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Egypt - Nile
Thomson Destinations
The River Nile. Luxor. The Valley of the Kings. Get ready to be wowed by Egypts big three.
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Egypt, a fabled land of ancient wonders, basks under timeless blue skies and almost perpetual sunshine. The Nile is the countrys lifeblood and is as important today as it was in the times of the Pharaohs. The river wends its way among white-sailed feluccas and modern cruise ships while its dusky banks rise slowly from clear, still waters over historic architecture towards the cloudless horizon. The wealth of archaic treasures in this beautiful country is immense. From the staggering heights of the pyramids to the dark depths of Tutankhamuns burial tomb, from the complexity of hieroglyphic inscriptions to the simplicity of towering temple pillars, Egypt boasts a varied testament to the Pharaohs and their magnificence. Visit the bustling cities of Cairo and Luxor with their pockets of culture, spice-filled bazaars and traditional restaurants to access the most incredible of Egypts historical remnants.
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Shopping For an intoxicating shopping experience, head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo where you can delve into the traditional Egyptian way of life. Stick to the main stretch for souvenirs or stray into the smaller alleys to discover hidden treasures in gold and silver, copper and leather. Fine Egyptian rugs and vibrant clothes are infused with the scent of sweet perfume and pungent spices from neighbouring stalls. Luxor has its own street markets in the old town that stay open well into the night. Narrow streets are crammed with stalls and shops selling everything from bespoke jewellery to woven goods. Nightlife Much of the entertainment in Luxor is hotel-based, with dazzling belly-dancing shows, live Egyptian folk music and opulent bars on offer. Outside, in the city streets, you can discover authentic bars exuding real Egyptian charm. Things to see and do The most spectacular Egyptian ruins are in Luxor, or Thebes as it was known in ancient times. Temples stand tall and proud against the blue backdrop of Egyptian sky with thickets of pillars casting shadows on the arid ground. Visit the impressive Temple of Luxor or the massive Temple of Karnak with its dazzling sound and light shows. Set amid vast desert plains, the intriguing Valleys of the Kings and Queens are home to a host of impressive burial tombs, including Tutankhamun. Valley of the Kings Visit the oldest and most famous burial grounds in the world. The Valley of the Kings is a must on any visit to Luxor. See the colossi on Memnon and the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatchepsut. Also included is a stop off at an Alabaster factory. Don't forget to bring your camera! Karnak & Luxor Temples Don't miss our half-day Temple Tour: an excellent introduction to Ancient Egypt. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken along to the Temples of Karnak Luxor with an official guide. The complex of Karnak took over 200 years to build and your guide will bring the temples alive with their explanations as they take you through the ancient sanctuaries, pylons and hypostyle halls. Denderah Day Cruise A wonderful opportunity to cruise the famous River Nile taking in the marvellous scenery and experiencing everyday life as you pass through some of the more remote villages. Denderah Temple is dedicated to Hathor the cow-headed goddess and is the only Temple in the whole of Egypt where you can go up onto the roof to enjoy the spectacular views of the Egyptian countryside below. Lunch is included.
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Abu Simbel
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EGYPT
170 km
© TUI 2005
Eating Out
Egyptian cuisine blends a delicious fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean influences. Falafel - round patties made from ground broad beans or chickpeas - originate from here. Enjoy them in warm pitta bread accompanied by crispy salad and a tangy yoghurt sauce. The national dish is fool, a hearty stew made with broad beans, garlic, tomatoes and paprika whilst veal is the most popular meat, along with lamb and pigeon. All of these delicious specialities, as well as international cuisine ranging from Chinese to Italian, can be enjoyed in the lively restaurants of Cairo and Luxor.
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