The River Nile in Egypt conjures up a world of magic and mystery. A cruise along the Nile will take you through a land of ancient civilisations and is one of the best ways to see all the historic sites located along the river's banks. Attractions include the temples of the Pharaohs, pyramids, tombs and obelisks.
Cruising up the Nile from lower to upper Egypt will leave you in awe of this amazing country. Apart from the fascinating attractions that line the Nile river banks Nile cruise passengers will also get an insight into rural Egypt. Many people who visit Egypt don't get to see life outside the major city's and tourist areas but on a cruise you will see how life in rural Egypt has changed very little over thousands of years.
The Valley of the Kings is the one site not to miss on your bargain holidays to Egypt. This is an eerie site with more than 600 royal tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamen that will remain in your memory for the rest of your life. It is in these royal tombs that mummified pharaohs were sealed to begin their journey to the 'afterlife'. You will also be able to visit the Colossi of Memnon, a gigantic pair of enthroned statues that once guarded the entrance to a long lost temple. On Luxor's West Bank stands the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut. Built in honour of the only woman to reign over Egypt as a pharaoh, the temple is built into the cliff-face, rising up in a series of monumental terraces.
The Temple of Karnak is one of the most awe inspiring historic sites in the world. Taking over 2,000 years to build, the temple is more like a city of ancient Egypt. The site has three shrines, monuments, obelisks and the enormous Hypostyle Hall which has more than 130 amazing papyrus-shaped columns.
Like the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor is another awesome site. Constructed for the ritual practices of the Festival of Opet, visiting this amazing site will just leave you wanting more. An avenue of sphinxes leads down to the temple which has courtyards and chapels overlooking the beautiful River Nile.
The Temple of Denderah was built in honour of the cow-headed goddess of love, Hathor. Created by the Romans, this temple emulates traditional Egyptian styles but has a Latin twist. The astronomical ceiling in the Hypostyle Hall represents signs of the zodiac and heavenly bodies, offering an insight into the ancient Egyptians solar rituals and cults.
The monumental Temple of Horus is one of Egypt's best preserved ancient shrines. Dedicated to the falcon-headed sky god the temple gives a great insight into how the ancient temples once looked. After passing through the colossal gateway which is guarded by two huge granite falcons you will reach the courtyards and sanctuaries covered in detailed wall carvings.
The Temple of Sobek is unique as it was dedicated to two gods, the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris. The temple has two entrances, chapels and halls. You will be amazed by the mummified crocodiles in the chapel of Hathor.
There are many late deals available to Egypt throughout the internet. To take in the ancient and the modern touristy side of Egypt consider combining a Nile cruise with a hotel stay to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Emma Healey is the co-founder and owner of holidayholidayholiday.co.uk, specialists in bargain holidays and package holidays to worldwide destination. Thanks for taking the time to read my article and be sure to watch out for more of my articles as im writing many travel blogs and have some great topics coming soon.
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