Egypt Memories Tours

Cairo or "Al Qahira" is the capital of Egypt. Cairo is considered the largest city in Africa and the Middle East. It is a combination of history, religion and culture. Most Egyptians consider Cairo and Giza as the same governorate; however, they are 2 separate ones but it is difficult to recognize the border line between them. You will find different places to visit in Cairo and Giza some of which are:

Pharaonic Cairo:
• Giza Pyramids: Cheops, Kephren and Mykerinus are the names of the 3 famous pyramids located at the Giza complex. The Great Pyramid or Cheops is considered one of the old Seven Wonders of the World. No one could ever go to Egypt without having a quick visit to the Giza Pyramids.

• Sphinx: The Sphinx lying in front of the Giza Pyramids is assumed to be their guardian. With his body in the form of a lion and his face in the form of a human face, the Sphinx symbolizes strength and wisdom.

• Solar Boats: These boats were discovered beside the Giza Pyramids. The Solar Boats were placed in engraved areas in the rocks beside the Pyramids in order to be at the disposal of the King in the after world.

• Memphis: Memphis is an ancient city on the Nile located to the south of Cairo. It was once the capital of Lower Egypt and the centre of worship of Ptah the God of craftsmen. You would see in Memphis the open air museum that includes the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx of King Tuthmosis III, the Temple for Embalming the Sacred Apis Bull.

• Sakkara: It is located near Memphis and it embraces the Step Pyramid which is the world's oldest stone structure. The place also includes many tombs and Mastabas from the 1st and 2nd dynasties such as the tombs of Nefer and the Mastabas of Ti and Ptahotep.

• Dahshur: It is located about 8km south of Sakkara. This site is famous for the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. The bent pyramid is so called due to the sharp change in the pyramid's slope of angle. While the Red Pyramid derives its name from the red limestone rocks used in building it. The area also contains several other pyramids that are all worth seeing.

• Egyptian Antiquities Museum: This museum hosts the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. It displays more than 120.000 items including the full Tutankhamen collection with its golden death mask. The museum is a must see, you simply can't visit Cairo without seeing this museum.

Islamic Cairo:
Cairo is rich with Islamic Arts. Many mosques were built during the Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid eras. With their great architectural work, most mosques are worth seeing them. Some of which are:

• Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas: with its simple design, it is the oldest mosque built in Egypt and represents different period's architectural designs.

• Al Azhar Mosque: It is the oldest Islamic University. It was built in 971 AD and is considered the first Fatimid mosque in Cairo.

• Mosque of Mohamed Ali (the Alabaster Mosque): it was so named because of the extensive usage of the Alabaster stone in the mosque. This mosque is built on the elevated part of the citadel, making it visible to all parts of Cairo.

• Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tuloun: It is the 3rd mosque built in Egypt. While it is famous for its gypsum decoration and spacious grounds.

• The Refai Mosque: The mosque is a mixture of designs from the Mamluk period. It presents 4 fully articulated frontages in addition to a highly decorated dome and minaret.

• Mosque of Sultan Hassan: It is considered to be one of the most majestic monuments of Islamic architecture. The mosque was built so as to contain 4 separate areas; in each area one of the four juristic braches of Sunni Islam would be taught.

• Beit El-Suheimi: It is one of the ancient remaining houses that stood there to remind us of the former structure of Egyptian houses in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Citadel: it counts as one of the famous tourist attractions in Cairo. The Citadel was built by Salah ad-Din or Saladin as a royal residence and military barrack. The citadel contains a number of museums, mosques and sites that must be seen.

Coptic Cairo:
Old Cairo is the oldest part of Cairo and is the original site of the Babylon Fort. Many churches were built in this area as well as Egypt's oldest synagogue.

• The Hanging Church: it is named as the hanging church because it was built on the ruins of 2 towers remained from the old Babylon Fort. It dates around the late 4th and early 5th centuries.

• Church of St. Sergio: again this church is built on the Ancient Roman fort of Babylon. It dates back to the 5th century and is built on the place where the Holy Family stayed at the end of their journey into Egypt.

• The Church of St. Mercurius: It consists of two churches one on top of the other, with many little side chapels dedicated to various saints. The podium is one of the most beautiful in Cairo, decorated with mosaic and supported by 15 marble columns.

• Mar Girgis Church: The Church's candlelight hopes and prayers and colorful glass windows emanates an air of serenity. The icons of Mar Girgis and Jesus Christ lies in the church decorated with handwritten wishes of believers in miracles. It seems some of those wishes were answered as there are marble thank you plates that could be seen hanging in the church.

• Ben Ezra synagogue: the place is considered blessed by the Jews because it was proven that Moses prayed there. The synagogue was originally a church and was later bought by Abraham Ben Ezra who transformed it into a synagogue.

Museums:
There is a wide variety of museums available in Egypt. You will find museums that display antiquities, while others that display art works. Whatever aspect you are interested in, you will definitely find a museum that sparks your interest.

• Coptic Museum: It is considered one of the highlights of any visit in Coptic Cairo. The museum was built in order to keep track of the history of Christianity in Egypt. It displays almost 16,000 monuments dating back to 1910AD and arranged according to their chronological order.

• Museum of Islamic Arts: The museum displays artifacts from each Islamic rule and contains almost 10,200 piece of antiquities. It is considered one of the world's best museums displaying Islamic artifacts.

• Museum of Islamic Ceramics: A collection of Islamic ceramics are beautifully displayed in the neo- Islamic summer palace of Prince Amru Ibrahim. Vases, tiles, bowls, along with more than 300 objects are displayed in the museum.

• Manyal Palace complex: The Manyal Palace houses various museums; the palace itself was built by Mohamed Ali Tawfiq in 1899 to commemorate Islamic Art. The complex includes museums such as, the hunting museum and the private museum.

• Abdeen Palace Museum: Formerly serving as a royal palace until the end of the monarchy in 1952, this history museum features a large collection of weapons and medals previously owned by the Royal family.

• The Child Museum: The museum is a wonderful experience to the child. Specialists in the various fields from all over the world have worked hard to create an atmosphere which children will absorb, using science, technology, architecture, history and nature to provide an extensive cultural knowledge of Egypt.

• Mahmoud Khalil Museum: In addition to a great variety of ceramics, copper and bronze statues and artifacts, the museum contains a collection of paintings of many famous painters such as Monnet, Gogan and Renoir. The museum contains the famous "Sun Flowers" of Van Gogh and Paul Gogan's "life and death".

Famous Attractions:
• Khan el Khalili: It is an ancient shopping area and is considered the most entertaining part of Cairo. In the "Khan" you would have a chance to buy some local products such as clothes, souvenirs, Jewelry, spices and perfumes at a very good price. You can also try one of the coffee shops there where you can smoke the waterpipe or "shisha".

• AL Azhar Park: It is considered one of the world's sixty great public places. With its panoramic view and its location in the heart of old Cairo, you will have a chance to overlook Historic Cairo while enjoying an oriental dinner or sipping a cup of coffee in one of the coffee shops there.
You could simply wander around the park while enjoying the view.

• Cairo Tower: The tower is constructed to form a lotus flower shape. The 187 meter tall tower offers a panoramic view of Cairo. The best time to visit the tower is at sunset or at night in order to watch all the lights and Beauty of Cairo.

• Wadi Degla: In Wadi (which means a dry mountain flanked valley) Degla you can experience the remoteness and complexity of the desert. The Wadi is a desert lover's museum with a unique geological formation. The Wadi is located a few kilometers from downtown Cairo, but the uniqueness and remoteness of the place gives you a feeling that you have traveled hundreds of miles.

• Pharaonic Village: The Village lies on an island located in the middle of the Nile. The island is completely surrounded by trees so as to keep it away from any forms of modern life. The village features the ancient Egyptian's lifestyles as well as replicas of some ancient temples and tombs. On the village you would have a chance to travel past time into a former Egyptian era.

Shopping:
With the opening of many shopping centers in Cairo, you would have a chance to buy anything you wish for. You would find famous brand names such as Escada, Givenchy, Morgan and many others in one of Cairos main shopping centers:

• Stars Center: Located 30 minutes from downtown, it is considered the biggest shopping mall in Egypt. It contains hundreds of shops of each and every kind; most of them are well known brand names.

• City Center: It is located 10 minutes from Stars Center, but it does not include the variety of shops present there. However, you will find what you are looking for.

• Maadi City Center: it is located near the Maadi district; the Center is famous for having the famous Carrefour (French hypermarket chain). The shopping mall has undergone an expansion process inorder to include more shops.

• Dandy Mall: This center is similar to the Maadi City Center but is located in a different district in the suburbs of Giza. However, this mall has undergone an expansion process.

Also, you can shop around in old market places where you can bargain for prices and get in touch with the real Egyptians. Main Shopping Markets:

• Khan el Khalili: A comprehensive market where you can shop for souvenirs, spices and jewelryetc.

• Wekalet el Balah: where you can shop for textiles and fabrics.

• Kerdasa: where you can buy the traditional galabia and a belly dancers outfit at a reasonable price.

Can you imagine a whole city that is considered an open air museum? Well travel to Luxor and you will know why. With its splendid temples and monuments, Luxor is considered Egypt's greatest tourist attraction. Among Luxor's best attractions are:

Luxor Temple:
Situated in the middle of the town, the temple is considered one of Egypt's most spectacular temples. Built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple's purpose was to celebrate the rituals of the festival of Opet that celebrates the reconciliation the human aspect of the ruler with the divine office. The temple's entrance is from the north through the Avenue of Sphinxes. The rest of the Temple is divided in this manner:

• The Pylons: in front of the great Pylon once lied two red granite obelisks, but currently only one is present while its matching pair is present at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The obelisk is carved with names and titles that praise Ramses II. The frontage of the Pylon is decorated with images of Ramses's victories, particularly from the Battle of Kadesh. The main entrance is flanked with 2 seated statues of Ramses.

• The Court of Ramses II: This court is named after its builder who is Ramses II. The court's interior is covered with different images and is surrounded with papyrus bud capital columns.

• Abu el Haggag Mosque: When the Luxor Temple was excavated, the town that was built on top of the Temple had to be demolished. However, the people of Luxor refused that Abu el Haggag's Mosque gets pulled down. For that reason, the mosque lies on top of the northeast area of the Luxor Temple.

• The Court of Amenhotep III: This court is surrounded on 3 sides with 14 papyrus capital columns. The court is covered with reliefs showing the celebration of Opet. This court was originally roofed but nothing remained of this.

• The Hypostyle Hall: The court of Amenhotep III guides you into the temple's heart. A pre hall with 32 papyrus bundle columns all covered with rich decorations that leads you into vestibule.

Karnak Temple: Built over 2 millennia, it is the biggest temple complex in the world. Almost 30 Pharaohs contributed to building the temple which is what gave it its varying style, it still shares the same focal point which is the Theban triad of Gods. The complex consists of the Temple of Amun, Temple of Khonsu, Temple of Opet, and Temple of Ramses III.

Avenue of Sphinxes: The Avenue connects the famous temples of Luxor and Karnak. This Avenue of Sphinx is 2 km (1.2miles) long and is flanked with ram-headed sphinxes on both sides. It is said that the avenue once extended over 3 km with about 2000 sphinx on both sides.

Luxor Museum: The Luxor Museum displays a modest collection of well preserved artifacts. The museum is spacious giving room for each artifact to be displayed in a unique way. The artifacts are displayed accompanied by multilingual labeling cards.

Mummification Museum: The purpose of mummification is to preserve the body of the deceased person or animal so that they could use it in the afterlife. The Mummification Museum provides all the information you need on the process of mummification as well as the religious customs associated with burials.

Luxor's West Bank:
Valley of the Kings: Surrounded by a mountain forming the shape of a pyramid, the Valley of the Kings was the perfect place for ancient Egyptians to build their tombs. The steep cliffs around the valley acted as a guard for the tombs. Tombs built in the west bank are almost the same; they usually have 3 corridors, an entrance room and the room where the king is buried. Among the main tombs discovered in the valley are: Tutankhamun, Horemheb, AmenhotepII, Seti I, Ramesses III and Merneptah.

Valley of the Queens: This is where the Queens and their children are buried. Tombs are built on a smaller scale than the Valley of the Kings and with a simpler layout. There are only 4 tombs open for the public and the most important one is Queen Nefertari's tomb due to its completely painted walls.

Temple of Hatshepsut: The design by which the temple is built is called Djeser Djeseru or splendor of the splendors. The temple was built for Hatshepsut who is considered the only women Pharaoh in Egypt by her lover Senmut who was a member of her court. The temple is almost built inside the hills surrounding it and it consists of 3 terraced levels connected by ramps.

Colossi of Memnon: They are 2 giant statues cut from 2 massive granite blocks; each statue is around 17m high. The legend behind their name came after an earthquake in 27 B.C. that caused a collapse in the northern colossus. Since then, every day at sunrise the statue produced a musical sound. It was believed that the sound was from the God Memnon and this is where the statues gained their names.

Ramesseum: The Ramesseum consists of 2 temples and a palace and is considered the mortuary temple of Ramses II.

Temple of Medinet Habu: Medinet Habu is a mortuary temple like most temples built on Luxor's west bank. The temple was built for Ramses III and had a shape of a fortress. Ramses III got inspired by the shape of the temple by the citadels he had seen on his military campaigns in Asia.

Tombs of the Nobles: Nobles holding high positions under the Pharaohs rule were buried in the tombs of the nobles. On the wall of these tombs, you would find different images than that drawn on the walls of the royalty tombs. You would find images of every day lives and family affairs.

Temple of Hathor: located in Dendara about 60km north of Luxor on the Nile's west bank. This temple is well preserved with the walls and ceilings of the outer and inner hypostyle halls, the sanctuary rooms, the tomb and the rooftop were carved with highly detailed scenes, many of them remarkably untouched by the damages of over 2,000 years.

Temple of Seti I: was built to honor Osiris (God of life, death and fertility) in Abydos. Abydos is located 145km North of Luxor and was considered the cult center of Osiris. The temple.

Banana Island: This lush island is situated 4km up the river Nile. It is the perfect place where you can spend a relaxing afternoon and watch the sunset. It is also a place where you can eat fresh fruits and enjoy a perfect break from your comprehensive visit to Luxor's ancient monuments.

After a comprehensive visit to any other Egyptian city, there is nothing more relaxing than a tour in Aswan. Aswan is blessed with natural beauty and sceneries, yet, you have to pay some visits to the Pharaohs. A felucca trip down the Nile in Aswan would give you a chance to relieve your eyes by looking at spectacular sceneries. Your visits in Aswan should include:

Philae Island: It is one of the highlights of any visit to Aswan. This island was reconstructed and reshaped to form the exact shape of the sunken Philae Island. So what is known to the world under the name of Philae Island is actually called the Agilika Island. The Philae Temple Complex which is now placed on the new Philae Island is famous for its various temples and sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess Isis and her husband Osiris. In the evening, the temple complex is a vision of utter beauty, as the sound and light show explains the story of the buildings, by flooding them with light that reflects on the water. The following is what you will see on the island:

• Vestibule of Nectanebos I: Located at the entrance of the island. This temple was built in the 30th dynasty and has an architectural styling that dates back to the 3rd dynasty. Some architectural styling of this monument date to the 3rd Dynasty. There are two rows of pillars forming a walkway to the first pylon of the Temple of Isis.

• Temple of Hathor: The Temple was built by Euergetes II in honor of Hathor-Aphrodite; the temple's vestibule was added by Augustus. The vestibule's columns are decorated by images that hold a musical theme with pictures of flute players, harpists, monkeys playing the lyre and Bes with tambourine and harp. The best preserved part of the structure is the main temple chamber, on the front of which are two plant columns linked to the walls by screens.

• Temple of the Emperor Hadrian: The temple features several images of Osiris as well as other gods with the emperor Hadrian.

• Trajan's Kiosk: It is a stunning structure and the most important on the Island. The Kiosk includes 14 massive plant columns capitals that were intended to be surmounted by the ancient Egyptian instrument sistrum capitals. The inside includes images of Trajan making offerings to the Gods Osiris, Isis and Horus.

• Birth House: The Birth House is surrounded by colonnades and was the place where the rites of god- kings were performed. Within the House in the innermost chamber are images of Horus as a falcon, Horus being suckled by his mother Isis and Horus hidden in the marshes.

• First Pylon: The pylon consists of 2 towers; the eastern tower portrays traditional poses of Pharaoh smiting the enemies of Egypt whilst being watched by Hathor and Horus. On the western tower, the same images are shown but with Osiris, Isis and Hariesis watching instead.

• Second Pylon: The Second Pylon is 32m wide and 40ft/12m high. The reliefs on the central doorway are by Euergetes II. The second pylon can be climbed by a staircase on the north side of the west tower, from the top of which it is possible to cross the central doorway to the east tower.

Elephantine Island: It was once the original border town between Egypt and the Nubian Lands. The island also was the centre for the cult of Khnum (ram-headed god). On the island you can see:

• Nilometer: It is one of the 3 meters on the Nile that used to measure the water level since the Roman times until late 19th century.

• Elephantine Museum: Built in the Mohamed Ali era, the museum itself is considered a monument. It includes Egyptian antiquities such as statues, ornaments, ceramics and fabrics as well as the mummified ram of khnum.

New Kalabsha Island: The Island has undergone major reconstructions in order to make it an open air museum. On the Island you can see:

• Kalabsha Temple: The temple is considered the most imposing monument in Nubia after the rock temple of Abu Simbel. It was built in the time of Augustus on the site of an earlier temple founded by Amenophis II and refounded by one of the Ptolemies. The temple was dedicated to the god Mandulig, but Osiris and Isis were also worshiped here. After the coming of Christianity it was converted into a church.

• Beit el Wali: It is a rock temple located to the northwest of the Kalabsha Temple. The Temple was built by Ramses II and consists of vestibule, a transverse chamber and the sanctuary.

Unfinished Obelisk: A huge obelisk, 41 m high was uncompleted by ancient Egyptian miners due to a structural flaw that occurred during the quarrying process. If the obelisk was completed it would have been the world's longest standing obelisk. The importance of the obelisk lies in the information it presented us with about ancient Egyptians quarrying methods.

Tombs of the Nobles: Those are tombs built on the west mountain to the north of Aswan. The tombs are arrayed in 2 levels; the first is for the old kingdom's nobles while the second is for the middle kingdom's nobles. On the inside of the tombs you would find text pointing out the owner's careers as well as images of their everyday lives.

Kitchener's Island: Located on Aswan's west bank, this Island was given to Lord Horatio Kitchener, the former British consul general of Egypt. Lord Kitchener turned this island into a botanical Paradise full of beautiful flowers, unusual plants and shady trees where lots of exotic birds like to rest.

Mausoleum of Agha Khan: Agha Khan was the 48th leader of the Isamili sect of Islam. Agha Khan was in love with Aswan and that is why he chose to build his tomb there. His tomb features the Fatimid architecture and is built out of red granite.

High Dam: Built in the 1960s, the dam was considered a miracle and a great engineering achievement that protected Egypt from floods as well as providing the country with electricity and irrigation all year round. Behind the dam you would find Lake Nasser which is one of the world's largest artificial lakes.

Nubian Museum: The museum was constructed in order to preserve the Nubian culture and monuments. The Museum is nestled into the hillside covering 50,000 square meters of landscaped gardens and buildings. The museum is partly and open-air museum that is divided into different sections. You can easily wander around the prehistoric cave, painted rock-art, ancient Egyptian statues, obelisks and columns.

Alexandria is the main port of Egypt and is considered Egypt's commercial center with 80% of Egyptian exports and imports passing through Alexandria's harbors. On the other hand, Alexandria is considered a major tourist city and a great summer resort. Alexandria's sandy beaches, amazing weather and strategic location have accredited Alexandria with the title "Pearl of the Mediterranean".

Major attractions in Alexandria are:
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The library is considered a culture complex and was built to revive the legendary ancient Greek library. With the rebuilding of the library, Alexandria has regained its former status as a center for learning. The library embraces thousands of books that could be read inside the library with its beautiful layout.

• The Catacombs of Kom el-Shouqafa: The cemetery was built in the 1st century and was used until the 4th century. The catacombs represent the integration of the Egyptian, Roman and Greek cultures through its unique planning and decoration.

• Qaitbey Fortress: Located at the eastern harbor, the Fort has nothing but sea in front of it. The fort's site was once the place where the famous lighthouse of Pharos once stood. It is said that some of the lighthouse's stones were used to build the fort.

• Montazah Complex: It was once the summer residence of the former royal family. These 370 feddans of gardens and woods overlook a beautiful beach. The complex also contains several royal palaces and is a beautiful place to spend the day.

• Graeco-Roman Museum: This museum houses almost 40,000 pieces of rare Greek and Roman relics. The Museum gives you an idea of the Graeco-Roman era and the type of life they led centuries ago when they were in Egypt.

• The Royal Jewelry Museum: The Museum was originally the palace of the princess Fatma al- Zahraa. Through the palace's rooms and halls you would find rare paintings, statues and decorations. The museum also houses a priceless collection of jewels from the Mohamed Ali dynasty.

• Pompey's Pillar and Serapeum: The Pillar was constructed in honor of Emperor Diocletian. With its 25m height and 9m circumference, the pillar was originally from the temple of Serapis.

• The Roman Theatre: In perfect condition, the theatre is in the shape of an oval amphitheatre which seats almost 800 spectators on its marble seats.

• Caesareum: Cleopatra VII began the construction of this remarkable monument in Alexandria. After Cleopatra's suicide due to her defeat at Actium, the Ceasareum was completed by the defeater Octavian and he dedicated it to his own cult.

• The Anfushi Tombs: Traced back to 250 B.C. these limestone tombs are very well painted to give the looks of Alabaster and Marble materials. The tombs include 5 rock-cut tombs that can be reached through a rock-cut stairway filled with pictures of legendary scenes.

• Underwater Treasures: If you like to dive then don’t miss the opportunity of seeing an underwater museum. With the discovery of submerged monuments near the shores of Alexandria, it is now possible to dive in through the water to see these monuments.

Wadi el Natrun:
The Nitrate Valley is the translation of the name of this valley. It is so called due to the abundance of nitrate mineral in the area. Wadi el Natrun is located midway between Cairo and Alexandria and lies 23m below sea level in the Western Desert. Around the valley are several salt lakes which dry up in the summer leaving natural minerals behind. The valley is famous for the monasteries established there from the 4th century which makes Egypt's most important Christian monastic center. Monasteries available there are:

• The Monastery of St. Bishoi: founded by St. Bishoi in 841 A.D the monastery contains 5 churches and is surrounded by towers that used to protect the monastery from Berber's attacks. The monastery contains some belongings of St. Bishoi as well as the relics of other saints.

• The Monastery of St. Macarius: St. Macarius devotion and piety towards his religion were endless. He withdrew himself from the world and chose to live in a cave for over 40 years. When he died his monks turned the cave into a monastery so that people will always remember his story.

Wadi el Natrun is also famous for bird watching as several breeds of birds pass
through and rest there in the spring and autumn seasons.

Sinai:
The Sinai Peninsula holds a strategic location as it acts as a borderline between Africa and Asia. For that reason, Sinai acts as a gateway into and out of both continents. Sinai is considered a favored destination for the sun and fun lovers from around the world. It is also considered having the best diving spots in the world. The original residents of Sinai are called the Bedouins who are glad to share with you a safari into Sinai's exotic desert. Sinai's brilliant coral reefs, spectacular sunsets, striking mountains and deserts, and its enormous cultural heritage are what hold the exquisiteness of Sinai.

Sharm EL-Sheikh:
Prepare yourself for what you are about to see in Sharm el Sheikh. Let your eyes be charmed by the white sandy beaches contrasted with the crystal clear blue water. The services provided in Sharm el Sheikh are very wide that you would never suffer from boredom in this city. Activities available are, golfing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, parasailing, water skiing, canoeing, desert safaris, sand boarding, go karts, bowling, ice skating in addition to many other activities that will keep you busy during your stay. There are also many places that you must visit during your visit to Sharm el Sheikh which are:

• St. Katherine Monastery: It lies at the foot of Mount Moses. Built in 330 AD the walled complex houses the ornate chapel as well as an amazing collection of religious icons and jeweled crosses assembled from all over the Orthodox world.

• Mount Moses: Located to the south of the Monastery this mount forms great importance to Christians, Muslims and Jews as it is where Moses received his 10 commandments.

• Colored Canyon: The rare rock formations and canyon walls are stunning and breathtaking. This place is definitely worth visiting. In certain areas where the canyon walls are very high, you feel that you are placed inside an amazing coloring book.

• Na'ama Bay: It is considered the tourist center of Sharm el Sheikh. Almost everyone heads there at night since it has many night clubs, pubs and coffee shops that will certainly entertain you.

• Tiran Island: Lying in the Gulf of Aqaba, this island is a pure paradise that holds lagoons and coral banks placed next to each other.

• Sinai Heritage and Diving Museum: located in Na'ama Bay, this museum will give you a chance to take a guided tour and learn about the Bedouin heritage as well as diving history.

Dahab:
Dahab is located around 90km to the north of Sinai from Sharm el Sheikh and is considered one of the most exciting places in the world. Given its location, it offers perfect conditions for divers and windsurfers. "Dahab" means "Gold" in Arabic, the name comes from the fine yellow sand you would find on its beaches. In Dahab you will find accommodations for everyone, ranging from five star Hotels to cheap backpacker camps as it is considered a "backpacker Mecca". Dahab can offer you a relaxed stay or an active tour to Mount Moses and other famous sites. If you are an expert diver then don’t forget to pass by the Blue Hole. Basically, the Blue Hole is a small coral lagoon which starts near the surface and drops down to a stunning arch which leads out to the main reef wall.

Taba:
It marks as the southern border location between Egypt and Israel which services travelers coming into Egypt through Eilat. Taba's virtually untouched reefs and dramatic desertscapes makes the area perfect for activities in the water and on land, including snorkeling and quad biking. Taba makes a great base for exploring the entire region, as many sights are easy to reach from there.

• Salah el Din citadel

Nuweiba:
Located 85km north of Dahab lays the port and beach resort of Nuweiba. Nuweiba is similar to Sharm el Sheikh as it contains several locations, each having its own unique character. Nuweiba Muzeina is located to the south of Nuweiba and is surrounded by steep mountains and facing an expansive bay. On the other hand, Nuweiba el-Tarabin is located to the north of Nuweiba. El-Tarabin is also blessed with a lovely beach but the area is modestly developed and is the home for the Tarabin Bedouin tribe.

Red Sea Coast:
The Red Sea coast in Egypt is loaded with many cities to visit. These cities do not offer ancient Egyptian history like what Cairo, Luxor and Aswan offer, but they do compensate their visitors through their amazing sea shores and wide variety of water sports. The nightlife in this region is full of beat and entertainment that could keep you up all night. Major cities in this region are:

Hurghada:
Whether you are looking for relaxation or enjoying one of the world's clearest waters, then Hurghada is the place to go. Whatever you wish to do in or on the water then you must go to Hurghada. Snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, sailing, swimming and fishing are some of the activities that you can do in Hurghada. Hurghada offers more than 10 miles of beach with different hotels, restaurants and nightclubs for all budgets. Hurghada’s must do list:

• Visit Giftun Island: it’s a deserted paradise island located an hour from the Hurghada shores. It's well known for snorkeling, swimming and having a fish barbecue.

• Diving: Explore the Red Sea's underwater world with all the amazing fish and coral reefs located there. The major diving places in Hurghada are: East and west of blenda coral reef, Abu Ramada Grana coral reef, Abu Hasish Island coral reef, Megawish Island coral reef.

• Take a Glass Boat: For those who are not accustomed to diving, then taking a glass boat is their key to take a look at the underwater world.

• Visit the Marine Biology Museum: The museum offers a look at the underwater life, with all its variety and wide color spectrum. It also includes a small aquarium which tries to copy the life of the underwater creatures.

• Dive with a submarine: Fantastic underwater trip for two hours through the only submarine in the Middle East to discover the wonderful marine life of the Red Sea.

• Visit The Aquarium: If you are planning to go diving in Hurghada, then a visit to the Aquarium is a must since it will give you more information on the creatures you will see deep in the sea.

• Desert Safari: Hurghada is surrounded by colorful mountains and canyons that make the desert safari an unusual experience. The safari may vary from half day to 4 or 5 days.

• Go to Alf Leila we Leila: Enjoy a splendid Arabian night with fancy folkloric shows and belly dancers while enjoying an oriental dinner.

El Gouna:
Located 22 kilometres north of Hurghada, El Gouna is a fantasy island of buildings straight out of Disney's Aladdin, with arches, domes and mashrabiya all painted in Crayola colours. El Gouna is considered a premier leisure destination. It is a tourist community rather than a traditional resort. All the activities provided by El Gouna would keep you busy and entertained throughout your vacation. A destination for golfers, divers and sailors, the Gouna has a unique style with an environmental character.

Safaga:
At 53km south of Hurghada, Safaga gains popularity from its harbor and its small neighboring village. With the little nightlife going on around in Safaga, a holiday there is mainly about water sports, relaxation and diving. Safaga is known as a curative destination in the Red Sea Riviera given its sea water that is rich in minerals and highly saline.

Marsa Alam:
Marsa Alam is growing quickly into becoming a major holiday destination. After the opening of Marsa Alam’s International Airport in 2001, the city’s popularity has increased rapidly and will soon be competing with Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. Having your vacation in Marsa Alam is all about enjoying the sun and sea water peacefully with no distractions. It is also about diving in the unspoilt diving sites, where the dolphins and sea turtles swim freely.

Sahl Hashish:
Sahl Hashish is a developing gigantic project located 17km south of Hurghada. The expected plan is to make Sahl hashish double the size of Hurghada. Similar to El Gouna, Sahl Hashish is trying to establish itself as a tourist community, rather than a tourist resort. Sahl Hashish is the ideal place for those looking for complete relaxation. It is located in a small bay to the south of Hurghada.

Ain EL- Soukhna:
It is about an hour away drive from Cairo; this popular weekend resort has fine beaches, coral reefs, fishing and water sports. The beaches there are sandy and nowadays the area is developed into modern resorts.

Other Red Sea cities: Ql Quseir, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, and Zafarana. All of these cities offer their visitors sandy beaches, crystal clear water, hot diving spots and different water sports.

Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples in Upper Egypt along the Nile about 290 km southwest of Aswan. There are two temples at Abu Simbel. The larger one, generally known as the Temple of Ramses II, is dedicated to the Gods Ra-Harakhty, Ptah and Amun. The smaller temple, referred to as the Temple of Nefertari, is dedicated to the goddess Hathor.

Temple of Ramses II: It is generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramses II, and one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt.

• Front part: It is 33m high, and 38m broad, and guarded by four statues of Ramses II, each of which is 20m high. The statues are huge that they dwarf everything around them, which is probably the effect Ramses had in mind.

• Interior: The interior follows the triangular layout that most Egyptian temples had. With the floor level rising clearly towards the sanctuary. The inner walls are painted with scenes of Egyptian victories in Nubian, Syria and Libya.

• Sanctuary: It contains four seated statues of Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, Amun and Ramesses. The temple was aligned so that on February 22 and October 22, the sun rays penetrate the entire temple and fill the sanctuary with light.

Temple of Hathor: This temple is another example of the architecture of Egypt in its finest form.

• Front part: The front is 10.5m high and is guarded by 6 statues, 4 of which are of Ramses II and the other 2 are of his wife Nefertari. All statues are equal in size which represents Ramses's love and respect to his wife.

• Interior: The interior is very simple and in normal size compared to the Temple of Ramses II. The entrance leads to a hall containing six pillars bearing the head of the goddess Hathor.

• Sanctuary: The sanctuary holds a statue of Hathor shown as the sacred cow-goddess emerging from the rock wall Western Mountain.

In the Egyptian Oases you do not hear the sounds of airplanes, horns or loudspeakers, but rather the sound of the wind as it blows and rustles through the palm and olive trees, blowing the golden sand over a sea of desert. You hear the gushing of underground currents, as water pours out into the picturesque springs, where no trace of pollution exists, and the taste of the food is free of chemicals. The Western Egyptian Desert includes areas that differ from one another. There are fertile areas as well as rock desert. In the Desert's great depressions where the land is close to the water tablets, the 5 oases of the Western Desert exist.

The Baharia, Farafra, Dakhla and Kharga Oases are all joined by a main road and if your journey begins in Cairo you would probably visit Baharia, then Farafra, followed by Dakhla then Kharga and then you would head south to Luxor. The trip would be reversed if you start it from Luxor.

Baharia:
Loacted 365km south west of Giza, the area is known for its archaeological findings as well as environmental treatment. The oasis contains about 400 warm and cold springs where the water is useful in the treatment of rheumatism, rheumatoid and skin diseases. The springs available qualifies this area to be one of the best treatment resorts in the world because of its dry moderate climate and the shinning sun all the year round. Besides being a treatment resort, the oasis contains also archaelogical findings which are:

• The Temple of Ain el-Muftella: The temple consists of 4 chapels that are decorated and painted in a similar way to other Egyptian temples.

• The Temple of Alexander the Great: It is the only known temple of Alexander the great present in Egypt. It was built during the Macedonian ruler's lifetime and it was dedicated to the ancient Egyptians Gods Horus and Amun.

• Valley of the Golden Mummies: In this area, over 100 mummies beautifully decorated with some of them covered with a layer of gold were recently discovered in this area. The tombs in which these mummies were buried are definitely worth seeing.

• The Oasis heritage Museum: It provides a history of living in the desert oasis as it displays the clothes and jewelry worn by the inhabitants along with displays of clay figures engaged in the oasis activities.

Farafra:
It is the smallest oasis located in the Western Desert; with only 1 village available there. The majority of the inhabitants are Bedouins who are strongly attached to their traditions and culture. Most Farafra visitors take at least 1 swim in the hot sulphur springs at Bir Setta and El-Mufid Lake. Badr's museum is one of the famous places to visit in Farafra. Badr who is a contemporary local artist displays in his museum some of his art work that are made from natural materials present at the oasis. Most people go to Farafra to visit:

• Deir el Hagar: This temple has a well preserved outer mud brick. The temple was dedicated to the Theban triad Amon-Re, Mut and Khonsu, as well as to the god of the oasis, Seth.

• AL Qasr: Going to this place is like stepping back a thousand years. The old town is built entirely of mud brick and is fairly substantial in size.

• Fish Pond: It is an artificial lake that is worth the visit for bird watchers as many birds migrate there from Europe.

Kharga:
The Kharga Oasis was known to the ancient Egyptians as the Southern Oasis and to the Romans as the Great Oasis. Kharga is best described as a portrait featuring green palm trees and fruit plantations in the foreground, while in the background you would find the yellowish color of the desert rocks contrasting the view. There are several ancient remains in the Kharga, some of which are still not fully excavated. The main attractions are:

• Temple of Hibis: It is currently being restored and will soon be open for tourists.

• Kharga Heritage Msueum: It displays antiquities found in the Kharga and Dakhla Oases with artifacts ranging from Egyptian prehistoric era to the Islamic period.

• Qasr el Ghueita: It lies on top of a circular mountain. When you walk up to the temple, you would see that it looks impressive and huge. Around the temple there was a village that must have housed a couple of hundred persons.

• Bulq and Nasser village Springs: They are thermal springs famous for their water temparture that reaches 43 degrees and it acts as a good treatment for rheumatism and allergies.

• Tombs of Bagawat: Located North to the temple of Hibis, it is considered one of the earliest Christian cemeteries in the world. It contains 263 tombs mostly dating from the 4th through 6th centuries AD.

Siwa:
Siwa Oasis lies 50km from the Libyan border right on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. If you think that you have seen all what Egypt has on offer, then Siwa proves that there is even more. Siwa is almost surprisingly beautiful with outcrops of honey-colored sandstone along with white chalks fringing the plateau. What enhance the picture are the lush palm groves and the still surface of five huge silver lakes. Among Siwa's attractions are:

• Mountain of the Dead: The Mountain houses almost 700 rock tombs, all of them carved into the limestone hill. The tombs are equally beautiful to the noble tombs in Luxor and Aswan given their inside wall paintings.

• Dakrur Mountain: Famous for its hot sands, it is the best place to stop over for a sand bath that is used as an effective natural cure for rheumatism and rheumatoid.

• Fetnas Island: The Island has a very romantic setting. The place is totally covered with palm trees except for a circular pool in the middle.

• Oracle Temple: Alexander the great visited this temple when he was trying to reach for a confirmation that he was the son of Zeus. When the temple is seen from a distance is looks like a floating mountain between palm trees.

• Madinet Shaly

Fayoum:
Fayoum is not a true oasis since it depends on Nile water instead of underground springs or wells. However, it is a depression that has its own artesian wells, allowing water to reach the surface from underground reservoirs. It’s hard to believe that this peaceful and lush oasis is less than 100km southwest of the buzzing Cairo. Egyptians have been vacationing here since the 13th pharaoh's dynasty. Fayoum is extremely fertile which is why its green gardens seem to go on and on. The area retains two natural lakes and is ideal for farming and harvesting. Places to visit in fayoum:

• Lake Qaroun: it is the largest lake in the country and it located at 45m below sea level. The lake is ideal for fishing, sailing, rowing and swimming and is literally a breath of fresh air away from city life.

• Seven Water Wheels: The water wheels are used now as the official symbol of Fayoum province. The water wheels are used to lift water coming from a stream river up to a level where it could be transported into the fields for irrigation. There are about 200 water wheels in Fayoum. The most famous is the Seven Water Wheels.

• Wadi el Rayan Protected area: Wadi El Rayan is a valley in the middle of Fayoum that is now totally covered by two gigantic fresh water lakes. A waterfall is created where the two lakes meet, since they both have different attitudes. The place is spectacular and is blessed with a beautiful setting.

• Pyramids Medoum and Hawara

Luxor and Aswan are not only the main cities in Upper Egypt where you can visit ancient Egyptian sites. If you are cruising down the Nile between Luxor and Aswan there are 3 main towns that you can stop by to watch their primitive atmosphere as well as the ancient sites. These towns could also be reached by bus from Luxor or Aswan

Esna:
Or Esna is located on the Nile's west bank, about 55 km south of Luxor. Isna is an agricultural town and is usually the first port to visit after leaving Luxor in order to visit the remains of the Khnum Temple.

• Khnum Temple: Khnum was the God of the source of the river Nile with his cult center previously located on the Elephantine Island in Aswan. His second cult center was in Isna where a yearly festival of potters was held. This temple stands now 9m below the surrounding grounds and about 200m away from the Nile.

• Souk: or the market these fill a couple of streets from the nile and leading to the temple.

Edfu:
Also located on the nile's west bank, about 50km south of Isna. Edfu is famous for the production of sugar and pottery. Edfu is also known to be the place where the God Horus revenged his father's death (Osiris) by killing Set.

• Temple of Edfu: The temple is dedicated to Horus and is considered the 2nd largest temple in Egypt after the Karnak Temple in Luxor. The temple is characterized by an enormous quantity of inscriptions covering the walls which provides important information on language, myth and religion during the Greco-Roman period in ancient Egypt.

Kom Ombo:
This agricultural town is located 50km north of Aswan. The town is dedicated to 2 ancient Egyptian Gods who are, Sobek and Haroeris.

• Temple of Kom Ombo: this temple is actually 2 temples together. One side of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile God Sobek (God of fertility and creator of the world) while the other side of the temple is dedicated to the God Haroeris (Falcon headed Sky God). Each side of the temple has its own sanctuaries and chambers along with 2 different entrances to each temple.

El Minya lies about 240km south of Cairo. It is known as "The bride of Upper Egypt" which could be due to the Ancient Egyptian tradition that took place in Minya. The tradition was a sacrificial practice of sinking the statue of a woman into the River Nile as a token wife for the annual flood to come high and early. El Minya derives considerable charm from the old villas built by Italian architects for Egyptian and Greek cotton magnates. El Minya is also known for famous archeological sites and places to visit such as:

• Tal el Amarna: It is a small town in Minya built by the Pharaoh Akhenaton after he left Thebes. He built this isolated town in order to advocate a new religion based on the worshipping of only 1 god who is Aten. Tal el Amarna has remains of temples, palaces, houses and tombs.

• Bani Hassan: It is located about 25km South of Minya. The village is famous for the catacombs present there which dates back to the Middle Kingdom. The tombs features pictures and images marking regional life during the Middle Kingdom.

• Tuna el Gebel: Also known as East Hermopolis. The area offers a look into the mingling of Egyptian and Greek art during the Ptolemaic era. This melting of civilizations is exemplified by the tomb of Petoziris, tomb of Isadora, Ibis catacomb and Stela of Akhentan.

Marsa Matrouh:

It is located 300km west of Alexandria and 525km north of Cairo. Marsa Matrouh encompasses the best beaches in North Egypt. The beaches are unspoiled and the sea water is calm given the natural wave-breaker formed by the rocks. Places to visit in Marsa Matrouh:

• Rommel's Museum: originally it was the cave where Erwin Rommel or "the desert fox" used as headquarter during his North African wars. This cave is now a museum displaying several possessions of the German commander.

• Cleopatra's Bath: Apparently this is the place where Queen Cleopatra used to bathe. It is formed of a carved chamber with an opening through which the seawaters pour in.

• Ageeba Beach: It is well known with its enchanting sceneries and naturally formed caves.

North Coast:

Stretching for about 400km along the Mediterranean Sea lays the North Coast. It includes many resorts that are considered Egypt's high society summer resort. The place however is still undergoing many developmental projects to improve the area and allow it to expand even more. Several hotels are starting to open too in the area. The North Coast is famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise colored water. The North Coast was also the site were the Alamein battle took place during WWII and thousands of soldiers died. In the Alamein area you can visit:

• War Museum: The museum displays illustrations of the complete story of WWII in North Africa. The museum is divided into main halls; each hall is dedicated to one of the main countries that were involved in the war.

• British, German and Italian cemeteries: These are memorials built for the soldiers who died in the WWII Alamein battles.

Testmonial