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the story of Tutankhamon.wmv

NUBIA SITES GUIDE AND LAKE NASSER

The area to the south of Kom Ombo until the Sisal Mountains in the south of the Nile valley is basically known as Nubia, Nubia is divided into two parts:

Upper Nubia which is part of Sudan now, and lower Nubia which the most southern part of Egypt and ends up in to Wadi Halfa

It was in our modern time that attention was given to this part of Egypt since the construction of the Aswan first dam and then flowed by the Aswan high dam, ever since that time the eyes of the Egyptologists over the world turned to this site.

The etymology of the name of Nubia is uncertain but some researchers believe it is derived from the ancient Egyptian word Nbu, meaning gold, referring to the gold mines for which Nubia was famous. .the ancient Egyptian texts have no reference to this name, but they referred to Nubia generally as Ta-seti, meaning the land of the Bow, a clear reference to the weapon favoured by the Nubians

Since the old kingdom time in the ancient Egyptian history and Nubian is a very important commercial route for African trade, it was rich with gold, fine stones and temper. 

At the times of the 6th dynasty ancient Egyptians send expedition to upper Nubia to trade and to bring more of Nubian people who have been employed into the army. 

At the time of the middle kingdom the more military expedition were sent to control bigger areas of Nubia and prevent immigrants to come t Egypt expect for trade.

T the time of the new kingdom especially at the 18th dynasty, more of these campaigns were sent to Nubia to secure the northern borders of Egypt. Kind Thutmosis II took over the city of Dongula which is located at the fourth cataract , he added a new principality to the country by appointed new ruler for Kosh, it was also the time where many of the Egyptian monuments where constructed ,

At the end of the new kingdom the province of Nubia was controlled directly by the priests of god Amon. They established cult centre in the city of Nabat for god Amon Ra.

At the seventh century AD the capital of Kosh moved from the city of Nabata to the city of Morei, and the influence of the ancient Egyptian civilization stated to fade gradually

At the Greco-Roman times, the area had once again flourished, and many temples were built or rebuilt at this time

In the roman times the many roman emperors have sent military campaigns to suppress the Belimy tribes who have waged many raids on the southern provinces of Egypt.

When Christianity became the prevailing religion in Egypt many christen monasteries were built down in Nubia and many of the Nubian monuments were converted into churches. Including the temples of Philae and the temples of Dendour ,Tafa, Beit EL Wali, Gerf Housian, and Wadi Es-sebua. 

With the spread of Christianity through Nubia pagan believes began to dwindle together with Morai culture, a new age was beginning, in which the Christianity played an important rule, during the eight and ninth, Nubia enjoyed growth and prosperity in both political and cultural sphere, at the rate which had not been enjoyed for a longtime.

Since Nubian church was affiliated at that time to that of Egypt, the Coptic patriarch at Alexandria was acknowledged as its head many churches, monasteries and cathedrals were built often modeled on the basilica type which was common in the Byzantine Empire

At Kasr Ibrim , the ruins of a church probably dating from the second half of the fifth century AD, yielded some Coptic texts on fragments of papyrus and parchment dating fifth to tenth century AD, Qasr Ibrim was the seat of the patriarch of Nubia . 

Folk heritage of Nubia:

Because of it s long cultural history, the folk heritage of Nubia is rich, varied and wonderfully original. It is has distinctive features since its the result of there mingled groups that make up the Nubian people, the Kenzi who speak the Matouki language and the Fadija who speak their own language, and the tribe of Aliqat who moved to Nubia from the Sinai on the 18th century.

Nubian fold heritage naturally includes building, furniture m arts, crafts , jewelry and costumes

Houses: 

The Nubian houses are built of stone, clay and sand; the roofs are commonly built of Jareed and grain stalks, the roofs of the well- to –do are arched domes of clay bricks. The flowers are covered with clean sand and house hold utensils for everyday use hang from the ceiling.

The walls of the house especially the façade are decorated with ornaments and paintings of flags, flowers birds and animals. Crockery is often used for wall decorations; a plate usually occupies the centre of the facade. 

A Nubian house is usually composed of:

- The entrance hall opens court.
- Domed bedrooms
- The store
- The kitchen and the toilet 

Amulets, charms, talismans:

Nubian use amulets, Charms and talismans for good luck and protection form the evil eye; some are painted on walls on form of scorpions, eyes or triangles.

Some are made of breaded beads, shells or hair which hang on he post of the bed, or hang thickly form the ceiling. Baskets made of palm branches and decorated with white shells hanging from the ceiling may have the same function. 

Dancing: 

Nubian folk dancing is practiced in groups by women and men of all ages. A number of folk dances are performed in seasons of sowing and harvest, in prayer for prosperity and more crops.

Marriage and birth:

In Nubia marriage is usually the responsibility of the parts and also uncles shared the responsibility. Because kinship in Nubia is both patriarchal and matriarchal.

The most common marriage is between cousins and sometimes is obligatory. The pride dowry at that case is much lower than what an outsider would have to pay. The amount varies in different tribes. Presents and money gifts are given to both families to help with expenses which usually very high for wedding.

Since the Nile plays a very important rule in Nubian culture, the couple have to go down to the river an on their wedding night and wash into water to ensure prosperity good health and numerous progeny.

When a male child is born, the birth is celebrated on the seventh day with the slaughter of sheep or more. Recital of Quaran and the boy is given a name. But when the child is a female they only invite close friends and go to the Nile bank where the baby is named.

Nubian art and its symbols: 

Nubian art reflects Nubian culture many of it symbols and motives are significant experiencing of folk traditions and supper stations, this can be easily seen in tattoos and wall painting that decorate the façade and entrances halls of many Nubian houses, these symbols recur in the designs of bead works and many kind of baskets, mate ..etc

- Sward in the Nubian culture stands for courage and heroic achievements .

- Stars and crescent are Islamic symbols of good fortune.

- The black cat, crows and owls carry bad omens

- Roses and flowers in general stands for friendship and love

- The apple stands for feminine attraction

- Prayer rug stands for purity and chastity

Saving Nubian monuments:

When the high dame was built, the rising water of lake Nasser threaten to flood the many Nubian monuments, there fore a worldwide reuse campaign at the time attempted to save all Nubian monuments . Thanks to the collaboration of many different nations under the supervision of the Unesco, we were able to save many monuments:

the best price for Egypt holiday packages

13 Nights/14 Days
4 nights Cairo, 2 night sleeping train, 7 nights Nile Cruise
Package p.p in DBL: USD 795
Moevenpick Pyramids or similar
Presidential Nile cruise or similar

Day 1 – Cairo
upon arrival to Cairo, you will be met by Chrismar Travel representative in Egypt and transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Day 2 – Cairo (Pyramids, Museum)
After breakfast your private Egyptologist tour guide and driver will pick you up and start your tour. Drive to Giza and visit the Pyramids. See the Great Pyramid, a royal burial chamber and the Sphinx. Lunch en route. Visit the Egyptian Museum; this houses a magnificent collection of Pharaonic antiquities, especially the golden treasures of Tut Ankh Amun. Transfer to the train station. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 3– Luxor
Arrival Luxor. After breakfast, our representative will pick up you for embarkation on your Nile Cruise. Lunch on board. Free day at leisure. Dinner and overnight on board (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Luxor (Karnak & Luxor Temple)
Breakfast on board, free day at leisure. In the afternoon you will visit the great Luxor Temple and the magnificent Karnak Temple of Amun with its famous Hypostyle Hall and the 134 huge columns, the Statue of Ramses II, the Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut and the Sacred Lake. Overnight in Luxor (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Luxor (West Bank)
In the morning your sightseeing in Luxor includes the West Bank (Thebes) where some of the richest treasures in the world exists, including the Tomb of Tut Ankh Amun (optional) and other royal tombs including Ramses VI in the Valley of the Kings, you will be able to visit some of these tombs,Visit Hatshepsut funerary temple at Dier El Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. Then transfer back to your Cruise for lunch. In the afternoon you will sail through the locks of Esna to Edfu and dinner on board and Overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Cruise (Edfu & Kom-Ombo)
In the morning, visit the Horus Temple of Edfu, one of the three beautiful temples of the Ptolemaic Period. Sail to Kom Ombo, where you will visit the Sobek Temple, dedicated to the two gods, which offers beautiful murals and reliefs. Sail to Aswan and Overnight (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Aswan (High Dam, Philae, Felucca)
after breakfast you will visit the High Dam, and the Granite Quarries and the Philae Temple. In the afternoon you will sail on an Egyptian felucca around Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum. Overnight in Aswan (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Aswan / Kom Ombo/ Edfu 
After breakfast, free day at leisure, sail to Kom Ombo, sail to Edu. Overnight in Edfu (B, L, D)
Day 9 – Edfu/Esna/ Luxor
Breakfast, sail to Esna. P.m sail to Luxor, dinner and overnight on board (B, L, D)
Day 10– Luxor / Cairo
After breakfast, disembarkation from the ship, transfer to the station to take the train back to Cairo. (B, D)
Day 11 – Cairo
Breakfast, our representative will pick up you and transfer to your hotel.
Free day at leisure. (B)
Day 12 & 13 – Cairo
Free day at leisure. (B)
Day 14 – Cairo
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

 

What's Included	What's Not Included
Meet and Assist at the airport. 4 nights accommodation in Cairo based on bed and breakfast. 1 day touring in Cairo with lunch. 7 nights Nile Cruise accommodation based on Full-board. 2 nights sleeping train CAI/LXR/CAI   All transfers in private Deluxe A/C Bus. Baggage handling and portage. Sightseeing with entry fees as mentioned. Private English Guide/Egyptologist. Service and local taxes.	Meals not mentioned. All Drinks. Any additional requests.  Domestic and International flights Tips ( Driver, Representative & Guide ) Entry Visa $ 20 USD.

 

the sun passes over the Karnak temple

The phenomenon confirms that the ancient Egyptians were fully aware of the movement of the earth around the sun , testifies next Saturday December 21 the sun passes over the Holy of Holies in the temples of Karnak in Luxor, the god Amun-Re , and Qarun in Fayoum god Sobek -Ra .

Although both temples built on the axis of Engineering is moving towards the horizon , which rises from the sun on December 21 , adding that the temple yen greeted with open sunlight in the day , which represents when the ancient Egyptians rejoicing the birth of the sun god Ra great , and the beginning of the road or separation germination of wheat and barley , It is the beginning of the winter solstice astronomically .

He pointed out that the BRIC official celebration of the phenomenon began in 2010, and said that the sun lying directly above the Holy of Holies in the temple of Karnak for 3 days , while lying directly above the Holy of Holies on the Temple Qarun for one day.

He added that the phenomenon also repeated on June 21 , which marks the beginning of summer, astronomer , and represents the beginning of the harvest season when theancient Egyptians .

ask for the best holidays offers ,about Egypt

Experience the colors of Egypt with look At Egypt tours

1-Adventures and Safari: Venture deep into the desert; safaris to Western Desert oases, the stunning Great Sand Sea desert and the Sinai desert are engrossing adventures. Rev your engine, quad biking in the Eastern Desert is a rush. Hiking the mountains of the Sinai is a gripping experience.  Camping in the White Desert is surreal.

Discover the unexpected diving from the coasts of Egypt

See our collection of adventure itineraries  on our site and attractions to start planning your very own adventure in Egypt.  Get an overview of the attractions that will get your thirst for discovery quenched or your adrenaline pumping.

2-Culture: Egypt offers you a rich cultural experience that spans thousands of years of history and the continuous practice of age old traditions. Walk into the vestibules of the ancients; explore Ancient Egyptian temples, tombs and other monuments. Get lost in time, visit museums that display thousands of ancient artifacts such as coins, ceramic art, busts of ancient emperors, mosaics, sarcophagi and mummies. Get enchanted by Ancient Egyptian myths during a sound and light show at the Temple of Philae or Abu-Simbel.  Immerse yourself in the spectacle that is Egypt.

3- Experience Spirituality

Soul Searching in Egypt Retreat from the daily demands of everyday living; take a spiritual retreat to receive spiritual renewal. The stillness of ancient places of worship, the serene settings of Egypt and the calm of a few restful days are the hallmarks of a vacation that allows you to open your mind to thoughts that rarely see the light of day Visit Coptic churches, cathedrals and monasteries to discover another side of Egypt. Attend mass to witness the timeless Coptic liturgy. Go on a pilgrimage to St. Catherine’s Monastery to appreciate the origins of monasticism. Hike Mount Sinai, the biblical location where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Spend time absorbed in prayer, mass and silence.

4-Experience Family Fun

 Family Holiday in Egypt There is plenty of family fun to be had in Egypt. Explore the desert; a short one day safari will bring the family together to marvel at stunning dunes, magnificent canyons and miraculous oases. Share the sights of breathtaking national parks. Play with your children in theme parks.

Take in the sights of the Nile while felucca sailing and watch your kids play pirates! A holiday with your children in Egypt is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the most of their sense of wonder.

5-Experience Relaxation

Relaxation in Egypt Sunbathe in exclusive Red Sea Riviera resorts or on the deck by a cool pool on a luxury Nile River cruise. Surrender to the comforts of world renowned spas. Walk along pristine beaches and enjoy the sight of stunning coastal cliffs in the White Med. Smoke a hookah and drink tea in old urban cafes or riverside restaurants. Try a Bedouin seaside dining experience. Enjoy a leisurely game of golf with a view to the Great Pyramids of Giza. Escape to the open spaces of Egyptian deserts. Go for a day trip to a nearby national park to unwind in rich natural environments unique to Egypt. Don’t miss out on snorkeling in the warm waters of the Red Sea to see spectacular coral reefs. Relaxation in Egypt is effortless.

6-Experience Romance

Couple Retreats & Honeymoon in Egypt Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony were charmed by Cleopatra and the romance of Egypt. Today, you too can share the charm of Egypt and enjoy an unforgettable romantic  vacation.  

Imagine walking the powder-white sands of pristine Red Sea beaches. Feel the sun at your back and the sand covering your feet. Hear the waves. See the wide expanse of the sea. 

Lose and find yourself with your partner. Experience a river cruise to share a seductive blend of luxury, sightseeing and intimate moments overlooking Ancient Egyptian monuments while gliding gently along the dreamlike Nile River. Take pleasure in candlelit dinners with spectacular backdrops.

Whether it’s a well planned honeymoon or a spontaneous winter getaway, Egypt is perfect for a romantic getaway under the brilliant sun and starry night skies of Egypt. Enjoy a captivating blend of European refinement and exotic Middle Eastern culture, Egypt is made for two.

For more details and packages please visit our website www.lookategypt.com

ahmed@lookategypt.com

great Egypt wonders tours (private family holiday)

The Great Wonders of Egypt (Ancient Egypt Tour )

                Cairo, Oasis desert safari and Nile Cruise Luxor Aswan

                                This travel package would be the most perfect choice for travelers who are visiting Egypt for the first time as it provides them with a great opportunity to visit many historical sites and do a number of interesting activities while they are on their vacation to Egypt.

This Ancient Egypt Tours package would suit the requirements of all travelers from different regions around the world as it contains everything that Egypt has to offer to its guests. The first stage of the journey will consist of spending three nights to visit all the major highlights and attractions in Cairo. The next stage will be having a camp in the white desert and then spend one night in the Bahariya Oasis to discover all the wonders of the Egyptian white desert. The next stage of the journey will be to spend three nights on board of a luxurious deluxe Nile Cruise ships having all the facilities a traveler might need.

Going on a Nile Cruise is one of the most recommended activities to be done in Egypt. The ships are luxuriously equipped, the food is great, the scenery down the Nile is amazing, and the guest gets the chance to visit all the highlights located in Southern Egypt. One of the most significant features of this travel package is that it enables the guest to discover all the major attractions of Egypt being escorted with the best experienced highly qualified and educated Egyptologists.

Everything in this travel package is faultlessly designed to suit the needs and the requirements of travelers coming from various backgrounds and different regions from all over the world This trip is carefully designed to suit the needs and the requirements of any traveler who loves luxury and comfort. All transportations will be made using comfortable private air-conditioned minivans. Your Nile Cruise be on one of the best ships that sail down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan.

will Duration       12 nights 13 days            

Cities Visited in this travel package:         Cairo, Bahariya oasis. White Desert, Luxor , Aswan,         

Accommodation               3 nights Cairo - 3 nights Nile cruise  - 1 night white Desert - 1 night Bahariya - 2 nights sleeping train               

Meals    Cairo with breakfast - oasis, Nile cruise full board

Beverage             included only in desert camp

Transportation  by our private deluxe coach - jeep 4x4 - sleeper train

Guide    included             

Entrance fees

The summary of the itinerary

Day 1    

arrival in Cairo with the rest of the day free at leisure

Day 2    

Cairo Tour: visiting the pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Day 3    

take the minivan to the Bahariya Oasis passing by the wonders of the Black Desert and spend the night in a camp in the desert

Day 4    

transfer to the hotel in the Bahariya Oasis and visit the Bahariya Museum, the ancient tombs of the Bahariya, and the temple of Alexander the Great

Day 5    

travel back to Cairo and at night take the sleeping train to Aswan

Day 6     arrive in Aswan, visit the High Dam and the Philae Temple, and embark the luxurious Nile Cruise, optional tout to the sound and light show in the Philae Temple.

Day 7     Visit the temple of Kom Ombo and then travel to Edfu by private minivan to visit the temple of Horus in Edfu and reach Luxor at night to spend the night there.

Day 8     Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Karnak Temple

Day 9     : check out the Nile Cruise and then transfer to the train station to take the sleeper train to Cairo  

Day 10   arrive in Cairo and visit the Saqqara Necropolis, the Saladin Citadel, and the Khan El Khalili market. Check out and overnight in the hotel

Day 11   final departure 

Price includes:

Meet & assist services

Three nights' accommodation at hotel in Cairo on bed and breakfast basis.

One night accommodation at hotel in Bahariya Oasis on full board basis

One night accommodation at camp in White Desert on full board basis

Three nights' accommodation on board of Nile cruise on full board

Two nights'  accommodation at sleeper train on half board basis

Camp equipment in the desert (tents, sleeping bags..) and Jeep   

All transfers (private, in air conditioned minibus, with driver) & English speaking guide      

All taxes     

Entry fees for the sites      

For the formalities and the safety of our guests, we inform the Ministry of the Egyptian Tourism of our programs 

Price excludes:

Entry visa of Egypt.

Personal expenses.

Beverage during meals.

International airfare.

Tips.

Entrance inside any of the Pyramids of Giza.

Visit the Mummies’ room in the Egyptian Museum.

Notes

Tours Packages in Egypt

Sightseeing is based on private basis and not joining other guests.

The Nile Cruise programs can be changed without prior notice due to navigational circumstances, Select Egypt is not liable to these changes.

Domestic flight Abu Simbel / Cairo could be via Aswan

we offer you with the possibility of having any optional tour to visit any cities or monuments that you wish to explore in any destination in Egypt that are not included in your travel package.