Egypt - Land of Pyramids & Pharaohs
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Welcoming its seventh millennium, Egypt is a beguiling
mix of the ancient and modern. Egypt was an ancient
civilisation when Alexander the Great overthrew one
of the last Pharaohs, and the legacy of this rich
civilisation is still there to see - in the enigmatic
gaze of the Sphinx (pictured), the mighty Pyramids,
and the huge temples at Luxor and Abu Simbel.
But Egypt is much more than an open-air museum - Cairo
is a bustling commercial, political, and religious
centre that has for many centuries been at the forefront
of the Islamic world. Neon signs flash next to
imposing, beautiful mosques built in medieval times,
and brand name stores have sprung up near the labyrinthine
old bazaars.
The ancient Greek historian Herodotus described Egypt
as 'the gift of the Nile', and it is hard to
overstate the importance of this life-giving river
to the well-being of the nation and its peoples. 90%
desert, Egypt is bisected by this mighty river,
and the annual floods were until recent times an essential
event that ensured the cultivation of crops and therefore
food for the coming year. Now spanned by the huge
Aswan Dam - built in the 1950's - the Nile is still
the lifeblood of Egypt and an essential element of
any visit to this nation.
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Heading south from Cairo, travellers eventually arrive
at what was once known as the kingdom of Upper Egypt
- a land where people have always survived at the
whim of the desert and river gods. The awe-inspiring
spectacle of the Temple at Luxor - with its forest
of huge columns and heiroglyphic-covered walls
- has few rivals, and has dominated this riverside
city for more than two thousand years. Across the
Nile and a donkey ride into the hills is the Valley
of the Kings, the once-secret burial place of the
Pharaohs. Forgotten by time and looted by grave
robbers, many of these brightly decorated royal burial
chambers still provide a fascinating glimpse into
the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife.
On the edges of ancient Egyptian civilisation was
the pleasant, palm-fringed outpost of Aswan.
Influenced as much by the friendly, dark-skinned Nubians
as by the Arabs of the north, Aswan is the perfect
staging point for a leisurely cruise on the Nile
- one of the highlights of any Egyptian adventure.
For the dedicated, Aswan is also the gateway to the
remote Temple of Abu Simbel, with its imposing 60
foot statues guarding the entrance.
The vast Sinai Peninsula (bordering Israel and Jordan)
presents yet another side of the Egyptian story -
the azure waters of the Red Sea and the exotic resort
of Dahab are particularly popular for swimming,
diving, or just relaxing. A torchlit climb up the
biblical Mt Sinai (where Moses received the Ten Commandments)
is a must-do, and a strong memory of your trip
to Egypt will be the first rays of a new day rising
over this ancient land of Prophets and Pharaohs, temples
and tombs.
Getting There
British
Airways, Egypt
Air, and Olympic
(Greek) Airways all fly to Cairo.
One of the best ways to explore this huge, exotic
nation is on a professionally guided tour. Our London-based
Recommended Partner
is On The Go Tours has an experienced team
in Egypt and a range of great tours at reasonable
prices. The 13-day King Ramses Tour (at £399)
includes all the key sites such as the Pyramids, Cairo,
Luxor, as well as a Felucca cruise on the Nile and
some time to relax at the Red Sea resort of Dahab.
Those on tighter schedules should check out the King
Tutankhamen Tour (9 days) or the Queen Isis
(6 days) - for more information check out the On
The Go website or phone for a free brochure
on 020 7371 1113.
On The Go Tours can be visited at 70 North
End Road, West Kensington, London W14 9EP.
More Information
Check out the official Egypt
Tourism website for local and tourist information
of interest.
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