5 Reasons to Visit Egypt

A land of mystery, intrigue and treasures. The Ancient Egyptian civilisation lasted for more than 3,000 years and they left their mark for the world to see, with architecture so advanced that many of their monuments still stand today. Visitors from across the world are drawn in by the magic of the pyramids, temples and sphinxes built by the long-gone pharaohs.

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Located on the outskirts of Cairo, The pyramids of Giza were built to last eternity, and that’s exactly what they have done. Pharaohs were expected to become gods in the afterlife and to prepare for the next world they constructed these pyramid tombs filled with everything they would need to guide them in the next world. The three pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure were built some 4,500 years go and the logistics of how they were assembled remains one of Egypt’s biggest mysteries. The Great pyramid, built by Pharaoh Khufu, was the first and largest of the three pyramids, it is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still remaining.

Lying close by to the Great Pyramid is the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the most recognisable remains of Ancient Egypt. This giant limestone structure is thought to have been carved from a single mass of limestone and measures 73 metres long and 20 metres high. Just like the pyramids – the origins of the structure are still debated.

A visit to the Pyramids and Sphinx is on the bucket-list of most and the sight of these magnificent structures will not disappoint. Enjoy this impressive historical site with a difference at a sound and light show. Lasers and lights illuminate the famous site while you learn about its history.

Karnak Temple

Luxor boasts some of Ancient Egypt’s oldest and most astonishing sites, so much so that it is known as 'the world's largest open-air museum'. One of Luxor’s great monuments is the Karnak Temple. The awe-inspiring Karnak Temple was constructed over 1500 years, dedicated to the gods of Amun, Mut and Khonsu. It is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed and was added to by generation after generation, resulting in a fascinating collection of temples, sanctuaries, and other monuments.

The temple complex is divided into three sections: the precinct of Amun-Re, the precinct of Mut, and the precinct of Montu. The largest of these sections is the precinct of Amun-Re, it also contains the most famous sites of the whole complex including the remarkable Great Hypostyle Hall. This colossal forest of 134 huge columns remains largely intact today and is one of the most impressive sites in all of Egypt.

Outside the temple complex sits the Avenue of the Sphinxes, a 3km road lined on both sides with hundreds of stone sphinxes. The road once linked the Karnak temple and Luxor Temple and is a must see sight. Although you may think this huge site would have always been visible, it remained hidden until 2011 when the Egyptian government declared it would re-open to the public.

Luxor Temple

Largely built by New Kingdom pharaohs, the striking Luxor Temple is not laid out on an east-west axis, like most other ancient Egyptian temples, but is oriented towards Karnak. This is because its main function was during the annual Opet celebrations, when the statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were brought along the Avenue of Sphinxes from Karnak in a grand procession to Luxor Temple. The temple is less complex than that of Karnak but it was one of the most powerful temples in Ancient Egypt.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is the burial site of almost all the pharaohs of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Thebes, which also includes Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Queens. For a period of nearly 500 years, tombs were cut into the rock of the valley bury the kings, queens and nobles of the New Kingdom and this hidden underground burial site is home to 63 magnificent royal tombs. The tombs are decorated with intricate images and were sealed with the mummy of the king as well as shrines, treasures, and artifacts to help the king in the afterlife.

Perhaps the most famous tomb found in the valley is that of Tutankhamun. Only excavated in 1922 the tomb is the best-preserved tomb ever found and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. The iconic gold mask of Tutankhamun found within the tomb is now on display in Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The River Nile

The Nile is the longest in the world and every aspect of Ancient Egypt depended on the river, providing food, resources, means of travel and transporting goods. Today, no visit to Egypt is complete without spending time on the Nile. The river provides an opportunity to see this fascinating land from a different perspective. Exploring fascinating sights and island temples, such as the Temple of Philae is an incredible experience.
Travel like a Pharaoh and sail on a traditional Felucca boat. Meander through history and take in the breath-taking views as the traditional Egyptian wooden boat travels along this famous river.

Feeling inspired to visit Egypt? Why not join a Travelsphere tour to take you to explore the incredible wonders of this amazing country.