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Thomson Destinations
Luxor
Location 250km south west of Hurghada Transfer time About 20 minutes Set on the banks of the Nile, this city may have a modern centre, but in the ancient history stakes, Luxor dwarfs most other places on earth. Up there alongside Cairo, Athens and Rome, it's an open-air museum packed to bursting with millennia-old monuments. Built on the site of Egypt's old capital - the city of Thebes - this was once the stomping ground of Tutankhamun, Ramses, Cleopatra et al. Determined to stamp their names on eternity, the pharaohs oversaw a programme of building-works on a scale that has been unseen since. Gargantuan temples rose stone by stone from the desert floor. Spidery tomb networks inched their way through the hills. And towering statues climbed skywards to honour falcon-headed gods. Today thousands come here to gawp at these magnificent treasures. And the star of them all is the Valley of the Kings - a breathtaking collection of royal tombs hidden in the hills. Hot on its heels is the enormous Temple of Karnak, not to mention the masterpiece of masonry that is Luxor Temple. Along with countless other monuments and shrines, they'll knock you sideways with their size and splendour. And when you're not gaping at all these glories, Luxor has plenty to recharge your sightseeing-weary sandals. Snazzy hotels packed with cocktail bars and restaurants. Bazaars scented with spices. And white-sailed felucca rides along the Nile. It's a timeless place and a once-in-a-lifetime holiday all rolled into one.
Egypt
Red Sea Riviera
When you picture Egypt what springs to mind? Rippling desert sands? Majestic pyramids? The River Nile? Well think again, because these days it's all about the beaches. A relaxing alternative to the fabled treasures of ancient Egypt, the fashionable resorts that make up the Red Sea Riviera are now considered to be the place to holiday. You're talking luxurious hotel complexes, golden sandy beaches, and, of course, diving centres. Most of the resorts are renowned for their living coral reefs, and scuba diving aficionados from around the globe come to explore the underwater paradise. Above water, the soft stretches of sandy beach are perfect for long, lazy days unwinding in the hot sun. But don't think it's just about sunshine and diving. There's lots more going on. See the coast from another angle as you whiz past on a banana boat. Explore the narrow back streets and bazaars of the old quarters. Or venture farther afield and visit some of Egypt's ancient sites. Whatever you want from your beach break, the Red Sea Riviera is bound to hit the spot.
Highlights
PADI Open Water Dive (2 1/2 or 4/5 days) This certificate is your key to the underwater world and will enable you to dive with a buddy without an accompanying professional. The course teaches all the foundations of diving including general techniques, managing your equipment, recognition of marine life and how to cope in an emergency. For the full PADI certificate, the 4/5 day course must be completed. Being awarded the certificate depends on completing five dives in the pool, four dives in open water and theory work. St Catherine's Monastery Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai is St Catherine's Monastery, named after the saint who was supposedly tortured on a spiked wheel for her beliefs. Drive through rugged and rocky Sinai Desert scenery, and on arrival at the Monastery you will be given a guided tour of the parts that are open to the public and you can also see the famous 'Burning Bush'. At the end of the tour there is another walk via a different route where you can wander around the well of Moses and admire the beautiful decorations of the Basilica. Karnak & Luxor Temples Join a Temple tour - an excellent introduction to ancient Egypt, where you will be able to visit the Temples of Karnak and 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.
² Avenue of the Sphinx at Karnak Temple
Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent up to Call 0871 230 2555 Calls costMobile 10p/min plus 6p set up fee from a BT landline. and other providers' charges may vary.
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