Walking and Touring like an Egyptian

Talking about Egypt will likely spark images of pyramids, pharaohs, cats and camels in your mind. However, it is no secret that Egypt is definitely one of the best tourist destinations in the world. So if you’re ready to pack and your bags and travel to Egypt on your honeymoon, here is a quick history lesson about the country and possibly the best places to go to make your trip a very memorable one.

Based on latest statistics, Egypt’s population is the fifteenth highest in the world with 76.5 million and is the second most populated nation in Africa. The majority of its people reside along the Nile River’s banks despite the area’s miniscule agricultural land.  In addition, major portions of the Sahara Desert have remained inhabited with most people already living in the urban regions.

Egypt’s attractiveness to tourists is mainly based on its ancient civilization and it features some of the most ancient significant monuments such as the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Giza Pyramids. In addition the Luxor is home to numerous renowned ancient artifacts including the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.

Cairo Citadel

The Citadel in Cairo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. The Citadel is also known as Mohamed Ali Citadel, as it houses the mosque of Mohamed Ali, which was constructed in the 17th century. The Citadel is also known for the cool breeze that envelopes the areas and great view of the city when a visitor reaches the peak of the facility.

It has also served as a seat of Government but was stopped when rules Khedive Ismail constructed and transferred it to the Abdin Palace in Ismailiya in the 1860s. The Citadel also houses the National Military Museum, the Al-Gawhara palace and the Police Museum.

Giza Pyramids

The Giza Pyramids have remained among the most astounding structures in the world and stands as the most enduring symbols of Ancient Egypt. Archeologists believe that such structures were build to serve as burial monuments for people related with Egyptian royalty in ancient times. Most of the pyramids were constructed during the Old and Middle Kingdom eras.

Around 80 to 110 pyramids stand today in the country but the number continue to grow as archeologists continue studies on various areas of Egypt. It also believed that the smaller pyramids that are deteriorating are just leftovers of once gigantic structures.   

Giza, which is on the southern outskirts of Cairo is home of the Pyramid of Khufu, while the smaller Pyramid of Khafre, and the relatively medium-sized Pyramid of Menkaure and several smaller satellite structures dubbed leens pyramids, and the widely popular Great Sphinx.

Only Khafre's pyramid has retained a portion of its original limestone casing, going up to its apex. The Khafre pyramid is supposedly bigger that the nearby Khufu pyramid due to it being situated in a more elevated spot, and the sharper angle of inclination of its base.

The Giza Necropolis is believed to be the most popular tourist spot in the world today given its antiquity. The structure was made popular in Hellenistic times when Antipater of Sidon listed it, as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Pyramids remains one of the ancient Wonders still standing strong.

Abu Simbel Temple

The Abu Simbel Temple features two huge rock temples in Egypt. Located on Lake Nasser’s western bank, the Abu Simbel Temple is approximately 290 km southwest of Aswan. The structure is also part of the “Nubian Movements” of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The massive rock temples were made during the time of Pharaoh Ramessess II during 13th century BC and were designed to serve as a lasting monument of the ruler and queen Nefertari. The complex was transferred on an artificial hill in the 1960s from a domed facility above the reservoir dam of Aswan.

Abu Simbel has been one of Egypt’s leading tourist attractions for decades will likely continue in the future.

Egypt is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Planning a trip there will require a lot of research given the plethora of beautiful destinations. Whatever site you select to visit, it is almost a guarantee that you’ll be awed by the beauty and wonders of the land, and will have a honeymoon you will never forget.