Found in the southernmost part of modern Egypt is the beautiful city of Aswan . It is near the famous Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser (the world’s largest man made lake).  It is not a long travel by water or air to the equally famous Abu SimbelMemorial which was relocated in a massive international undertaking in order to save it from the flooding created by the construction of the dam. Clearly the area is a captivating one, and is only part of the reasoning behind the numerous Aswan Nile cruises that depart from the city each day.

Where to Start

Most people embark on Nile cruises after they have spent a few days in Cairo, Egypt. This is a traditional way for a traveler to see the many famous historical sites in the northern city, and itsenvirons, before flying south to Aswan or Abu Simbel.

Why Abu Simbel and not straight to Aswan?Depending upon which cruise has been selected, some cruises include a visit to the Abu Simbel monument and then a cruise across Lake Nasser that ends in Aswan. From there visitors will make tours of the city’s most notable sites and monuments before boarding their cruise ship for the journey north to Luxor. These generally fall into the luxury Nile cruises categories, though there are options for such comprehensive tours at lower costs. 

The Long or Short Versions

Clearly Aswan Nile cruises offer an amazing range of itineraries and lengths . Some Nile cruises are a fast, three day trip between Aswan and Luxor, with short stops at notable temples and an entire day in each city . Others are far more comprehensive, taking in the Lake Nasser sights, Abu Simbel, Aswan and the many smaller and lesser-known stops on the journey northward.If you are wondering what is the difference between short and long visits, its actually the time spent on the tour and people who will accompany you. The longer Nile cruises have a more detailed visit to the place and there is an expert guide that will guide them to the tour.

 It is best to organize the locations that you plan to travel to before you decide on the Aswan Nile cruise that you are going to take part on., for there might be areas that will not permit them entrance to the site  . To further illustrate, some of the Aswan Nile cruises visit Esna or the Temple of Kom Ombo, so it is best to check the itinerary you are going to choose to make sure it includes the locations that you are interested in. To make most out of your trip, it is best to understand that some of the luxury Nile cruises, and most of this includes tours that reach Abu Simber.

Egypt Vacations Are Powered by History and Nature…

Mystery, romance, history and time are some of the terms frequently attached to the famous land of Egypt. Millions of travellers have traveled to this land of pharaohs and lush beauty in order to explore its many historic sites and ancient remains. Egypt, however, is a modern land with major cities, millions of inhabitants and the traditional “hustle and bustle” of everyday life.

Family tours in Egypt can be planned around tours of the famous historical sights, and in fact many companies or tour providers make special accommodations for those with youngsters. While a family may not be able to trek through as many of the major sites as a group of adults, there are still many family vacations in Egypt that make “kid friendly” options available. How do you find them? A simple enquiry will reveal dozens and dozens of tour operators and all inclusive holidays that would introduce families to the wonders of Egypt and provide days of exciting activities and adventures.

Of course the historical past of the country is not the only reason that people regularly travel to Egypt. There are many resorts located along the Nile River and Egypt’s easterly coast. This area is frequently referred to as the “Red Sea Riviera” due to its many beautiful and luxurious resorts, old-time fishing villages, and world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities.

This region is one of the most popular for family tours in Egypt because of the resorts and hotels available, as well as the great beaches and wonderful towns. In order to choose the right location however, a family will have to run across what it needs from a resort. For example, many have “family rooms” or suites that provide two sleeping areas and a kitchen facility. There are others that have kid’s clubs or activities that allow parents some time to themselves while the children are entertained in a safe and secure area in the resort or hotel grounds.

Egypt family vacations can be a great adventure as a family visits the ancient sights and locations along the Nile River Valley, or they can be incredibly relaxing and fun experiences where the pace of day by day life is lost in the sparkling whitened sands and beautiful blue waters of the Red Sea.

Egypt Vacation Packages • Book Your Egypt Package Vacation Today 

While enjoying the amenities of Egypt Vacation Packages you can see the historic sights, cruise the Nile or trek in the Sahara Desert . There are many trip options and styles available.

Egypt is the world’s 38^th largest country ; it sprawls across more than one continent both Africa and the Middle East . Egypt is a great place to visit for your vacation as it hardly receives any rainfall . Temperatures can reach a maximum of 90F (32C) in the summer. But If you decide to take a holiday near the Red Sea coast you are likely to get temperatures reaching up to 109F (43C).

Here are some great things to do to make the most of your Egyptian holiday.

Water Sports

One city in Egypt which is very popular among divers for its tranquil and stunning underwater scenes is Sharm el-Sheikh; which is located at just a short distance away from the Dead Sea. At this amazing location you can undertake water sport activities that include wind surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving . While underwater you can witness over 200 different types of corals and over 1000 species of fish . One particular place in Sharm el-Sheikh where you can find great diving sites is in the Ras Mohammed National Park, located at the in the Sinai Peninsula.

The Pyramids

Do you know there are over 100 Pyramids strewn all across Egypt? These amazing monuments traditionally associated with Egypt have been around for thousands of years. Giza Necropolis located on the fringe of Cairo is home to one of the famous seven wonders of the Ancient World; The Great Pyramid of Giza. While in Giza why not take a trip to the most famous monolith statue in the world as well, The Great Sphinx. This statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human is one of the oldest monumental sculptures built by the Ancient Egyptians.

Cairo’s Amazing Markets

Why not visit Cairo, not only is it Egypt’s capital but it’s also Africa’s largest city. Cairo is located in Northern Egypt and situated along the Nile River. Travelling around this city is easy you can choose from to travel by trams, taxi, ferry, rail or airplane . While perusing  the markets of Egypt you need to be prepared to barter with the seller , as it’s the local market culture and is expected. So when you’re ready to purchase an item, the best rule is to see the price the seller is demanding as the maximum, and negotiate down from there. Remember you’re aiming to get the price as low as you possibly can; the ultimate goal is half the asking price.

Whether its fine clothing or antiques you are aiming to purchase , there are amazing sites throughout Egypt to shop such as The Arkadia Shopping Mall situated in Cairo. It holds over 500 stores on its five floors; it’s also the largest Mall in Cairo. Another place to shop is The Ramses Hilton Mall that is also located in Cairo, who offer a vary array of clothing, jewellers, homeware stores , as well as a cinema.

Take to the Egyptian skies

Why not discover Egypt from up above? The weather is predominantly sunny and clear so you can literally see for miles . Taking a trip in an air balloon not only is breath taking but it can also make the experience personal to suit your own specific needs . Flights approximately last 45 minutes and some operators even offer light refreshments . There are different types of balloons; they normally vary based on the price and size of the balloon. This is a great opportunity to take pictures of Egypt from a bird’s eye view, or even snap a few pictures of other balloons flying along with you.

Clubs and Pubs

Should you want to discover Egypt at night there are many places you can go! Take an evening cruise along the River Nile and admire the beautiful Egyptian night sky. Many of the boats offer a variety of live entertainment some in the form of belly dancers, discos and restaurants . If clubbing is your thing there are plenty of nightclubs all around Egypt for those looking for a fast and high tempo evening. Some famous nightclubs include Calypso, Hard Rock Cafe and Little Buddha . Sufi Whirling shows (also known as Sufi Dancing) are also a favourate among tourists in Egypt. The dance is a customary religious dance performed at specific locations throughout Egypt. If horses are your thing go and see an Arabic horse show; these beautiful horses perform amazing routines in such elegant fashion, you will be disappointed if you miss it.

Hatshepsut was the fifth pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty in Ancient Egypt. She was one of the country’s most successful pharaohs and certainly the longest-reigning indigenous woman in Egyptian’s history. 

Queen Hatshepsut was not the first woman in Egypt to rule over the people; it was Queen Sobekneferu who came before her, as did Merneith of the first dynasty. Other notable names of female pharaohs that are still being studied today include Nimaethap, Nefertiti, Neferneferuaten, and Twosret. (You must also consider non-indigenous Egyptian dynasties, such as pharaoh Cleopatra).

You should note that compared to others Queen Hatshepsut’s reign was a prosperous and long one. Although the beginning of her reign was filled with warfare, it eventually transformed into a very peaceful generation.She also re-established trading relationships and increased the wealth of Egypt, allowing the country to introduce a higher caliber of Egyptian architecture, the likes of which remained incomparable worldwide for hundreds of years.

The Queen Hatshepsut Temple is still standing and is one of the most popular Egyptian attractions  today. It is located in Deir el-Bahri, which is a complex of mortuary temples and tombs found on the west bank of the Nile River just across from Luxor.

Djeser-Djeseru

The Djeser-Djeseru, which means “the Holy of Holies”, holds the Queen Hatshepsut Temple. This structure was put up by Senemut.Senemut was said to be the queen’s steward and she is also the architect of this temple. Most historians believe that she is Hatshepsut’s lover. The temple was made for Hatshepsut’s post-death worship as well as for the glory of Amun, the Egyptian God. Djeser-Djeseru is built atop a series of colonnaded terraces accessible by long ramps.This 97 feet structure is considered to be Egypt’s “incomparable of monuments”, and indeed, it is.

Of course, in today’s time the structure is a giant artifact of what was once a beautiful, extravagantly colored temple with numerous ornaments and gardens. These have worn away through time, though the architecture of the temple remains standing even after thousands of years.

Safety at the Temple of Hatshepsut

With the help of the Tourist and Antiques Police, you can be assured that traveling to the Hatshepsut Temple is safe which are a group of attendants who monitor tourism for the safety of tourists and to ensure that nobody removes pieces from the site.

The Queen Hatshepsut Temple is a great landmark to visit on any Egypt trip, as she was one of the most famous of female rulers (often called the first “great woman”) and the construction of her dedicated temple remains of Egypt’s greatest wonders.

Egypt Jordan Trips • Experience the Ancient Wonders of Both Africa and the Middle East

Is this a trip commonly taken? Many travelers who intend to remain in northern Egypt, those staying in the upper area of the Red Sea Riviera, or visitors in the Sinai Peninsula will all try to include a visit to southern Jordan too. Most use the Taba Heights water road into Jordan, though there are some land crossings too. When entering Jordan through its only port, in Aqaba, visitors will be introduced to one of the most popular and heavily visited cities in the region as well.

A day in Aqaba is going to introduce the tourist to the ancient fort, sites related to the Ptolemaic Greeks, the ancient Romans, and even such historic characters as Lawrence of Arabia too.

From there most travelers will head to an area known as Wadi Rum, which is just east of the city. This is commonly referred to as the Valley of the Moon and is the largest wadi, or canyon, in all of Jordan. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and vacationers can find Petroglyphs in many of the sandstone cliffs. Again, Lawrence of Arabia spent a great deal of time here too, and his famous “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” are always part of a trip .

At last, almost all guests will then turn northwest towards the Petra area, one of Jordan’s most popular attractions. This site appears in numerous motion pictures and is fascinating due to its intricate buildings carved straight off into the cliff faces. The famous Treasury is part of this site, as well as Siq and the Lost City. There is a very fine Archaeological Museum in the region too.

How long is a journey such as this? Many vacationers will actually be able to travel from Cairo area in the early morning and take in the sites within a single day, though some luxury tour groups provide overnight accommodations for this excursion too. Some excursions include ferry rides, horseback riding options, and professional guides which all make the experience richer and even more valuable. 

  12 Days: Nile River Cruise Vacation The Nile River Cruise Holiday is ideal for anyone who wishes to experience the romanticism of Egypt by water. This 12 day journey includes the best of both Egypt and Jordan. Discover Cairo, enjoy a Luxor-Aswan Nile Cruise, and visit Amman, Umm Qais, the Dead Sea and Petra in Jordan.10 Days: Luxury Tour from Egypt to Jordan
The 10 Days: Luxury Tour from Egypt to Jordan carries guests toward some of the continents most cherished places in the lap of luxury. Travel Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Taba, Wadi Rum, and Petra.

Egypt Jordan Vacations • Discover the Ancient Wonders of Both Africa and the Middle East

Are you planning a trip of Egypt? If you intend to take in as much of the entire region as possible you should consider the different day trips easily enjoyed from both the Cairo and Sharm El Sheikharea. As an example, one of the most visited sites just outside of Egypt is the site known as Petra. This is in southern Jordan and requires only a single day to enjoy.

Is this a excursion commonly taken? Many travelers who intend to remain in northern Egypt, those staying in the upper area of the Red Sea Riviera, or visitors in the Sinai Peninsula will all try to include a visit to southern Jordan too. Most use the Taba Heights water road into Jordan, though there are some land crossings too. When entering Jordan through its only port, in Aqaba, guests will be introduced to one of the most popular and heavily visited cities in the region as well.

A day in Aqaba is going to introduce the traveler to the ancient fort, sites related to the Ptolemaic Greeks, the ancient Romans, and even such historic characters as Lawrence of Arabia too.

From there most vacationers will head to an area known as Wadi Rum, which is just east of the city. This is commonly referred to as the Valley of the Moon and is the largest wadi, or canyon, in all of Jordan. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and tourists can find Petroglyphs in many of the sandstone cliffs. Again, Lawrence of Arabia spent a great deal of time here too, and his famous “7 Pillars of Wisdom” are always part of a trip .

At last, almost all guests will then turn northwest towards the Petra area, one of Jordan’s most popular attractions. This site appears in numerous motion pictures and is fascinating due to its intricate buildings carved straight off into the cliff faces. The famous Treasury is part of this site, as well as Siq and the Lost City. There is a very fine Archaeological Museum in the region too.

How long is a tour such as this? Many visitors will actually be able to travel from Cairo area in the early morning and take in the sites within a single day, though some luxury tour groups provide overnight accommodations for this trip too. Some tours include ferry rides, horseback riding options, and professional guides which all make the experience richer and even more valuable. 

  10 Days: Luxury Tour from Egypt to Jordan
The 10 Days: Luxury Tour from Egypt to Jordan carries guests toward some of the continents most precious places in the lap of luxury. Discover Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Taba, Wadi Rum, and Petra.

10 Days: Egypt and Jordan Budget Holiday
Enjoy ten days of incredible rubber-necking on the Egypt and Jordan Budget Tour. This tour includes Cairo, Luxor, Taba, and Petra Jordan.

Cairo, Egypt Travel Guide • Explore the Capital of Egypt Online

If you are looking for hotels in Cairo then the first thing you must decide is where in Cairo you want to stay. Cairo is Egypt’s largest city, and in fact one of the largest cities in the world. Combined, Cairo holds over 17 million people and even more than that considering the number of tourists.

Cairo Hotels vary greatly in price and location. There are low-rent budget hotels downtown to five star hotels along the Nile River.

Four Districts to Choose from

There are four districts in Cairo to choose from. First, there is the downtown area, which will feature the most modern and affordable of amenities. Downtown Cairo consists of the area of Midan Talaat Harb all the way to Midan Ataba. Midan Tahrir is the center of the modern city and has many big hotels as well as exciting features like the Egyptian Museum. The Midan Ramses is Cairo’s main railway station and has many retail outlets, while Garden City is known as a garden suburb. There is also Historic Cairo, including Islamic Cairo and Old Cairo, just east and south of the downtown area.

Finally, you have to consider the suburbs of Cairo, such as the upscale Dokki and Mohandiseen, the suburbanized areas of Gezira and Zamalek, the tourist-friendly Giza, the conveniently located Heliopolis and Nasr City, and Ma’adi, which is a suburb consisting of many expatriates.

Popular Downtown Cairo, Egypt hotels

What are some of the most popular hotels in Cairo in the downtown area? For budget hotels, you can try the Dahab Hotel, the Garden City Hotel as well as the King Tut Hostel and the Luna Hotel. Keep in mind that many budget downtown hotels are not of the highest caliber, just tacky buys.

The Luna Hotel is said to be one of the best options for budget hotels if not the best. The Berlin Hotel and Grand Hotel are of better quality and somewhat more expensive, though they are hardly the “palace” type hotels you are hoping for.

The Best Cairo Hotels

The best Cairo hotels are in Midan Tahrir and include the Nile Hilton and Semiramis InterContinental Hotel. Midan Ramses has the Ramses Hilton and Windsor Hotel, which are near average, while Garden City boasts American-style sumptuosity at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza and Grand Hyatt Cairo. Islamic Cairo’s Hotel El Hussein offers a fresh but basic hotel stay.

  Hotels in Cairo, Egypt are no different from those elsewhere, and a savvy traveler will investigate any special offerings or extra bonuses before booking a room. For instance, many hotels in Cairo, Egypt can provide a discounted car rental or make special guided tours available to their paying guests. There are also some Cairo hotels that are affiliated with Nile cruise or dinner cruise companies, and special rates can be found through “package” deals.

Egypt Tour Packages: Luxury, Guided, Private & Customizable…

Customizable Egypt tour packages that are affordable, convenient, professionally guided, and completely comprehensive. Wherever you need to be, whatever your budget, and no matter your time frame or personal limitations, the perfect no hassle private package tour of Egypt awaits you right here!