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Egypt – Fusing History and Relaxation

Egypt – Fusing History and Relaxation

By E.L. Kateb

Egypt is perhaps best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian civilization, with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and - visible above all - its pyramids.  The country stimulates the imagination of western tourists like few other countries and is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations world-wide.

The country is bounded by the Mediterranean and Red Seas and geographically dominated both by the Nile River and its fertile well-watered valley, and by the Eastern and Western deserts.

Cairo

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

While in Egypt it’s a must to visit the great pyramids and the Sphinx.  There are in fact three main pyramids in Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), The Pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura.  Each Pyramid is a tomb to a different King of Egypt.  In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, or Abu al-Hol in Arabic, "Father of Terror".  Carved out of a single block of stone, this enormous cat-like sculpture has mesmerized millions of visitors.

The Mohammed Ali Mosque

Situated on the summit of the citadel, this Ottoman mosque, the largest to be built in the first half of the 19th century, is, with its animated silhouette and twin minarets, the most visible mosque in Cairo.

This mosque, along with the citadel, is one of the landmarks and tourist attractions of Cairo and is one of the first features to be seen when approaching the city from no matter which side.

The Egyptian Antiquities Museum

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities contains many important pieces of ancient Egyptian history.  It houses the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities, and many treasures of King Tutankhamen. 

River Nile Cruise

A Nile River Cruise takes you up close through 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history.  And, as your boat smoothly glides by the palm-tree dotted river banks, you view timeless farming scenes and drifting sand dunes.

Sharm El Sheikh

Oriental Spa & Hamam

Oriental Spa & Hamam is one of the top rated attractions in Sharm el-Sheikh by Trip Advisor.  Known for the Turkish Bath or Hamam, which offers you a pampering session while laying on a warm marble table, where your skin is exfoliated leaving you with fresh skin allowing for a nice, even and long-lasting tan, finishing with a foam bath making you feel nice and clean.

Red Sea Diving

This extraordinary body of saltwater is a spectacular haven for coral life and is steeped in legend and ancient history.  Handily, it is also an increasingly accessible holiday destination that offers far more than the average resort strip.  The lands of the pharaohs roll back on one side, while the sea resonates biblical significance, particularly the story from Exodus in which the waters parted to save the Israelites from the Egyptian army: "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea..."

Sinai Mountain

Mount Sinai is said to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God; indeed, the Arabic name Gebel Musa means "Mount of Moses".  While there is very little archaeological evidence to support this assertion, the mountain is still a popular pilgrimage site.

A local guide is required when climbing the mountain with numerous routes available.  Be sure to climb to the summit either just before sunrise or sunset for a breath taking view.

 

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