A Glance at Alexandria: More than 2,000 years ago Alexandria was the capital and the greatest city of Egypt. Today, though it has been surpassed by Cairo in both size and importance, Alexandria is Egypt's foremost seaport and its second largest city. Roads, trains, and airlines connect it with Cairo, 223 kilometers up the Nile Delta to the southeast.Miles of beautiful white sand along the Mediterranean coast provide the setting for this trading city and holiday resort. Summertime brings crowds of people to the beaches that stretch to the suburbs of Agami in the west  and Abu Quir in the east.

Clear, calm waters make Abu Quir a popular place for fishing and other water sports.
Unlike most Egyptian cities, Alexandria is sometimes chilly and rainy in winter.

Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 12. Young people may continue through technical school or university level free of charge. The state-controlled University of Alexandria was founded in 1942. Industries produce cotton textiles, paper, chocolate, processed foods, asphalt, and petroleum. Cotton is the most valuable export.

Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos Lighthouse):
Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only one had a practical use in addition to its architectural elegance: The Lighthouse of Alexandria. For sailors, it ensured a safe return to the Great Harbor. For architects, it meant even more: it was the tallest building on Earth. And for scientists, it was the mysterious mirror that fascinated them most... The mirror which reflection could be seen more than 50 km (35 miles) off-shore.

Shortly after the death of Alexander the Great, his commander Ptolemy Soter assumed power in Egypt. He had witnessed the founding of Alexandria, and established his capital there. Off of the city's coast lies a small island: Pharos. Its name, legend says, is a variation of Pharaoh's Island.

The island was connected to the mainland by means of a dike - the Heptastadion - which gave the city a double harbor. And because of dangerous sailing conditions and flat coastline in the region, the construction of a lighthouse was necessary. The project was conceived and initiated by Ptolemy Soter around 290 BC, but was completed after his death, during the reign of his son Ptolemy Philadelphus.

Sostratus, a contemporary of Euclid, was the architect, but detailed calculations for the structure and its accessories were carried out at the Alexandria Library/Mouseion. The monument was dedicated to the Savior Gods: Ptolemy Soter (lit. savior) and his wife Berenice. For centuries, the Lighthouse of Alexandria (occasionally referred to as the Pharos Lighthouse) was used to mark the harbor, using fire at night and reflecting sun rays during the day. It was even shown on Roman coins, just as famous monuments are depicted on currency today. Alexandria during Christian Era: In the early Christian era Alexandria enjoyed its prominence in the Roman world as a center of Christianity. Tradition says that St. Mark introduced the new religion there from AD 45 to 62.

Many Christian men moved to the desert to live as hermits. Later these men joined together to form powerful monastic communities. Theological ferment produced the orthodoxy of Athanasius, the heresy of Arius, and the Gnosticism of Valentinus. Bishops throughout a wide region answered to the patriarchs of Alexandria.
Muntazah Palace:
The center city is brightened by flowering plants in the Nuzhah, Zoological, and Antoniadis gardens. Seaside gardens decorate the grounds of the Muntazah Palace on a high dune overlooking Muntazah Bay. Muntazah was formerly the summer residence of the Egyptian royal family.
After the monarchy was overthrown in 1952, the palace buildings, known as Haramlek and Salamlek, were put to other uses. The Haramlek contains a casino on the ground floor and a museum of royal relics on the upper levels. The Salamlek has been converted into a hotel.
The peninsula:
A peninsula that was once an island separates two harbors, one to the east and the other to the west. At the entrance to the eastern harbor, at the tip of the peninsula, the three-story Fort of Qayet Bay houses a naval museum. Not far from the museum is the Marine Life Institute, with specimens of rare animals from the surrounding waters.
Agami:
An exclusive resort where Cairo and Alexandria elite spend their vacations. Known also as the Egyptian St-Tropez, Agami today also caters to the middle and working class. The resort village was founded in the 1950's, but there are few structures remaining from this period. And while most of the housing in the area is simple, there are exceptions, including the Villa Lashin, built in 1962 by architect Ali Azzam and the Beit el-Halawa built by Abd el-Wahid el-Wakil. Near here, you will also find the resort villages of Hannoville and Sidi Kreir, which are also popular summer retreats. Historically, there is a small French fort built during French occupation of Eg
POMPEY'S PILLAR, CATACOMBS & MUSEUM (Half Day):
Drive along the sea front to the Museum of Hydrobiology, Kait Bey castle and Mosque of al Mursi Abul Abbas. Then visit Pompey's Pillar, which is 99 feet high, and made of beautiful red granite. It was erected by Posthumous, the Roman prefect, in honor of Emperor Diocletian. Then make a short visit to the Catacombs, which date as far back as the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C. finally visit the Greco-Roman Museum where exhibits and relics tell of prosperity of Alexandria during the Greek and Roman Rule .

ASWAN: Site of the Cataract, is a town with its past stretching back in history and lost in the darkness of time. Now with the completion of the high Dam, Aswan continues to be highlights and adds one more tailpiece to its destiny of town already rich events. From it's very beginning. It was the gateway to the south and the natural route along which trade passed from the heart of Africa Egypt. Thanks to its dry superb climate and unique situation, Aswan has justly acquired an international reputation for those who love calm and repose, no better place can be found. ASWAN HIGH DAM, QUARRIES & PHILAE TEMPLE: Admire the craftsmanship of the ancient stone-hewers of the city of Syene (original name of Aswan). The quarries show remarkable traces of the industry and skill of the masons who wrought for the pharaohs. See the unfinished obelisk and the old Dam, which is the start of one of the greatest achievements of 20th century. dedicated to Isis and Osiris has now been reconstructed on the island of Aglikia. This was saved from the rising waters of the Nile by combined forces of UNESCO.

ISLAND, MAUSOLEUM OF AGHA KHAN: visit Elephantine island sail across the Nile fringed with black lava-rock, one of these rocks has the unmistakable shape of an elephant; continue to the Nilometer and museum, containing a great number of antiquities-most were found in the vicinity of Nubia.  Walk around beautiful gardens of Botanic Island with tropical trees and flowers, used as an experimental place for acclimatizing foreign species of plants. Also visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Agha Khan

 

AbuSimbel Temple (Ramses II )  In the southern region of Nubia near the Sudanese border. Here stands the Great Temple of RamsesII, The temple faces east at a very precise angle.  Just twice a year in the early morning, the sun slowly creeps into the cavernous temple through its large chambers and narrow halls and illuminates its inner sanctum. This scientific phenomenon occurs on February 22 and October 22, the dates of RamsesII's birthday and coronation, respectively. For only a few hours, the back wall of the innermost shrine is illuminated, mystically lighting up the three statues of Ramses II

The temples are situated 165 miles south of Aswan the largest temple consists of 12 chambers extending 200 yards back into the rock and its façade measures about 33 yards in the width. The front is adorned with four beautiful statues of RamsesII each of which stands 21 yards high facing the rising sun. Short distance away is the small temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari. These 3200 year old temples were menaced by the rising level of the Nile waters following the construction of the High Dam and for the purpose of preserving this unique complex, teams of experts used modern technology for cutting the monuments into blocks to restore them safely, stone by stone on higher site out of reach of the water. 

A Glance at Luxor: Where does the name 'Luxor ' come form? Luxor is part of ancient Thebes: 'The Hundred-Gated City' as it was called by the renowned Greek historian, Homer, because of its buildings and large gates. The city grew over the years, and the Arabs, impressed by its beautiful palaces and huge edifices, re-named it 'Luxor': City of Palaces. Luxor remained the seat of power from 2100 to 750B.C.That is why the visitor is awed by the city, made immortal by its huge pillared-monuments along both banks of the Nile.

On the east bank of the Nile, in the City of the Living, Luxor and Karnak Temples greet the life-giving sunrise. The sunset on the west bank throws shadows through the City of the Dead: the Tombs of the Nobles, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple.

On the East bank of the Nile, in the city of the living, are found the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, the largest worship place ever built. On the West Bank are the Colossi of Memnon, the tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, and a number of commemorative temples and tombs of important officials. Today, you can walk through history; past statues with heads of gods and animals, beneath pillars carved with lotus buds and papyrus. Ride in a horse-drawn cart, sail in a felucca, take a sunset cruise or see the city from a hot-air balloon.

KARANAK TEMPLES:
KARNAK,a group of temples and the religious quarter of Thebes, the temple of Amon with its Hypostyle hall of 134 columns, Obelisks and Sacred lakes was linked to the Nile by a canal through which moved the famous Sacred boats . Other buildings include chapel of Seti II, temple of Ramses III and temple of Khonsu. 
LUXOR TEMPLE:
The temple was constructed by Amenophis III and Ramses II and was once linked with Karnak by Avenue of Sphinxes.

VALLEY OF THE KINGS & QUEENS : Cross the Nile by ferryboat where lies the city of the Dead, the Necropolis of Thebes. Visit some of the most interesting tombs such as set I, Ramses VI, Amenophis II and Tutankhamen. See also temple of queen Hatsheput, the twin Colossi of Memon erected on the fringe of the desert with their heads facing the Nile. Both represent king AmenophisIII. Visit also the Ramesseum courtyards, pillars and statutes. One the way back visit the valley of queens and Nobles which shelters the tombs of the queens and young princess. it is located on very picturesque mountain site. Testaments to a desire for immortality, built for eternity in sandstone and granite, the temples, tombs and palaces still stand, surrounded by "souks" and luxury hotels. More than 80 percent of Egyptian artifacts are in the Thebes area and plan your visit accordingly. Many tours devote only four days to the area, with one of those days being a side trip to Abydos and Dendera.

Elsewhere in this region, we find not only some of the oldest remains in Egypt, but also the history of trade and agriculture, of vast camel caravans and the cities that grew from that.

Luxor Today: Within Luxor, there are only three main streets consisting of Sharia Al-Mahatta, Sharia Al-Karnak and the Corniche, 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 the gardens of 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 miles not far from here. Also look for the clay pots used by the locals for cooking, which are more unusual. Luxor today is a city of some 200,000 people and 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

HURGHADA: Hurghada lies 385 kms south of Suez and is a famous fishing ground. Here one can find a large variety of fish like sharks, barracudas, swordfish, and tunas, as well as many others. Underwater, one sees the amazing brightness and vividness of colored reef and fish. Unfortunately, they lose their color once they are brought to the surface.

There are three ways to fish at Hurghada: 1- The conventional rod and reed from dry land. 2- Trawling by sailing or motorboat. 3- Skin-diving. Tourist Attractions at Hurghada: 1-The Hurghada Aquarium situated 4 kms north of the town. 2- The coral reefs. 4- The Roman ruins, 71 kms south-east of Hurghada. 5- The remains of Roman temple at Jebel El-Dokhan (A dirt track leads to that site 65 kms north of Hurghada)

 

Sharm El-Sheikh :
is a world-class resort destination that attracts sports-minded travelers and family groups, as well as visitors looking for a restful haven in which to relax. In addition to sunbathing, it offers parasailing, windsurfing, paddle boating, jet skiing, fishing and desert safaris to the Sinai wilderness.

Moreover, Sharm el Sheikh has fabulous 5 star hotels and numerous sports centers that host important events and matches. Visitors can also enjoy aerobics, bowling, tennis, golf and bicycling here
The best-known town of southern Sinai is the beautiful resort 
of Sharm El Sheikh, one of the greatest tourist successes in recent years. It is protected by
the holy mountains behind it and the incredible blue water of the Red Sea in front, making it one of the world's most attractive seaside playgrounds. It is also one of the world's most legendary diving spots

Siwa: The most inaccessible of all Egypt's oases until very recently, is also one of the most fascinating. On the edge of the Great Sand Sea, its rich history includes a visit from Alexander the Great to consult the Oracle of Amun in 331 B.C. Siwans have their culture and customs and they even speak a language of their own, Siwi, rather than Arabic. Many women still wear traditional costumes and silver jewelry like those displayed in The Traditional Siwan House museum in the town center. Siwa remains one of the best places to buy jewelry, rugs, baskets, traditional robes and headdresses decorated with antique coins.

The original settlement, Aghurmi, was superseded by Shali, founded in 1203. Built of salt-impregnated mud of kharsif, the fortress-like community expanded upwards rather than outwards. Set among thick palm groves, walled gardens and olive orchards, with numerous freshwater springs and salt lakes, modern Siwa clusters beneath the remains of ancient Shali. Climb through the ruins of the old city for magnificent views of the whole oasis. Walk, hire a bicycle or ride in a caretta (donkey cart) to outlying sights and bathing places.

The area has a nice climate, chilly in winter, hot in the summer and moderate in the spring and autumn. The area is famous for its dates and olives, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Egypt. Olive oil is still made in the area by crushing the olives from the 70,000 olive trees in the area with stones. The dates are gathered by "zaggala" (stick bearers), who must remain celibate until the age of forty, and the area boasts some 300,000 date trees.

It is located on the old date caravan route, yet until recently, it received few other visitors and retained much of its heritage.In fact, until the battles, which took place around the oasis in World War II, it was hardly governed by Egypt, and remained mostly a Berber (Zenatiya) community for the prior thirteen centuries. Interestingly, each October there is a three-day festival during which Siwans must settle all of their past year's disputes.
The area is also famous for its springs, of which there are approximately 1,000. The water is sweet, and is said to have medical properties.

Bahareya : Set in a depression covering over 2000 sq. km. Bahariya Oasis is surrounded by black hills made up of ferruginous quartzite and dolerite. Most of the villages and cultivated land can be viewed from the top of the 50-metre-high Jebel Al-Mi'ysrah, together with the massive dunes, which threaten to engulf some of the older settlements.

Wildlife is plentiful, especially birds such as wheatears; crops (which only cover a small percentage of the total area) include dates, olives, apricots, rice and corn. The Oasis was a major agricultural center during the Pharaonic era, and has been famous for its wine as far back as the Middle Kingdom. During the fourth century, the absence of Roman rule and violent tribes in the area caused a decline as some of the oasis was reclaimed by the sand.

There are a number of springs in the area, some very hot, such as Bir Al-Ramla but probably the best is Bir Al-Ghaba, about 10 miles north east of Bawiti. There is also Bir al-Mattar: a cold spring which pours into a concrete pool Otherwise near the Oasis are the Black and White deserts, though traveling to the White desert seems not practical from the oasis. The Black Desert was formed through wind erosion as the nearby volcanic mountains were spewed over the desert floor. There are also the ruins of a 17th Dynasty temple and settlement, and nearby tombs where birds were buried.

The Town of Bawiti :
With some 30,000 inhabitants, Bawiti is the largest village in the oasis; its picturesque hillside quarter overlooks lush palm groves irrigated by the Ain Al-Beshmo, a natural spring hewn from the rock in Roman times which gushes water at 30 degrees C. The neighboring village of Al-Qasr was built on the remains of a 26th dynasty temple-nearby, at Qarat Hilwah, you can still see tombs with paintings dating from the same period. The town center is modern, while outside the center are mud-brick houses. Recently, the town has received considerable press due to the find of a huge (possibly the largest) necropolis of mommies from the Greco-Roman era.

Farafra: Known as Ta-iht or the Land of the Cow in Pharaonic times, is a single village. The most isolated of the New Valley Oases it is renowned for its strong traditions and piety. According to folklore the villagers once lost track of time and had to send a rider to Dakhla so they could hold the Friday prayers on the right day. The oldest part of the village, on a hillside, is next to peaceful walled palm groves; a short fide away there are hot sulfur springs at Bir Setta and swimming at El-Mufid Lake.

As in other oases many of Farafra's houses are painted blue (to ward off the Evil Eye) but here some are also decorated with landscapes, birds and animals, the handiwork of local artist, Badr.A combination house, museum and studio exhibiting his paintings and ceramics are situated in a garden full of sculptures made from objects found in the surrounding desert. Another local, known as Mr. Socks, sells beautiful hand-knitted camelhair sweaters, socks and scarves. Day trips by jeep and camel treks from, here to the White Desert, Bahariya, Dakhla and Siwa can be arranged through Saad's Restaurant.

Qasr Al-Farafra: The only real village in the Farafra Oasis, Qasr Al Farafra is a quite and relaxing place, which represents most of what it has to offer tourists. There are few tourist accommodations in the area, but that may change in the near future. Most of the description of the Farafra Oasis applies to the town itself.

Kharga:
used to be the last but one stop on The Forty Days Road, the infamous slave-trade route between North Africa and the tropical south. Today, it is the biggest New Valley oasis and its modern city houses 60,000 people, including 1,000 Nubians who moved here after the creation of Lake Nasser.
Camping facilities are available near both villages. Further south is Baris Oasis, the second largest settlement in Kharga.

Houses designed in traditional Nubian style by Hassan Fathy remain uninhabited- local people refused to live in them because of their similarity to tombs and building stopped in the late 1960s. Its name derives from Kush, the ancient Sudanese capital, which traded with Egypt along the Nile. Arcgeologists are still unearthing the ancient city of Kysis with which the temple is associated; and elaborate system of clay pipes and abandoned Christian church, suggest that Kysis was abandoned when its underground springs dried up but the exact date remains a mystery.

The City of El Kharga:
El Kharga, as a product of the New Valley Project, is a modern and growing city with an ancient past. The Egyptian government has plans to make the area very attractive to tourism.
The main square in town is Midan Nasser,where there is a statue of a woman holding her children. She represents Egypt, and her children are the oases.
There are a number of monuments in the area, as well as a museum. It was from El Kharga, the ancient trading route that the Persian King Cambyses' army of nearly 50,000 left Kharga in 525 B.C. and perished in a sandstorm.

Dakhla: The Dakhla Oasis lies to the northwest of Kharga and is also about 310km to the southeast of Farafra. This oasis has a population of about 70,000 people, is the farthest oasis out of Cairo and is considered one of Egypt's most beautiful oases. Dakhla sits in a depression surrounded by pink cliffs. There are about 30,000 acres of cultivated land. Most of its 70,000 or so residents are farmers who constantly fight the battle of the dunes that threaten their fields and orchards. The fields and gardens are filled mostly with mulberry trees, date palms, figs and other citrus fruits.

Dakhla has retained most of its culture and charm even though it has increased in size by about double and government funding and technical training has revitalized the economy. Dakhla is the only place in Egypt where new water wheels, which are driven by buffaloes, are constructed. They are made of palm timber and clay jars and are called "saqiyas". The oasis is connected to Kharga by a 120-mile (200 km) road that has buses running daily. 
Researches found out that the Oasis has beeninhabited since prehistoric times, and that there was once a huge lake here. There are Neolithic rock paintings that indicate that the lake was frequented by elephants, buffaloes and ostriches. As the lake dried up, the inhabitants migrated to the Nile Valley and were probably some of its first settlers.
Dakhla Oasis is dominated on its northern horizon by a wall of rose-colored rock. Fertile cultivated areas growing rice, peanuts and fruit are dotted between sand dunes along the roads from Farafra and Kharga in this area of outstanding natural beauty.Dakhla Oasis is a collection of 14 different settlements, dominated on its northern horizon by a wall of rose-colored rock. Fertile cultivated areas growing figs, peanuts and fruit are dotted between sand dunes along the roads from Farafra and Kharga in this area of outstanding natural beauty. 
Al-Qasr Village:
Al-Qasr at the foot of the limestone cliffs and on the edge of the lush oasis is little changed from medieval times. With a population of around 700, the town was built from its Roman ruins and has narrow covered streets.
The sites of interest include a pottery factory and an old corn mill. Mud bricks are still made in an ancient manner and there is a foundry where men still work mettle using bellows flamed fires.

Fayoum: About 100 Kms, south west of Cairo lies the largest Egyptian natural Oasis called Fayoum. Fayoum is a center not only for agriculture, but also hunting, swimming, rowing, and fishing. In addition to its recreational attractions, it strewn with archaeological sites dating back to the 4th dynasty 2680 B.C. among its oldest sites, is a small temple of God Sebk . The area's history dates from the 12th dynasty when it was called " the land of the lake" under the Greeks and Roman, Fayoum was also known as " the crocodile's m land" and as Arcenions in the Christian era, the name was changed again to "Fayoum water" which survives, in the modern from as Fayoum.

KARANIS (KOM OSHIM):
Is an ancient Greco-Roman town containing two temples of Sebk a Roman bath and a new museum displaying local antiquities.70 kms from Cairo,26 from Fayoum town.
DEMEH EL SIBA AND QASR EL SAGHA:
An excursion to these two sites on the northern side of Birket Karoun is one of the most interesting in the Fayoum rewarding and memorable as much or the desert and lake scenery s for the historical interest of sites themselves. 30 kms next to Kom-Oshim police check post.

QASR KAROUN: This is a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple; around it the ruins of Dionysias on the edge cultivated land. It is well worth visit despite the long journey, 45 kms from Fayoum town. MADINET MADI: An 11th Dynasty temple and ruined city, in the desert about 30 kms southwest of Fayoum. HAWARA PYRAMID: Has a lost its limestone façade and shows only the mud bricks laid during the region of Amenmhat III 12th Dynasty 9 kms from Fayoum city. LAHUN PYRAMID: It is also made of mud bricks and was built by Senousert 12th Dynasty 26 kms from Fayoum town. ES SNAM THE IDOL THE PEDESTALS OF BIAHMO: The remains of two large stone pedestals which once supported the colossi of Amenhat III.

KIMAN FARISE:
Occupies the site of 5th Dynasty town and holds a temple of Sebk built by Amenmhat III. During the Greeks period the town renamed Crocodilos in honor of the crocodile God. Under Ptolemaic rule, the name was changed again to Arsenoi.
1 km from Fayoum town.
THE OBELISK OF ABGIG:
It is attributed to Senousert 1X 11th Dynasty 13 meter-high red granite existing in Fayoum-Cairo access road

Sinai: A a land of enchantment, a peninsula in which can be found all the charms and magic of nature. Moreover, its fabulous antiquity and the scriptural stories associated with it add overtones of awe and veneration to its pure beauty. Memories of the past and of historic events abound from the earliest times to the last war it has been highway for armies. It was s scene of legend for prehistoric Egyptian religion.Isis went there when searching for the body-murdered husband "Osiris" the goddess Hathor gave sanctity to it, and was known to the pharaohs  as "Our Lady Of Sinai".

The ancient kings went for gold, copper and turquoise, from which was derived its name of the " Land of Turquoise".
it was always a wild land, and the Egyptian built fortified places in order to defend themselves against the attacks of the wandering Bedouin. Legend has it that the prophet Abraham was stopped there by pharaoh's soldiers who sent him to the king. Having generously received and loaded with every kind of present, the prophet was given permission to return to his own country.
It was on one of these mountains, too. That God's majesty was revealed to Moses when he delivered to him the Ten Commandments. And it was this way that came when the Virgin Mary fleeing down to Egypt with her child.

One of the most interesting of the many possible excursions is, of course, that to St. Catherine's. From beginning to end the spectacle is magnificent. Starting from Suez, the first stopping place is the Wells of the Moses (about 18 miles). There are a dozen wells in the Oasis, which are said to be filled with the water that gushed from the rock when Moses struck it with his staff. In the valley of the Grotto are the turquoise mines that were visited from the earliest historic times. Pharaoh after pharaoh left inscriptions recording his exploits.

Semerkhet of the first Dynasty (about3000 B.C) is seen subduing of Sanakht of the third Dynasty (2778-2723 B.C), the pharaoh whose name has been found on the recently discovered step pyramid at Saqqarah.
In the temple at Serobit Al-Khadem lies the Grotto of our lady of Sinai, the goddess Hathor, with an inscription of king Seneferu, farther of Kheops, about 2720 B.C.

Archaeologists and philologists found a treasure house here in the Mokattab valley. The rock faces are covered with writings in many ancient languages, in hieroglyphics, in Nabataean, in Greek, and in strange Semitic dialects that were using a writing partly derived from Ancient Egyptian and from which the modern European alphabets are descended. About 204 Kms out from Suez you arrive at Faran, a fertile oasis, green with palms and vegetation, it lies at the foot of Mount Torr where Moses heard God's voice proclaiming his mission from the burning bush. Beyond lies St.

Catherine's Monastery, and beside the church a symbol of tolerance and of brotherhood in faith, lies large Mosque. This friendly companionship is something that is to be found not only here, but also allover the Republic.The Mosque contains two interesting antiquities, a wooden chair with Kufic inscription and Fatimid "mimbar", or pulpit, both of which go back tp Anushtkin, an Emir of the 7th Fatimid Caliph, Al -Mansour Al-Amerbi-Ahkam-lllah (500 A.H or 1101 A.D). The monastery itself contains many treasures. They have been valued at two millions pounds. The original building dates from the third century and was dictated to the Alexandrian saint. It contains the precious library of thousands of manuscripts in Greek, Syriac, and Arabic. Amharic and so on. 

Safaga  Located 53km south of Hurghada, Safaga acquires its unique character from both its port and the small surrounding tourist village.

The black sand dune beaches characteristic of Safaga are a favorite spot for sun bathers. Plus, the water is known to have a high content of saline and is beneficial for the skin. 
Located 53km south of Hurghada , Safaga acquires its unique character from both its port and the small surrounding tourist village. 

The black sand dune beaches characteristic of Safaga are a favorite spot for sun bathers. Plus, the water is known to have a high content of saline and is beneficial for the skin. 
Safaga is also home to Tobia Arbaa and Tobia Hamra ; these two chain reefs line the shore and make it an ideal spot for daily diving. Safaga is equally popular for windsurfing and was the host of the 1993 World Windsurfing Championships. 

Safaga is also a good starting point for a day trip into the Eastern Desert or check out the granite quarries of Mons Claudianus .
Safaga is one of many exciting holiday destinations for package holidays to Egypt and the Red Sea. Online travel agents offer last minute and other travel deals and you can book a singles or family holiday directly online. We have written 5 articles to guide you in the world of package holidays to Egypt: