Egypt - A Journey to the Past

Cairo is a good starting point for any journey through Egypt. One of Africa’s largest cities, Cairo is steeped in the traditions and culture of the Middle East. The sprawling city is bursting with cultural and archaeological treasures, ranging from the Saladin Citadel of Cairo to the historic Khan El-Khalili bazaar.

Located in close proximity to Cairo is the city of Giza, which lies on the banks of the Nile River. On a plateau beside the city is the Giza Plateau, the location of Egypt’s most iconic sacred structures – the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Giza is also located close to the ancient city of Memphis, the original capital of ancient Egypt and another of the world's top destinations.

The modern city of Luxor has sprouted from amongst the ruins of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. The city’s most famous monuments are the majestic ruins of the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and across the banks of the Nile River lies the West Bank Necropolis, location of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens.

The town of Aswan once provided ancient Egypt with the stone used to build the pyramids and other monuments. Today the town is a popular tourist destination, with the unfinished obelisk, the Aswan High Dam and the island of Philae amongst the area’s most popular attractions.

Alexandria was once a melting pot of ancient cultures, with Egyptian, Roman and Greek civilisations all influencing the city and the surrounding region. Visitors to the city can explore the Catacombs of Kom el-Shouqafa, visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the city’s Roman amphitheatre and the El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque.

Egypt has also played an important role in the evolution of the Christian religion. Visitors to the country can visit Mount Sinai, which is where they’ll find St. Catherine’s Monastery – reputed to be the oldest Christian monastery on the planet and site where Moses encountered the burning bush.

There’s no better way to explore Egypt than to take a cruise of the Nile River. You can take a fully escorted tour of Egypt with one of the world’s most trusted escorted tour operators.