If you are looking to step back in time, Egypt is the destination for you. Egypt links northeast Africa and the Middle East dates to the time of the ancient pharaohs. Considered a cradle of civilization, Egypt is home to many ancient sites that sit along the Nile River. These include the pyramids at Giza, the Great Sphinx, as well as Luxor's Karnack Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
The Luxor Museum, the Luxor and Karnack temples are highlights of any visit. The museum overlooks the west bank of the Nile River and has a wonderful collection of ancient artifacts. On display is a range of magnificent pharaonic art, pottery, and jewelry. The ancient walls of the Karnak Temple are covered in hieroglyphics as many of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The vast Karnak Temple complex is the largest religious site built by man and expanded over 1300 years. During your visit, take the opportunity to see impressive statues of Ramses II, the great halls and pylons.
The West Bank of Luxor is a fascinating area. Marvel at the glorious temples and tombs of Egypt's most legendary pharaohs, which are constructed 3,500 years ago. This valley was once the royal burial ground for other leaders such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II. Nearby is the beautifully painted Temple of Hatshepsut. A beloved, ruler, known as the Splendor of Splendors, Hatshepsut was a rare female pharaoh and one of ancient Egypt's most successful rulers.
If you are looking for adventure, consider embarking on a desert jeep safari ride into the sights of the Arabian Desert. Desolate rough terrain and vast sand dunes offer an excellent opportunity for photographs. Visit a remote Bedouin settlement where you will be welcomed by hospitable nomads. During your visit, explore the camp and learn about Bedouin history and culture while enjoying aromatic sweet tea and flat unleavened bread. Walk up a rocky slope on a nearby hill, where you will experience the mesmerizingly beautiful vista of the desert.
After spending the day touring, you'll certainly have a hearty appetite and want to enjoy a variety of Egyptian dishes. Egyptian cuisine makes heavy use of vegetables and fruit from the region's rich Nile Valley and Delta. It shares similarities with the cuisine of the Eastern Mediterranean region which includes specialties such as rice-stuffed vegetables, grape leaves, shawarma, and kebab. Satisfy your sweet tooth with baklava, which is a rich, sweet dessert, made of layers of filo dough, chopped nuts and is held together with syrup or honey.
Egypt is a hot dessert with generally dry conditions all over the country. However, the Mediterranean coast receives rainfall in the winter which is December through March. These months bring cool, windy and humid conditions. The best type of clothing to bring is lightweight cotton or linen, durable walking shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat. These will keep you cool and comfortable in the sweltering heat.
There are various ways to explore the Middle East and Ancient Egypt. However, the best way to explore this region is on the Ancient Discoveries sailings aboard Oceania's Nautica. Depart from Istanbul; experience various destinations throughout the Middle East and disembark in Dubai. On this voyage, you will have two full days in Luxor.
Egypt Facts:
Most ancient pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs.
The afterlife was extremely important to Egyptians. They used a process known as mummification which they believed resulted in the soul living on forever.
The Egyptian alphabet contained more than 700 hieroglyphics.
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