07 Days Kemet and Nubia Tour

The 8-day Egypt Tour from the USA is filled with the thrilling best of both worlds: Egypt's winding history and the grandeur of the Nile River cruise with Cairo. The Egypt tour will also give viewings of the famed Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum in Cairo before embarking on the cruise down the beautiful Nile River. Stride off for activities at the temples of Luxor and Aswan, in Karnak and Philae, respectively, and enjoy a lavish stay and a guided trip throughout the Nile. This Egypt travel package has been a mix of culture, relaxation, and excursion all rolled into one, making it excellent for travelers looking for Egypt tours from USA. With this, the tour promises to have something stimulating on that memorable trip experience.

Enjoy the 8-days-and-7-nights breathtaking tour from the USA to Egypt with historical jewels of Cairo sailed in a luxurious Nile cruise. Not only does this Egypt travel package include visiting world-renowned landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, but then you will get to relax during a Nile Cruise, seeing the temples of Luxor, Karnak, and Aswan and having beautiful views along the Nile. This Egypt tour from the USA offers both adventure seekers and history and culture buffs a complete picture. Getting a heaven and adventurous explorer Egypt travel package could not have become easier from the USA.

Visit Egypt on a 10-day unforgettable journey from the USA to investigate the history of Cairo, the coastal beauty of Alexandria, and the wonders of a luxurious Nile Cruise. The Egypt travel package includes visits to monuments like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and the ancient sites in Alexandria with the famous Library and Catacombs. It will follow a Nile Cruise that goes on to see temples in Luxor, Karnak, and Aswan that take away your breath. This is the best Egypt Tour From USA for travelers who want an Egypt travel package that brings together culture, history, and relaxation.

Travel the best of Egypt with a 10-day package tour out of the USA that takes in all of Cairo's famous spots, its wonderful Nile Cruise, and a restful vacation in Hurghada. This Egypt travel package combines ancient history, beautiful temples, and Red Sea beaches, all in one neat arrangement. A great choice for travelers looking for Egypt tour packages from the USA, this tour guarantees to provide quite an adventure.

Visit Kemet for 9 Days from the USA: a package full of memories and, most importantly, Egypt: the most important travel destination for every tourist. It takes you through the largest part of the heart of ancient Egypt. From the great Pyramids of Giza to Luxor's Valley of the Kings and between those magnificent temples, with one highlight: the spectacular Sphinx, this Egypt travel package moves better and immerses you in some of the deepest and finest riches and sources of history in one of the oldest cultures known to humankind. Great for tourists searching for Egypt travel packages from the USA, it makes a detailed presentation of all those timeless wonders that Egypt has to offer.

Start your 11-day tour from the USA. It covers Cairo, a Nile cruise, and a stay in Hurghada. It begins with a visit to the famed pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and then sails down the Nile River to visit ancient temples in Luxor and Aswan. The end is a bit of relaxation in Hurghada on the Red Sea beaches. This Egypt travel package is ideal for tourists searching for Egypt travel packages from the USA, with an excellent blend of history, culture, and relaxation. 

The Unfinished Obelisk of Aswan is a monument in Egypt. It is surely an intriguing but lesser-known landmark, lending an aura of the ancient world. It is placed right in the middle of the granite quarry of Aswan. Even in its incomplete state, it is massive and can therefore show us how intelligent and engineering-oriented the ancient builders of Egypt were. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking to explore Egypt’s rich heritage, this site is a must-see on your Egypt tour. The trip to the Unfinished Obelisk is more than just a journey into the manufacturing process of the ancient Egyptians. It is a step into one of the most ambitious yet incomplete projects of the pharaohs.

History and Importance of the Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk has been one of the great standing exemplars of the history of ancient Egyptian architecture and engineering in the Aswan area of Egypt. This gigantic, unfinished structure provides an excellent interpretation of both the art of stone-carving and monolithic construction around the 18th Dynasty era and under Queen Hatshepsut.

Birth and Purpose

It was meant to be the largest of all the obelisks. Constructed by Queen Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BCE), who bestrides Egypt as an iconic female monarch. One of the queens who had dwarfed male pharaohs in her being, she needed to establish monumental constructions that would leave an indelible imprint. Elevation: Place the obelisk at the Temple of Amun-Ra in Karnak, Thebes.

Obelisks were meant to honor deities and either commemorate important incidents or reigns of pharaohs. The monument to Ra, or the sun god, obelisks were said to stand as pillars of light held up on earth and heaven, adorning entrances to temples. So, the Unfinished Obelisk was meant as a grand metaphor, a show of Queen Hatshepsut's might and devotion.

The Construction Process

In the granite quarries of Aswan, the obelisk was hewn. They were a primary source of stones for many of the monumental constructions of old Egyptian culture. The stone was slowly freed by carving away the granite and using copper tools. These were the only sort of tools available during that time. Furthermore, these workers would probably have used water-soaked wooden wedges to pry into and split apart stone, thereby making that unpleasant work easier.

The obelisk eventually grew to 41 meters (135 feet) in length before the project was laid aside and weighed approximately 1200 tons if completed. Its great size would have surpassed the much lighter setups that survived.

Why Was It Left Unfinished?

Primarily, a crack develops in the granite as the obelisk is carved, and this may be why the project was discarded: it was likely seen as a flaw that would have made the stone unstable and hazardous to move or erect.

There could also be the fact that the change that took place in politics and society after the successor of Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, influenced these monumental projects. Thutmose III was gradually consolidating his power and reversing many of Hatshepsut's policies, and as supplies and priorities shifted rather quickly, it is likely that the obelisk's construction may have been delayed.

Significance of the Unfinished Obelisk

The continued presence of the Unfinished Obelisk qualifies it as one of the greatest landmarks in archeological and historical exposure to ancient Egyptian craftwork. It is one of a kind, the largest, and the only obelisk of its class still within the quarry, leaving an important history of precisely how they carved, transported, and put up such immensely heavy structures.

Why the Unfinished Obelisk is a Must-See Landmark in Aswan

1. A Peek into Ancient Engineering and Craftsmanship

The Unfinished Obelisk is the result of the outstanding skills of the ancient Egyptian engineer and stone mason. To this day, one can see in Aswan how large sections of stone were cut out of solid granite bedrock with copper tools, chisels, and wooden wedges. What better way to understand the complexity and level of work involved in such monumental tasks than to see one at its very beginning point and think of how it would have grown to completion? This is a great learning opportunity that puts everything in proper context-the grand constructions of Egypt such as the pyramids and all other obelisks throughout the country.

2. An Unfinished Masterpiece: The Backstory

What makes the Unfinished Obelisk marvelously entertaining is the fact that it remains uncompleted. The cracked piece of granite served to halt the project thereafter. The unfinished work forms a bridge to the imperfections of the ancient world, evidently proving that the greatest ideas could be affected by an even minimal contingency. The story of the making and decline gives insight into the ambition of the ancient Egyptians and the differences they encountered while building the great structures.

3. A rarely-seen Seen site

While the majority of obelisks were transported to their sites to be raised as key monuments, the Unfinished Obelisk still inhabits its own quarry in the area of Aswan. This makes it a rare and invaluable archaeological site. Standing next to this giant piece of unfinished obelisk, one can only imagine how the structure looked and get a sense of the work that went into enormous projects. This epitomizes a connection to the past that gives visitors a true view of strategies from the extraction and carving of stone used in building Egypt's most iconic landmarks.

4. Connection to Queen Hatshepsut's Legacy

The Unfinished Obelisk was made and planned by Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. Being one of the most powerful women that ever walked the earth, Hatshepsut actually embarked on a host of building projects—big and small—built to remind subsequent generations of her tenure. If you visit the Unfinished Obelisk, it really drives home the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Though it remained incomplete, it still painted a pictorial ambition of the grand projects Hatshepsut envisioned, projects that not only included the Sun Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.

5. Stunning Views of a myriad of Desert and Garden scenes

Tourists can get a glimpse of the Aswan granite quarry from where the Unfinished Obelisk is born, not to mention the stunning panoramic views offered by the surrounding landscapes. While exploring the historical gem itself, anyone who comes to Aswan will be spoiled for choice with beautiful desert scenes, etc. The place is very peaceful and conducive for those who would like to think about history in relation to its works and the natural beauty of Aswan.

6. There Is More to Know: Size and Scale of the Ancient Monuments

When gazing at that huge stone, it makes one wonder at the great size of the Unfinished Obelisk. Should it have ever been finished, it might have been one of the tallest obelisks in Egypt and thus tower above anything in the distance. Such a fact provides an interesting insight into the grand ideas the ancient Egyptians had regarding their architecture and the logistical problems involved in the erection of such monoliths.

7. An Unforgettable Educational Experience

The Unfinished Obelisk is another one-of-a-kind educational experience for history buffs, archaeologists, as well as those interested in ancient civilizations. You could say the Unfinished Obelisk looks at a stage of Egypt's past without any embellishments, without any polish over time, or restoration with modern materials. It speaks volumes into issues concerning the ancient Egyptians' understanding of materials, as well as technologies and culture.

8. Unique POV on Egyptian History

The Unfinished Obelisk suggests some of Egypt's greatest projects went unfinished or did not proceed according to expectations. This view of chance occurrence in Egyptian history becomes insightful as it demonstrates that perfection of everything was not always the case. Nonetheless, although unfinished, this monument has lasted for millennia and continues to enchant and inspire visitors from all around the globe.

The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan is a sweeping evocation of the vigor and ambition of Egyptian antiquity. Its enormity and inactivity lend it its unusually prized value in its depiction of the characteristics shared by the ancient builders, as well as the determination to sue the extreme amount of effort at their disposal before completing the construction of such immense structures. You should visit this spot if you like Egypt's compelling historical content, which could be while you are contemplating the quarry, considering the legacies of Queen Hatshepsut, or marveling at the technicalities of engineering meant to sustain it, etc. Really recommend paying a visit to this site during your Aswan day tour, as it stays long on the mind as a rare experience to further reinforce the admiration for the builders' civilization, which formed the grandeur and cultural heritage of Egypt. 

Visit the Amazing Abu Simbel Temples: One of Egypt's Most Popular Attractions

South of Aswan, along Lake Nasser's stunning shores, stands Egypt's second-most renowned landmark after the Giza Pyramids. These stunning rock-hewn temples were built by the powerful pharaoh Ramses II during the height of Egypt's power in the New Kingdom. Serving as a symbol of the grandeur of Egypt’s rulers, Abu Simbel marked the southern boundary of Egypt with Nubia.

History and Rediscovery of Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel had been long forgotten until 1813, when Swiss explorer John Lewis Burckhardt rediscovered the site. The temples had, over the years, been buried under sand, hiding the colossal statues that remain today. The sand was cleared starting in 1909, and Abu Simbel was the first big archaeological site to be excavated in southern Egypt.This rediscovery served to further establish Abu Simbel as a central component of Luxor tours and Egypt's amazing archaeological history.

Architectural Marvel: The Temples of Ramses II

The Abu Simbel temples were not only built as memorials to Ramses II and his consort, Nefertari, but also as places of worship for the deities. The main temple, with the four massive statues of Ramses seated in front, is devoted to Amun, Ptah, and Re-Harakty. The smaller temple, less than grand, was consecrated to Ramses's dearly loved wife, Nefertari, and dedicated to the goddess Hathor. This architectural marvel is accessible during Luxor day tours, which will serve as the centerpiece of your trip to Egypt.

The Significance of Nefertari's Temple

Unmatched in Nefertari's temple is the outstanding representation of the queen. Six giant statues dress its facade—four of Ramses II and two of Nefertari. This reflects her high status, since she is portrayed as almost equal to the pharaoh himself.In planning Luxor tours, don't overlook the opportunity to uncover the importance of this temple, a witness to the strength of the pharaohs and their queens.

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival: A Wondrous Event

One of the best features of the big temple is its alignment with the sun. Twice each year, on 22nd February and 22nd October, the sun precisely enters the innermost region of the temple, showering light on the statue of Ramses II. This divine phenomenon, known as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, attracts thousands of travelers every year. It is a breathtaking testimony to the ancient Egyptians' expertise in astronomy as well as to their remarkable skills of engineering.

Travel to Abu Simbel: Travel Faculties and Tours of Egypt

The temples are a few hours' journey south of Aswan, but the easiest way of getting to Abu Simbel is by plane. Flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel take only about 30 minutes, with two daily departures allowing tourists around two hours to explore the site. Alternatively, you can experience the temples by joining a Nasser cruise, where passengers can view the temples by moonlight and in the early morning light.

For an unforgettable experience, consider booking one of our Egypt travel packages that include visits to Abu Simbel as part of your itinerary.

A visit to Abu Simbel is an absolute must during any tour of Luxor. If you're doing a Luxor day tour or a longer Egypt tour, Abu Simbel's temples provide the visitor with an insight into the great achievements of ancient Egypt. Don't miss out on seeing this stunning UNESCO World Heritage during your next Egypt tour

This beautiful Philae temple complex is one of the foremost things to do in Aswan with it's picturesque in all of Egypt. It sits on Aglika Island just south of the old High Dam, and you need to ride a motorboat to reach the island. This temple was moved to its current location following the development of the High Dam, which threatened to submerge it permanently.

The exact reconstruction at this site carefully completed, painstakingly preserving the original appearance and layout of the complex and even landscaping the island to match its former location.

Philae grew to prominence during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, because of the center of the cult of the goddess Isis. This complex was one of all the last remaining places, where the traditional religion survived after the arrival of Christianity in Egypt, officially closed only in 550 AD as the Early Christians used most of the temple on the island as a church.

This is the reason for the defacement of a number of the figures of the traditional Gods, as these Christians tried to get rid of the pagan imagery from their newly claimed sanctuaries.
The Temple of Isis is the main feature here, but there are several other smaller temples on the island that are worth admiring.

Giza Pyramids

The Giza Pyramids rise majestically, captivating the world as one of its most mesmerizing wonders. Yet, the mysteries of their construction, purpose, and timeline linger unanswered. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of why, How, and when Pharaohs built the pyramids.

Why did the Pharaohs build the Giza Pyramids?

The Giza Pyramids have fascinated historians and archaeologists for centuries, with numerous theories attempting to unravel their purpose. The prevailing belief suggests that these colossal structures were erected as tombs for the pharaohs and their consorts upon their demise.
 
Crafted with astounding architectural precision, the Egypt Pyramids showcase the extraordinary skills of ancient Egyptian builders. Each limestone block, weighing several tons, contributes to the sheer grandeur of these monuments, challenging our modern understanding of construction techniques.
 
One prevalent theory suggests that the pyramids symbolized the divine authority and everlasting legacy of the Pharaohs. Driven by the belief in the immortality of their souls, the pharaohs aimed to immortalize their reign through these monumental structures.
 
Moreover, some scholars propose that the alignment of the pyramids with celestial events, such as the Great Pyramid's alignment with the North Pole star, reflects the ancient Egyptians' profound interest in astronomy. That implies that astronomical knowledge played a significant role in the building architectural wonders.
 
Despite the plethora of theories, the exact purpose behind the Great Pyramids of Giza's construction remains elusive. Nevertheless, their enduring allure continues to captivate people worldwide, serving as a testament to the remarkable achievements of ancient civilizations and a symbol of human ingenuity across generations.

Embark on a journey through time with our exclusive Egypt travel packages and witness the magnificence of the Giza Pyramids firsthand.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt, standing at the edge of the Giza plateau and guarding the pyramids of Khafre and Khufu. It is a mysterious and enigmatic statue, with a lion's body and a human face that has been the subject of much speculation and research. This essay will delve into the history, construction, and symbolism of the Great Sphinx, as well as its cultural significance and modern-day impact.

Egypt is a country that has always fascinated people from all walks of life. From the pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt is a land of ancient wonders. And at the heart of it all is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This is a place where the past comes to life, and where visitors can experience the richness and complexity of one of the world's oldest civilizations.