Sample ancient history on holidays to Egypt
Families considering cheap Egypt holidays are often drawn to the country’s fascinating 4,000 years of history and huge range of archaeological artefacts.
In no other country in the world can tourists have access to so many sites of historical interest, and with Tutankhamen’s tomb, the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings all within easy reach, there is no shortage of places to explore.
Luxor and its status as ‘the world’s greatest open air museum’ is the place to learn more about ancient Egypt. Located within the city boundaries is the Karnak complex, which features an incredible variety of ruined temples and chapels.
Among the most impressive areas of Karnak is the Precinct of Amun-Re, which is open to the public. Dedicated to Amun, the principal god of the Theban Triad, many monuments and structures are located inside it.
Families on Luxor holidays are also situated close to the Valley of the Kings and the ancient city of Thebes, with the former the resting place for kings and powerful nobles from ancient Egypt’s 18th and 20th dynasties.
Thebes, the former capital of ancient Egypt, is the place from which modern-day Luxor grew, and the two cities are home to some of the world’s most formidable monuments and opulent burial chambers.
Luxor and Thebes were constructed adjacent to one of the world’s greatest rivers, the Nile, and many people on Egypt holidays wish to explore the famous waterway, which remains an important part of Egyptian daily life. One of the best ways of getting around on the river is by felucca, a traditional sailing boat, but if you want to hop from one side to the other, you may be tempted by one of the local ferries.
Egypt has been a holiday destination for thousands of years and was visited by Greeks and Romans as early as 430BC. Many of these early tourists stared in wonder at the nation’s sites, the majority of which can still be visited today.
Cairo, Egypt’s capital is one of the world’s major cities, but its modern-day growth revolves around its ancient centre, which is largely unchanged from the founding days of Islam. Elsewhere, Assam is another history buff’s dream thanks to its geometrically imposing temples built for the pharaohs and ancient Egyptian gods.
The really adventurous can venture west to the Sahara Desert to one of the dreamy oases. These may be few and far between, but their rarity only adds to their charm. Egypt’s Sahara is also home to medieval fortresses and the region can be explored using the traditional camel, 4×4 vehicles or quad bikes.
Egypt holidays blend history with relaxation and the country boasts a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. If you’re located inland you needn’t worry about being far from the Red Sea or Mediterranean as most hotels are equipped with swimming pools, while relaxation and history can be combined with a cruise along what is arguably the world’s greatest river, the Nile. With so much to explore, holidays to Egypt truly are a voyage of discovery.
