WHY VISIT EGYPT?
Egypt is considered by many to be a dream vacation spot. However, it may be difficult to narrow down what one wants to do in a country with so many incredible culturally and historically significant sites. Here are five places to start your search:
· The Pyramids of Giza can be seen from the city of Cairo, but for a more intimate experience, one can go to the Giza Plateau. This includes an up-close look at the Great Sphinx as well as the pyramids. The largest one, Khufu’s Pyramid, is the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Keep in mind, there is a separate cost to go into each pyramid in addition to the general cost of admission to the Giza Plateau.
· Luxor Temple is an ancient temple originally dedicated to Amun, considered by the Egyptians of the time as the king of the gods, and some of his family members. Several additions were added by later pharaohs. The site has since been a place for Coptic and later Muslim worship. Feel free to stay until it gets dark and enjoy the Sound and Light Show.
· The City of Alexandria is a coastal city in the north of Egypt, as well as a popular tourist site. This city is a great place to learn about Egypt’s rich history and its role in a number of different empires. One could visit the Qaitbay Fort, the former site of the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria, or the Villa of the Birds, an old Roman villa with intricate bird mosaics. A more detailed history of Alexandria and Egypt as a whole is showcased in the Alexandria National Museum and the Graeco Roman Museum. The city also has its own Fine Art museum and Opera House.
· The Nile River, the longest river in the world, has been important throughout Egypt’s history, and the country’s proximity to the river contributed to its early success and growth. Nile River cruises are available for anyone looking to get an up-close and personal experience with the storied river. Taking a boat allows for stops along the river, giving the chance to visit a variety of cities and landmarks in Egypt, all while avoiding the hassle of renting and driving a car. Cruise durations vary, with most being under a week.
· The Valley of the Kings is best known as the site of King Tut’s tomb, but it is also the final resting place of many other ancient Pharaohs and high society members. Located on the West Bank of Luxor, The Valley of the Kings is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A general admission ticket will allow you to visit three out of an available eight tombs. To enter the tombs of Ramses V and VI, Seti I, or Tutankhamun, a separate ticket is needed.
Whatever sites are chosen, a visit to Egypt can lead to memories that last a lifetime!
References:
Alexandrie. (2014). Consulté le 14 mars 2021 sur http://www.alexandria.gov.eg/Alex/english/index.aspx
Drower, MS (23 octobre 2019). Louxor. Consulté le 31 mars 2021 sur https://www.britannica.com/place/Luxor
Archives des forfaits d'excursion en Egypte. (2021). Extrait le 15 mars 2021 de https://www.etltravel.com/egypt-tour-packages/
Plateau de Gizeh. (2017). Consulté le 14 mars 2021 sur http://egypt.travel/en/attractions/giza-plateau
Grand Spinx. (2021, 11 février). Extrait le 15 mars 2021 de travel.usnews.com/Cairo_Egypt/Things_To_Do/Great_Sphinx_63375/#:~:text=The%20Great%20Sphinx%20sits%20on,of%20Giza%20and%20several%20tombs.&text=You'll % 20aussi% 20need% 20a, (moins% 20 que% 20% 245)% 20chaque.
Rivenbark, J. (2021, 21 janvier). Valley of the Kings: The Complete Guide for 2021. Récupéré le 1er avril 2021 sur https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-valley-of-the-kings-luxor-egypt/#cost
Torres, J. (2020, 14 septembre). Comment visiter Louxor indépendamment, en 2 jours. Consulté le 1er avril 2021 sur https://againstthecompass.com/fr/visit-luxor/