Mysterious Egypt
Mysterious Egypt
Egypt history
Egypt, a country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East. Dates to the time of the pharaohs. Millennia-old monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley. This includes Giza’s colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor’s hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities.
Egypt emerged as one of the world’s first nation-states in the tenth millennium BC and considered a cradle of civilisation. Ancient Egypt saw some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanisation, organised religion and central government. The large regions of the Sahara desert, which constitute most of Egypt’s territory, are sparsely inhabited. About half of Egypt’s residents live in urban areas. Most are spread across the densely populated centres of greater Cairo, Alexandria and other major cities in the Nile Delta.
The golden glory of King Tutankhamen and the fascinating royal mummies exhibits are just some of the wonders at the Egyptian museum. Located in downtown Cairo. In reality though every corner you turn is home to a piece of ancient art or statuary that leaves you in awe of the history of this ancient civilisation.
VISIT
Pyramids of Giza
Just outside of Cairo, roughly around a 45-minute drive is the last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pyramids of Giza are one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Built as tombs for the mighty Pharaohs and guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx.
Luxor-Nile Side Town
Around 600km from Cairo is the Nile-side town of Luxor in upper Egypt. Famed for the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, it has many tourist attractions.
This is ancient Thebes, power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see on one visit. The East Bank brims with vibrant souk action. Whereas, the quieter West Bank is home to tombs and temples that have been called the biggest open-air museum in the world. Spend a few days here exploring the colourful wall art of the tombs and gazing in awe at the colossal columns in the temples. You’ll see why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists.
Ferry across Elephantine Island
Around 800km from Cairo is Egypt’s most tranquil town of Aswan. Set upon the winding curves of the Nile. Take the river ferry across to Elephantine Island and stroll the colourful streets of the Nubian villages.
Farara Oasis
Looking for something different visit a natural wonder of Egypt at Farafra Oasis. Renowned for its spectacular scenery. This chalk-white landscape called the White Desert is strewn with alien shapes. Boulders of brilliant white which thrust up from the surface of the desert. A photographers dream that is intensified by the clear light of noon. Shimmering gold at sunset or blackened and shrunken in a cloud-filled sky. A must see.
Alexandra-Founded by Alexander The Great
The most European of Egypt’s cities, Alexandria, roughly a 2-hour drive from Cairo. Alexandria a history that not many others can match. Founded by Alexander the Great, home of Cleopatra, and razzmatazz renegade city of the Mediterranean for much of its life. This seaside city has an appealing days-gone-by atmosphere that can’t be beaten. Although today, there are few historic remnants of its illustrious past – feted in songs and books. This is a place made for aimless strolling along the seashore Corniche, café-hopping, and souk shopping.
How to get to Egypt?
So, how to get there…. well you can fly Etihad/Virgin or Emirates/Qantas/Egypt Air. Airfares are set at competitive rates for economy seats with sales regularly on offer. Life is a journey.