by Jason Briggs,
If sitting around the pool in your hotel catching a tan, drinking cocktails doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, why not get out and explore all the wonderful sites, tastes, wild-life of this great country. If you see yourself going on A Egypt holiday, then get out and explore the sites and it will not disappoint. Here are some of the Best places to visit in Egypt:
* Photo – Great sphinx of Giza
Great Sphinx of Giza
The Sphinx that lies on the west bank of the Nile in Giza and faces the rising sun is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Egypt and the world. The mythical beast is made up of a lion’s body and a humans head, the face is generally believed to represent the Pharaoh Khafre. It stands at 66 ft high and 241 ft long, it is believed that it was built by ancient Egyptians during the reign of Khafre. Although it has never been certain when it was built and by who and is still debated today.
Great Pyramid of Giza
* Photo – Valley of the Kings, Luxor
The Pyramid of Giza also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is listed on the seven wonders of the Ancient World, and the oldest out of all seven, also the best preserved it’s the one that remains largely intact. It is believed that it was built as a tomb, and the pyramid is built up of three chambers, the first is underground, the second which is the queen’s chamber is located just above ground. The third is located almost exactly in the centre of the pyramid and this is called the Kings chamber. Tourists can enter this Great structure via the Robbers Tunnel dug by work men around AD 820. There are stones that block the Ascending passage and access to the descending passage is forbidden. You can’t really grasp the true magnificence of this Landmark until you visit it for yourself.
Valley of the Kings, Luxor
A period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to the 11th century BC, tombs and chamber were built for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley is situated along the west bank of the Nile near Luxor. It is known for the valley to be home to 63 tombs and chambers. The most famous tomb found in modern times is the Tomb of Tutankhamun, and is now one of the most famous archaeological sites in the entire world. Tourists are allowed to visit the Valley although most of the tombs aren’t open for tourists; there are 18 tombs that can be visited but are not often opened all at the same time. No photos allowed in the tombs and you must be quiet and in single file to prevent damage to this tombs. Most days of the week an average of 4 to 5 thousand people visit the main valley. The Valley of the Kings was named a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower is the tallest building in Egypt also North Africa standing at 187 Metres, and has been for about 50 years. The capsule at the tomb of the building is a revolving restaurant, cafeteria and an outdoor viewing deck. It is the best way to see the Countries capital, while eating and enjoying the panoramic views of the city. The architecture of this building was partially evoked by the Lotus plant which is an iconic symbol of Ancient Egypt.
Ras Muhammad National Park
* Photo-Ras Muhammad National Park
The National park is located at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The park is famous with divers who want to explore the wildlife under the sea. There are more than 220 different species of coral in the park; Shark reef and Yolanda reef are two of the most famous spots as well as a few others. Just off the coast of the park is the wreckage of SS Thistlegorm, with bits visible to divers who decide to explore the wreckage.
Ras Muhammed National Park is home to lots of wildlife, and has more than 1000 species of fish, 150 different crustaceans, 40 species of star fish and 25 species of sea urchins. With a wide number of exotic sea-life it doesn’t only stop there, Sea turtles can often be seen here such as the green turtle or the hawksbill turtle. The amount of life and clear vision in the National park has made it one of the best diving spots in the world.