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Ancient Egyptian Religion and the Mystery of the God Thoth

These days if you turn on National Geographic or the Discovery channel you can be sure to run into a program that talks about ancient Egypt and the Pyramids. It is fairly obvious that Pharaonic Egypt continues to exercise a profound fascination on people’s minds. Modern folk are not exception, but the rule, for almost every period in history was mesmerized by the mystery of ancient Egypt. Starting with the Greeks, continuing with the Romans, Islamic culture, the Renaissance down to the present, Egypt continues to embody the mystery of the beginnings of civilization. For most people, the legacy of Egypt is a dead culture buried deep within the sands of the Valley of Kings: but for many of those studying or practicing Hermeticism, it is still very much alive. Today, it is becoming more and more likely that at least part of the ancient Egyptian heritage passed through the figure of the god Thoth to an offshoot of him, Hermes Trismegistus, and then on to the modern times.

Ancient Egyptian religion is still shrouded in mystery, despite the translations of the hieroglyphs. Today we associate this religion mostly with the cult of Osiris and Isis, as well as the sun-god Re. However, it now appears that the god Thoth was an equally, or eventually more important god than these.

I must confess that I have encountered problems trying to unearth the mysterious figure of Thoth. There’s hardly anything up-to-date written about him: my main sources had to remain at the level of 1922’s classic by P. Boylan (1) and a 1973 book by J.C. Bleeker (2), none of which cover the late antique transformation of Thoth into Hermes Trismegistus. For Hermes and Hermes Trismegistus there is quite an enlightening book written by the founder of Western Esotericism research, A. Faivre (3). Yet in the end the information on Thoth is sadly disjointed, not updated and fragmentary, as if destined to perpetuate the myth and mystique of this shadowy god!

The name of Thoth is shrouded in mystery to begin with – scholars have not been able to establish an etymology (4). What is known is that he was the moon god, and he associated mainly with the ibis. Why the ibis is not clear either. It has been conjectured that the ibis’ beak has the shape of the crescent moon (5) or that the black and white of the feathers suggest the moon’s phases (6). What is fairly straightforward is that the ibis is a bird yet living mostly on the ground and near the Nile Delta – hence a trinity of the elements of air, earth and water.

In addition to the moon, Thoth has been described as the god of writing, scribes, wisdom, magic, night, the dead and natural law. If this sounds like a hodge-podge of characteristics, there is in fact a deeper connection between all these elements. Thoth is the minor key, lunary counterpart to the bright Re sun-god – his younger brother, his messenger and scribe (7). Thoth represents the mysterious, dark moonlight that paradoxically enlightens and confounds the mind. Perhaps C.J. Jung put it in the best way when he said that moonlight is soft, smooth, and unites objects rather than differentiates them as sunlight does (8). We customarily say that there is ‘magic’ to the moon. Hence Thoth is the master of magic and all of those ambiguous arts that both clarify and baffle: divination, astrology and alchemy. There is light (wisdom, understanding, law) and darkness (mystery, death) in the figure of Thoth. In fact he has the uncanny ability of uniting both of them, hence his attribute of appeaser, of go-betweener. In a popular myth, he is the one who makes peace between the warring Horus (sun, order, good) and Seth (darkness, chaos, evil). He thus puts an end to war by sacrificing his arm in the name of peace, but in the aftermath he restores the plenitude of all three wounded (9). Is it perhaps from this triad of Horus – Seth – Thoth that Hermes Trismegistus (Thrice Great) comes from? In any case, Thoth’s ability to heal wounds makes him the archetype of physicians.

As “physician”, Thoth also seems to hold the keys to the renewal and rebirth of the body. In another important myth, he is the one to breathe life into the dead god Osiris, and proclaims him the god of the heavens (10). In the famous Book of the Dead, the passed-away person takes the image of – or becomes Thoth (11). Perhaps this is an early sign of that likeable quality of Thoth that later transformed him into Hermes Trismegistus: his underlying humanity. He is, after all, the one who knows people’s hearts (12).

Thoth is also the guardian of the cosmic order – perhaps not in the way we understand order now, but as a balance between order and chaos (Horus and Seth). It is no wonder that he was called “A’an”, the god of equilibrium (13). As the one in the middle of the warring factions, he sets a law of the just measure: for instance, he is credited with appeasing the fiery goddess Tefnet and transforming her into a benevolent goddess (14). He is also the law-giver and the judge, making decisions in regards to the heir of Egypt’s throne, Osiris’ place amongst the gods, Horus and Seth quarrels etc.

As a conclusion, I will simply let Thoth introduce himself according to a fragment:

“I, Thoth, am the eminent writer, pure of hands…the writer of the truth, whose horror is the lie… the lord of the laws…I teach ma-a-t (order, universal law) to the gods, I test (each) word for its veracity…I am the leader of the sky, the earth, and the nether-world” (15). This is a god with a claim to universality, hidden knowledge, and of the divine, ordering Word, who is a loving teacher of humanity.

References:

(2), (5), (14) Bleeker, C. J. (1973). Hathor and Thoth: Two Key Figures of the Ancient Egyptian Religion. Studies in the History of Religions 26. Leiden: Brill.

(1), (7), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (15) Boylan, P. (1922). Thoth, the Hermes of Egypt: A Study of Some Aspects of Theological Thought in Ancient Egypt. London: Oxford University

(8) Jung, C.G. (1963). Mysterium Coniunctionis : An Inquiry into the Separation and Synthesis of Psychic Opposites in Alchemy, transl. by R.F.C. Hull. New York, N.Y : Pantheon Books.

(3) Faivre, A. (1995). The Eternal Hermes: From Greek God to Alchemical Magus. Grand Rapids: Phanes Press.

(6) Plutarch. (1908). On Morals: Isis and Osiris, trans by C.W. King. Online. Available at: http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/plu/pte/pte04.htm/ . Accessed 06 Nov 2008.

(4), (13). Wikipedia. (2008). ‘Thoth’. Online. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoth/. Accessed 06 Nov 2008.

Rise of the Cat Goddess Bastet and the Domestication of the Ancient Egyptian Cat and

In Ancient Egypt, the cat was known as mau and played a significant role in the society and mythology of Ancient Egypt.  Even feral and untamed, the cat served a useful purpose for the farmers in Ancient Egypt by protecting their crops from vermin.  Cats protected the grainaries of Egypt from rats and mice, and earned respect from the human population of Egypt for their ability to battle and kill Cobras and other snakes.  Two breeds of cats populated the region at the time, the jungle cat (Felis chaus) and the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica).  

The African wildcat was more docile and possessed a demeanor that was more conducive to domestication.  A mutually beneficial existence where the cats controlled the vermin and the humans tolerated and provided protection from other predators who avoided humans, helped to push along the domestication process.  Another influence on domestication was the practice of raising kittens caught in the wild as pets, a fashionable practice amongst Ancient Egypt’s wealthiest citizens.  Evolving beyond mere tolerance, the Egyptian people began to embrace the newly domesticated creature as a symbol of grace and elegance.  

Ancient Egyptian was deeply influenced by the animal world and worship of animals was common.  Mafdet, the deity associated with justice and execution, was depicted as a fierce lion-headed goddess and the earliest representations of Bastet from around the Second Dynasty show a fierce lion-like warrior goddess.  Over centuries as cats became more domesticated and placid, the cat goddess Bastet or Bast, rose in popularity to become the deity  representing fertility, motherhood and protection.  Statues from later periods depict the goddess with the head of a domesticated cat and often accompanied by her kittens, a more representative depiction of her nurturer role and the domestication of the cat in Egypt.  Bastet was frequently depicted in her full feline form, often with gold or jewel-encrusted ear and nose rings.

The Pharaoh Shoshenq I built Bubastic, a center of worship for the Goddess Bastet east of the Nile Delta (50 miles Northeast of Cairo) into an important cultural city where thousands would travel each year to celebrate the cult of the cat.  In the marketplace, merchants and artists peddled bronze sculptures and jewelry festooned with the image of Bastet or of a mother cat with her kittens, popular with women attempting to conceive a child.  Their prayers to Bastet would often ask that they be granted the same number of children as kittens depicted on the amulet they had purchased in the market.  The fifth century Greek historian Herodotus described the pilgrimage to Bubastis as a carnival-like scene wild with music and drink to celebrate the Cat Goddess, Bastet.

In death, the cat was often treated with the respect extended a human family member.  Family members would grieve their loss deeply and in many cases, the cat’s body would receive the full mummification treatment.  Their is ample evidence that the burial of a cat was frequently treated with much the same revelry as his human counterpart, including the ceremonial burial with provisions for the afterlife such as dishes of milk and even mummified mice.  In the late 1800s at the temple of Bast, a huge tomb holding more than 19 tons of mummified cat remains was discovered.  Along with the mummies were the popular bronze statues of the goddess Bast in cat form.  It’s suspected that most were already stolen by thieves before the discovery as the image remains a popular with collectors of rare antiquities.  

While the popularity of the cat in Egypt has waned and they are probably celebrated more in the United States today, statues of the goddess Bastet remain a popular decorating choice for cat-lovers or those who appreciate the feline representation of nurturing motherhood.  

History Of Fashion: Ancient Egyptian Dress

Women’s dress

The Eighteenth Dynasty, which spans the time period from 1550 until 1292 BC, is probably the most famous of all the dynasties of ancient Egypt. This is the age of the rule of Tutankhamen, as well as of Amenhotep IV and his wife Nefertiti. This is also the Dynasty of Hatshepsut, considered one of the most successful pharaohs and the longest reigning woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty.

 Until the Eighteenth Dynasty, the women wore kalasiris, or sheath dress, made from a tube of material sewn along one side. The traditional kalasiris was simple in shape. It fell from below the breasts to above the ankles and was held by two shoulder straps. This could vary however. Archeologists have found kalasiris supported by sleeves instead of straps, or just one strap instead of two. It could also extend over the breast or up to the neck. Although paintings and sculptures portray such costumes as molded tightly over the body, these depictions are deceptive. Surviving clothing is loose and flowing for ease of movement.

Women also wore an ensemble of two separate pieces. It consisted of a wide skirt with horizontal folds and a short, tight bodice with slim-fitting sleeves. It opened back and front and had to be secured with thin cords.

In the Eighteenth Dynasty new dress styles appeared. Depictions of Nefertiti show her in a long, flowing, pleated linen drapery or wearing a long, tight dress under a pleated tunic with wide sleeves that came down to the elbow. A belt fastened below her breasts forms an Empire line, while a beaded collar hung at her neckline.

There was remarkably little change in women’s clothing after the Eighteenth Dynasty, even during the Greek Ptolemaic Dynasty (304-30 BC). As established by the first pharaohs, the exclusive use of draped linen garments and the wearing of similar styles by men and women remained almost unaltered as the main features of ancient Egyptian costume.

Men’s clothing

The traditional male garment was the white linen kilt or schenti, a rectangular cloth wrapped around the lower body and tied in front.  Beneath it, men wore a triangular loincloth sometimes fastened with cord ties. The length, fullness and method of adjustment of the kilt changed with the the wearer’s social position and the historic epoch.

The original schenti was made of leather or hide, which was later replaced by a light cloth, usually linen.

Later kilts were more angular and heavily starched. The stiff cloth would stick out and create a triangle, which emphasized the genital area. This zone was considered sacred for its procreation role.

Men’s costume evolved gradually. One of the first innovations to follow the schenti was the loin skirt. In the Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 BC), men wore long linen skirts over the kilt. They varied in length and were sometimes held in place by a decorative belt.

Egypt’s conquest of Syria in the 15th century BC introduced the tunic and the robe. The Syrian weavers imported sophisticated weaving techniques that led to better textile production. The tunic, a short sleeved nightshirt, could be worn over the schenti, while the robe was complicated in form and was made from of fabric twice as long as the wearer’s height.  It had a wide neckline, wide sleeves and the skirt was gathered at the waist. The robe is probably the most unusual Egyptian garment. 

Egyptian Pendants ? The Ultimate Gift To Your Lover

Wish to show your true and deep love to your lover on Valentines Day? Well, you need to buy a good and unique gift for her. This would help you in getting her to your life. But you do not have any idea which gift to choose from the stores, right? You need not worry at all as you can always go for gifting unique valentine gifts for her. Now you might be wondering what does the different pendants look like, right? Well, they are very stylish and come in unique designs and that too in different price range. So, you need to choose from the variety of different styles of the Egyptian pendants.

You need not have to worry about spending a lot of money in buying it as they are not so costly. When you visit different websites that sell this type of pendants you would find that it has got different price ranges of 0 – 0. So, all you need to do is to choose the best one that would fit your budget as well as the requirement.  You can also get special offers and discounts as well when you shop your jewelry online. This is the reason why people go for buying all types of jewelry online in order to save their cash. This helps a lot in saving both your time and money.

There are different types of pendants that you can find in the different websites. You can go for buying Gold Egyptian pharaoh pendant that weigh 3 gram. It would look great to your lover when it is worn. What’s more, you can buy Gold Egyptian cat pendant that costs not more than 5. This product also weighs 3 gram and the style is very unique that would suit the taste of your lover. You need to make the payment via PayPal or even if you have a credit card. Do try to have a good look at it online before you go for purchasing it. Also do not forget to mention your full address where the product would get delivered to your address within no time. Pendants can be ordered online from many websites and so it is very important that you order from a website that is really genuine and do not rob off your money. So, make Valentines Day special for your lover by gifting the antique piece of jewelry.

Egyptian Inspired Jewelry

For a fantastic way to feel like royalty Egyptian inspired jewelry has so many beautiful styles. Each piece is so unique and interesting it is hard not to get lost in the gorgeous designs. Every intricate detail, even in the larger, chunky items is so interesting and beautiful. Adding one of these great pieces is a fantastic addition to any outfit, just try not to overdo it with too many at once. Adding one of these to an understated ensemble will change the look completely, and give a focal point in your overall look.

A hot trend in jewelry right now is hieroglyphics. You can find many gorgeous necklaces, charms, bracelets, rings and earrings featuring this ancient form of expression. Many feature inspiring sayings or mantras written in hieroglyphics, while some jewelers offer the option of creating your own message to be showcased in the ancient language. This idea is so chic, as with the passing of the trend of nameplate jewelry here is a more subtle way to carry a message in your pieces, rather than screaming it for everyone to see. This is a fantastic gift idea, as the meaning could be a secret message from the giver to the recipient. No matter if you are able to customize your new hieroglyphic piece it is so beautiful and intricate.

There are beautiful mini-replicas of Egyptian structures and statues also available in charms and earrings. One of the most popular is that of King Tut. The feeling you get when you wear or look at these is that of luxury and wonderment of the past. It really brings you on a mind trip into ancient Egypt and makes you feel like a Queen (or Princess, that’s all up to you). There are also great pieces currently on the market featuring beautiful charms inspired by pyramids, the many queens of Egypt and Isis.

Egypt has many symbols associated with its culture. Among them are the Ankh, the Eye of Horus, lotus, the Scarab, the Evil Eye and many other symbols. These are fantastic conversation pieces, as in American culture the meanings of these symbols may be unknown to many that see it. Research a symbol before purchasing one of these items and it will take on a bigger meaning to you personally and hold more importance.

No matter what style of Egyptian inspired jewelry you choose these pieces are fantastic for any wardrobe and may bring you to your own Egypt, in your mind.

Watch From 1:17 onwards. Footage of rioting in Cairo appears to show a ghost horse and rider. Aladdins Magic Carpet Or The Horseman Of The Apocalypse? I am going with Signal interference or Reflection! But the Synchromysticism aspect is valid! synchromysticismforum.com Close Up Video Here: www.youtube.com The ride of the fourth horseman Revelation 6:7-8 tells us this about the fourth seal: “When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him.” The Expositor’s Bible Commentary says this about the color of the fourth horse: “‘Pale’ (chloros) denotes a yellowish green, the light green of a plant, or the paleness of a sick person in contrast to a healthy appearance.” Put bluntly, this horse is the color of death. Watch As The Presenter Points To The Horse On CNN!!! edition.cnn.com Original MSNBC Video: www.msnbc.msn.com

Holidays in Egypt – Steeped in History, Great for Adventure

Steeped in history but very much a destination of the present, Egypt is still a land of mystery for many people.

Egypt is one of the few places which not only lives up to your dreams but exceeds them. Egypt is a land of ancient pharaohs brought to life by the Pyramids and other magnificent pharaohnic structures – and where the intoxicating culture and vibrant energy of modern-day Cairo touches your soul. It is also a place where you can kick back and laze on soft sand beaches or get adventurous among desert dunes and mountains or below the waves in crystal clear coral waters.

To give your holiday planning a start, here are 10 great reasons to visit Egypt.

Beaches: Queen of Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera is Sharm el Sheikh, the resort which began it all more than a quarter of a century ago. More recent Sinai Peninsula additions include designer resort Taba Heights, while Western Red Sea favourite Hurghada has been joined by the likes of El Gouna, Safaga and Makadi Bay. Watch out for the developing Mediterranean resorts, among them El Alamein and Porto Marina.

Nightlife: Hit the major Red Sea resorts at night and the streets buzz with life, from thronging cafes with hubble-bubble pipes to lively rooftop bars, while inside, clubs churn out the latest beats. Cairo’s historic Khan el Khalili bazaar district comes alive after dark with the atmospheric calls of traders trying to entice passers-by to stop.

Food and drink: Mint tea and strong Kahwa coffee, so thick you can almost stand the spoon up in it, are staple drinks; stuffed vine leaves, kebabs and humus are among local food specialities.

Adventure: The desert offers all sorts of action for adrenalin junkies, from wadi-bashing in 4×4 vehicles or quad bikes to sunset camel rides followed by dinner under the stars in a Bedouin camp. Head under the Red Sea to explore wrecks and see exquisite corals, tropical fish – and even a whale shark, if you are lucky.

Sport: Golf is an unlikely sport which has taken off in the country. You can tee off in and around Cairo, including under the shadow of the Pyramids, putt alongside the sparkling Red Sea and play seemingly within a chip shot of the pharaohs’ tombs. Windsurfing is popular on the Red Sea because of the constant breeze.

Cities: Experience the hustle and bustle of Cairo and you are seeing the real Egypt, laid bare. Haggle for bargain shoes and cotton goods in the markets of Cleopatra’s capital, Alexandria, and soak up the colourful sights, sounds and smells of Luxor’s markets before watching the evening sound and light show.

The Nile: The heart of the country, it runs from the south of the country through Luxor and on 500 miles to Cairo to flow into the Mediterranean by Alexandria. Take a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan past astonishing edifices, and enjoy an excursion on a traditional sailing felucca. History: Egypt’s glorious monuments were already 2,500 years old when they were first seen by Greek historian Herodotus.

Shopping: There are shopping centre in resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, but the real joy of shopping is to barter with a local stallholder in one of the many markets. Never pay more than half to two-thirds the original asking price, and enjoy the sellers’ theatrics.

Sightseeing: You can’t rent a car and drive around Egypt, but coach tours go to all the top sights. Favourites include Cairo’s Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Muslim Quarter, the Valley of Kings and temples of Karnak and Luxor in Luxor, and St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai, a day trip from Sharm

Many companies offer package holidays in Egypt, as well as superb Nile Cruise arrangements. The availabilty of cheap flights to Egypt from European cities also makes the country accessible and affordable for tailor made trips.

A furious wave of protest swept Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak from power on Friday after 30 years of one-man rule, sparking jubilation on the streets and sending a warning to autocrats across the Arab world and beyond. Mubarak, the second Arab leader to be overthrown by a popular uprising in a month, handed power to the army after 18 days of relentless rallies against poverty, corruption and repression caused support from the armed forces to evaporate. Mubarak, 82, had flown with his family from Cairo to the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, a ruling party official said. Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher takes a look now at how the day unfolded.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Day tour to Egyptian Museum & Giza Pyramids in Cairo by private vehicle

Itinerary:-

- Pick up service by your Egyptologist guide from your hotel in Cairo
– Visit the Egyptian Museum of antiquities
– Lunch meal at a high quality restaurant in Cairo
– Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, Valley Temple, Sphinx
– Free time in Cairo for shopping or optional tours
- Transfer to your hotel in Cairo

Price excludes:-

Optional tours and personal expenses:
– Sound and Light show at the Pyramids in Cairo
– Dinner cruise in the Nile River with belly dance show

General info:-

Pick up from your hotel lobby in Cairo by our REP with a board reflecting your name
Pick up time at 08:00
Return back to your hotel at 18:00

Price info:-

Prices are quoted in USD currency per person, minimum 2 persons traveling together

Price includes:-

- Pick up and drop off services from your hotel in Cairo
– All transfers by air-conditioned vehicles in Cairo
– Admision fees to the sightseeing in Cairo as per itinerary
- Lunch meal at a high quality restaurant during Cairo tour
- Egyptologist English speaking tour guide in Cairo

Tour guide:
Egypt guided tours are highly recommended and our guides are knowledgeable Egyptologist guides who have academic qualifications to make your tour to Egypt extra special

Vehicles used :
Vehicles are new branded air-conditioned with a professional driver, but drivers in Egypt do not speak English and they cannot act as tour guides for the Egyptian monumental sights

Look forward to hearing from you soon,
Best regards,

Contact Us:-

Website: – egyptonlinetours.com

E-mail:- magdy@egyptonlinetours.com
sara.talaat@egyptonlinetours.net

Address: – 124, Haram street, Giza, Egypt

Contact Person: – Sara Talaat

Cell Phone: – 0162922290

Day tour to Egyptian Museum & Giza Pyramids in Cairo by private vehicle

Legend of Egypt Classic Packages from USA 12 Days

Departure: Daily

Length   : 12 Days – 11 Nights

Type     : Customized Tour

Guide    : Private Professional Egyptologist Guide

Price    : From : 1145 USD

Itinerary:-

Day 1: Arrive Cairo, Optional Sound & Light Show
Arrival in the Land of the Pharaohs, at Cairo International airport, Egypt Representative will be waiting for you after you get your luggage and clear customs and will be holding the Right Travel Green sign, then escorted to your hotel. Evening, you may choose our optional tour to attend the Sound & Light Show in Cairo.

Day 2: – Cairo, City Tour
Free day at your leisure, Start your day with a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum where you will find artifacts of the Pharaonic era and the treasures of king Tutankhamun;s tomb. After lunch, drive to the Citadel of Saladin and visit Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. Enjoy a walking tour of the largest 13th century covered oriental market, Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Day 3: – Cairo, Pyramids Tour
Tour Free time at your leisure, Full Day Cairo Pyramids Tour, scenic drive will take you to the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital of United Upper and Lower Egypt, and then visit Sakkara, site of the Step Pyramid of Zoser. After lunch, continue to tour to visit the Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza, which has stood for the last 5000 years. Back to hotel for overnight stay

Day 4: – Cairo, Luxor
Early morning flight from Cairo to Luxor, arrival and transfer to your luxury Nile Cruise where you will spend the next 7 nights / 8 days, rest of the day is free at your leisure, overnight in Luxor.

Day 5:- Luxor, Esna
After breakfast, Cruise sightseeing tour Visit Karnak and Luxor Temple, a centuries-old city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues, shrines and obelisks, back to the Cruise for lunch, sail to Esna, overnight. ( B, L, D )

Day 6:- Edfu, Kom Ombo
Sail to Edfu and Visit Edfu Temple, also known as the Temple of Horus, the falcon-god, (237 B.C.) considered the best-preserved temple in Ancient Egypt and the second largest after the Temple of Karnak. Sail to Kom Ombo and Overnight in Kom Ombo. ( B, L, D )

Day 7:- Kom Ombo, Aswan, Optional Sound & Light Show Sail to Aswan. P.M. Visit the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. Evening you may choose our optional tour to attend the sound and light show at Philae Temple, overnight in Aswan ( B, L, D )

Day 8:- Aswan, Optional Abu Simbel Morning
Free at your leisure or you may choose our optional tour (Abu Simbel tour) Situated 280km south of Aswan. The two temples of Abu Simbel are the most magnificent temples in the world visit to Abu Simbel. Back to Aswan, P.M. Felucca Ride, overnight in Aswan. ( B, L, D )

Day 9: - Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor
Early sail to Kom Ombo and Visit Kom Ombo Temple (the Ptolemaic Temple of Sobek & Haroeries), sail to Edfu, sail to Luxor & overnight. ( B, L, D )

Day 10:- Luxor, Optional Sound & Light Show
Visit The West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, the funerary temple of Queen Hatshipsut at Deir El Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon, back to the cruise for lunch, evening you may choose our optional (Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple, overnight in Luxor. ( B, L, D )

Day 11:- Luxor, Cairo, Optional Old Cairo
Flight back to Cairo, arrival and transfer to your hotel, rest of the day is free at your leisure or you may choose our optional tour to Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished in Egypt. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue and Saint Sergius Church. continue to Amr Ebn Alas Mosque. This is the first and oldest mosque ever built on the land of Egypt. Erected in 642 AD (21 AH) by Amr Ibn Alas, the commander of the Muslim army that conquered Egypt, the mosque is also known as Taj al-Jawamie, overnight in Cairo. ( B )

Day 12: – Departure to USA
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight. ( B )

Price Includes:-

- Meet and assist upon arrival and departure by our representative
– Assistance of our personal during your stay, tours and excursions
– All airport transfers by private deluxe A/C vehicle
– Accommodation for 4 nights in Cairo hotel on bed and buffet breakfast
– Accommodation for 7 nights on board Nile cruise on full board basis
– Interior flight tickets from Luxor – Cairo on Egypt air
– Full day tour to Pyramids, Sphinx, Valley temple, Sakkara and Memphis
– Full day tour to Egyptian Museum, Citadel Mosques and Coptic Churches
– Full day tour to Karnak temple and Luxor temple, East Bank Luxor
– Full day tour to Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut temple & colossi of Memnon
– Half day tour to Edfu temple in Nile cruiser journey
– Half day tour to Kom Ombo temple in Nile cruise journey
– Full day tour to the High Dam and Temple of Philae in Aswan
– Half day tour to Elephantine Island and botanical gardens by felucca sail on the Nile River
– All sightseeing tours as per the tour itinerary
– All shore excursions as per the tour cruise itinerary
– Lunch meals during tours in Cairo and Giza
– Professional Egyptologist speaking tour guide
– Entrance fees to the sights as per the tour itinerary

General Info:-

- Prices are quoted in USD currency per person based on double occupancy.
– Single room will be subject to a supliment.
– Triple room reduction will be applied
– Prices are not valid during ( New Year – Xmas – Easter ) Periods
– Children between 2-12 years get 50% discount

Tour guide:
Egypt guided tours are highly recommended and our guides are knowledgeable Egyptologist guides who have academic qualifications to make your tour to Egypt extra special

Vehicles used :
Vehicles are new branded air-conditioned with a professional driver, but drivers in Egypt do not speak English and they cannot act as tour guides for the Egyptian monumental sights

Payment Facilities:
1) Online Payment by Credit card visa or Master via our secure payment page on our website
http://www.egyptonlinetours.com.com/Travels/Payment.aspx

2 ) Bank transfer:
Maestro Online Travel Egypt -bank details:
Account Name: Maestro Online Travel
Account No: 517517
Bank: Arab African International Bank
Branch: Haram
Swift: ARAIEGCX

Payment Plan:
25% down payment required to secure the booking ( by credit cards )
75% balance in pick up from your hotel in the tour day. (credit card / or / cash)

Look forward to hearing from you soon,
Best regards,

Magdy Abdel Ghany
Tour Consultant

Maestro Online Travel Egypt-Haram Branch
Cell :  002 01629 222 90

Emails:  magdy@egyptonlinetours.com
Website:  www.egyptonlinetours.com

Website:-

http://www.egyptonlinetours.com/Egypt-Travel-Packages/index.php

Egypt Tourism ? Explore Top Tourist Attractions

Welcome to the land of wonderments, land of master-piece creations, land of the man-made marvel and more of all land which has mesmerized visitors from across the world with its monumental wonder…You are most welcome to Egypt, a beautiful country located in North Africa, which is one of the sought after tours and travel destinations in the world today.

The Land of Pharaohs, Egypt is today visited by tourists from all the nook and corner of the world. It offer wonderful opportunity for visitors to see and explore the charm and magnificence of the man-made marvel, see the civilization that flourished along the River Nile, 5000 years back and its essence can be felt even today. Egypt is a land of vast discovery and on your tour to Egypt you have wonderful opportunity to see some of the wonderments, which have made this ancient country the most featured tours and travel destinations on the world tourist map. Some of the Top Destinations and Attractions that are not to be missed to visit on your Egypt tour are:

Cairo

The vibrant capital city of Egypt, Cairo is all time favorite among tourists as it provide them to see the rich culture and traditions as well as some ancient building, which artistic beauty is great wonder to the present world. Pyramid of Giza, City of Dead, Khan Al- Khalili, and Saqqara pyramids, Cairo Tower, Coptic Museum, Citadel, Islamic Art Museum, etc. These exciting attractions have increased in the flow of tourists from all over the world in Cairo, a favored city in Egypt.

Luxor

Endowed with magnificent historical tourist attractions and great man made marvel Luxor is the perfect place for one who is much interested in ancient attractions and want to see the architectural wonder at its best. Here enjoy the photographing of the ancient tombs and temples, which are not historically important but at the same time important from the religious point of view. Temple of Kanark, Deir el-Medina, Temple of Deir El- Bahri, Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, etc are some of the prominent attractions of which are must to visit on your tour to Luxor.

Alexandria

Alexandria is teeming with ancient attractions and historical interest which grab the attention of tourists from far corner of the world for Egypt tours. It is one of the prominent tourist destination of Egypt tourism that provide wonderful opportunity for visitor to delight exploring the magnificence of the man made marvel that include famous Qaitbey Fort, Kom el Shokafa Catacombs, Graeco Roman Museum, Liberation Square, Pharos, Alexandria Art Galleries, Antiquities Museum, etc. Truly these wonderful ancient charm and attractions will keep visitors engross for more than a week and offer them wonderful experince which they will love to treasure forever.

Besidethese there are many other wonderful destinations in Egypt which are worth to visit and explore on your visit to this beautiful ancient country of North Africa. Well if you are planning for tours and travel in this land of Pharaohs, you are most welcome. Book one from the many Egypt tour packages made available by the tour operators and enjoy your vacation amongst the ancient pyramid or explore the magnificence of the architectural wonder of the monuments which date back to 5000 years. Truly you will wonderful time in Egypt that you will love to share with great pride and joy your loved and dear ones.

The Egyptian Pyramids – How and Why Were They Build?

The main driving force behind the construction of the pyramids was the desire for eternity. Everyone who is lucky enough to be able to visit the pyramids cannot help but be overawed by their sheer scale and the incredible, technological mastery used to build them.

The pyramids were constructed as tombs for kings and queens, as parts of funerary complexes, where there would also be shrines and temples. The priests would summon the spirits of the deceased royalty and make offerings to ensure their immortality would be realized.

Many pyramids were built between 2700 and 1640 BC and there are still plenty surviving today, although many were reduced to rubble.

An architect with the name of Imhotep was the first master pyramid builder. He began by making a tomb in the shape of a mastaba, which is a long, flat, rectangular building, made of sun-baked mud bricks. The walls stood about 12 feet high.

Imhotep used stone to build with and kept adding to the tomb until he had made a six layered, stepped pyramid, which stood 200 feet high. This was the Step Pyramid and Saggara, the first Egyptian monument to be made completely from hewn stone.

Imhotep was greatly respected and worshipped, after his death, as a god. His incredible achievement is still standing today at Memphis, south of Cairo.

Between 2600 and 2500 BC, the time of the fourth dynasty, the Egyptians had honed their great architectural abilities to allow them to build the most famous and spectacular pyramids, the ones at Giza.

These pyramids, known as Mycerinus, Khufu and Khafre, were of a true pyramidal form and originally were built with smooth, white, limestone faces. They went on to become one of the Seven Wonders of the World because of the awe they inspired.

The biggest Egyptian pyramid at Giza, built for and named after the pharaoh Khufu, is 481 feet tall. It contains about two and a half million stone blocks and the average weight of the blocks is two and a half tons. Some weight up to fifteen tons.

Most of the stone used to build these monuments was quarried limestone. A much harder stone, granite, was also used for building the internal passages and burial chambers. This was brought a distance of over five hundred miles by river from the quarries in Aswan, in the south. Ramps were then used to drag the stones into place.

The later Egyptian pyramids of Mycerinus (204 feet high) and Khafre (471 feet) stand next to Khufu.

Within the Khafre funerary complex is also the famous limestone statue of the Sphinx, which is the biggest and oldest image of a man-headed lion.

The Sphinx is a lot smaller than the huge pyramids but is still large. It stands 66 feet high and is 240 feet long. The statue was meant to represent a divine guardian and its head is thought to be Khafre himself.

There is an inscribed granite slab between the paws of the Sphinx. This slab describes a dream which a prince called Tuthmosis had while resting in its shade during a hunt for gazelle.

He dreamt the Sphinx approached him and promised him the whole kingdom if he would clear the sand from his body which made breathing very hard. Tuthmosis did this to oblige the Sphinx and even ordered the construction of mud brick walls around the monument to discourage further encroachment.

That the Sphinx kept his word is demonstrated by the 3000 year old slab placed by Tuthmosis IV, who was the new pharaoh of the land.