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Red Sea, Egypt
Egyptian rugs
Red Sea
Tutankhamuns deathmask, Cairo
Lost City of Petra, Jordan
Pyramids, Cairo
Alexandria, Egypt
A medley of mosques, churches and monuments jostle for your attention in Alexandria. Egyptians love it here, not least because of the sun-blessed beaches of the Corniche which slide seductively into an azure sea. The city was founded by Alexander the Great and captured by the Romans after Cleopatras death so, as you can imagine, tales of old still echo through the timeworn streets.
" Dive into the chaos of Cairo. From the ancient pyramids to the treasures
of Cairo museum, youll wander round utterly awe-struck.
Aqaba, Jordan
Relaxations easy to come by in Aqaba. Here, glittering sands melt into waters so clear you can see fish flitting across the seabed. This mountain-backed stretch is great for watersports, too. Theres everything from snorkelling and scuba-diving to water-skiing and windsurfing. When youve had enough of sunbathing, take a look at Aqaba Fort and the remains of what archaeologists believe is the worlds oldest church. Or instead, venture outside of Aqaba for some of Jordans most awe-inspiring sights.
" Recall a bygone age as you stand inside Kom El Dekka amphitheatre, the
only one of its kind in Egypt.
" Click a few snaps of the Qait Bey Fort, which was built on the original
site of the Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. " El Alamein. Its very name conjures up images of tanks lumbering across shifting desert sands. For it was here that in 1942 one of the most important Second World War battles took place. Under the command of General Montgomery, the Allied Forces halted the onslaught of the Nazi Africa Corps. For the full lowdown on the Battle of El Alamein, visit the Military Museum. The emotive Commonwealth Cemetery, meanwhile, adds a real touch of poignancy. " Love history? Then youll love Alexandrias National Museum. Packed with priceless relics, its ancient treasure trove dates as far back as the 3rd century BC. Dont miss the famous tanagra figurines. Like a catwalk show from the past, they show how ladies used to dress and style their hair during the reign of Cleopatra.
" Dont miss what many consider to be the eighth Wonder of the Ancient
World - Petra. Its an ancient city carved into sandstone cliffs, with tombs and temples rising out of the desert like a shimmering mirage. The citys masterpiece, which starred in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, is the Treasure Tomb - so called because of an abstract urn carved into the rock face, said to hold sparkling riches. " Be mesmerised by Wadi Rum. Without doubt, its Jordans most magnificent desert landscape. Here, massive mountains rise out of the rose-red desert sand. If it looks familiar, it may be because youve seen it before - in Lawrence of Arabia. " Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and smother yourself in goodness from the seas muddy floor.
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