egypt
The mid-19th century Mosque of Muhammad Ali in the Cairo Citadel
Clockwise from right : A waiter preparing a shisha at Naguib Mahfouz
Cafe in Cairo ; Great Sphinx of Giza and the Pyramid of Khafre ; mint tea in the capital ’ s Khan el-Khalili souk Previous pages : Karnak Temple , Luxor
Herodotus called Egypt the gift of the Nile . This river — the longest in the world — flows through the country from south ( Upper Egypt ) to north ( Lower Egypt ) for the final 900 of its 4,000-plus miles . It was the fundamental life force of the Nile that gave rise to the glories of Ancient Egypt .
This 12-day land and cruise journey is a showcase of Egypt ’ s treasures . It includes a round-trip seven-night cruise from Luxor , travelling through Upper Egypt ’ s languid Nile Valley , taking in the region ’ s world-famous painted tombs and Nile-side temples . Plus , four nights in Cairo promises enough time for history-lovers to steep themselves in the fascinating heritage in and around Egypt ’ s capital .
Journey highlights include a full day dedicated to exploring the pyramid fields of Giza and Saqqara , an exclusive tour into the vividly painted burial chambers of Seti I ’ s tomb in Luxor , and a stop in Qena , to admire Egypt ’ s most magnificently decorated temple . images : awl images ; alamy
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