Regarded as one of the most historically important countries in the world, the enigmatic and diverse culture that visitors experience on their holidays to Egypt continues to fascinate the thousands of people who visit every month. Whether you go to Egypt for the culture, the food, the history or simply the exotic ambience of cities like Cairo and Alexandria, there are certain ‘must see’ sights that you cannot miss. The unbelievable architectural feat of the Pyramids, the mystery of the haunting Valley of the Kings, or the awesome, monumental ruins at Karnak; these attractions are the core of Egypt’s intriguing story. However holidays to Egypt also offer unique experiences that are not so well known, with a whole new set of adventures to discover after dark.
A Sunset Felucca Cruise
Cruising down the Nile in a Felucca – an ancient Egyptian sail boat, as the blazing desert sun slips slowly beneath the horizon, is one of those magical ‘once in a lifetime’ excursions that will stay in your memory forever. As holidays to Egypt are usually fairly active with so much to see and do in a short time, treating yourself to a sunset cruise can be a welcome respite. Lay back and listen to the soft swish of the water as you glide past traditional houses and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who make their homes by the banks of the mighty Nile.
The Karnak Light Show
Visiting Karnak during the day is one thing, but to see it under the guise of night is an amazing spectacle. The famous Karnak Light and Sound show has become almost compulsory for foreign tourists on holidays to Egypt, but far from being a clichéd experience, it is completely enthralling and you will be captivated from the very first moment. Wander around the ancient ruined city as the narrator unveils the story of the ancient city of Thebes and the lives of the Pharaohs. As you stand beneath the colossal pillars you will be transfixed. In an intricate display of light and sound, the hallowed ruins of Karnak are transformed as the lights reflect off the inscrutable waters of the Nile and up into the night sky.
A Moonlit Horseback Ride around the Pyramids
The cool breeze of evening… the stars shining overhead… the silhouetted forms of the Pyramids before you… and a steady muffled thud of your horse’s hooves on the desert floor… sound tempting? The experience is every bit as wonderful as it sounds and if you are lucky enough to be on holidays in Egypt during a full moon, it will be even more magical. Evenings are the best times to take a ride around the Pyramids. There are less people, it is much cooler and the atmosphere at night is completely different. It seems somehow fitting and more reverent to visit these incredible monuments in repose without all the fuss that surrounds them during the day. You have time to contemplate the magnificent accomplishment of their construction and the mysterious myths and legends that surround them.
Author Resource:
Claire Bryant is an Egypt holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering holidays to Egypt (http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/egypt/ ) as well as holidays to the Indian Ocean, the Far East, Cuba and the Caribbean, Southern Africa, Italy & the Mediterranean, Canada, Australia and the Pacific. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.