7 Wonders of Egypt Tour

by Lee Xiang Ning

Egypt is unlike many other places. It is a country rich in antiques, historical artefacts, and adaptable cultures, a beautiful blend of ancient riches and modern cities.

7 amazing wonders have been emphasised to experience in this enormous nation, as is only suitable for a country that is home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Eight Wonders of the Ancient World.

1. Discover the Great Pyramid of Giza with an Egyptologist

Image source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/pyramids-of-giza-egy-giza-giza.htm

As one of the eight wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a must-see on any trip to Egypt. The pyramid is 455 feet tall and was constructed by Pharaoh Khufu, whose reign began approximately 2551 B.C. It is a part of the complex known as the Pyramids of Giza, together with the pyramids of Menkaure and Pharaoh Khafre. Explore the mysterious Sphinx and the halls where the pharaohs met their gods in the afterlife by going deep inside one of the pyramids. Witness a piece of music, light, and audio performance in the evening. To know more about the history of the Pyramid of Giza, it is highly recommended to explore its history with a skilled Egyptologist by your side.

2. The Great Sphinx

Image source: https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/Wiki/great-sphinx-of-giza/

The Great Sphinx also found in Giza, stands 73m tall and represents ancient Egyptian myths and religions. It shows a human head on a lion's body on the Giza plateau and is carved into a solid block of limestone. The head may be that of the pharaoh Khafre, who also had built the second-largest pyramid in Giza. Another theory is that was made to honour the ancient Egyptian sun god, Ra. Its name literally translates to ‘The Father of Dread,’ which perhaps says it all. The Sphinx is similar to many ancient statues that symbolize strength and courage in the Old times and all this information indicates the ancient Egyptian’s interest in art, especially sculpture. It is said that the ancient Egyptians appreciated the art of sculpture, and they always used a lot of ways to make huge statues. The Sphinx is one of the most beautiful statues that were carved in ancient Egypt.

3. Abu Simbel Temples

Image source: https://www.amusingplanet.com/2020/07/the-relocation-of-abu-simbel-temples.html

Abu Simbel temples were originally built out of solid mountain rock along the Nile river. They were commissioned by Ramesses II, the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, who is often regarded as the greatest and the most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom. During his reign, Ramesses II built many temples throughout Egypt and Nubia, particularly Nubia, in order to impress upon the Nubian people the might of the Egyptians.

The Temple of Hathor and Nefertari with its gods and goddesses carved on the rock (Image source: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/egypt-tours/insight-articles/10-wonders-of-ancient-egypt/93 )

Before entering the main temple to take in the amazing collection of carvings, paintings, and statues that are inside, visitors are greeted by four seated pharaohs that are carved onto the outside wall of the structure. Equally impressive was the project was undertaken in the 1960s to relocate both structures from their original site and avoid flooding. The most famous of these are the rock-cut temples near the modern village of Abu Simbel, and this temple takes its place among Egypt’s most notable landmarks.

4. The Valley of the Kings

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The west bank of Luxor had been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC, but it was the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC) who chose this isolated valley dominated by the pyramid-shaped mountain peak of Al Qurn (The Horn). Once called the Great Necropolis of Millions of Years of Pharaoh, or the Place of Truth, the Valley of the Kings has 63 magnificent royal tombs. In the Valley of the Kings, you may find the most pharaohs memorialised in one place, which is a pretty astounding boast for Egypt.

Tomb of Ramesses IV in the Valley of the Kings ( Image by Jakub Kyncl / Shutterstock)

The Valley is a series of tombs, each one honouring a prominent ancient Egyptian figure, that was built over the span of around 500 years. The site has been excavated and preserved for more than 200 years in the modern age, having been kept up until the 11th century BC. The tombs, as well as countless rooms, all with unique designs and lavish interiors that were once stocked with priceless items. One may learn a lot about life and death in ancient Egypt just from the engravings on the walls.

5. Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo

Image source: https://www.viator.com/en-MY/tours/Cairo/Private-Day-Tour-Discover-Coptic-and-Islamic-Cairo/d782-10449P13

The magnificent Islamic Mosque of Muhammad Ali is located in the fortified Cairo Citadel on top of the Moqattam Hills. Muhammad Ali Pasha al-Mas'ud ibn Agha constructed this well-known temple of worship out of limestone in the middle of the nineteenth century. He is considered by many as the founding father of modern Egypt. One main dome and four side domes make up this mosque in the Ottoman style. The mosque is one of the largest in the old Muslim world and the design inside rivals many of the largest cathedrals in Europe. From the Citadel, you can look out to the Giza plateau and see the pyramids on a day when smog is limited. Over 260 feet tall, each of the two minarets. A large portion of Cairo, Egypt can be seen from this iconic building, commonly known as the Alabaster Mosque.

6. Nile River

Image source: https://smartwatermagazine.com/blogs/magical-water-destinations/niles-Hidden-story

The Nile flows through ten countries: Egypt, Burundi, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Southern Sudan until it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, it has two large tributaries that make up the Upper Nile, the White Nile, which is born in East Africa, and the Blue Nile, which emerges in Ethiopia. While the monuments of ancient Egypt are important for remembering what was built, equally fascinating is the river running through its history. No civilisation can flourish without water to sustain itself, something the Nile provided by creating a route for trade and a source of food. Journeying along the river is not only an opportunity to see the sights – many are not far from its banks – but to tap into the consciousness of ancient Egypt. The rising of its tide was attributed to the tears of Isis, one of Egypt’s many myths and customs.

7. Karnak and Luxor

Image source: https://www.happyegypt.com/tours/tour-to-karnak-temple-luxor-temple/

Situated on the east bank of the Nile, Luxor is an ancient city that is positioned on Thebes, the pharaoh’s capital at the height of their power. Karnak Temple has continued to astound those who have seen them, through the richness of its architectural design and decoration, its colossal statues and obelisks and often through the sheer vastness of its scale alone. It covers a truly massive area. Approximately 3 km north of the modern city of Luxor, Karnak requires many precincts and years to come to know it well. Move on to visit Luxor Temple, a special manifestation of the god that was worshipped here. Luxor temple was called the Southern Opet or ‘Place of Seclusion’ and its god Amenemope ‘Amun of the Opet.

It is definitely a trip worth exploring and offers you the opportunity to see Egypt in a different light and to experience its wonders in the meantime.