Cairo
“Mother of the World” as quoted in the “Arabian Nights”, is the largest city in Africa and the Arab World today. The present-day city was first erected in 969 AD. Today, it has become a blend of paradoxes; the old and the new, the east and the west, the swing of busy days and tranquil nights. A rare pot pourri of cultures, it flings at passers-by Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic relics and monuments at every step. Today, we have conjured a mixture of the most intriguing of those sites to present them to you.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities:
With over 100,000 relics in 107 halls, the Egyptian Museum offers days of exploration. Inside are treasures from ancient Egypt, including priceless finery taken from ancient royal tombs and one of the museum’s masterpieces, the statue of Chephren. The most popular attraction is the Tutankhamun Gallery where exquisite treasures from the tomb of the Boy King are displayed, including the famous solid gold death mask. Another top attraction is the Royal Mummy Room containing mummies of some of the most powerful Pharaohs in Egypt dating from the 18th to the 20th Dynasty.

Citadel of Salah El Din:
One of Cairo's major attractions. The massive Citadel complex dominates the city skyline. Built on a limestone spur by Salah El Din (Saladin) in the 12th Century, most of its features are associated with Mohammed Ali, the early 19th-century leader who freed Egypt from the Mamluk yoke. The Citadel offers a beautiful panoramic view of Islamic Cairo in a castle setting rich in history.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar:
One of the most interesting bazaars, known for its unusual, typically oriental souvenirs and handmade crafts. The medieval atmosphere of this traditional market together with the labyrinth layout of the streets, give visitors a lot of pleasure and a glimpse into what medieval markets once were like. Cafes, restaurants, shops and the number of vendors constitute a dynamic panorama of the place.

The Pyramids & Sphinx:
The three great Pyramids of the 4th Dynasty well guarded by the Sphinx. In Ancient Egypt, Pyramids were built as tombs for Kings and Queens. It was also an exclusive privilege to have a Pyramid tomb. However, this tradition only applied in the Old and Middle Kingdoms. Today Egypt has more than 93 Pyramids; the most famous ones are those at Giza.

Complex of Sakkara:
The step pyramid of Sakkara is considered as an evolution in the concept of pyramids from the simple mastaba to the pyramids in its final form in the region in Sakkara. It was built as a step pyramid, consisting of 6 steps on top of each other, each smaller than the one below. The area is also well known for its marvelous “mastabas’ (Tombs of the nobles).

Memphis:
Built by the kings of the 1st Dynasty, Memphis was the capital of the Ancient Civilization around 3000 years B.C after the unification of Upper & Lower Egypt; though not much have survived from it, little remains including scattered statues, alabaster beds, gigantic sarcophagi and sphinxes providing clues to the religious life of the city and a giant lying statue of Ramses II.

Flight to Luxor
Luxor is the largest surviving concentration of ancient monuments in the Nile Valley. “Thebes”, as the ancients called it, was the major residence of the Pharaohs as well as their burial place. Erected for gods not men, the city swelled over with temples and palaces in super human proportions. These temples today stand out in acclaim of one the richest civilization that crossed the earth. To see them is to believe in the prosperity of man. The town itself boasts Luxor Temple, while just to the north is Karnak Temple. Across the river are the amazing tombs and mortuary temples of the Theban Necropolis. Sites are distributed between the East Bank and the West Bank.

The East Bank
Karnak Temples:
A complex of temples covering up to 3 Km. It starts with the Avenue of Rams which represents god Amon (Symbol of fertility and growth).

Luxor Temple:
Located in downtown beside the corniche, it was constructed for the worship of god Amon Ra under XVIII dynasty till roman times. Of the two obelisks preceding the temple only one is left as the other one  is erected at Concorde Square in Paris.

Valley of the Kings:
Contains tombs of the kings of the new kingdom such as Ramses III, VI, Amenhotep II, Seti I and many others. King Tutankhamon’s Tomb is the most famous tomb at the Valley of Kings discovered by Howard Carter.

Queen Hatshepsut Temple (Deir El Bahari):
Hatshepsut is the only woman who ruled Egypt in Pharaonic era.

The Colossi of Memnon:
The only remains of Amenhotep III funerary temple.

Crossing Esna Lock
Edfu Temple:
Dedicated to Horus (the falcon-headed god), it was built during the reign of six Ptolemies and completed at Roman period.

Kom Ombo Temple:
Named Temple of Haroeris (god of medicine) & Sobek (Crocodile god).

Sailing to Aswan

Aswan is where the Nile is gently split by colored rock islands budding with lyrical temples. Flourishing scenery of delicate colors, nature seems to burst with vivid rocks and mystic sunsets. It is a picturesque city, live with the bustle of souks and bazaars, rich with local handicrafts and spice. It is a city where both Egyptian and Nubian cultures have been interwoven into a bright tapestry, welcoming guests to visit and enjoy.

The High Dam:
The world-famous High Dam built in 1960 provides electricity and irrigation for the whole of Egypt.

Philae Temple:
8 Km South of Aswan dedicated to goddess Isis, it includes the Temple of Hathour, a Birth House and two pylons. The Temple also offers a Sound & Light show, consisting of speech, light and music telling its magnificent story. The show is presented in several languages according to a specific schedule.

The Unfinished Obelisk:
The largest known ancient obelisk ordered by Queen Hatshepsut to commemorate her 16th anniversary on the throne.

Return to Cairo