ncient civilizations give us perspective. They give a glimpse into what life might be like without modern technology that in today’s age makes the world smaller, information easily assessable, and distractions inescapable.
I’ve visited many fascinating places that have made significant contributions to history, but none more spectacular than Egypt and these are the reasons why….

CAIRO: As many times as you have seen brilliant pictures or watched TV documentaries on The Great Pyramids, they are not given proper justice until you are there admiring their colossal power and presence.  A trip to Egypt is not complete without paying $20-$30 for a unforgettable camel ride at the pyramids.   The sheer size and perfect alignment of the pyramids is incomprehensible, matched only slightly by the spectacular antiquities and Pharonic mummy collection at the world renowned Egyptian Museum. You can spend an entire day or more scrutinizing the ancient treasures housed here including the entirety of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. The iconic blue and gold bust of King Tut is the pinnacle of artistry. For Christians and/or Muslims, Cairo is a city that offers great historical context into the core beliefs of the religious. Every year, during the month of  June, holy tours trace Joseph and Mary’s flight into Egypt with their young son Jesus. 

NILE RIVER CRUISE: A tranquil cruise down the legendary Nile River from Aswan to Luxor or vice versa is a popular and highly recommended way to see awesome sites.  Observing the simplistic life of the Muslims that dwell throughout the countryside of Upper Egypt between the two cities is a highlight of the cruise.  This was one of my favorite parts of my trip. The cruise stops at various docks so you can visit magnificent museums and temples including Philae Temple, the Temple of Isis, and Horus Temple at Edfu.  If you are interested in a Nile Cruise, be sure to travel on cruise line rated 5 stars or more to guarantee to receive nothing but the best in the food and living quarters.  Trust me; the delicious food served three times a day is more than worth the minimal added costs. 

ASWAN: Not far from Aswan, an incomprehensible must see awaits your visit…the mind blowing monument Abu Simbel where The Great Pharaoh Ramses II flaunted his power and aligned himself with the GODS.  Here, twice a year during The Sun Festival the sun shines directly through the doors of the dark temple and illuminates 3 of the 4 statues in the holy room at the rear of Abu Simbel.  The statues of God Re-Horakhte, God Amun-Ra, and the King Ramses II glow perfectly while the God Ptah, God of darkness, escapes the suns rays and remains dark year round.  How Ramses the Great was able to build this temple so that this event occurs on the day he was born Feb. 21st  and the day he was named Pharaoh Oct. 21st is a fascinating Egyptian mystery. 
The actual interior of the temple is inside the cliff in the form of a man-made cave cut out of the living rock. It consists of a series of halls and rooms extending back. The long first hall has two rows of Osirid statues of Ramses each 30 feet high and beyond that is located the innermost shrine with seated statues of the gods Ptah, Amun-Ra, the deified Ramses II, and Re-Horakhte.

Televised documentaries and elaborate movies sometimes separate Egypt from Africa.  Although it is located on the plexus of the Red Sea and Mediterranean, the dark Nubian blood flows powerfully through the walls of massive ruins.   Today, The Nubians of Aswan share with you their contributions to this rich history which they guard sacredly in their own language. 

LUXOR: is probably known by most as the pyramid-shaped hotel in Las Vegas, is actually the ancient city of Thebes.  Although many may not know of the city that will soon change as the Egyptian government is in the process of transforming Luxor into the world’s largest open-air museum.   Luxor proper sits on the east bank of the Nile River and is home to Karnak and Luxor Temples.  Visitors witness archeological breakthroughs as you watch the unearthing and cleaning of Sphinx Alley, a two mile stretch of beautiful ram headed Sphinx across from traditional Sphinx built by Amenhotep III.  Equally if not more fascinating is the east bank of Luxor.  A visit to the world’s largest cemetery, The Valley of the Kings, will amaze you as you see tomb after tomb of great Pharaohs including the legendary King Tut.  The famous tomb was discovered fully intact and somehow managed to remain hidden from grave robbers is still the resting place of the young King Tuankhamon himself.  Another spectacular experience of the west bank is The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut was as awesome as her temple as the only female Egyptian Pharaoh.  Her unique temple sits perfectly carved into a limestone mountain and is a masterpiece of engineering beauty.    

ALEXANDRIA: named after Alexander the Great who founded the city in 331 BC is another city worth visiting.  Here you can see where the Great Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  Today the Fort of Quitbey towers over the Mediterranean shore in its place.  Alexandria is also home of the world’s largest library.  Today the Library of Alexandria continues the legacy of the Royal Library of Alexandria as a stellar research institution.   

HURGHADA: a tourist center located on the Red Sea coast. The city was founded in the early 20th century, and since the 1980s has been continually enlarged by Egyptian and foreign investors to become the leading seashore resort on the Red Sea. Holiday villages and hotels provide aquatic sport facilities for sailboarders, yachtsmen, scuba divers and snorkelers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats. This area has many fine accommodations, usually offering warm and efficient service. Restaurants are mostly along the main road. While in Hurghada, don't miss the museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea. Islands near Hurghada offer all kinds of fun and excitement. Take a day trip to Giftun Island for snorkeling and a fish barbecue, or view the Red Sea from a submarine.  Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs. They are particularly frequented by the young, but certainly many others of all ages. One may often find a rousing party centered around the visitors from a tour group taking over the action of a particular bar. They are easy to find along the main street, along with loads of inexpensive and expensive hotels.
Needless to say, you can visit Egypt countless times and return for yet another history lesson.  Whether you visit only to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World or you decide to dig a little deeper and see even more of what Egypt has to offer, this is a trip that will leave an inspiring impression of what you are capable to accomplish today.  How the Ancient Egyptians achieved so much so very long ago will always be one of the greatest mysteries of all time.  Before booking a trip, contact the Department of Tourism of that country for more information.