The Nile Egypt Holidays
When you think of Egypt, after the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the desert you automatically think of the Nile. The entire land of Egypt is shaped by The Nile, the world longest river and can be divided into the Lower Nile, Luxor including the West Bank, the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings and then the Upper Nile. As the length of the Nile covers some 4160 miles, the area takes into consideration many of the key attractions to Egypt.
The Lower Nile is located south of Cairo and houses such highlights as the El Faiyum which is an ancient oasis near the Nile with haunting desert landscape and numerous traditional villages. The Abydos is another site not to be missed and is a dramatic temple complex which dates as far back as to the reign of Seti I. The Dendera is a prodigious temple to Hathor and is a Roman temple and Christian basilica. You can also visit the much injured Temple of Rameses II. Although the roof of this temple has collapsed, it is still worth a visit for historical value.
The Upper Nile offers the traveller another fantastic glimpse in the ancient land of Egypt. The upper Nile is situated south of Luxor and the river here narrows quite a bit and so the town and villages become smaller. The main highlights of the Upper Nile are the Temple of Philae, the Temples of Abu and Simbel and the Temple of Horus.
The Temple of Horus was completed in the time of Ptolemy XIII (the father of Cleopatra). The massive 118ft entrance is marked with two large falcons that are the sacred birds of Horus. Contained by the temple is the Sanctuary of Horus, the inner chamber of the falcon headed god.
The Nubia Museum is another focal point which should be visited. Located near the south end of the town the museum houses many historical artefacts and is thought to be the best Egyptian Museum in Egypt. The crafts of Nubia as well as the amazing art is on display for you to take pleasure in.
The Great Temple of Ramases II is one of the most visited sights in Egypt . The impressive four gargantuan seated figures of Ramases II guard the entrance to Great Temple and each is sat on a carved pedestal and reach an enormous 68ft high. At the entrance stands the sun god Ra . This is truly a sight to behold and represents all that is wonderful about the ancient and beautiful land of Egypt.
Just next to the Great Temple of Rameses II is the Temple of Hathor. This prominent and significant temple is guarded by six 33ft statues of Ramases, his queen Nefertari, and their sons and daughters. Atop of the six towering pillars is the head of the goddess Hathor and makes such an imposing impact on you that you are left humbled at such a spectacular visual feast.
