Egypt is almost 70% desert, the Nile has been its lifeline for thousands of years, the natural resources of the river basin is irrigated agriculture, the main crops are wheat, rice, maize, cotton, and a great variety of vegetables and fruits. Cattle, sheep, and goats are reared. Camels are ever present and a well-known part of the Egyptian landscape, they have been used for transportation and agriculture for centuries, now the tourism business has harnessed them for camel rides and camel racing. Fishing and fish farming along the Nile and the Mediterranean coast has been a very lucrative industry for centuries. The Papyrus reeds along the Nile, these symbolize life and eternity, as Egyptian afterlife was believed to be a field of reeds, they are associated with maintaining social order and harmony in Egypt. 

Cairo the capital city of Egypt, is a thriving city that is one of the oldest Islamic cities in the world, with stunning architecture ‘the City of a Thousand Minarets’ as it’s known. Here you encounter old and new, ancient buildings and magnificent monuments incorporated with towering skyscrapers. Visit the Abdeen Presidential Palace, the archaeological design is a a concutation of Italian, French, Turkish, and Oriental, with some unique paintings. A trip to the Great Pyramid of Giza is spellbinding, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World left intact.

Leaving Cairo and flying to the city of Luxor we embark on an 8-day river cruise of the Nile. Visit the Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. See the many beautiful Temples in the cities of Luxor and Karnak, and walk the ‘Avenue of the Sphinxes’, each one is carved from a single mass of limestone.

The Tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922. This was one of the most remarkable discoveries in history. The ancient Pharaoh, King Tut, or the Boy King, as he’s lovingly referred to, was only 9 years old when he became King. He died suddenly at the age of 18 years, in 1324 BC. When the Tomb was discovered there were a number of coffins in there, he was buried within three coffins, plus 5,000 priceless treasures. Fortunately the tomb had not been desecrated to the extent that many of the others in the Valley of the Kings and Queens had been.

The Aswan High Dam on the Nile River was constructed from 1960 to 1970. It was a massive project for that time. The dam captures floodwater during the rainy season and releases it during droughts. This has been a major contributor to the Nile basin, Hydroelectric Power Stations have been constructed, irrigation facilities, and reservoirs for drinking water. 

The history of Egypt is intriguing. From its establishment through its civilization, to the pharaohs and their loss of power to the Romans and then to the Arabs, the study gives one an appetite to learn more and what better way to do that than by visiting and enjoying the location.

The Egyptian rulers were the Pharaohs who were the imperial power, building pyramids, temples, sphinxes, and other ancient monuments. The country is considered a key part of Arab culture. The last Pharaoh was Cleopatra VII, she captivated the heart of Julius Caesar the renowned dictator of the Roman Empire, at the age of 20 she seduced Caesar who was 52 years old at the time, and bore him a son, Caesarion or ‘little Caesar’. After Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra was in need of a leader to rule Egypt with her, so she enticed Mark Anthony (Caesar’s comrade in wars) to take control of Egypt. Caesarion was declared King of Kings. The alliance of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony was ended by the civil war in Egypt with Octavian (Julius Caesar’s nephew) defeating Cleopatra the last of the Pharaohs and Mark Anthony at Actium in Greece. Mark Anthony and Cleopatra died in each other’s arms as the battle and their lives ended. Egypt became a Roman province until 641, then it came under Arab Islamic rule.

Land tours or cruising in Egypt have a phenomenal attraction worldwide. If you’re looking for variety there’s a treasure trove of choices. The Western Desert is an extension of the Sahara Desert that stretches across Egypt and Libya, it’s a great vacation for those interested in geological exploration of sand dunes, rock formations, canyons, oasis and the nomadic settlements that are scattered throughout the fringes of the desert. Rock formations are a photographer’s dream. 

Adventure tourism like desert safaris or camping under the stars is a great attraction.

Come and join us on a tour that offers everything and something else.

Contact Further Afield Travel and Tours.