DENDERA, a village in Upper Egypt, situated in the angle of the great westward bend of the Nile opposite Kena. Here was the ancient city'of Tentyra, capital of the Tentyrite nome, the sixth of Upper Egypt, and the principal seat of the worship of Hathor [Aphrodite] the cow-goddess of love and joy. The old Egyptian name of Tentyra was written Tn-t (Ant), but the pronunciation of it is unknown: in later days it was 'In't-t-ntr-t, " ant of the goddess," pronounced Ni-tent6ri, whence Tevnpa, Ttvrvpis. The temple of Hathor was built in the ist century B.C., being begun under the later Ptolemies (Ptol. XIII.) and finished by Augustus, but much of the decoration is later. A great rectangular enclosure of crude bricks, measuring about 900 X 850 ft., contains the sacred buildings: it was entered by two stone gateways, in the north and the east sides, built by Domitian. Another smaller enclosure lies to the east with a gateway also of the Roman period. The plan of the temple may be supposed to have included a colonnaded court in front of the present façade, and pylon towers at the entrance; but these were never built, probably for lack of funds. The building, which is of sandstone, measures about 300 ft. from front to back, and consists of two oblong rectangles; the foremost, placed transversely to the other, is the great hypostyle hail or pronaos, the broadest and loftiest part of the temple, measuring 135 ft. in width, and comprising about onethird of the whole structure; the façade has six columns with heads of Hathor, and the ceiling is supported by eighteen great columns. The second rectangle contains a small hypostyle hall with six columns, and the sanctuary, with their subsidiary chambers. The sanctuary is surrounded by a corridor into which the chambers open: on the west side is an apartment forming a court and kiosk for the celebration of the feast of the New Year, the principal festival of Dendera. On the roof of the temple, reached by two staircases, are a pavilion and several chambers dedicated to the worship of Osiris. Inside and out, the whole of the temple is covered with scenes and inscriptions in crowded characters, of ceremonial and religious import; the decoration is even carried into a remarkable series of hidden passages and chambers or crypts made in the solid walls for the reception of its most valuable treasures. The architectural style is dignified and pleasing in design and proportions. The interior of the building has been completely cleared: from the outside, however, its imposing effect is quite lost, owing to the mounds of rubbish amongst which it is sunk. North-east of the entrance is a “ Birth House “for the cult of the child Harsemteu, and behind the temple a small temple of Isis, dating from the reign of Augustus. The original foundation of the temple must date back to a remote time: the work of some of the early builders is in fact referred to in the inscriptions on the present structure. Petrie’s excavation of the cemetery behind the temple enclosures revealed burials dating from the fourth dynasty onwards, the most important being mastables of the period from the sixth to the eleventh dynasties; many of these exhibited a peculiar degradation of the contemporary style of sculpture. The zodiacs of the temple of Dendera gave rise to a considerable literature before their late origir’, was established by Champollion in 1822: one of them, from a chamber on. the roof, was removed in 1820 to the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. Figures of the celebrated Cleopatra VI. occur amongst the sculptures on the exterior of the temple, but they are purely conventional, without a trace of portraiture. Horus of Edfu, the enemy of the crocodiles and hippopotami of Set, appears sometimes as the consort of Hathor of Dendera. The skill displayed by the Tentyrites in capturing the crocodile is referred to by Strabo and other Greek writers. Juvenal, in his seventeenth satire, takes as his text a religious riot between the Tentyrites and the neighbouring Ombites, in the course of which an unlucky Ombite was torn to pieces and devoured by the opposite party. The Ombos in question is not the distant Ombos south of Edfu, where the crocodile was worshipped; Petrie has shown that opposite Coptos, only about 15 m. from Tentyra, there was another Ombos, venerating the hippopotamus sacred to Set. 
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The wool mill of Bashandi was a pleasant stop on our Journey back to Luxor. Here for the first time there was no entry fee we evan had free tea, the factory was well laid out and suprisingly clean everywhere,  all the new fleece waiting for the first process in making the wool.  The finished wool bale. working on a large Carpet  Some of the work is very intricate,  one of the bobbin macines  There are 10 hand looms on this floor  Working on a verse from the quran.  Some of the finished carpets. and hand made habidashery  iheard the pottery was a one place to visit as it dated back over 4 thousand years, with out our Arab speaking driver the place would have been imposible to find. a winding shariah then another before we came to what was the pottery and it did look like it was 4 thousand years old.  the first building was the potters wheel shed where the guy was there with his hand out for the entry fee 20le pp i thought we were in for a treat but what you see in the photos that was it. he did not like me walking around the ovens taking photos. like it was a big secret or something.  on the floor Camel water carriers  Newly fired pots these are the kind used for the irrigation wheels.  This was the only sign that there was a pottery nearby   One of six ovens   all in all it was Quite a dissapointment this well advertised over priced old pottery. its a shame as they could make the place a bit more tourist friendly. not even a cup of tea or water was to be had. just more rubbish for sale. 
THE CRYSTAL MOUNT
 A visit to Bashandi wool carpet mills is well worth a visit all the carpets are hand made. i asked how much it would cost to make a carpet 5ft x 3ft with my egypt logo on . I was Quoted 1000 egp next time I visit I will put an order in.     Kharga Oasis in the Libyan desert is the largest oasis known to exist in Western Egypt. It is located about 200 kilometres west of the Nile Valley. Kharga Oasis is also well known for featuring the well preserved Temple of Hibis--which was first built by pharaoh Psamtik II of the 26th Saite dynasty and subsequently decorated by the Persian king Darius I--as well as the 3rd to 7th century AD Christian cemetary of El-Bagawat. El-Bagawat is one of the earliest known Christian cemetaries in the wor   cristal mount in Farafra                 Mohamed Zedan the village was a new venture in 2004  Camels in the desert near farafra  The black desert    Roman press  on Safari in the White Desert    to see more on the desert and oasis visit my website plus photos of the local wild life.  View ov the Pramids the day was a bit hot and hazy Mochasan heights is a Plateau above the Citadel and the village of the dead in Cairo from here there is a panoramic view of all Cairo from the Nile entering and leaving the city,  The Citadel  Mohamed ali Mosque was built in the citadel  King Tuts gold coffin in the Cairo Museum 2002 the mummy is now back in the sarcofigai in the tomb Valley of the Kings cairo places the tulip evolving tower Restaurant from the bridge  The Cairo Museum link http://www.egyptianmuseum.gov.eg/  Mohamed Ali Mosque was built from the pink granite aswan stone that once covered the Pyramids of Giza, ( Napolions fault)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque_of_Muhammad_Ali
Luxor has often been called the worlds greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and much more. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world that I know of. Actually, what most people think of as Luxor is really three different areas, consisting of the City of Luxor on the East side of the Nile, the town of Karnak just north of Luxor and Thebes, which the ancient Egyptians called Waset, which is on the west side of the Nile across from Luxor.( Myegypt is in this area)To say that the Luxor area is a major attraction for tourists in Egypt would be an understatement. It has been a tourist destination since the beginning of tourism. Even in ancient times, during the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods, the area drew tourists, and has been doing so ever since. Today Luxor is well equipped to accommodate tourists with many hotels and in general a tourist industry ready and willing to serve the people from many countries that descend on this area of the Nile Valley every year. Within Luxor, there are only three main streets consisting of Sharia al-Mahatta, Sharia al-Karnak and the Cornich, next to the Nile. The street in front of the train station is Sharia al-Mahatta and runs away from the Nile where it meets Luxor Temple. Sharia al-Karnak, or Maabad al-Karnak which means Karnak Temple Street runs along the Nile from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple. However, Sharia al-Karnak is known as Sharia al-Markaz where it meets Sharia al-Mahatta street, and to the south around the temple it is known as Sharia al-Lokanda. Along this street one will find the colorful signs of restaurants and cafes, as well as bazaars where the usual variety of Egyptian souvenirs can be found. Of interest is the alabaster, which is plentiful along the west bank and miled not far from here. Also look for the clay pots used by the locals for cooking, which are more unusual. Luxor today is governed by special statues that allow it more autonomy then other political areas of Egypt. One thing you might notice is that various government and other buildings confirm to an 'ancient' building code. Particularly, the National bank of Egypt (located near the winter palace), the spa south of the police station, and the railway station are all designed to appear as pharaonic constructs. All of this occurred after the Egyptianization of the modern town resulting mostly from the mania that resulted from Howard Carter's discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. As one might think, the city has all the amenities tourists might expect, including a variety of hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurantsKhaled Ibn Wi-waled Street. look for myegypt sign between Gaddis and St Joseph Hotel Opposite the Le Meridian Hotel, mobile no 0167245245e-mail me on tonyluxor@yahoo.comIdfu was the Greek city of Apollinopolis Magna, and is a religious and commercial center. Located about 33 miles south of (Esna) Isna and 65 miles north of Aswan. The main attraction here is the Temple of Horus, which is considered to be the most beautiful and best preserved temples in Egypt. It is distinguished by its splendid structure that blends Pharaonic and Greek architecture. The remains of the original old city of Djeba are thought to be just west of the Temple. Idfu (Edfu) was the capital of the second nome (Horus) of Upper Egypt. The town was known as Tbot by the early Egyptians, by the Greeks as Apollinopolis Magna and by Atbo during Coptic times. Excavatioms have unearthed some of the ancient city, the Old Kingdom mastabas and the Byzantine house.Isna is located about 33 miles south of Luxor. The town's Greek name was Latopolis and here fish (lates) where thought to embody the goddess Neith, who was sacred to the area. Isna was increasingly important during the 18th dynasty due to Egypt's developing relationship with the Sudan. There was a route established between Isna and Derr. Later, the city slowly declined until it received renewed interest during the 26th Dynasty. Later, under the Greeks and Romans, it became the capital of the Third Nome of Upper Egypt. We also know of an Isna about a hundred years ago from Flaubert, who later wrote Madame Bovary, was propositioned by a 'almeh' while aboard his boat. He went with her to the house of Kuchuk Hanem, where she danced (not so virtuously) the Bee. In other words, wild times could be found here. Mohammed Ali had band almeh (meaning learned women) from Cairo, so they had gathered to make their living in Qena, Isna and Aswan. But today, Isna is a somewhat sleepy if busy merchant and farming town, with a weaving industry, on the west bank of the Nile where the entertainment more resides in the Saturday animal market. On the covered market street, one may purchase fabric, or have the fabrics made into clothing. There are some fine old houses about with fine brickwork and mashrbiyya screens. There is also a barrage just outside of town which was built in 1906. About 4 miles southwest of town is the Deir Manaos Wa al-Shuhada (Monastery of the Three Thousand Six Hundred Martyrs), who's 10th century church is said to be one of the most beautiful in Upper Egypt. Perhaps this monastery is a lasting commemorative to Emperor Decius (249-51 AD) who degreed that all Christians would suffer death if they did not sacrifice to the pagan gods. His cartouche was the last to be carved on the walls of the Temple of Khnum in Isna. But the main attraction is the Temple of Khnum, which lies beneath the level of the houses in a pit. Most of the ruins of around the Temple and the old city are yet to be explored as they lay under these modern dwellings. This was not the first temple here, for during the reign of Thutmose III, a temple was built here that preceded it. There are blocks from an early Christian church in the forecourt of the temple, foretelling of a time when Isna was an important Christian center. Near the Temple of Khnum on the stone quay along the corniche are carved cartouches of Emperor Marcus AureliusKom Ombo used to be an important caravan town - it was here that the 40 days caravans from Sudan or Nubia met the caravans carrying gold from the mines in the eastern desert. In Ptolemaic times (from the 3rd century BCE until early 1st century CE) Kom Ombo was the training ground for army elephants. Today only a small town remains, noted for its sugar production and the many Nubians who settled here after their villages were inundated by the Aswan High Dam in the 1960's. The temple of Kom Ombo is unique in one respect: it is dedicated to two gods, and the entire temple holds two perfectly symmetrical sections. The sanctuary to the left is dedicated to the falcon-headed sky god Harwer (also written Haroeris), or Horus the elder and his family. The one to the left is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, also worshipped in Fayyum. The temple was started to be built as late as 2nd century BCE by Ptolemy 13, also known as Neos Dyonysos. The original front, erected by the command of Augustus after 30 BCE, has been lost to the erosions of the Nile or pillaged by stonemasons. All that is left of the pylon are a few of the foundations. But nature has also protected the temple, as the parts covered were hidden for Coptic Christians of earlier times out to clean pre-Christian elements from Egyptian history. To the south lies the Chapel of Hathor, where mummified crocodiles used to be stored. Four of these are still on display. There are a couple of hotels in town. Not much but quite OK for one night's stay. Eating is best done from the standard food stalls in town. There are good connections with Aswan by minibuses and service taxis. Connections between Kom Ombo and Edfu are less frequent, but unless you try to travel late in the afternoon or evening, there should be no danger of long waits. The best way of arriving at the temple complex is by boat, either a Nile cruiser or a felucca: The temple is beautifully located right beside the river.Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Its ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Cornich watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish. In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. View the spectacular sunsets hile having tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel (Named due to the location of the Nile's first cataract located here). Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and it's still a perfect place to get away from it all. Every night Nubian dancers and musicians perform in the Cultural Center, just off the Cornich. Folklore troupes recreate scenes from village life and perform the famous Nubian mock stick-fight dances. Aswan is a strategic location which currently houses a garrison of the Egyptian army, but which has also seen ancient Egyptian garrisons, as well as that of General Kitchener, Turkish troops of the Ottoman empire and the Romans. The city proper lies on the east bank of the Nile. Relax here, visit a few mosques, but then prepare for an adventure. The bazaar runs along the Cornich, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum, and continues on to the Cemetery, with its forest of cupolas surmounted tombs from the Fatimid period. Just east of the cemetery in the famous area quarries is the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. Just to the south of this, two Graeco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand. The most obvious is Elephantine Island, which is timeless with artifacts dating from pre-Dynastic times onward. It is the largest island in the area. Just beyond Elephantine is Kitchener's Island (Geziret el-Nabatat). It was named for the British general Haratio Kitchener (185--1916) and was sent to Egypt in 1883 to reorganize the Egyptian army, which he then led against the Sudanese Mahdi. But the island is known for its garden and the exotic plants the Kitchener planted there, and which continue to flourish today. On the opposite shore (west bank), the cliffs are surmounted by the tomb of a marabut, Qubbet el-Hawwa, who was a local saint. Below are tombs of the local (pharaonic) nobles and dignitaries. Upriver a bit is the tomb of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan who died in 1957. Known as the Tomb of the Aga Khan, it is beautiful in its simplicity. A road from there leads back to the Coptic Monastery of St Simeon, which was built in the sixth century in honor of Amba Hadra, a local saint. Just up river a bit, there is also the old Aswan dam, built by the British, which was enlarged, expanded, but unable to control the Nile for irrigation. |
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ALEXANDRIA IS THE SECOND LARGEST CITY IN EGYPT, IT HAS AN ATMOSPHERE THAT IS MORE MEDITERRANEAN THAN MIDDLE EASTERN; ITS AMBIENCE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE DISTANCE IT FROM THE REST OF THE COUNTRY ALTHOUGH IT IS ACTUALLY ONLY 225 KM. FROM CAIRO. ALEXANDRIA LIES NORTHWEST OF THE NILE DELTA AND ADJOINS LAKE MARIUT. IT IS LINKED TO CAIRO BY THE DELTA ROAD (231 KM.) AND THE DESERT ROAD (225 KM.). IT IS ONE OF THE MOST NOTABLE SUMMER RESORTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, KNOWN FOR ITS TEMPERATE WINTERS AND BEACHES, WITH SOFT SANDS AND MAGNIFICENT SCENERY THAT STRETCH FOR 40 KM. ALONG THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. FOUNDED BY ALEXANDER THE GREAT IN 331 BC, ALEXANDRIA BECAME THE CAPITAL OF THE GRAECO-ROMAN EGYPT, ITS STATUS AS A BEACON OF CULTURE SYMBOLIZED BY PHAROS AND THE SETTING FOR THE STORMY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLEOPATRA AND MARK ANTONY. THE CITY, IMMORTALIZING ALEXANDER'S NAME, FLOURISHED, BEYOND ALL EXPECTATIONS, INTO A PROMINENT CULTURAL, INTELLECTUAL AND ECONOMIC METROPOLIS, THE REMAINS OF WHICH ARE STILL EVIDENT TO THIS DAY. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE IN THIS CITY. LISTED BELOW IS A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SOME OF THE SITES THAT YOU CAN VISIT.
This beach at summer city is 10k out of Alexandria OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ARE:
CAIRO
No monuments in Egypt are visited as much as the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx The three pyramids are devoted to the father-son-grandson trio of Cheops, Cephren and Mycerinus.
THE CITADEL
IS A REGULAR TOURIST HOTSPOT FOR THE REASON MOST TRAVELERS VISIT EGYPT—THE SHEER GRANDEUR OF ITS WELL-PRESERVED MONUMENTS DATING FROM THE OLD, MIDDLE AND NEW KINGDOMS OF ANCIENT EGYPT. THE BEST PART IS THAT YOU DON’T NEED TO BE AN EGYPTOLOGIST OR EVEN A HISTORY BUFF TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF LUXOR’S MONUMENTS. Situated in a secluded area of the west bank, the Valley of the Kings contains 62 excavated tombs, mostly royal but some belonging to members of the nobility. There are differences in style, colour and content in each of the tombs; the earliest have staircases, corridors and right-angled bends while the later ones are more simplified, being little more than huge sloping corridors. The walls and ceilings were painted with scenes and inscriptions designed to assist the King in his journey through the underworld. A visit to the Valley of the Kings usually takes in two or three of the tombs, dependent on the number of visitors in the Valley and which tombs are open. Other main tombs include those of Amenophis II (one of the best preserved), Ramesses IX (never completed), Ramesses VI and Seti I (largest and most elaborate).
The Valley of the Queens : Also situated on the west bank, the Valley of the Queens is smaller than the Valley of the Kings but is ringed by impressive cliffs. The tombs belong to lesser important personages (Queens and Princes) but have many interesting facets. The main tombs are those of Queen Titi (an otherwise unknown royal lady), Prince Khaemwaset (Ramesses III's eldest son) and Prince Amenhirkhepeshef (notable for its vivid colouring). The finest tomb, is tomb of Queen Nefertari. Recent excavations have unearthed previously unknown tombs, although most are damaged or undecorated.
This is a real photo they really are the Colossi of Memnon the only pieces standing from the pylon of the temple of Thutmoses 111. Temple of Medinet Habu from the balloon
Egypt has a lot to offer for adventure and a great place to relax away from the preasures of everyday living.
On treck above the Valley of the Kings the Hatshepsut cliffs in the photo below is where the photo was taken.after walking from the Valley. we could either go down the path to Hatshepsut Temple or another 3/4 hour treck along the ridge to the village of the workers and the Valley of the Queens, I have taken people on this treck aged from 5 to 85.
ASWAN WHILE ASWAN WAS ALWAYS OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE TO EGYPT, THE TOWN ONLY BECAME A CITY IN THE 1960S WHEN GREAT FORCES OF WORKERS CONSTRUCTING THE HIGH DAM WERE HOUSED THERE.
The Camel market in Daraw Local spices are a great idea for gifts A camel treck around the suger fields villages and date palms.
OASIS THE OASIS, A DEPRESSION IN THE DESERT COMPRISING SPRINGS, WELLS AND TREES, REFLECTS THE BEAUTY, CHARM AND DIVERSITY OF NATURE; ITS SURROUNDING DESERT...GREEN VALLEYS...WATER WELLS...HIGH PLATEAUS...THERAPEUTIC SULPHUR-RICH SPRINGS. IN EGYPT THERE ARE PLENTY OF OASES IN THE WESTERN DESERT. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ARE FAYYUM, KHARGA, DAKHIA, PARIS, FARAFRAH, BAHEREYA, SIWA AND THE QATTARA DEPRESSION. THE FAYYUM OASIS LIES IN DEPRESSION, RIGHT IN THE WESTERN DESERT, ABOUT 103 KM. SOUTH-WEST OF CAIRO. IT IS SURROUNDED BY HIGH PLATEAUS, AND SEPARATED FROM THE NILE VALLEY BY A HIGH RIDGE TO THE EAST AT AL-LAHUN. THE OASIS IS FAMED FOR ITS ALL-YEAR-ROUND PLEASANT CLIMATE AND BEAUTIFUL SCENERY. THERE IS EVIDENCE OF PRE-HISTORIC SETTLEMENTS AS WELL AS PHARAONIC, GREEK ROMAN, COPTIC, & ISLAMIC MONUMENTS. FAYYUM BOOSTS A COMBINATION OF RURAL, COASTAL, DESERT, AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS, AND THUS HOLDS OUT GREAT ATTRACTIONS TO TOURISTS. THE HAWARA PYRAMID DATING AS PHARAONIC, GREEK ROMAN, COPTIC, & ISLAMIC MONUMENTS. FAYYUM BOOSTS A COMBINATION OF RURAL, COASTAL, DESERT, AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS, AND THUS HOLDS OUT GREAT ATTRACTIONS TO TOURISTS. THE HAWARA PYRAMID DATING FROM (1991-1778 BC) CAN BE FOUND HERE. THE OASES PROVIDES A VAST AMOUNT OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, BELOW IS A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SOME OF THE SITES THAT YOU CAN VISIT! IS A WORKING PORT WITH SEVERAL TOURIST VILLAGES SPECIALIZING IN DIVING HOLIDAYS, A HANDFUL OF HOTELS AND SOME EXCELLENT FISH RESTAURANTS. DAYTRIPS TO TOBIA ISLANDS OR MONS CLAUDIANUS IN THE RED SEA CAN BE ARRANGED WITH LOCAL GUIDES FOUNDED IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY , HURGHANDA HAS GONE ON TO BECOME THE FOREMOST TOURIST RESORTS OF THE RED SEA COAST AND AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR AQUATIC SPORTS. IF IT TAKES PLACE IN THE WATER YOU CAN DO IT HERE: WINDSURFING, SAILING, DEEP-SEA FISHING, AND SNORKELING. THE UNIQUE UNDERWATER GARDENS ARE SOME OF THE FINEST IN THE WORLD. ABOUT 81 KM. NORTH OF SHARM AL-SHIEKH, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN SOUTH SINAI BECAUSE OF ITS GLEAMING SAND, CLEAR WATERS AND COLORFUL MARINE LIFE. IT HAS A TOURIST VILLAGE, DIVING CENTERS, CAMPING SITES AND BOATS AND WATERSKIING FACILITIES.
Make the best out of your holiday . Leave the worries about your trip's itinerary to us. Do not lose valuable days with preparations. We plan for you the details of your vacation, or after you have read through our site tell us what you want to see and do and leave the rest to us, Tailor made tours Please note The siwa desert tour are all with 4x4 vehicles therefore we only quote prices for up to 5 person, for instance if there are 10 people in one group there will be 2 vehicles etc, all our other tours can be booked per person private trip or with a group we try to put people of the same country on one group.and travel is by air conditioned vehicle Bus microbus or private car, on these trips any overnight stays in the black or white deserts are transfer to 4x4 from the bedhuoin village http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi currency converter www.touregypt.net an excellent government website about Egypt.but the entrance site prices are way out of date, myegypt@fsmail.net our contact e-mail
THE NEW VALLEY OASES OCCUPIES SOME 67% OF THE WESTERN DESERT AND 45.8% OF THE TOTAL AREA OF EGYPT. IT LIES 602 KM. FROM CAIRO AND 232 KM. FROM ASSYUT. IT’S BORDERED BY THE GOVERNORATE OF MATRUH IN THE NORTH, SUDAN IN THE SOUTH, LIBYA IN THE WEST, AND THE GOVERNORATES OF MIDDLE EGYPT IN THE EAST. IT INCLUDES THE KHARGA, DAKHLA, FARAFRAH AND PARIS OASES WITH MORE THAN 99 MONUMENTS DATING TO DIFFERENT AGES. THE AREA ENJOYS A MIXTURE OF THE DESERT ENVIRONMENT, GREEN PLAINS, WELLS, AND SULPHUR-RICH SPRINGS, BOTH COLD AND HOT. IN ONE SPRING, THE WATER TEMPERATURE REACHES 43 C AND IS SUITABLE FOR THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATIC AND DIGESTIVE AILMENTS, COLDS AND ALLERGIES.THE OASES ARE FAMED FOR THEIR DRY CLIMATE MOST OF THE YEAR, AND HUMIDITY NEVER EXCEEDS 9.5%. WARM, SUNNY WINTERS ALLOW THEM TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH SPA.DAKHLA OASIS: KHARGA OASIS: BARIS OASIS: (TEMPLE OF DUSH) FARAFRAH OASIS: see our desert tour for more on the oasis area SIWA OASIS: THE ISLAND OF PHILAE AND ITS TEMPLES CAME UNDER THREAT AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY WHEN THE BRITISH ERECTED THE ASWAN DAM AT THE FIRST CATARACT. PHILAE BEGAN TO SPEND SOME OF ITS TIME BENEATH THE BACKED-UP FLOOD WATERS OF THE NILE. THE DAM WAS PROGRESSIVELY RAISED IN THE FOLLOWING DECADES, BUT THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN FOR THE ISLAND OF PHILAE CAME WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ASWAN HIGH DAM IN THE 1960S. THE TEMPLES WERE DESTINED TO DISAPPEAR FOREVER BENEATH THE RIVER'S WATERS. FORTUNATELY, PHILAE WAS SAVED FROM DROWNING. IN 1977, A COFFER DAM WAS CONSTRUCTED AROUND THE TEMPLES AND THE WATER WAS PUMPED OUT. THEN THE TEMPLES WERE CAREFULLY DISMANTLED WITH EVERY BLOCK ASSIGNED A NUMBER AND ITS POSITION NOTED. A NEARBY HIGHER ISLAND CALLED AGILKAI WAS MODIFIED TO RESEMBLE PHILAE AND THE TEMPLES WERE RESEMBLED. IN 1980, PHILAE WAS ONCE AGAIN OPENED TO THE PUBLIC. TODAY, PHILAE IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ANY VISIT TO ASWAN. TO REACH IT, ONE CAN TAKE AN ORGANISED EXCURSION BOOKED THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT OR HOTEL. ALTERNATIVELY, TAKE A TAXI TO THE BOAT LANDING AT SHELLAL ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE OLD ASWAN DAM. FROM THERE, A SHORT BOAT TRIP CAN BE ARRANGED TO THE ISLAND.
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ALEXANDRIA THE FORT OF QAITBAY 
Karnak temple looking towards the Thebian mountains burial grouinds of the Pharaos.
Comombo temple
