Tag: cairo

Cairo
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How to Explore Cairo & the Nile River – Must-See Sights and Tips

on June 23, 2025

A Gateway to Ancient Wonders

Welcome to Egypt, one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations. The country’s two most famous locations are its bustling capital, Cairo, and the historic Nile River. Cairo is the largest city in the Mediterranean and North Africa; it is in Northern Egypt. In relation to the city, the Nile River flows through it. The Nile is the longest river in the world, resulting in a total of 4,132 miles. Travelers can explore both iconic locations on Gate 1’s guided tour, the 9 Day Classic Egypt with 4 Day Nile Cruise.

Uncovering the Treasures of Cairo

When visiting Cairo, be ready to explore, there are so many historical things to see. On Gate 1’s guided tour, 9 Day Tastes of Cairo, travelers will have the opportunity to experience numerous ancient sights. You can take a walking tour of Cairo’s historic center and visit the famed El Khalili Bazaar, or marvel at the oldest structure of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient Word,” the Great Pyramid of Giza. And that’s not all, view the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by architect Imhotep and explore the Egyptian Museum. This museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities.

Cairo City

Cruising the Legendary Nile

No trip to Egypt is complete without a journey along the legendary Nile. Travelers who book with Gate 1 can embark on a week-long cruise on the Nile; this guided Egypt tour is the 15 Day Crown of Egypt with Hurghada & 7 Day Nile Cruise. The first morning of the cruise provides travelers with a sightseeing tour of the East Bank of Luxor. Then visit the magnificent Temples of Karnak, these date back over 3,000 years. You also will get to walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns. The next day, you will be taken on a tour of the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, that is dedicated to Horus, the Sky God, and Sobek, the Crocodile God. This is a must-see for those who love Egyptian mythology and architecture.

Nile Feluccas

When to Go and What to Expect

If you’re wondering when to visit Egypt, the ideal time is between October to April when temperatures are milder. Thankfully, a majority of Gate 1’s Egypt guided tours start in September and end in May.

Tips for Travelers:

  • Dress modestly and comfortably. Light layers and breathable fabrics are ideal.
  • Bring sun protection, including hats and sunscreen.
  • English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to explore ancient artifacts, a lively city in Cairo, or just relax on a beautiful cruise of the Nile River, then Egypt is the place for you.

Interested in exploring Egypt with Gate 1? Click here to discover all our travel packages and start planning your trip today!

Abu-Simbel
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Explore the Magnificence of Egyptian Temples

on April 9, 2024

Egyptian temples stand as timeless monuments, embodying the grandeur and mystique of ancient worlds. Each stone tells a story of devotion, power, and architectural brilliance, inviting modern travelers to embark on a journey through history. Here are some of the most iconic and inspiring temples open to visitors in Egypt today. 

Luxor Temple: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu

The Luxor Temple is located at the heart of ancient Thebes. Dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, it mesmerizes visitors with its colossal statues, imposing pylons, and intricately carved reliefs. Many visitors feel that Luxor Temple exudes a surreal aura, transporting you to a bygone era of divine worship and royal ceremonies.

Edfu Temple: Horus the Avenger

Nestled on the west bank of the Nile, the Edfu Temple stands as one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this temple is a masterpiece of Greco-Egyptian architecture, adorned with elaborate inscriptions that narrate the mythic struggle between Horus and his nemesis, Seth.

Philae Temple: The Goddess Isis

Philae Temple enchants visitors with its sublime beauty. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this island sanctuary served as a center of pilgrimage and worship for millennia. The 1960’s construction of the Aswan Dam prompted an effort to preserve Philae Temple, seeing it relocated to a new island one piece at a time. Today it still stands as a testament to the importance of preserving heritage.

Abu Simbel Temples: Rameses II and Nefertari

In the desolate sands of Nubia rise the colossal Abu Simbel Temples, commissioned by the mighty pharaoh Ramses II to immortalize his reign and deify his glory. Carved into the cliffs overlooking Lake Nasser, the twin temples of Abu Simbel are dedicated to Ramses II himself and his beloved queen, Nefertari. This is just one of the many awe-inspiring stops on our 13 Day Crown of Egypt with 7 Day First Class Nile Cruise.

Temple of Kom Ombo: Sobek and Horus the Elder

The Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique architectural marvel dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile deity, and Horus the Elder. It features symmetrical design elements, twin entrances, courts, and sanctuaries dedicated to each deity. The walls of Kom Ombo Temple are adorned with exquisite reliefs offering insights into ancient Egyptian medicine and religious beliefs.

Temple of Karnak: Amun

No exploration of Egyptian temples would be complete without a visit to Karnak. Dedicated to the god Amun, Karnak Temple is a vast ensemble of sanctuaries, pylons, obelisks, and hypostyle halls that reflect the contributions of pharaohs spanning over a millennium. Visitors can’t help but be awestruck by the scale and ambition of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious devotion.

In conclusion, Egyptian temples are not merely architectural wonders but living testimonies to the spiritual, artistic, and cultural legacy of an extraordinary civilization. You can experience all of this wonder and so much more for yourself on a Gate 1 Escorted Tour of Egypt. Whether you’re marveling at the grandeur of Luxor Temple or contemplating the mysteries of Abu Simbel, Gate 1 escorted tours offer impactful experiences with the timeless allure of ancient Egypt that are sure to stay with you for a lifetime.

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The Enchanting Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

on January 10, 2020

There are few sites on earth as easily recognizable as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, located just outside the capital city of Cairo. The complex consists of three main pyramids, a few smaller pyramids, the Sphinx and ruins of other structures. The three main pyramids are the Pyramid of Khufu (or Great Pyramid), Pyramid of Khafre and Pyramid of Menkaure, with Khufu being the largest of the structures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see when visiting Egypt and it is the perfect opportunity to learn fascinating information about the days of the Pharaohs.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thebinstergram using the hashtag #gate1travel. This stunning view was captured in Giza, Egypt. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Egypt trips here! 

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Top 7 Sites On Your Egypt Tour

on June 25, 2018

Egypt is a highly sought after travel destination with good reason; it contains some of the most famous landmarks in the entire world including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Nile River. With sights that are older than many countries, Egypt has enough history and beauty to leave any visitor happy and fulfilled. Get ready to fall in love with this ancient country and learn more about the great pharaohs, landmarks, past civilizations and so much more, that this authentic country has to offer. Pack your bags because we are sending you to the heart of the Nile and the land of the pharaohs; Welcome to Egypt!

7. Nile River Cruise

Two of our current Egypt itineraries include a Nile Cruise that will send you on the second longest river in the world! Your cruise takes you on the Queen of Hansa river nile-feluccasboat and will take you to excellent spots along the Nile including the cities of Luxor, Karnak, Edfu, Aswan and more. Optional tours while on board include a tour of the ancient sites of Luxor including Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon and a Sunset Felucca Ride. Your cruise will be truly unforgettable with exploration of these fascinating sites while at port and sailing effortlessly down the Nile while you relax and enjoy your cruise.

6. Luxor

Welcome to the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, current day Luxor. This ancient city was once the capital when pharaoh’s ruled the area in the 16th-11th century BC. You will be brought to Luxor via your river cruise ship and you are free to either explore at your own pace or join the optional tours to Valley of the Kings, burial site of pharaohs from around 1539-1075 BC, Valley of the Queens, the burial site of the queens and royal children from 1292-1075 BC, Temple of Hatshepsut, entrance to the Valley of the Kings temple-of-karnakand burial spot of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon, two large stone statues of Amenhotep III. An included tour brings you to see the East bank of Luxor, which includes the magnificent Temples of Karnak, including the Great Temple of Amon, an ancient temple dedicated to the king of the gods, avenue of the Sphinxes, a row of Sphinx statues connecting Luxor Temple and the Temple of Amon, Hypostyle Hall, 134 massive sandstone columns and Luxor Temple, the site of an ancient temple dating back to 1400 BC. You are sure to see all that Luxor has to offer when you book your Egypt tour with Gate 1 Travel.

5. Temple of Edfu/Temple of Horus

Visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the entire country, and there are a lot, located in Edfu, Egypt. This temple was dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus, who is the falcon-headed god, who you can see depicted around the temple. The site was built more recently than others on our list, around 237 BC, and took 180 years to build. The temple itself was buried by sand, rubble and part of the Edfu village and was excavated in the mid-19th century. This site is truly marvelous and highlights the prosperity the country enjoyed at the time period it was built.

4. Kom Ombo

Next up, visit the town of Kom Ombo, that itself is simply an agricultural town located in the Southeast of the country. The town is most famous for the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual looking double-sided temple with a temple built for both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The temples were built this way in order to separate the two gods places of worship, because they were known to not get along. For this reason, the complex has two entrances, two courts and so on. Enjoy these temples, which are some of the most famous ancient buildings and monuments in the entire world and feel what it must have felt like to live in the days of the pharaohs worshiping their gods.

3. Cairo

Welcome to a city that is a true mix of ancient and modern, in the current capital of the country; Cairo. While in Cairo, either explore independently or join the optional half day Egyptian Museum and Bazaar tour that takes you to the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar. The museum contains the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and has more than 120.000 items on display! Some of the most famous items include mummies and King Tutankhamun artifacts. The bazaar is a must-visit for souvenirs and is the perfect spot to find copper, leather, perfume, brass-ware and much more. While in bustling Cairo be sure to try some traditional dishes and street foods such as kabab, falafel, shwarma, fiteer, ful mudamas or koshary. Yum!

2. Abu Simbel

The tour of Abu Simbel is an optional tour on your Egyptian journey, but it is an excellent one and highly recommended! A flight from Aswan takes you to the South of Egypt on the Nile River in Abu Simbel, a village in Nubia, to see these unforgettable temples. The abu-simbel3site is comprised of two temples; the Great Temple and the Small Temple both created during the time of Ramses II. This huge ancient sire had to be completely moved to another location when the Aswan High Dam was planned because it would have completely submerged both temples. The site is now as close to the original as possible, with the temples even facing in the exact same direction. Abu Simbel is the second most visited site in all of Egypt, after a very well-known site that is coming up next.

1. The Pyramids of Giza/ Great Sphinx

Welcome to the most famous site in the country and one of the most well-known landmarks in the world; the Pyramids of Giza. The Great Pyramid is the oldest and biggest of the three pyramids in the complex and was built for the pharaoh Khufu. The other two smaller pyramids are called Pyramid of Khafre and the Phyramid of pyramids4Menkaure. They are part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and they are the oldest surviving site on the list. After exploring the immense pyramids, continue onto the Sphinx that guards the Giza plateau. This half-lion half-human is constructed out of a single-piece of limestone and sits in a reclining position. Both sites are located in the city of Giza, Egypt on the west bank of the Nile River and you’ll be surprised by how close they are to the city. Enjoy some of the most beautiful and magnificent sites of Egypt here and take it all in because there is nothing else on Earth quite like it!

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