Sue Picken

Egypt is a mind-boggling experience! The scale of the temples and sizes of the columns have to be experienced first hand to realize the extent of the size of these amazing structures!

One of my favorite temples when I visited Egypt was the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. Dendera Temple complex is located about 2.5 kilometres south-east of Dendera, Egypt. Not only are the size of the columns impressive, but when you look up at the ceilings, a whole world of astronomy is revealed in beautiful images and symbols!

Another favorite along the Nile River was Philae Temple! The Philae Temple, a stunning complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, was the center of the Isis-Osiris myth and a major spiritual site in ancient Egypt.

Known as the "Pearl of Egypt," it was the last bastion of the ancient Egyptian religion, with the cult of Isis surviving there until the 6th century AD. Highlights are Trajan’s Kiosk, the Nilometer, and its stunning, scenic location on Agilkia Island after being relocated - which was an incredible feat!

Other highlights in Egypt and the Nile River Valley include the Valley of the Kings which is famous as ancient Egypt's royal burial ground, particularly for New Kingdom pharaohs (18th-20th Dynasties), containing elaborately decorated, rock-cut tombs filled with treasures and afterlife guides, most notably the nearly intact tomb of King Tutankhamun. But more impressive is The tomb of Seti I, the tomb of Pharaoh Seti I of the Nineteenth Dynasty.

Another favorite, The Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor,which is the largest ancient religious site ever built, featuring the massive 134-column Great Hypostyle Hall and dedicated primarily to the Theban Triad (Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu). Developed over 2,000 years, it was a central hub for worship and royal power.

Cairo and a Nile River Cruise will deliver these highlights and more! I have experienced this first hand, and as a Classical Civilzation & History of Art Major, I was truly in heaven!!