Egypt – Luxor

Luxor is 670 km from Cairo, it is the world’s greatest outdoor museum, riched in awe-inspiring monuments of ancient civilization. It was the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom, it was called “Waset” which means “mace” to express the extreme authority of this city, then the name was changed to Thebes and Homer described it as “City of the Hundred Gates”. Its recent name, Al-Oqsor, which means “The City of Palaces” named by Arabs when they dazzled with its palaces and temples which are still survived by the virtue of its granite and sandstone buildings.
The River Nile divided El-Oqsor into two banks. On the East Bank, the City of Living, Luxor and Karnak Temples greet the sunrise. The sunset on the West Bank throws shadows through the City of the Dead: the Tombs of the Nobles, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut’s Temple, etc.
Today, you can walk through history; to see one third of the world monuments. Ride on a horse-drawn carriage, sail in a felucca, take a sunset cruise or see the city from a hot-air balloon.
Luxor Temple is located in the downtown beside the comiche. It was constructed for the worship of god Amon Ra whose marriage anniversary to his wife (Mut) was celebrated once a year. The construction of the temple dates back to Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the entrance of the temple is a huge pylon constructed by Ramses II. It includes two huge statues representing the king seated. Two obelisks precede the temple, one of them still exists and the other is erected at Concorde Square in Paris. This temple is also famous for its huge columns which end with the shape of papyrus plant, its façade is decorated with inscriptions tell the story of Qadesh battle between Ramses II and Hetties.
Karnak Temples is a complex of temples, it is 3 km from Luxor Temple, known to the ancient Egyptians as “Iput-Isut”, the most imposing of places, Karnak Temples are built on a massive scale. The temple complex covers a hundred acres; its history spans throughout thirteen centuries.
The temples start with the Avenue of Rams which representing god Amon: (symbol of fertility and growth). Beneath the rams’ heads, small statues of Ramses II were carved. This complex consistes of three temples, the biggest part of it dedicated to god “Amon”, the smallest part was for god “khunsu”, Thebes god, but the southern part was for goddess “Mut”.

Egypt – Red Sea coast

Egypt’s Red Sea coast runs from the Gulf of Suez to the Sudanese border for 1080 km. It is one of the God magnificent endowment and its name dates back to the red mountain chains which extended on its sides. Monks seeking seclusion founded early Christian monasteries here, sharing the wilderness with Bedouin tribes. Today, the crags and valleys of the Eastern Desert remain relatively unexplored, home to herds of ibex and gazelle. But the Red Sea itself, dotted with coral reefs, fringed by ancient ports, abounding in underwater life, has a rich maritime history which stretches back through centuries.
The thermal winds that once speed clippers to the east still bring thousands of migrating birds to the shores of the Red Sea, making it a paradise for bird-watchers. Today, the ancient ports are well-known for some of the best diving and fishing resorts in the world. Sunbathers relax on white sand beaches, or find shade in the mangrove lagoons that line the coast, while snorkelers explore the underwater wonders of the Red Sea remains: a living tapestry of vibrant corals and exotic fish, waiting for you to discover its secrets.
Hurghada is 395 km south of Suez, about 500 km from Cairo and is noted for its magnificent summer and winter climate. The clarity of its water made it a centre of tourist attraction especially for divers and practicing water sports because of the worldwide fame of its coral reefs and the rare marine life it enjoys. Visitors can watch the exquisite underwater marine life through well-equipped glass bottom submarines with the most modern international technology. Hurghada has a large number of hotels and tourist resorts of different categories, as well as equipped diving centers offering facilities for aquatic sports, in addition to restaurants and bazaars. There is also the Aquarium which houses the most wonderful marine species especially the mermaid.
Safaga is 65 km south of Hurghada. It is a marine port connected by a regular cruise shuttle service line with Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Safaga city is considered one of the most important therapeutic tourist centers as special medical researchers have proved the potential of attracting international tourism to Safaga. The resort is reputable for its unpolluted atmosphere, black sand-dunes and mineral springs which have acquired specific characteristics for the remedy of rheumatoid and psoriasis.
Marsa Alam is situated 270 km south of Hurghada. It is suitable place for fishing and diving. Due to its proximity to Luxor, it is considered a big tourist centre which gives the tourist a chance to visit the important archaeological sites and enjoy with the fascinating Red Sea and its beautiful beaches.
The international airport of Marsa Alam had been inaugurated with the BOT system which receives charter flights and also the International Anchorage of Ras Ghareb which located about 5 km to the north of Marsa Alam, and is well equipped to receive local and international yachts up to 1000 yachts of different size ranging to 60 m long and 4 m deep.