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Egypt has a long and fascinating history. Because of its position on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea,
Egypt has played an important role in commerce and geopolitics for over four Millennia. The third most populous
country in Africa (with over 80 million people), Egypt has a rich culture which lives on today. A visit to old
Cairo (City of a 1000 Minarets) is like stepping back in time, and the plethora of well-preserved antiquities and
monuments makes Egypt a top destination for travelers from around the world.
Cairo is the first stop for many visitors to Egypt. Home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, an
unparalleled museum of antiquities, and the largest bazaar in the Middle East, Cairo is a "must-see" for
most visitors.
Luxor is another top destination. Luxor is home to the Valley of the Kings, a vast city of the dead where a
long succession of Pharaohs had their remains buried along with everything that they might need in the afterlife.
Other attractions include the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Temple of Luxor, and the Temple of Karnak.
The Nile River is the world's longest and one of the cradles of human civilization. One of the best ways to
experience the Nile is on a cruise where you can enjoy the ever-shifting scenery. Along the way you can visit
the Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka, the Kom Ombo Temple dedicated to the Crocodile God Sobek, and the
Temple of Horus, amongst others.
The Red Sea offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. The Sinai beaches of Sharm
el-Sheikh and Dahab are an excellent place to relax and enjoy a different side of Egypt.
Located in the south of Egypt, Abu Simel is home to two massive rock temples guarded by colossal statues of
Ramses II and others. This site is also a testament to modern engineering, having been moved to higher ground
when the Aswan Dam was built in 1959.
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