrounding its origins makes it even more fun to visit here.
Valley of the Kings and King Tutankhamen
The Kings of ancient
Egypt built spectacular tombs in a valley opposite Thebes (modern Luxor) for
nearly 500 years. In this valley some 63 graves and 23 chambers were excavated,
making it one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. No tomb is more
popular than that of King Tutankhamen, who in 1922 found preserved remains and
artifacts.
Luxor
Luxor, now built on the
ancient city of Thebes, has been described as "the greatest open-air
museum in the world." There are the temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor
to enjoy, you can cross the river to see the Kings ' Valley or the Queens '
Valley and visit museums like the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum.
Nile Cruise Ride
Few Egyptian encounters
are more romantic than a traditional wooden sailboat or Cruise sailing
down the Nile. And the experience can also be yours for a few dollars a day.
The price includes meals. Popular trips include trips from Aswan to Luxor and
south of Aswan to Lake Nasser, 550 km long.
Red Sea Coast
The Red Sea coast is,
and for good reason, on most travelers ' routes to Egypt. This is mainly due to
the brimming with marine life and corals in its deep shelves. Such tropical
waters are permeated by some 1 000 invertebrate species and 200 soft and hard
corals, making snorkeling and scuba diving a pleasure. Those who want a more
relaxing holiday will love the seashores sunbathing.
Khan-el-Khalili, Cairo
Khan-el-Khalili may be
the best market for North Africa. Although labyrinthine is relatively safe,
except for the usual pickpockets, don't be afraid to explore its depths and
reaches deeply. Prices can be a bit high, but you can pick up jewelry boxes of
good quality, colored papyrus boards, backgammon boards or some special
tobacco. The market has good coffee houses and the al-Hussein Mosque, one of Islam's
holiest.
Mount Sinai
Fabulously isolated,
Mount Sinai's area is also one of the most dramatic in Egypt. Bleak, jagged
mountains give way to green valleys, and hiking can be very fun, if not
difficult. But most people come here as the 2285 m mountain of Sinai is
believed to have been where God gave the 10 commandments to Moses. The hill
where there is a mosque and Greek Orthodox chapel can be climbed.
Birqash Camel Market, Cairo
Birqash, 35 kilometers
northwest of Cairo, boasts the largest camel market in the country. To be
believed, it has to be seen. Thousands of camels are sold here every day, even
though on Fridays between 7 am and 10 am it's most lively. If you're big on
animal rights, you might not like it too much because if they get out of line, most
camels are hobbled and beaten.
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