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Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Introduction EGYPT - the very name conjures images of treasure, mystery and the mighty river Nile, the life blood of this arid country. Egypt has long acted as a magnet for travellers from all over the world, thanks to its fascinating and awe-inspiring monuments, its dramatic landscape and its intrinsic sense of history.

Highlights Summary Slide Cairo Great Pyramid Sphinx Luxor Karnak Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Summary Slide Cairo Great Pyramid Sphinx Luxor Karnak Nile Cruise Valley of the Kings Balloon Trip Highlights

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Cairo The Cairo Museum holds the finest collection of Egyptian antiquities. This includes the fabulous gold treasure of Tutankhamun (New Kingdom XVIII dynasty - ruled 1347-1339 BC).

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Great Pyramid Pyramids were constructed to house the mortal remains of deceased pharaohs and nobles; those built for the pharaohs are the largest. The largest and most famous of Egypt’s many pyramids, The Great Pyramid of Cheops, is one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the majority of pyramids have smooth sides, the earliest known structure at Saqqara is called the Step Pyramid, because of its shape. How the Great Pyramid was built is a question that may never be answered. Some believe slave labour was used, but another theory is that peasants, who were unable to work the land while the Nile flooded between July and November, built it. They may have been paid with food for their labour.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Sphinx Just a short distance from the Great Pyramid is the Great Sphinx, a creature with a human head and a lion's body. The name 'sphinx' which means 'strangler' was first given by the Greeks to a fabulous creature which had the head of a woman and the body of a lion and the wings of a bird. The sphinx appears to have started in Egypt in the form of a sun god. The Egyptian sphinx is usually a head of a king wearing his headdress and the body of a lion. There are, however, sphinxes with ram heads that are associated with the god Amun. At Luxor, an avenue of sphinxes leads to the Temple of Luxor.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Karnak The temple of Karnak, dedicated to the god Amon, is one of the most awe-inspiring monuments of Egypt. The gigantic pillars making up the Hypostyle Hall are covered in ancient texts and a massive pylon, or gateway, leads to the road to nearby Luxor.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Luxor Luxor lies on the east bank of the Nile and was, in Egypt’s splendid past, the ancient city of Thebes, which also incorporated the nearby Temple of Amon at Karnak. The Temple of Luxor was built mainly by Amenophis III (New Kingdom XVIII dynasty - ruled 1405-1367 BC) and Ramesses II; this grand temple must have been one of the finest in Egypt. Although of lesser importance than Karnak, it played a major part in the worship of Amun Ra (Sun God), his wife Mut and their son Khonosu (Moon God).

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Nile Cruise Relax, while travelling at a leisurely pace, passing lush fields, date palms and houses with multicoloured doors and windows. Children wave as the cruiser sails majestically past them. There are big bunches of water hyacinth floating downstream, complete with birds such as storks, enjoying the ride. The Nile is also home to crocodiles and hippos, once revered by the Ancient Egyptians.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Aswan At Aswan it is possible take a ride on a felucca, a traditional sailboat, around several islands. From Aswan there is an optional trip to Abu Simbel, to see the great temple of Ramesses II. Other excursions include a trip to the Temple of Isis at Philae, one of the most beautiful temples occupying a unique location on an island. The Aswan High Dam was a great irrigation project that changed life in Egypt and influenced its history for a long time, economically and politically. On Elephantine Island (named after the shape of the rocks) there is a beautiful Botanical Garden.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Valley of the Kings The sun that sets on the West Bank of the Nile marks the traditional burial ground of the Pharaohs, their Queens and families. After crossing the Nile, you pass through the sugar plantations, then into the acrid desert to the stillness of the Valley of the Kings with the awe-inspiring tombs of the Pharaohs.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Valley of the Queens The Valley of the Queens contains the tombs of both queens and royal children. View the tomb of the son of Ramesses III (New Kingdom XX), which vividly depicts the Pharaoh introducing his son the deities. There are between 75 and 80 tombs in the Valley of the Queens. These belong to Queens of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Hatshepsut The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut (New Kingdom XVIII dynasty - ruled 1490-1468 BC) at Deir el-Bahari is built on a grand scale, in a series of terraces with stark colonnades, it blends beautifully with the mountainside.

Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Balloon Trip Rise early for a dawn lift off and enjoy an exotic breakfast in the desert. The one hour flight reaches an altitude of 1000 feet, providing an excellent view of things that cannot be seen from the ground and showing you Egypt from a very different aspect. This is an excursion not to be missed!

Average Cairo Temperatures Egyptian Odyssey Ltd Average Cairo Temperatures