Resting on the banks of the River Nile, Cairo is the mythical Egyptian capital that has been inhabited for over 6000 years. The dynamic metropolis is an exciting commingling of historical and contemporary offerings, vibrant streets and diverse neighbourhoods. The numerous heritage sites offer a glimpse into its Islamic and Coptic histories, including the renowned Al-Muiz street, Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, the Hanging Church, and the Saint Samaan Monastery. The bustling tourist hub of Tahrir Square features the world-renowned Egyptian Museum displaying an array of antiquities, including mummies and King Tutankhamun artefacts. After that immersive foray into the past, pull yourself to the present and experience modern Cairo. Visit the baladi bars of downtown Cairo, shop at the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, watch the sunset from the impressive Cairo Tower, or be entertained at the stately Cairo Opera House. The city's diverse nightlife options range from the traditional bars and coffee houses of downtown Cairo to the upscale Western clubs and bars of the affluent neighbourhood of Zamalek.
Egypt is one of Africa’s major tourist destinations, with the main drawcards being the Red Sea, Egyptology and the Nile. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings need no introduction in the world of antiquity, the sun-soaked beaches of the Red Sea with their scuba diving are a massive attraction to those from colder climes, and a cruise on the Nile floods back memories of Cleopatra. Aside from these famous attractions, this desert country houses ancient ruins and mystical Oases, and in Cairo, ancient cultures remain, blending with the very modern. Egypt offers so much more than its world-famous pyramids. Visitors can enjoy desert trekking, scuba diving, golfing, fishing, bird watching or floating along the Red Sea.
Aswan is a tranquil city on the Nile in southern Egypt, known for its warm climate, river islands and strong Nubian heritage. Further south than Luxor, it offers a more tranquil base for exploring the ancient sites of Upper Egypt and is a popular starting point for Nile cruises. Travellers can take a felucca along the Nile, visit the island temples of Philae, explore the Unfinished Obelisk and wander through the colourful markets and Nubian villages. Elephantine Island and the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island offer opportunities to explore Aswan's history and landscapes at a slower pace. The city also provides a base for excursions to Abu Simbel, while its combination of ancient monuments, desert scenery and Nile views gives it a distinctive atmosphere.
Situated north of Aswan, on the eastern bank of the Nile River in Egypt, the ancient city of Kom Ombo is famous for its unusual riverside double-temple honouring Horus the Elder (Haroeris) and Sobek (the crocodile god), and its attached crocodile museum. The building is especially distinctive in its dual, mirror image structures and even features a double altar. At the crocodile museum, visitors can see crocodile mummies and other artefacts which give insight into the sacred place the animals had in ancient times. The town is also notable for being home to an original community of peasant farmers as well as a large population of Nubian people and is surrounded by beautiful sugar-cane fields. Kom Ombo makes for a fantastic day trip from both Luxor and Aswan and is a popular stop on river cruises.
Resting on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan, the historic town of Edfu is the location of the famous Temple of Horus. Considered the best-reserved temple in Egypt and dating back to the Ptolemaic times (237 - 57 BC), the temple has played a dramatic role in today’s understanding of ancient Egypt, including our knowledge of its religion, lifestyle, and language. The temple is decorated with intricate and varied scenes depicting marriages, deities, and the birth of its namesake god, and exhibits a combination of both Egyptian and Greek architectural elements. Other highlights include the ruins of one of seven small provincial step pyramids, and two temples considered second only in importance to the Temple of Dendera. Modern Edfu is a bustling hub producing renowned pottery.
Esna is a small town on the west bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt, around 50 kilometres south of Luxor. A historic river town on the Nile cruise route between Luxor and Aswan, it is best known for the Temple of Khnum, a Ptolemaic-Roman temple whose vividly coloured astronomical ceiling and intricately carved columns have been restored. Beyond the temple, travellers can explore the atmospheric Al-Qīsāriyya Market, where traditional shops and workshops line a covered historic street, and see the Ottoman-era Wekalet Al-Geddawy caravanserai and historic minaret. The town's riverside setting, lively markets and layers of ancient and Islamic heritage offer insight into everyday life in Upper Egypt, while its compact collection of historic sites makes it a rewarding cultural stop along the Nile.
Luxor is a historic city on the Nile in Upper Egypt and one of the world's foremost destinations for ancient Egyptian heritage. Centred on the remains of ancient Thebes, it is home to monumental temples, royal tombs and archaeological sites spanning thousands of years of history. Visitors can explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex and atmospheric Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the tombs and temples of the Theban Necropolis. Felucca cruises and hot-air balloon flights offer striking perspectives of the river and surrounding desert landscape, while traditional markets and riverside streets provide a glimpse of modern Egyptian life.
As previously described
As previously described
