Few places in the world command such awe and curiosity as Egypt. A place etched in the collective memory of the human civilization through its timeless pyramids and gigantic temples, Egypt has held human fascination for centuries. A desert made rich by the mighty Nile gave rise to, probably, the most recognized kingdom in history. A kingdom which left no stone unturned, literally, to stamp its architectural and cultural imprints upon the region.
A Cruise to Remember
Egypt is the gift of Nile. Though a clichéd statement, being used for centuries, it still is the plain truth. There would not have been water, no food, no land to grow and no electricity. And even from the tourists’ perspective, Nile is the best place to experience a civilization as rich as the ancient Egyptians. The Nile cruise still remains, by far, the most popular among all visitors to Egypt.
Mother of the World!
With a population of more than 22 million inhabitants, Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a bustling city mixing ancient, medieval and modern wonders in an invigorating mélange. It is little wonder that Egyptians call this place Umm ad-Dunya or the Mother of the World. Check out all the typical places like the Pyramids of Giza, Great Pyramid of Khufu, Sphinx, and the Pyramid of Khafre in Greater Cairo.
Alexander’s Creation
A city on the Northern coastline of Egypt, Alexandria is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. A city distinctly different from Cairo, it is more relaxed and at peace with its history. Founded by Alexander the Great and once the capital of Queen Cleopatra’s realm, Alexandria was home to the legendary Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Check out the now-renovated Library of Alexandria, Alexandria National Museum, Catacombs of Kom ash-Suqqafa and the Temple of Serapeum.
Laid-back Aswan
Aswan is a laid-back, pleasant and peaceful city, and might not be on the map of the typical traveler. But it surely comes as a respite from the rigors of travelling in Egypt. The city has plenty to show, like the Ruins of Abu, Nubia Museum, Nilometer of Khnum and Aswan Museum.
Of Kings and Queens
Site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor has many fascinations to see. Often called the "World’s Greatest Open Air Museum," Luxor is home to the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and West Bank Necropolis including the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens.
The Cosmopolitan Sisters
Established in 1859 during the construction of the Suez Canal, Port Said is an important port along the Suez Canal. A true cosmopolitan city, Port Said, along with its sister city on the other bank, Port Fuad, has a pedestrian-only boardwalk along the waterfront of the Suez Canal. It provides a fascinating sight to one of the greatest technical marvels of the 19th century.
Sharm el-Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheikh, a popular resort town is known for its scuba diving. Long stretches of natural beaches combined with modern hotels and resorts provide a fresh change from the history-heavy destinations of Egypt.
Other destinations include Abu Simbel, Nuweiba, Siwa, St. Katherine, Gilf Kebir and Dahab. Egypt is at once distant and close - distant due to the historical baggage it bears and close because of the warmth and friendliness of modern day Egyptians.
Egypt is best explored outside the tourist brochures. All you need is your backpack and a good travel insurance plan that secures your trip from health and stay-related emergencies in a foreign land. Click here to know more about the benefits of availing such a plan.