13 Days Egypt to Saudi Arabia Tours

There is really so much to marvel about when traveling in Egypt and Saudi Arabia Tours package! . A perfect little-group experience Unbelievable titillating wonders of the Middle East set for 12 days and 11 nights. The tour allows a visitor to embark on one side wandering the friend pharaohic pyramids; on the other, it undertakes a journey to Saudi's sanctified lands, where modern history is woven with culture.

Enjoy the experience of visiting iconic artists while absorbing glorious accommodations and exclusive guided tours. Starting off from the hectic bazaars of Jeddah, this epic journey equips you with everlasting memories. Join in for something of a lifetime that wonderfully exhibits the entire heritage and charm of the region with our Egypt and Saudi Arabia Tour! 

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!

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a bustling city where history melds with modernity. Calling all history buffs, culture seekers, or business travelers-Riyadh offers a ton of places to see. Here's a guide to the best things to do in Riyadh, which you can never afford to miss.

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 northwestern area of Saudi Arabia harbors such a breathtaking destination with nature's backdrop and historical depth. Until that name became familiar, it was just a quiet little hamlet tucked away with giant rock formations and tombs. An AlUla tour should be high on the list of any traveler for culture and adventures to actually dive into the wonders.

Introduction to Luxor Temple

Located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor, Luxor Temple is one of the most ancient and impressive structures in the world. It is a magnificent temple complex that was built during the New Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt, around 1400 BCE. The temple is dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. Luxor Temple is considered one of the most important religious sites in Egypt and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.

History of Luxor Temple - who built it

The construction of Luxor Temple began during the reign of Amenhotep III, the ninth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt. It was built on the site of an earlier temple that was constructed by Amenhotep's grandfather, Amenhotep II. The temple was then expanded and modified by later pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Ramesses II.

The temple was built to celebrate the annual Opet Festival, a major religious festival in Ancient Egypt that celebrated the union of the god Amun with the goddess Mut. During the festival, the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were taken from Karnak Temple, a larger temple complex located two miles north of Luxor Temple, and brought to Luxor Temple. The festival lasted for 27 days and was a time of great celebration and ritual.

Significance of Luxor Temple in Ancient Egyptian religion

Luxor Temple was considered one of the most important religious sites in Ancient Egypt. It was believed to be the place where the god Amun would manifest himself in his physical form, and where he would receive offerings and prayers from his followers. The temple was also considered a place of great power, and was believed to have the ability to bestow blessings and protection on those who visited it.

The temple was also home to a number of important religious ceremonies and rituals. One of the most important of these was the Opet Festival, which celebrated the union of Amun with Mut. The temple was also the site of the Sed Festival, a ceremony that was held to celebrate the pharaoh's jubilee and to reaffirm his power and authority.

Architecture of Luxor Temple

The architecture of Luxor Temple is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Ancient Egyptians. The temple is laid out in a traditional Egyptian temple style, with a series of courtyards, halls, and chambers. The temple's main entrance is through a massive pylon, or gateway, that is flanked by two massive statues of Ramesses II. Beyond the pylon is a large courtyard, surrounded by a series of smaller chambers and halls.

The most impressive part of the temple is the hypostyle hall, a massive hall with 134 columns arranged in 16 rows. The columns are each over 10 meters tall and are intricately carved with hieroglyphs and scenes from Egyptian mythology. The hall was used for a variety of religious ceremonies and rituals, and was considered one of the most sacred parts of the temple.

Exploration of the temple - main sections and features

The temple is divided into several main sections and features. The main entrance is through the pylon, which leads into the first courtyard. Beyond the courtyard is the hypostyle hall, which is considered the most impressive part of the temple. Beyond the hypostyle hall is the sanctuary, which was the most sacred part of the temple.

The sanctuary is a small chamber that contains a shrine to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. The shrine is made of gold and is surrounded by a series of smaller chambers and rooms. The sanctuary was the site of a number of important religious ceremonies and rituals, and was considered the most powerful part of the temple.

When Was Luxor Temple Built?

The Luxor Temple was built during the New Kingdom period in ancient Egypt, around 1400 BCE. It was built to honor the god Amun, who was considered the king of all gods. The temple was constructed on the site of an older temple that was built by Amenhotep III, which was dedicated to the Theban Triad of gods – Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. However, the Luxor Temple was expanded and renovated over the centuries by many pharaohs including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Alexander the Great.

Where Is the Luxor Temple Located?

The Luxor Temple is located in the city of Luxor, which was the ancient capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom period. The temple is situated on the east bank of the Nile River, opposite the city of Karnak, which was also an important religious center in ancient Egypt. The Luxor Temple is easily accessible by car, taxi or public transport, and visitors can also take a boat ride across the Nile River to get to the temple.

How Big Is the Luxor Temple?

The Luxor Temple covers an area of about 25 hectares and is one of the largest and most impressive temples in Egypt. The temple is designed in the classic Egyptian architectural style, with a large courtyard, hypostyle hall, and several smaller chambers and sanctuaries. The hypostyle hall is particularly impressive, with 32 massive columns that are over 20 meters tall, and are adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics.

How Old Is Luxor Temple?

The Luxor Temple is over 3,400 years old, and has been a significant religious and cultural site in Egypt for centuries. It was built during the New Kingdom period, which was a time of great prosperity and cultural achievement in ancient Egypt. The temple has survived numerous wars, invasions, and natural disasters over the centuries, and remains one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples in the world.

Why Is the Luxor Temple Important?

The Luxor Temple is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the most important religious centers in ancient Egypt, and was dedicated to the god Amun, who was considered the king of all gods. The temple was also used for various ceremonies and festivals, and was an important political and economic center as well. Secondly, the Luxor Temple is a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian architecture and art, and is adorned with beautiful carvings, hieroglyphics, and statues that depict various gods, pharaohs, and other important figures. Finally, the Luxor Temple is also an important archaeological site, and has yielded many important discoveries over the years, including the remains of ancient buildings, artifacts, and inscriptions.

Luxor Temple Opening Hours

The Luxor Temple is open to visitors daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. However, it is recommended to visit the temple in the early morning or late afternoon when it is less crowded and the light is more favorable for photography. Visitors are also advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the temple can get very hot and dry during the day.

Unique facts and secrets about Luxor Temple

Despite being one of the most well-known and well-studied temples in Egypt, Luxor Temple still holds many secrets and mysteries. One of the most interesting of these is the fact that the temple was built on top of an even older temple, which was dedicated to the god Amun. The remains of this older temple can still be seen in the foundations of the current temple.

Another interesting fact about Luxor Temple is that it was used as a Christian church during the Roman period. Many of the temple's original features and decorations were destroyed or covered up during this time, but some traces of the original temple can still be seen.

Restoration and preservation of Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple has undergone a number of restoration and preservation projects over the years. In the 19th century, the temple was cleaned and restored by French archaeologist Gaston Maspero. More recently, the temple has undergone a major restoration project funded by the Egyptian government and UNESCO. The project involved cleaning and repairing the temple's walls and columns, as well as restoring some of the original decorations and features.

Visiting Luxor Temple - tips and recommendations

If you are planning a visit to Luxor Temple, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the temple complex is quite large and involves a lot of walking. You should also bring plenty of water, as it can get quite hot in Luxor. It's also a good idea to bring a guidebook or hire a guide, as the temple is quite complex and can be difficult to navigate without some background knowledge.

Luxor Temple Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for the Luxor Temple varies depending on your nationality and age. For foreign tourists, the entrance fee is 200 Egyptian pounds (EGP), which is roughly equivalent to $12 USD. For students and children, the entrance fee is 100 EGP. However, if you are an Egyptian citizen or resident, the entrance fee is only 20 EGP.

Other temples in Luxor - a brief overview

Luxor is home to a number of other important temples, including Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the kings,  Karnak Temple, Medinet Habu, and the Ramesseum. Karnak Temple is the largest temple complex in Egypt and is located just two miles north of Luxor Temple. Medinet Habu is a temple complex that was built by Ramesses III and is located on the west bank of the Nile. The Ramesseum is a temple that was built by Ramesses II and is located on the west bank of the Nile.

Conclusion - the enduring legacy of Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Ancient Egyptians. It is a magnificent temple complex that has been the site of religious ceremonies and rituals for thousands of years. Despite being thousands of years old, the temple still holds many secrets and mysteries, and continues to be a source of fascination and wonder for visitors from around the world. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, be sure to include a visit to Luxor Temple on your itinerary.

Are you planning a visit to Egypt? Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient and enchanting Luxor Temple. Book your Egypt Vacation today and experience the wonders of this incredible temple complex.

Last of Wonders—this is how the Giza Pyramids rose to have coined themselves among the most spectacular natural and manmade wonders of the world. The proof of the human form of this structure, yet unanswered mystery on how, why, and when it comes to constructing it, remains in this writing as a journey towards unraveling the secrets. An Egypt tour to see the Giza Pyramids offers the best opportunity to observe these structures in person and step into a history of awe and inspiration. With every visit, the ancient mysteries propel more exploration and learning, making the Giza Pyramids a must on any path through Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

Why did the Pharaohs build the Giza Pyramids?

The Giza Pyramids have been a subject of fascination for historians and archaeologists for many centuries, and a number of hypotheses have amassed trying to explain their purposes. Most of the mainstream beliefs hold that the pyramids were probably meant as tombs for the pharaohs and their wives after death.

The Egyptian pyramids are masterfully crafted with incredible architectural precision to show the unmatched prowess of ancient Egyptian builders. Each limestone block weighing tons gives the sheer grandeur of these monuments a challenge to modern understanding of modern construction techniques.

One common theory believes that the pyramids stood for the godly authority and eternal legacy of the Pharaohs, that is, as he was believed to be immortal, the pharaoh constructed these enormous holdings to eternalize his reign.

Some scholars have suggested that the alignment of the pyramids with celestial events, such as the alignment of the Great Pyramid with the North Pole star, points to the ancient Egyptians' great interest in astronomy, meaning that astronomical knowledge played a great role in building architectural wonders.

However, of all the theories, no one has actually come across the real intent behind the construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Yet, their interest continues to enthrall the whole world in testimony of the wondrous deeds of ancient peoples and the world's memory of human genius through all times. Take a step through the centuries in Best day trips from Cairo to Giza pyramids

What was the aim of the Karnak temples?

When you plan for a vacation to Egypt and decide to visit Karnak, you're paying a visit to the center of Egypt during the New Kingdom. This huge temple complex was in the middle of the traditional faith, while power was concentrated at Thebes (modern-day Luxor), and its significance is reflected in its enormous size. Additionally to its religious significance, it served as a treasury, place of work, and palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs. It's considered because the largest temple complex ever constructed anywhere in the world.

It developed over a period of 1500 years, added to by generation after generation of pharaohs and leading to a group of temples, sanctuaries, pylons, and other decorations that are unparalleled throughout Egypt.

While the peak of its importance was during the New Kingdom and famous pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Tuthmose III, Seti I, and Ramses the Great all contributed significant additions to the complex, and construction continued into the Greco-Roman Period with the Ptolemies, Romans, and early Christians all leaving their mark here

How are the structures of the Karnak temples Complex:

Karnak is divided into three compounds: the precinct of Amun, the precinct of Mut, and the precinct of Montu; however, for many visitors, the biggest of those, the precinct of Amun, is enough. Its complicated layout alone dwarfs every other site that you will visit in Egypt. The precinct of Amun contains all of the first famous sections of the Karnak complex, including the dizzying Great Hypostyle Hall. This hall of 134 massive columns. Going into the detailed description of the various elements that form up the complex could be a nearly endless task that we'll leave to a guide.

 Instead, we'll suggest that you allow lots of time to explore this vast complex and admire the various impressive sights. Imagine how awe-inspiring it must be over 2000 thousand years ago when these immense structures were newly constructed.

Like all of the essential sights in Egypt, Karnak includes a sound and light-weight show that's offered in several different languages. The show takes place three times an evening, but you ought to consult your guide about the available languages of the various showings.

Stroll the sites of the pharaohs of Egypt and find out the ancient temples while visiting the Karnak temples through one amongst our Egypt Nile Cruises.