1. Siwa Oasis
Located in the Libyan Desert, Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s isolated settlements, with 23,000 people, mostly ethnic Berbers. Located on an old date trade route, Siwa was an oasis vital to the trade route, as the natural springs and shade giving palm trees gave travelers respite from the desert. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Siwa began its decline. In recent decades tourism has become a vital source of income.
2. Giza Necropolis
The Pyramids of Giza, situated in the immediate vicinity of the
southwestern suburbs of Cairo are the undisputable top attractions in
Egypt. The pyramids at Giza were built over the span of three
generations – by Khufu, his second reigning son Khafre, and Menkaure.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is an awe-inspiring 139 meters (455 feet)
high making it the largest pyramid in Egypt, although nearby Khafre’s
Pyramid appears to be larger as it is build at a higher
3. Karnak
Although badly ruined, few sites in Egypt are more impressive than
Karnak. It is the largest ancient religious site ever built, and
represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian
builders. The Temple of Karnak actually consists of three main temples,
smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about 2.5
kilometers north of Luxor. One of most famous structures of Karnak is
the Hypostyle Hall, a hall area of 5,000 m2 (50,000 sq ft) with 134
massive columns arranged in 16 rows.
4. Nile river
Cruising
the Nile is a popular way of visiting upper Egypt. The Nile River has
been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to
trace the passage of Egypt’s history than to follow the course of the
Nile. Almost all Egyptian cruise ships travel the Luxor-Aswan route
which is safe, scenic and terminates at two of Egypt’s most important
towns. Taking a Felucca down the Nile is an adventurous option. Feluccas
are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity.
5. Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock-cut
temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The twin
temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign
of Pharaoh Ramesses The Great in the 13th century BC, as a lasting
monument to himself and his queen Nefertari. The complex was relocated
in its entirety in the 1960s, when the temples were threatened by
submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the Aswan High
Dam. Abu Simbel remains one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions.
5 popular tourist destination in Egypt
