Beyond Giza – 4 Incredible Destinations and Experiences in Egypt
March 4, 2017/
From the lush Nile Valley to the dry desert dunes, Egypt is a land of beauty and contrasts. Here you can experience the history and culture of the Ancient Egyptians that lived so long ago and immerse yourself in the world of Egyptology and adventure. But what is there to see beyond just the Pyramids? Here are 4 amazing destinations and activities to experience the real culture and history of Egypt beyond Giza.
Luxor
Located in the heart of Egypt, Luxor is a perfect place to experience the real culture and see some of the most impressive and stunning sites in the whole country. Here you can find Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and many more incredible places. Karnak Temple is the 2nd biggest complex of temples in the world and was once the cultural center and capital of religion in ancient Egypt.
Valley of the Kings is a perfect place to see ancient tombs of kings that lived thousand of years ago and have a real Indiana Jones experience. Decorated with intricate designs and hieroglyphics, these tombs became famous after the exciting discovery of the boy king – Tutankhamun. Luxor is my favorite city in all of Egypt and a perfect place to have as a home base for further adventures and day trips.
Inside Luxor Temple
My mom and dad inside an ancient tomb – near Valley of the Kings
Go on a Nile Cruise
The more luxurious and exciting way to adventure throughout Egypt is a cruise down the Nile to enjoy the beauty, peace, and serenity of the river. As you sail along the river, each day you can stop at different temples or archeological sites, experience different cities and see the real life of local Egyptians. While cruising, I saw how incredibly beautiful and magical Egypt is and I got to see the real life of the country and the incredible people that live in it.
Saqqara and Dashur
While the Great Pyramids in Giza are a must-see, for a more peaceful and local experience, the pyramids of Saqqara and Dashur are unforgettable. The Step Pyramid in Saqqara is older that the other pyramids and is in fact the oldest one in existence in Egypt. The famous Imhotep created the idea of the pyramid, an inspirational man also known as the greatest architect of all time. Saqqara was so rustic and peaceful compared to Giza and a better option for anyone who wants to really enjoy the mystical history of ancient Egypt.
Saqqara Pyramid
In Dashur there are two very famous pyramids – the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. These two stunning monuments were both built about 4600 years ago (before the Pyramids in Giza) and are more intact than any of the others I have seen. The Bent Pyramid was constructed around 2600 BC and has a very unique shape. It is called bent because the angle of the pyramid changed half way through, giving it the appearance of being bent. The reason for this is still a mystery to the world. Some say that they changed the angle half way through construction after realizing that it was too steep, while others think that this was no mistake, but cannot find a reason behind it. The Red Pyramid was constructed after and is made with yellow and red bricks, giving it its name. My sister, brother, and dad went inside the tomb at the heart of the pyramid, and it is said to be the deepest tomb of them all!
The Bent PyramidThe steps up to enter the Red Pyramid – the deepest pyramid in the world!
Aswan
Aswan, situated on the northern part of the First Cataract of the Nile, is a beautiful city that once was a gateway to Nubia (modern Sudan) and a crossroad of cultures. Here you can take a boat out to an island to visit the beautiful Philae Temple, learn about the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, as well as experience the real life and culture of the Nubian people. From Aswan you can drive through the desert to visit the magnificent temple Abu Simbel, just 3 hours away. Aswan is a very beautiful and peaceful city to relax and enjoy the culture of Egypt.
My name is Kaitlin and I love to travel, write, and volunteer. I am 17 years old and have been traveling my entire life with my family. I was born in Amsterdam and also lived in Los Angeles, Dusseldorf, Paris, and Rome all by the time I was seven. For the next 7 years, I lived in Venice, Italy – yet in September 2013, my family went back on the road for an open-ended journey to see the world. So far we have visited 56 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and North and South America. My greatest joy is meeting and helping others as we travel and sharing their stories through my writing – opening hearts and minds to the realities and amazing people of the world. Join me on my journey at TravelinKait.com
Have you ever been to Egypt? What was your experience there?
Melissa Northway, M.S. is a mom, founder of dandelion moms, and a children’s book author. Her award-winning book Penelope the Purple Pirate was inspired by her little tomboy. Penelope is a modern-day Pippi Longstocking who teaches girls and boys the importance of having fun while at the same time teaching them to be kind and respectful of others and their differences. Dandelion moms was created for moms to share their stories and to inspire and be inspired! You can reach Melissa at: info@dandelionmoms.com and follow her @melissanorthway and @dandelionmoms. Check out her author web site at: www.melissanorthway.com, as she hands out loads of goodies from the treasure chest.
My name is Kaitlin and I love to travel, write, and volunteer. I am 17 years old and have been traveling my entire life with my family. I was born in Amsterdam and also lived in Los Angeles, Dusseldorf, Paris, and Rome all by the time I was seven. For the next 7 years, I lived in Venice, Italy – yet in September 2013, my family went back on the road for an open-ended journey to see the world. So far we have visited 56 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and North and South America. My greatest joy is meeting and helping others as we travel and sharing their stories through my writing – opening hearts and minds to the realities and amazing people of the world. Join me on my journey at TravelinKait.com
