Egypt - Oasis Highlights

There are so many highlights in this fascinating country that it is impossible to list them all here. Our travel consultants will discuss your interests and be able to put a specific itinerary together for you, but below are a few must seeā€™s!

Kharga Oasis

Kharga Oasis, the largest oases, rose to prominence as the penultimate stop on The Forty Days Road, the infamous slave trade route between Sudan and Eygpt. Standing in palm groves just north of the city is the well-preserved Temple of Hibis, built by Persian emperor Darius I in the 6th century, the only sizeable Persian temple left in Egypt. Visit a Coptic landmarks such as the Necropolis of Al-Bagawat and Deir Al-Kashef Monastery. This Chrisitan cemetery contains hundreds of domed, mudbrick tombs decorated with Coptic murals dating from the 4th century. The best-preserved paintings are in the Chapel of the Exodus and portray Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt. If you have a chance, visit the ruins of the 25th Dynasty, Qasr el-Ghueita, on the crest of a sandstone hill fort from where it commands a strategic view over the desert plain, was believed to be the headquarters for Roman troops who guarded the desert routes. The village which occupied the slopes below the fortress can be seen in the scattered remains of ruined houses, and there is some evidence that the area was inhabited even in prehistoric times.

Cairo

Cairo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Though some of its suburbs have spilled over onto the Nileā€™s west bank, its attractions lie on the eastern bank. Central Cairo is the heart of the modern city and boasts beautiful Nineteenth-century architecture.Ā Cooled by the Nile, Gezira and Rhoda islands seem quieter than the city centre, while Old Cairo’s Roman and early Christian history predate the capital itself. Islamic Cairo is the highlight of the city with minarets and domes, lively bazaars and narrow alleyways. The Egyptian Museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts like the blue hippopotamus and the boy king Tutankhamun’s treasures. Walking is the best way to experience central Cairo. Catch a taxi the most convenient way or ride the Metro. You will experience first-hand a vibrant and welcoming city, home to the best Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sights in Egypt or a half-forgotten monument you might stumble across in your travels.

Abu Simbel

Cleaved out of a solid cliff in the thirteenth century BC, the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and the smaller temple of Hathor make for a breathtaking sight. Dedicated to the patron of deities of Egyptā€™s great cities, the Great Temple was built to honour Ramses II.Ā Its thirty-three metres faƧade with four colossal enthroned statues of the King bearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt were intended to impress and frighten while the interior revealed the union of God and King.Ā We must thank UNESCO for cutting them from the mountain and moving them to an artificial cliff two hundred metres back and sixty-five metres above their original position when Lake Nassar was created in the 1960s. After a visit to this fantastic site, consider walking around the colourful touristic market, or if you prefer, go bird watching on Lake Nasser and then get back to the temples again in the evening for incredible sound & light shows.

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