Beyond the Pyramids_ Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Egypt.docx (2)

1. Beyond the Pyramids: Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Egypt Are you a person who loves to travel and does so every chance you get? Then it is almost certain that, among your bucket list of places to visit, Egypt features on your top ten. No one can possibly blame you for that as Egypt is a land that is not only steeped in ancient history, but also is extremely rich culturally. Inside Egypt lie many secrets of the ancients that go way beyond the Valley of the Kings. While the Valley of the Kings is indeed a remarkable place to visit, daring to travel beyond the usual tourist destinations will provide you with that truly unforgettable adventure. White Desert National Park This is an otherworldly gem of a place is one that exists within the Western Desert. It features unique chalk formations that have been shaped by thousands of years of wind erosion. Those jagged white rocks jutting out of the sea of golden sand is definitely worth a visit as you go about your Egypt Tour Package. Siwa Oasis Though remote; the Siwa Oasis is a tranquil surrounded by harsh desert. It is a bit shocking to see the palm groves growing in a place that is surrounded by hot dry sand. It is said that Alexander the Great once visited the renowned oracle of Siwa. Abydos Within Egypt, there is another hidden gem – the sacred necropolis of Abydos. The site has been revered for millennia and is home to many archaeological wonders that include one of the most beautifully preserved of Egypt’s temples called the Temple of Seti. An Egypt Tour Package that will take you there will definitely be not one to miss. St. Catherine’s Monastery You may be surprised to learn, during your Egypt Tour Package, that Egypt is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries. St. Catherine’s Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site located within the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula. It is believed to be where the Burning Bush is located. Wadi Rum Your guide during your Egypt Tour Package will definitely tell you that if you have watched the movie Lawrence of Arabia, or even Star Wars, you will have glimpsed Wadi Rum. It is a vast

2. desert valley which is rich in hidden canyons and surreal rock formations. Because its beauty is said to resemble the Martial landscape, it has served as a backdrop to many movies. The Coloured Canyon An unbelievable natural wonder that you can only find near Nuweiba in Egypt is known as the Coloured Canyon. It is a group of sandstone canyons that have been shaped by water and wind over hundreds, if not thousands, of years revealing colourful layers or red, orange, purple, and yellow. The Temple of Kom Ombo A unique temple lies within the west bank of the Nile River called the Temple of Kom Ombo. It is referred to as a double temple because it is dedicated to two deities – Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (the falcon god). The temple has two sets of sanctuaries, chambers, and even courtyards. You will surely enjoy the very intricate hieroglyphics that adorn the temple walls during your Egypt Tour Package. The Temple of Edfu Among the best-preserved of Egypt’s ancient temples is the Temple of Edfu. It is a large complex which was dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. This massive temple is renowned for its towering pylons and decorated columns and still has traces of the vibrant colors that had adorned its walls a long time ago. There are still countless other hidden gems within Egypt. So, if you are truly one among those who absolutely love to travel and visit faraway lands, an Egypt Tour Package will certainly provide you with more that you ever hoped for.