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Travel to Egypt in the last few years has grown to encompass a wide array of activities and destinations. Travelers no longer visit ancient sites exclusively; instead, itineraries include resorts on the coasts, desert journeys and in-depth stays in Cairo. The landscape of this predominantly dry country has changed each year with the discovery of lush oases which bear limitless types of palm trees and flowers indigenous to the desert climate.
Cairo, the large and bustling capital offers infinite sights, sounds, colors and flavors. After tackling the main Pharaonic sites at Memphis, including the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, Saqqara and Dahshur, a discovery of Christian and Islamic Cairo offers travelers a complete overview of this city's history. Walking through Khan el Khalili, the great bazaar contained within the old city walls, is a maze of shops for trinkets, silverware, leather- anything you can imagine. The great Bab Zuweyla and Bab el Futuh are the gates to the city, created in elaborate Mameluke design. One of the best places to purchase hand-woven pillows, tablecloths and wall hangings in Islamic design is called El-Khayamaya in Islamic Cairo. Another hidden wonder is the Islamic Museum, built in classic Islamic architecture and within its walls is a wonderful collection of texts, mashrabayas and reliefs that is renowned throughout the world. By night, the best way to cool off or catch a breeze is to lounge on one of the many falukkas zigzagging the Nile for hours at a time.
Heading north about three hours by car is the capital of the Hellenistic era, Alexandria, named after her founder, Alexander the Great. This city is experiencing a renaissance of sorts with new projects sprouting up everywhere and a concerted effort to clean up the seaside walkway. Though not a major destination for traveler in the past, this city is now a surprising delight for the inquisitive traveler. The Montazah Palace, the old residence of King Farouk is perched high on a mount overlooking the Mediterranean and down below are fishermen, swimmers and pedestrians enjoying the clean sea and fresh air from the sea. It is a wonderful place to unwind from the city and enjoy the peaceful park surrounding the palace. Also worth a peek is the new Biblioteca Alexandrina, a UNESCO-funded project started to resurrect a new library for the study of the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean. The complex is huge and ultra-modern—quite a contrast from the rest of the city. One of the highlights of a trip to Alexandria is a seafood lunch or dinner along the coast and an espresso and desert and the famed Brazilian Coffee House.
Upper Egypt, Egypt's southern area is practically a museum preserving remarkable temples and structures from Ancient Egypt. Luxor is home to the famous Luxor Temple, The Temple of Hatchepsut and the legendary Valley of the Kings. One should not miss these treasures which have lasted to this day in excellent condition. After long days of touring and exploration, a great opportunity for some down time is to have a drink at the splendid Old Winter Palace Hotel, even if you are not staying there. For those searching for more sights of Luxor, the Night Bazaar offers endless varieties of cotton and silk scarves which make excellent presents. Aswan, the next city south of Luxor is the most beautiful city on the Nile. A stay at the Old Cataract Hotel is a must as it has some of the best views of the Nile. Some of the highlights of Aswan are the new Nubian Museum, St. Simeon's Monastery perched high above the city and the Nile and the famous Aswan bazaar or souk. Sail around Kitchener's wild island in a felukka and savor a drink at the Old Cataract during sunset.
For a sample of Egypt's beaches, the Sinai Peninsula is the location. Sharm el Sheikh, the main city on the southern tip of the peninsula is a developing city that is fast becoming a major residential city. Na'ama Bay, the resort area of the city is the main base for scuba divers of all levels and by night it is a great place to walk around and choose from many of the restaurants and bars available. A day trip to Ras Mohammed National Reserve is a great place to snorkel and observe the infinite coral and sealife—this area is protected from development and pollution. For a cultural activity, a day tour to St. Catherine's Monastery is a trip through history. This Greek Orthodox Monastery has existed for centuries- invading armies of all religious backgrounds have respected its holiness and it has been left untouched by outside influences. Other than these activities, Sinai is the place to relax after a long trip through the wonders of Egypt. An alternative to Sinai is the eastern coast of mainland Egypt on the Red Sea. The resort town of Hurghada offers diving and water sports and an assortment of deluxe resorts.
The newest destinations in the country are the western desert oases. We have created tours which will include Jeep safaris to one or all of these mystical places. It is our commitment to share these pristine areas as well as preserve their natural moon-like landscapes. At different times of the day, the colors of the sands and canyons shift to create unbelievable colors and shapes. Siwa, the westernmost desert is a legendary town where Alexander the Great passed through. The natural springs, ancient sites, and kind Siwan culture are all charming aspects of this oasis. Heading south, Bahariya, Farafra, Kharga and Dakhla all have their own personalities and special qualities. The White Desert, on the way to Dakhla is one of the greatest natural wonders in Egypt with its peculiar chalk formations and shifting colors.
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©Sameh Iskander |
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©Sameh Iskander |
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