Glories of Egypt's past

The last Jetwing tour was a 10-day excursion to Egypt, which was considered to be a resounding success.

On the first day, the group arrived in Cairo, capital of Egypt. 

The largest city in the African continent, modern Cairo encompasses several former cities and their monuments, such as early Christian monasteries and churches, Salah-al-Din's Citadel, mosques of the Mamluke and Ottoman sultans.

A memorable visit to the Pyramids, Memphis and Saqqarah was on the itinerary for the next day. The Pyramid of Cheops, popularly known as the Great Pyramid, is among the Seven Wonders of the World. One of the most famous monuments in the world, the Great Sphinx lies adjacent to the Causeway, which connected the funerary temple of King Cephren with the valley temple where it belonged.

A visit to the Egyptian Museum, one of the most famous in the world, is also an interesting experience. The magnificent collection of antiquities includes mummies, sarcophagi, and fabulous treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb. Visits to the Citadel and Khan El-Khalili were also fitted in before the train trip to Luxor.

After the overnight train ride to Luxor, the group was transferred to join the Sheraton Cruise. Luxor and Karnak Temples were visited that morning after checking in on the boat. Later that night a buffet dinner and entertainment were provided on the boat while it remained anchored overnight in Luxor.

The next day was at a leisurely pace as the boat set sail for Edfu. As the boat remained overnight at Edfu, the Captain's cocktail, a buffet dinner and a fancy dress party were organised on board. After visiting Edfu Temple the next morning, the boat sailed on to Kom Ombo, where another temple was visited before sailing on to Aswan. 

Visits to High Dam, Old Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk were features of the next day's programme, after checking out of the boat cruise. 

A felucca (Egyptian boat) ride past the botanical gardens was followed by a flight to Abu Simbal where imposing temple ruins can be seen. After the day's excursion at Abu Simbal, the group embarked on an overnight train trip to Cairo.

On the agenda the next day was the historic city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and capital of Egypt until 642 AD. Known as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', Alexandria is located at the western edge of the Nile delta. In antiquity Alexandria was a centre for Hellenic scholarship and science. The tour passed through places that belonged to several civilizations such as museums, Pompay's pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El-Shukafa, Al-Montazah's Palace and Fort Qaitbey.

Located at the northern tip of the Eastern Harbour, Sultan Qaitbey's fort is a landmark of Alexandria. The fort was built in the 1480s on the original site of Pharos, Alexandria's ancient lighthouse. 

Acres of formal gardens and a beautiful beach make Montazah the foremost pleasure ground. Montazah Palace, built in a combination of Turkish and Florentine styles, is now used as a state guest house. Shallalat Gardens near the Alexandria Zoo is also a pleasant place for a visit. Palms and colonial mansions line part of the sweeping bay of the Eastern Harbour, a busy port in ancient times. Fishermen are still seen at work here. Among the other interesting places visited on the final lap of the tour was the Greco-Roman Museum which has a collection covering the period 3rd century BC to 7th century AD. It is a fascinating record of a civilization in the process of change as religions merged and society evolved. 

For the rest of the millennium year, Jetwing Travels has arranged five other interesting packages including another tour to Egypt. A special package is also being organised for the Formula 1 Motor Races in Malaysia in October this year. 

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