Cairo sits at the southern tip of the fertile Nile delta overlooking the Giza Plateau, home to the magnificent Pyramids and the unforgettable Sphinx. Standing for over 4,500 years the pyramids have been attracting tourists for thousands of years. Indeed, the ancient Greeks and later Romans marvelled at the constructions and more recently wealthy Europeans from the Victorian era re-ignited interest in the region.

The majority of visitors to Egypt originally came to see the three major Pyramids on the Plateau which provide an unforgettable memory for anyone who sees them. The biggest of them all, the Great Pyramid was constructed as the resting place of Pharaoh Khufu and stands at an impressive 455 feet tall. It held the title of tallest building in the world for a staggering 3,800 years before being surpassed by the spire of Lincoln Cathedral in the 14th century.

Latterly the development of stunning Red Sea resorts, most noticeably Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada has offered an alternative to sightseeing. Although the most recognisable of Egyptian monuments overlook Cairo, many other ancient monuments are found dotted along the banks of the Nile. Because of the distances involved connecting the attractions of Cairo, the Nile and the Red Sea resorts, many people choose Egypt holidays that combine seven days cruising the Nile aboard a luxury vessel, taking in all the major tourist spots before heading for a week’s rest and recreation at a luxury resort on the Red Sea.

Amongst the ‘must-visit’ sites along the Nile is the Valley of the Kings. For five centuries between the 16th and 11th century BC it was the final resting place for Pharaohs and nobles, most noticeably Rameses III and Tutankhamun, whose gold and jewel-encrusted death mask, and many other relics retrieved from the tomb can be viewed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The Valley of the Queens, containing queens and nobles from the same era is found close by.

Nearby Luxor, on the opposite bank of the Nile is also an important stop-off for cruises. Here is found the Temple of Karnak and the remains of the ancient city of Thebes, collectively often described as the world’s greatest open air museum. There is little doubt that the best way to see the best of ancient Egypt is by cruising the Nile, finishing at the Pyramids in Cairo. If you are tempted to get on board a Nile cruise, splash out a little and do it in style – you won’t regret it!

Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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