A vibrant, exhilarating, exotic, fascinating and welcoming city. Resting on both banks of the River Nile, Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. Cairo has been inhabited for over 6,000 years and has served as the capital of numerous Egyptian civilisations. At the heart of the city is Tahrir Square, a busy tourist hub which features the world-renowned Egyptian Museum displaying an array of antiquities including royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts. Nearby, Giza is the site of the iconic pyramids and the Great Sphinx, dating back to the 26th century BC. While these and countless other ancient treasures are undoubtedly the main drawcards, the cosmopolitan Cairo is certainly not lacking in modern attractions. Visitors can get to know the locals at boisterous Baladi bars, enjoy excellent shopping at the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, watch the sunset from the impressive Cairo Tower, or catch a show at the stately Cairo Opera House.
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.
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.
Kom Ombo is a historic riverside town in Upper Egypt, situated on the eastern bank of the Nile, approximately 45 kilometres north of Aswan. Its main attraction is the Temple of Kom Ombo, an extraordinary ancient temple complex dating largely to the Ptolemaic period, offering a fascinating glimpse into Egypt's past. Uniquely dedicated to two deities, the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus the Elder, the temple features a distinctive symmetrical layout, impressive columns and intricate carvings, including reliefs believed to depict surgical instruments. Next to the temple, the Crocodile Museum displays mummified crocodiles discovered in the area. Frequently visited on Nile cruise itineraries, Kom Ombo combines significant archaeological heritage with scenic river views, making it a rewarding stop for history enthusiasts and travellers exploring southern Egypt.
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.
As previously described
