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The 5 Must-See Sites in Egypt and Jordan
The Treasures of the Red Sea, 5 Must-See Sites in Egypt and Jordan!
Discover the 5 must-see sits on board our new program: The treasures of the Red Sea between Egypt and Jordan
From November 2021 to March 2022, embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of two countries of unprecedented wealth. In the Land of the Pharaohs, aboard La Belle de l’Adriatique, these cruises are the perfect opportunity to discover the historic sites of this destination. Each one is as exciting as it is mesmerizing.
Luxor and the Valley of the Kings
To the north of the city of Luxor stands the temple of Karnak, built by the pharaohs of the 12th dynasty. It is the largest religious complex ever built. It consists of sanctuaries, pavilions, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Theban gods and the glory of the pharaohs. Luxor unveils its wonder, built during the reign of Amenophis III and Ramses II, the temple stands majestically on the banks of the Nile.
Luxor reveals the Valley of the Kings, the ultimate home of the pharaohs of Egypt, one of the most important sites of ancient Egypt. This valley is the main complex of the great necropolis of ancient Thebes, on the left bank of the Nile facing the city of Luxor. It was in this location that the Pharaohs reached immortality in their sarcophagus. Further, dominating the west bank at a height of over 50 feet, the colossi of Memnon, faceless effigies sitting on a throne are the remains of the funerary temple of Amenophis III.
The Archaeological Wonder of Petra
Head to the coast of Jordan to discover the must-see site of Petra. Listed at UNESCO’s World Heritage, this lost city with a thousand faces and its monumental facades carved out of pink sandstone rock are often described as the eighth wonder of the world.
The ancient city lies north of the city of Aqaba and is one of the most fabulous places in Jordan, and all of the Middle East. In a spectacular setting at the bottom of a narrow gorge, you can admire buildings and tombs dug into solid rock. Secluded in a valley that was once off-limits to visitors, Petra was so well hidden by the rugged mountains that surrounds it, that it was once "lost" for 1,000 years.
Sharm El Sheikh and the seabed of Naama Bay
From the port of Sharm El-Sheikh you can visit the beautiful seaside resort of Naama Bay, considered the "Egyptian Riviera". With golden sandy beaches lined with palm trees, it is the ideal place to swim, relax, sunbathe or just stroll. It is also here that the most beautiful coral reef of the Red Sea is found. You can board a glass-bottomed boat to admire the corals and fish of all colors and sizes. On board La Belle de l’Adriatique, from the sun deck, you can admire a panoramic view of Naama Bay with the mountains that surround the resort, while enjoying a sunset cocktail.
Wadi Rum Desert
Just an hour drive from the port of Aqaba, the Wadi Rum Desert is still home to several Bedouin tribes. We’ll take a 4X4 for an expedition through the desert. Huge Jebels (mountains) of sandstone and granite spring up from the earth’s surface, forming a lunar landscape. Some of these ridges can reach more than 300 meters high, often topped by domes eroded by strong desert winds. Deep, narrow canyons and undulating sand dunes complete the picture. For many centuries, freshwater springs have attracted trading caravans moving between Arabia, Syria and Palestine. Today, several Bedouin tribes have taken up residence in the valley.
Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
The Giza Plateau is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Pyramids of Giza. Well see the Great Pyramid of Kheops, and its neighbors the Pyramids of Khephren and Mykerinos, the smallest of the three. Not far from these jewels of antiquity, the Sphinx draws admiration. Abu al Hol, literally “Father of Terror” in Arabic, was called Sphinx by the Greeks because he resembled the mythical winged monster, who posed riddles and killed those who could not solve them. He would represent Pharaoh Kephren. One can visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, housing among others the Treasury of Tutankhamun and many historical relics.
The Giza Plateau is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Pyramids of Giza. Well see the Great Pyramid of Kheops, and its neighbors the Pyramids of Khephren and Mykerinos, the smallest of the three. Not far from these jewels of antiquity, the Sphinx draws admiration. Abu al Hol, literally “Father of Terror” in Arabic, was called Sphinx by the Greeks because he resembled the mythical winged monster, who posed riddles and killed those who could not solve them. He would represent Pharaoh Kephren. One can visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, housing among others the Treasury of Tutankhamun and many historical relics.
The land of 1001 nights opens the opportunity for an exceptional trip during which time seems to stand still and history unfolds before your eyes. Discover our different cruises on the Red Sea including our departures during the holiday season.
An intimately sized boat with no more than 197 passengers on board, La Belle de l'Adriatique offers a contemporary and warm setting in an elegant and bright style.