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Cairo 
Cairo is the foremost capital on the African continent and lies at the center of
all routes leading to, and from the capitals of the three continents: Asia,
Africa and Europe. Cairo, a fascinating city, holds something for everyone. It
is a colorful mosaic of four distinct cultures, Pharaonic, Coptic Christian,
Islamic and Modern. The nights of Cairo – when the magic of the East blends
with the arts of the West – offer visitors a world of excitement, thrills and
diverse entertainment. Among the most remarkable outings is the Sound and Light
Show at the Pyramids. Theater houses and cinemas offer a variety of national and
international plays and the latest Arab and foreign films. The casinos and
famous nightclubs provide a wide range of entertainment including oriental belly
dancing, folklore and international shows.
Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza
The Sphinx and the splendid three Pyramids are one of the remaining Seven
Wonders of the World. The Sphinx is, indeed, a legendary statue for it has the
body of lion and the face of a man. It is 70 meters long and 20 meters high.
Nearby there is the Pyramid of Cheops, the largest and most renowned of
Egypt’s Pyramids, built during the years 2566 – 2556 BC. Almost 2,5 million
blocks of stone were put into building this pyramid, which measures 230 sqm at
the base. Close to the eastern flank of the Pyramid of Cheops lie three small
pyramids dedicated either to his wives or family members.
Memphis and Saqqara
Memphis, the oldest capital of Egypt, was built by King Menes, and contains a
colossal statue of King Ramses II as well as the famous alabaster Sphinx. A
short drive away lies Saqqara, the oldest Ancient Egyptian cemetery, where
stands the ruins of the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first Pyramid ever
built.
The Egyptian Museum
It is the most famous museum in Egypt. The exhibits contain the finest
collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world dating from the Old Kingdom,
the Middle Kingdom and subsequent dynasties. Its most significant showpiece is
the magnificent Tutankhamun collection.
Aswan
Aswan, a haven of peace and relaxation with a delightfully dry sunny climate, is
an ideal winter resort. Situated on the East Bank of the main gateway to Nubia
and Africa, Aswan was once a most important city and trade route between Egypt
and the Southern Territories.
The Temple of Philae
Philae was the name given by the Greeks and Romans to the island situated at the
head of the first Cataract, south of Aswan. The temple was rescued from the
rising waters of Lake Nasser and then reconstructed. It is dedicated to the gods
Isis and Osiris.
The High Dam
The High Dam was constructed in 1960 and is the largest rock filled dam in
the world. It is 2 miles across the top and 364 feet high and lies 4 miles south
of the old dam.
Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo is located on a hill overlooking the river Nile, the ruins of this
temple are among the most striking in Egypt. Unlike any other monument in the
country, the temple is dedicated to two deities. To avoid offending the gods
Sobek and Haroeris, a dual temple was built, dedicated to them both.
Edfu
This magnificent ancient Temple of Horus is the best preserved and most complete
of all Egyptian Temples. Its stupendous pylons are carved with scenes depicting
the glory of the Egyptian Pharaohs and the myth of the great falcon-headed god,
Horus, who is seen in combat with his enemies.
Luxor
Luxor is the world’s greatest outdoor museum, the center for some of the most
magnificent remains of Pharaonic Egypt. Lyxor means “palaces” and the city
was known to the ancient Greeks as Thebes. It was said that Thebes was not only
the most beautiful but also the stateliest city in the world. Luxor is actually
three towns in one – the commercial center of Luxor on the East bank of the
Nile, Karnak, the immense temple complex, and the Theban Necropolis on the
opposite West Bank.
The West Bank – Valleys
of the kings and Queens
The West Bank of the Nile houses some awe-inspiring sights. Amongst sugar
plantations, desert and mountains stands the magnificent Necropolis of Thebes.
Breathtaking tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, the great
Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut built out of the rock with terraces and
colonnades, and the Colossi of Memnon, erected in honor of the Pharaoh.
Amenophis III are just a few of the treasures to be seen here.
East Bank – Karnak and Luxor
temples
The East Bank houses the temples of Karnak and Luxor, whose ruins are perhaps
the most wonderful of any in Egypt. Karnak, the great Temple of Amun, fronts the
Nile. The Sacred Lake was approached by means of a small avenue of Sphinxes,
which once linked Karnak to the Temple of Luxor. The Temple of Luxor is of
lesser importance then Karnak and probably stands on the site of an earlier
religious edifice.
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