Tour 11 Nights in Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Traveling Egypt and Saudi Arabia Tour With Around Egypt Tours—Weaving through places so beautiful they will stay forever in your mind! From the far-off banks of the Nile rushing down stagnant waters to the unfamiliar streets of Riyadh nearly buzzing with mysteries of its own, you will only have a few sands on your feet to trace a land of ancient art and history. This double-destination tour will traverse two mesmerizing destinations and will give you memories to last a lifetime.

With Around Egypt Tours, you get to feast on irresistible history with rich culture and astonishing natural wonders on the best Egypt and Saudi tours! Unleash the magic and explore its mystery with a professional tour guide promising you the greatest adventure of your lifetime! The pyramids of old, to hills so majestic and lovely, and the antiquated culture still alive—so rich is the down-and-up list of stops in this tour. This is just a glimpse of the wonderful past of these two nations and their brilliant present. May there be an extraordinary dose of wonder, discovery, and inspiration! 

Around Egypt Tours invites you to an unforgettable Cairo to Riyadh tour , effortlessly connecting two of the most iconic Arab cities. See the wonders of ancient Egypt, the majestic pyramids, and the bustling bazaars, the call of distant lands, before flying to Riyadh, where tradition is officiated modernity. Explore the historic sights, savor local cuisine, and dive deep into the rich culture of each place. From its expert guides and carefully designed itineraries, the tour shall be an enriching voyage into time and tradition-perfect for any history buff or cultural explorer. Also, for travel buffs from Egypt, this Arabia tour is a must!

The captivating journey through Egypt and Saudi Arabia tour stretches out for five days. First starts the adventure in Cairo, exploring the Great Pyramids that awed the ancient populace, alongside the famous Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum to carry away into Egypt’s ancient wonders. After two days of fun in Cairo, next up was a flight to Riyadh to soak up Saudi Arabia's history. Visit Diriyyah UNESCO site and Masmak Fort, the historic landmark. At the end of the tour, you visit the National Museum and Murabba Palace before heading to Riyadh airport for departure. A perfect itinerary for any history enthusiast, this tour will provide an enriching cultural experience with seamless transfers accompanied by expert guides.

6-day Egypt Saudi Tour by Around Egypt Tours will allow you to experience two enticing corners steeped in grandeur and culture. Kick off the happenings in Cairo, Egypt, Giza Pyramids, Sphynx, Egyptian Museum. After two days of exploration in Cairo, take a flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to feel the historical vibes of the city-from Tayebat Museum, King Fahd Fountain, to the Floating Mosque. Then, a journey to Madinah will open cultural pathways along with the Prophet's biography and Islamic civilization. This wonderful tour guarantees you a hassle-free commute between cities, with the best guide for once-in-a-lifetime memories. Book your Egypt Saudi Tour packages today by Around Egypt Tours!

The Unfinished Obelisk of Aswan is a monument in Egypt. It is surely an intriguing but lesser-known landmark, lending an aura of the ancient world. It is placed right in the middle of the granite quarry of Aswan. Even in its incomplete state, it is massive and can therefore show us how intelligent and engineering-oriented the ancient builders of Egypt were. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking to explore Egypt’s rich heritage, this site is a must-see on your Egypt tour. The trip to the Unfinished Obelisk is more than just a journey into the manufacturing process of the ancient Egyptians. It is a step into one of the most ambitious yet incomplete projects of the pharaohs.

History and Importance of the Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk has been one of the great standing exemplars of the history of ancient Egyptian architecture and engineering in the Aswan area of Egypt. This gigantic, unfinished structure provides an excellent interpretation of both the art of stone-carving and monolithic construction around the 18th Dynasty era and under Queen Hatshepsut.

Birth and Purpose

It was meant to be the largest of all the obelisks. Constructed by Queen Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BCE), who bestrides Egypt as an iconic female monarch. One of the queens who had dwarfed male pharaohs in her being, she needed to establish monumental constructions that would leave an indelible imprint. Elevation: Place the obelisk at the Temple of Amun-Ra in Karnak, Thebes.

Obelisks were meant to honor deities and either commemorate important incidents or reigns of pharaohs. The monument to Ra, or the sun god, obelisks were said to stand as pillars of light held up on earth and heaven, adorning entrances to temples. So, the Unfinished Obelisk was meant as a grand metaphor, a show of Queen Hatshepsut's might and devotion.

The Construction Process

In the granite quarries of Aswan, the obelisk was hewn. They were a primary source of stones for many of the monumental constructions of old Egyptian culture. The stone was slowly freed by carving away the granite and using copper tools. These were the only sort of tools available during that time. Furthermore, these workers would probably have used water-soaked wooden wedges to pry into and split apart stone, thereby making that unpleasant work easier.

The obelisk eventually grew to 41 meters (135 feet) in length before the project was laid aside and weighed approximately 1200 tons if completed. Its great size would have surpassed the much lighter setups that survived.

Why Was It Left Unfinished?

Primarily, a crack develops in the granite as the obelisk is carved, and this may be why the project was discarded: it was likely seen as a flaw that would have made the stone unstable and hazardous to move or erect.

There could also be the fact that the change that took place in politics and society after the successor of Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, influenced these monumental projects. Thutmose III was gradually consolidating his power and reversing many of Hatshepsut's policies, and as supplies and priorities shifted rather quickly, it is likely that the obelisk's construction may have been delayed.

Significance of the Unfinished Obelisk

The continued presence of the Unfinished Obelisk qualifies it as one of the greatest landmarks in archeological and historical exposure to ancient Egyptian craftwork. It is one of a kind, the largest, and the only obelisk of its class still within the quarry, leaving an important history of precisely how they carved, transported, and put up such immensely heavy structures.

Why the Unfinished Obelisk is a Must-See Landmark in Aswan

1. A Peek into Ancient Engineering and Craftsmanship

The Unfinished Obelisk is the result of the outstanding skills of the ancient Egyptian engineer and stone mason. To this day, one can see in Aswan how large sections of stone were cut out of solid granite bedrock with copper tools, chisels, and wooden wedges. What better way to understand the complexity and level of work involved in such monumental tasks than to see one at its very beginning point and think of how it would have grown to completion? This is a great learning opportunity that puts everything in proper context-the grand constructions of Egypt such as the pyramids and all other obelisks throughout the country.

2. An Unfinished Masterpiece: The Backstory

What makes the Unfinished Obelisk marvelously entertaining is the fact that it remains uncompleted. The cracked piece of granite served to halt the project thereafter. The unfinished work forms a bridge to the imperfections of the ancient world, evidently proving that the greatest ideas could be affected by an even minimal contingency. The story of the making and decline gives insight into the ambition of the ancient Egyptians and the differences they encountered while building the great structures.

3. A rarely-seen Seen site

While the majority of obelisks were transported to their sites to be raised as key monuments, the Unfinished Obelisk still inhabits its own quarry in the area of Aswan. This makes it a rare and invaluable archaeological site. Standing next to this giant piece of unfinished obelisk, one can only imagine how the structure looked and get a sense of the work that went into enormous projects. This epitomizes a connection to the past that gives visitors a true view of strategies from the extraction and carving of stone used in building Egypt's most iconic landmarks.

4. Connection to Queen Hatshepsut's Legacy

The Unfinished Obelisk was made and planned by Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. Being one of the most powerful women that ever walked the earth, Hatshepsut actually embarked on a host of building projects—big and small—built to remind subsequent generations of her tenure. If you visit the Unfinished Obelisk, it really drives home the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Though it remained incomplete, it still painted a pictorial ambition of the grand projects Hatshepsut envisioned, projects that not only included the Sun Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.

5. Stunning Views of a myriad of Desert and Garden scenes

Tourists can get a glimpse of the Aswan granite quarry from where the Unfinished Obelisk is born, not to mention the stunning panoramic views offered by the surrounding landscapes. While exploring the historical gem itself, anyone who comes to Aswan will be spoiled for choice with beautiful desert scenes, etc. The place is very peaceful and conducive for those who would like to think about history in relation to its works and the natural beauty of Aswan.

6. There Is More to Know: Size and Scale of the Ancient Monuments

When gazing at that huge stone, it makes one wonder at the great size of the Unfinished Obelisk. Should it have ever been finished, it might have been one of the tallest obelisks in Egypt and thus tower above anything in the distance. Such a fact provides an interesting insight into the grand ideas the ancient Egyptians had regarding their architecture and the logistical problems involved in the erection of such monoliths.

7. An Unforgettable Educational Experience

The Unfinished Obelisk is another one-of-a-kind educational experience for history buffs, archaeologists, as well as those interested in ancient civilizations. You could say the Unfinished Obelisk looks at a stage of Egypt's past without any embellishments, without any polish over time, or restoration with modern materials. It speaks volumes into issues concerning the ancient Egyptians' understanding of materials, as well as technologies and culture.

8. Unique POV on Egyptian History

The Unfinished Obelisk suggests some of Egypt's greatest projects went unfinished or did not proceed according to expectations. This view of chance occurrence in Egyptian history becomes insightful as it demonstrates that perfection of everything was not always the case. Nonetheless, although unfinished, this monument has lasted for millennia and continues to enchant and inspire visitors from all around the globe.

The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan is a sweeping evocation of the vigor and ambition of Egyptian antiquity. Its enormity and inactivity lend it its unusually prized value in its depiction of the characteristics shared by the ancient builders, as well as the determination to sue the extreme amount of effort at their disposal before completing the construction of such immense structures. You should visit this spot if you like Egypt's compelling historical content, which could be while you are contemplating the quarry, considering the legacies of Queen Hatshepsut, or marveling at the technicalities of engineering meant to sustain it, etc. Really recommend paying a visit to this site during your Aswan day tour, as it stays long on the mind as a rare experience to further reinforce the admiration for the builders' civilization, which formed the grandeur and cultural heritage of Egypt. 

The Valley of the Kings

New Kingdom pharaohs wanted their tombs to be hidden, so they built their tombs in the hills like the necropolis in the west of Luxor, which is now called the Valley of the Kings. It is one of the first examples of the necropolis, which was contradicted with the Pharaohs of Egypt's Old Kingdom, who built pyramids and some massive public monuments to be their tombs.

Why the Valley became famous?

In modern times the valley has become famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In 1979, it became a World Heritage Site, along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis.

How was the Valley built?

Builders benefited from available geological features when constructing the tombs. Some tombs were quarried out of existing limestone clefts, others behind slopes of scree, or were at the edge of rock spurs created by ancient flood channels. The majority of the royal tombs were decorated with religious texts and images. The ordinary tomb consisted of a long inclined rock-cut corridor, descending through one or more halls to the burial chamber.

Description of the Valley

In 1979 UNESCO announced the valley is a part of the World Heritage site of ancient Thebes, which also includes the Valley of the Queens and Karnak Temples. Located in the hills behind El Deir el-Bahari, most of the tombs were cut into the limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. These catacombs were harder to rob and were more easily concealed. Construction usually lasted six years, beginning with the new reign.

The contents of the tombs

The tombs contained preparations for the next world, where the pharaohs were expected to become one with the gods. Therefore, Mummification was used to preserve the body so that the deceased's eternal soul could reanimate it in the afterlife. The underground tombs were also well stocked with all the materials, which might help the king in the next world, like furniture, clothes, and jewelry. Treasures are also found in the tombs, like the golden masks found with King Tut. However, most of the tombs were robbed.

The Valley Tombs and the Period of Building

During Egypt's New Kingdom (1539-1075 B.C.), the valley became a royal burial ground for pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II, as well as queens, high priests, and other nobles of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. There are 64 tombs contained bodies and belongings of pharaohs Thutmose I until Ramesses X or XI.

Saudi Arabia is something different to behold. Rich with history and culture, this must-be-soocated journey offers you something to unforgettable. From scenic beauty and modern cities to ancient sites and a gamut of cultural activities, this kingdom presents an amazing blend of all things traditional and modern. In this blog, we'll list the must-see places, cultural activities, and tips to have a rewarding experience in Saudi Arabia tour .

This beautiful Philae temple complex is one of the foremost things to do in Aswan with it's picturesque in all of Egypt. It sits on Aglika Island just south of the old High Dam, and you need to ride a motorboat to reach the island. This temple was moved to its current location following the development of the High Dam, which threatened to submerge it permanently.

The exact reconstruction at this site carefully completed, painstakingly preserving the original appearance and layout of the complex and even landscaping the island to match its former location.

Philae grew to prominence during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, because of the center of the cult of the goddess Isis. This complex was one of all the last remaining places, where the traditional religion survived after the arrival of Christianity in Egypt, officially closed only in 550 AD as the Early Christians used most of the temple on the island as a church.

This is the reason for the defacement of a number of the figures of the traditional Gods, as these Christians tried to get rid of the pagan imagery from their newly claimed sanctuaries.
The Temple of Isis is the main feature here, but there are several other smaller temples on the island that are worth admiring.

If you are a fan of ancient Egyptian architecture and history, then you must visit Hatshepsut Temple. This temple is one of the most well-preserved temples in Egypt, and it is located on the west bank of the Nile River across from the city of Luxor. In this article, we will take you on a journey through Hatshepsut Temple, unveiling its secrets and exploring its main features. We will also provide you with tips for visiting this hidden gem and share some interesting facts about it.

Introduction to Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple is a mortuary temple dedicated to the queen-pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt during the 18th dynasty. The temple was built in the 15th century BC and it was designed by the architect Senenmut. The temple is also known as Djeser-Djeseru, which means "the most sacred of sacred places."

The temple is located in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs, which adds to its beauty and uniqueness. It consists of three terraces that rise up to a height of 97 feet. The terraces are connected by ramps and courtyards, and they are decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements and the gods who protected her.

History of Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple was built during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, which lasted from 1550 BC to 1070 BC. Hatshepsut ruled Egypt from 1478 BC to 1458 BC, and she was one of the most successful pharaohs of her time. She was known for her military campaigns, her building projects, and her trade expeditions to the Land of Punt.

Hatshepsut's temple was built to commemorate her reign and her achievements. It was also built to serve as her final resting place, as she was buried in a tomb located beneath the temple.

Architecture and Design of Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple is a marvel of ancient Egyptian architecture and design. It is built in a symmetrical style, with each terrace having a central axis that leads to the next terrace. The temple is also built in a way that takes advantage of the natural landscape, as it is nestled between cliffs and it blends in with the surroundings.

The temple is made of limestone, which was quarried from the nearby hills. The limestone was then transported to the temple site and carved into the shapes needed for the temple's columns, walls, and statues. The temple is decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements, the gods who protected her, and scenes from her trade expeditions to the Land of Punt.

The Mysteries of Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple is full of mysteries and secrets that have fascinated archaeologists and historians for centuries. One of the biggest mysteries of the temple is the identity of Hatshepsut's architect, Senenmut. Some scholars believe that he was Hatshepsut's lover, while others believe that he was her chief advisor.

Another mystery of the temple is the purpose of the three terraces. Some scholars believe that they represent the three levels of the afterlife, while others believe that they represent the three stages of Hatshepsut's life.

Exploring the Main Features of Hatshepsut Temple

The temple has several main features that are worth exploring. The first feature is the colonnaded courtyard, which is located at the entrance of the temple. The courtyard is lined with 16 columns that are decorated with reliefs of the queen and the gods. The courtyard also has a statue of Hatshepsut, which was destroyed by her successor, Thutmose III.

The second feature of the temple is the hypostyle hall, which is located on the second terrace. The hall has 32 columns that support the roof, and it is decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements and the gods who protected her.

The third feature of the temple is the sanctuary, which is located on the third terrace. The sanctuary is the most sacred part of the temple, and it is where the statue of the queen would have been kept. The sanctuary is also decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements and the gods who protected her.

Tips for Visiting Hatshepsut Temple

If you are planning to visit Hatshepsut Temple, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Second, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the temple can get hot and sunny. Third, consider hiring a guide, as they can provide you with more information about the temple and its history.

Interesting Facts About Hatshepsut Temple

Here are some interesting facts about Hatshepsut Temple:

• The temple was rediscovered in the 19th century by the French archaeologist Jean-Francois Champollion.
• The temple was damaged by an earthquake in 27 BC and it was later restored by the Romans.
• The temple was used as a Coptic Christian monastery in the 7th century AD.
• The temple was used as a backdrop for several Hollywood movies, including "The Mummy Returns" and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

Hatshepsut Queen

Hatshepsut, also called Maatkare, was one of the three female pharaohs that ruled in ancient Egypt. Her name means "foremost of noblewomen." She began her reign as a regent to his stepson Thutmose III then took the full power of the Pharaoh as she claimed to be divine birth, the result of a union between her mother and the god Amun. She also claimed that ThutmoseI had named her as his successor before his death. Being the second historically-confirmed female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut was the fifth Pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Hatshepsut came to the throne of Egypt in 1478 BC. She was the daughter of King Thutmose I and became the queen of Egypt when she married half-brother, Thutmose II, around the age of 12. After his death, she became regent for her stepson, the infant Thutmose III, but then she had the full powers of a pharaoh, becoming co-ruler of Egypt.

Her Major accomplishments

Hatshepsut undertook hundreds of ambitious construction projects throughout both Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. She built her mortuary temple in a complex at Deir el-Bahri, which considered one of the architectural wonders of ancient Egypt, on the West Bank of the Nile River in the ancient Thebes near the entrance of the Valley of the Kings. It was designed and implemented by Senenmut, her chief minister. Another one of her magnificent building is the Hatshepsut needle. Another great achievement of her reign was re-establishing the trade networks that had been disrupted during the Hyksos, and the trading expedition she sent, and that brought back vast riches, including ivory, ebony, gold, and leopard skins, to Egypt from a distant land known as Punt.

Why queen Hatshepsut was being unknown at first?

Queen Hatshepsut ordered to be depicted as a male in many contemporary images and sculptures. Thus, she remained unknown to scholars until the 19th century. Another reason is that Thutmose III had eradicated almost all of the evidence of Hatshepsut's rule–including the images of her as king on the temples and monuments she had built. Consequently, she remained unknown to scholars until they decoded and read the hieroglyphics on the walls of Deir el-Bahri in 1822.

The discovery of Her Mummy

In 1903, the British archeologist Howard Carter discovered Hatshepsut's sarcophagus, but it was empty, like most of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. In June 2007, there was a discovery of a mummy in the tomb of Hatshepsut's royal nurse, Setre-In. A tooth fragment founded in a jar of organs led to identifying the body to be Hatshepsut's.

When and how did Hatshepsut die?

Hatshepsut died, in the twenty-second year of her reign, on January 16, 1458 BC, as recorded on a single stela erected at Armant. The cause of her death was a matter of speculation; some think that her stepson Thutmose III might have killed her because he erased all signs of her rule. Assuming the identification of her mummy is correct, another cause could be shown; those who examined the mummy concluded that it is most likely that the metastasized cancer killed her. The mummy shows signs of arthritis, many dental cavities and root inflammation and pockets, diabetes, and bone cancer.
Another theory derives from the dental root inflammation and pockets assumed an abscess, which in her weakened condition from cancer, was what killed her. In 2011, researchers in Germany identified a carcinogenic substance in a vial founded with Hatshepsut, which led to the notion that she may have used a lotion or cream for cosmetic reasons or to treat a skin condition that led to cancer.

Conclusion: Why Hatshepsut Temple is a Must-Visit Destination in Luxor!

Hatshepsut Temple is a must-visit destination in Luxor for anyone who is interested in ancient Egyptian history and architecture. The temple is a marvel of design and engineering, and it is full of mysteries and secrets that have fascinated scholars for centuries. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, make sure to include Hatshepsut Temple in your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!

Queen Hatshepsut was a great pharaoh, Explore her heritage through one of our Egypt vacations and Nile Cruises vacations!

Legacy of King Tut

Tutankhamun, often called King Tut, was a young pharaoh of Egypt's 18th dynasty who ruled circa 1341-1323 BCE. His fame skyrocketed despite the brief rule when the nearly intact tomb was found in the Valley of the Kings. This find continues to enthrall history buffs and travelers during Egyptian tours, Cairo day trips, and Nile cruises. Investigating King Tut's story offers a very real connection to the immense grandeur and mystery of ancient Egypt, thus becoming an important highlight during Egypt Christmas tours and cultural trips.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

The child of Pharaoh Akhenaten and his secondary wife Kiya saw Tutankhamun through to the crown in his childhood. The crown and coronation were aftermath of his father’s reforms of religion. The practicalities of the introduction of monotheism by Akhenaten are frequently discussed on Egyptian tours. When Tutankhamun ascended the throne at the approximate age of nine, he unleashed the hopes of a nation eager to revert to its former ways.

During his early days and rise to power are among the fascinating ideas during the Cairo Day Tours and Egypt Sightseeing tours that give the tourist insight into one of the most enigmatic rulers of ancient Egypt.

Tutankhamun's Reign

Though less than ten years, Tutankhamun’s reign witnessed important endeavors in the restoration of Egypt’s old gods and traditions. He shifted the capital from Amarna back to Thebes and thus signified the return of Egypt to polytheism. The other important fact about him is that he married his half-sister Ankhesenamun to keep the purity of the royal bloodline intact, but they had no heirs.

Such details give more flavor to Egypt day tours and Cairo excursions, thus enriching the understanding of Egyptian royal history and its complexities.

King Tutankhamun's Death

Just the circumstances of Tutankhamun's early death are hotly debated and forever fascinating. The death has been attributed to anything from fatal injuries after an accident, to assassination, to poisoning. The leg fracture and subsequent hasty embalming indeed gave rise to many questions in Egypt sightseeing trips and Cairo day tours.

The difficulty of solving the mystery of his death adds an interesting tint to Egypt tours and provides an even more compelling reason for the visitors to explore his life.

The Discovery of King Tut's Tomb

Although his reign, especially when compared to other rulers, was somewhat short and not so eventful, perhaps refined by history, his tomb's typical unearthing-paced race in 1922 by the British archaeologist Howard Carter stands distinguished among 20th-century archaeological discoveries. Mr. Carter uttered the immortal words: "I see wonderful things," perhaps testifying to the astonishment upon beholding the vast riches in the tomb.

The artifacts in the tomb, among which are obviously commemorated the great golden death mask, splendid jewelry, chariots, and thrones, speak of the magnificence of ancient Egyptian civilization. Many Egypt Christmas tours and Nile cruises include museums where replicas of these treasures are displayed for travelers to look at and obtain a small glimpse into this timeless heritage.