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Greece Highlights

This tholos tomb with stone dome, the largest known, was plundered in antiquity. An access passage (dromos), bordered by a peudo-isodome wall, leads to a façade 10.5 metres (34 feet) high. The door opens on to a rotunda, 14.6 metres (48 feet) in diameter and 13.5 metres (44 feet) high, with a masonry domed vault of 33 regular courses; some blocks bore a metal decoration, probably of 'patera' form. This door has a pyramidal shape which is also found in Egypt, and which reappears in classical architecture. The lintel is made up of two enormous blocks; the inner one weighs about 120 tons. The void triangle above it is characteristic of Mycenaean architecture: it serves to deflect the thrusts of the upper part of the building on to the supports of the door...No other Mycenaean building can boast such exact stone cutting, nor such refined proportions; not for another 1,000 years in Greece was such technical perfection put at the service of such a grandiose architectural design."

Olympia is one of my favorite’s archaeological sites in all of Greece. You can almost feel the magic of the ancient Olympic Games and service as you stroll around the ruins.

 

The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC and reached their height of popularity in 576 BC. The festival was open to only Greek born men but later Romans were allowed to compete most likely because they were running the country by then. Slaves and women were not even allowed to be spectators and women caught sneaking in were thrown off a cliff. The events included foot races, wrestling, discus, javelin, long-jump, horse and chariot racing, and a type of boxing called pancratium. There were not only athletic events but also writing, poetry and history readings, plus business transactions and treaties were made between leaders of city-states.

 

Meteora is an area in Thessaly (Central Greece) and Kalampaka is the city under

the rock towers of Meteora. The thing that makes Meteora so special is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. The monasteries, the amound of peaks to climb and the paths for hiking brings in Meteora the whole year many tourists.

 

The Delphi Museum is situated right next to the ancient site of Delphi, and is a fascinating museum, filled with truly remarkable artifacts, statues and findings from excavations that have taken place in the site of Delphi. The main building of the museum is a shining white marble structure that is very modern, considering the ancient site next door that dates back thousands of years.

On approaching the museum from the walk from the entrance/exit of the archaeological site, you will follow a small path that passes through several relics and tombs located outside of the museum.

 

Rhodes (Rhodos or Rodos in Greek), lies between Crete and the near East in the Aegean ocean. Rhodes is the biggest of the Dodecanese islands. Named the sun island or island of light there are hardly any days when the sun doesn't shine. With its subtropical climate and over 3.000 hours of sun per year you can be guaranteed a good tan on your holiday. Rhodes is one of the most popular holiday islands in Greece - even Greeks themselves come to Rhodes for a holiday from the mainland.

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Greece Tour Guide

Greece Tour Guide

This article is a complete guide to Greece, Greece Tour guide, travel and a Greece Hotels guide. It proposes travel information too many areas/islands and also hotels and other sort of accommodations.

 

Most of the people choose holidays in Greece for the many beautiful landscapes and the long sandy beaches of every island with crystal clear waters. Some are considered as top world's beaches. Greece (and the Greek Islands) is a country that has amazing things to offer to the visitors. One of the main attractions of the country is the many Greece beaches decorating its coasts. There are long white sandy beaches with turquoise crystal waters, small beaches surrounded by huge cliffs or pine and palm trees forests, beaches with waters that seem to have had their blue color mixed with bleach, creating an amazing shade. All the beaches of Greece have their own beauty and charm. These are some of the beaches that our team and public opinion consider as of the most beautiful.

 

Santorini is the top holiday destination in Greece and was voted in 2005 as the second top destination worldwide! The island is characterized by its charming villages perched on the top of impressive cliffs. Greece is the favorites holidays destination for many Europeans and attracts every year millions of visitors. Greece is a country of natural beauty and charm which has everything to offer to the visitors.

 

Greece is the country where you travel dreams come true. This is the place of everyone's dream, in most cases every trip you make is a travel in itself. This is the place where our intimates lived and till now you can feel their feelings wandering through the magnificent traces left by the ancient Greek civilization. Athens - the capital of Greece is one of the most visited place in Greece. Athens is remarkable by the big number of the monuments and the greatest historical place such as Acropolis, Parthenon and many more. Greece is known as the place of birth of the Olympic Games - always during the Olympics all the wars stopped.

 

On the other hand for those who might want of touring Greece independently and in a more free style way we can offer all Greece tour packages and many other tours with a custom tour option. For further details please contact our tour reservations center.

So ask us! We want your trip to Greece to be the travel memory of a lifetime. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM; T: (973) 636-6660; F: (973) 636-6668

 

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Greece Travel Tips

Greece Travel Tips

Climate/Clothing:

Bring comfortable rubber soled walking shoes (recommended for all archaeological sites), a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather coat. On cruises, informal dress is the general rule, with some occasions requiring cocktail attire. Most religious sites and places of worship do not permit shorts and sleeveless shirts. Wrap-around skirts and shawls are available on site.

Spring: 60-80F; Summer: 85-95F; Autumn: 60-80F; Winter: 40-50F.

Currency:

Greek currency is the Euro. Notes are issued in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100; and coins 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents.

Ba
nks:

Banks are open Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Likewise, you may find exchange offices throughout Greece, many of which are open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. The exchange rate in Greece is regulated by the local government, and there is very little difference between exchange offices and banks.

ATM machines are abundant in Athens and other major cities, but they are located only in DLX hotels in Athens. In smaller towns and on the Islands they are few, and most are located in the town center, so be sure to make sufficient cash withdrawals while in town.

Traveler's Checks are not widely accepted, and may only be cashed in banks and by the holder. Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted, though not preferred, in small local restaurants and shops. Cash is the most common and widely accepted form of payment. Credit cards should only be used in large restaurants and never when the bill total is small.

Dining Out:

A service charge which covers the server's tip is included in your meal price. It is customary, however, to leave a small additional amount for good service (5%). You will also find a separate service charge on your bill ranging from Euro 1.00 to 3.00 per person, which is the restaurant's fee for table service (plates, flatware, and sometimes bread).

City Transportation:

The traffic in Athens is heavy, practically all day long. Although buses are available in sufficient numbers, taxis are the principal Athenian mode of transportation, and are thus, hard to come by. Between midnight and 6:00 a.m. cab fares double. Taxis' start their meters at Euro 1.00, and adding supplemental charges, the minimum cost to ride will be Euro 2.50. The maximum number of passengers per taxi is 4, and it is customary for people to share taxis. You can flag down a taxi that is carrying other passengers just as a taxi can pick up other passengers along your ride. Taxis may be ordered by your hotel staff for an additional Euro 4.00. In many cases, this is the easiest way to get a taxi.

S
ubway System:

The Metro is a safe, simple and affordable way to get around Athens. A single ticket cost only Euro 0.80. A Metro map will be provided to you upon arrival.

Health Precautions:

No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Greece from the U.S.; however, it is suggested that you consult your local health care provider before traveling.

Tap Water:

While tap water in Athens and on the islands is safe to drink, we recommend you purchase bottled mineral water. Such purchases can be made at hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants, and kiosks. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.

When visiting archaeological sites, we recommend you carry a good supply of bottled water as it is not readily available on site and the sun is very hot during the day.

Conservation/Code of Conduct:

Visitors to Greece will find the Greeks very much in tune with their historical and cultural heritage. Traditions and customs differ throughout Greece, but overall, a strong sense of citizenship prevails. The Greek Orthodox Church holds traditional influence on the Greek way of life, especially in more rural areas. The throwing back of the head is a negative gesture, and dress is generally casual.

Departure Tax:

There are currently no departure taxes in Greece.

Electricity:

The electric current in Greece is 220 Volts, the U.S. uses 120 volts. You will need an adapter for conventional appliances as well as a converter. Some hotels have a limited number available, however, you can purchase a converter and transformer at your local hardware store prior to traveling.

Language:

Greek is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken as well. English is spoken by cruise staff.

Religion:

The official religion is Greek Orthodox. You can recognize Orthodox churches by their characteristic Byzantine domes.

Local Emergency Phone #

General Emergency: 112, Ambulance/Medical: 166, Fire: 199, Police: 100 

Smoking Regulations:

There are very few non-smoking regulations in Greece. The ferries do have non-smoking sections, but they are not separated from the smoking sections by any visible barrier. All lounges on board cruise ships are divided into smoking and non-smoking areas, while the dining room is strictly non-smoking.

Tipping:

Gratuity is a matter of personal discretion. Although most bills do not include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

Luggage:

Please visit http://www.right-travel.com/page.php?id=9 for luggage guidelines and Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers. When traveling on ferries, be advised that you will have to carry your own luggage, as there are no porters available.

Changing of the Guard Locations and Time Specifics Athens:

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in front of the Greek Parliament Building at Suntagma Square. The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs every hour, with a rotation on the half hour. The official ceremony takes place every Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Shopping:

Although most people visit Greece for its historical sites, interesting souvenirs and artifacts abound. Most department stores and boutiques are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

You will find souvenir shops throughout the city, many near Syntagma Square and in the Plaka area. Their hours are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. On Kolonaki Square and Ermou Street you will find the famous designer boutiques and popular local shops. There are souvenir shops on board cruise ships as well

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Spain Travel Guide

Spain Travel Guide

 

Did you know that Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for golfing? Playing a few rounds in this country is a smart choice: good weather, excellent golf courses, and a variety of settings, first-class cuisine, culture and entertainment. Spain boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and once you leave the spurious glitz of the tourist resorts, you'll find the real Spain which shimmers to the strum of flamenco guitars.

 

Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches. It's a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture. The season of festivals and fiestas is revving up to full throttle, from streets carpeted in flowers to films-by-the-sea, from the running of the bulls to concerts and ballet in the gardens of the caliphs.

 

Spanish people are very open-hearted and communicative. You won't have any problems to get to know someone, especially in the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. It's often said that the Spanish living room is the bar where the people usually spend a lot of time in the mornings and in the evenings. If you like the countryside, then you will love “Green Spain”. The Regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country are home to some of the most valuable and best-conserved ecological areas in Europe. Contrasting landscapes, salt water rivers, endless green.

 

The north and east of Spain has its own special appeal. The north, central and north east of Spain, in the areas of Castile and Aragon are where the "Catholic Monarchs", Isabel the 1st and Fernando the 2nd of Aragon, ruled and engaged in the "Reconquest of Spain". The east of Spain holds the modernistic architecture of Barcelona, the ultra modern architecture of Valencia and the upcoming community of Zaragoza, not to mention numerous walled cities that retain much of their middle age character.

 

Right Travel offers you the highest quality and most economical tours in the market. Our daily goal is to deliver the best value and exceptional service to our family of travelers, we treat each customer as a unique individual with unique travel needs. Our enthusiasm of excellent service, innovative tours and competitive prices will make your vacation a valued and pleasurable experience.

 

So ask us! We want your trip to Spain to be the travel memory of a lifetime. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM; T: (973) 636-6660; F: (973) 636-6668

 

For More Information:- http://www.right-travel.com/page.php?id=41

 

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Spain Highlights

The Royal Palace in Madrid (Palacio Real in Spanish) is the administrator residence of the King of Spain, Juan Carlos, though he doesn't live here himself. Though there has been royal residence of some kind on this spot for one thousand years, the present building dates back to the eighteenth century. The Royal Palace houses a huge collection of classical Spanish art from such luminaries as Goya and Velazquez - if you've done Madrid's other great museums such as the Prado and the Thyssen, this should be the next on your list if it's classic art you're after.

Europe has many outstanding art museums, but Madrid's El Prado Museum has to be rated as one of the very best. Originally built to be a science museum at the end of the 17th century. The Prado Museum is renowned as being the largest art gallery in the world. It also exhibits sculptures, drawings, coins and other works of arts, but it is certainly its large collection of paintings which has given it fame worldwide. It houses more than 8,600 paintings, of which they exhibit less than 2,000 because of lack of space available. Many museums throughout the world have less artistic riches in their halls than the Prado Museum has in storage. The Prado Museum maintains the art collection of Fernando VII and other royals.
The present day art gallery comes from the royal collections of the old Trinidad Museum, as well as acquisitions, donations and bequests.

El Escorial, royal fortress 43 km (27 mi) northwest of Madrid, found in the 16th century by Philip II of Spain. It incorporates a cathedralesque church, a monastery, a school, and a famous library, and reflects the deeply pious outlook of its founder. The vast complex, said to contain 160 km (100 mi) of corridors, was constructed between 1563 and 1584.
This palace structure was started after the Reconquista, the reconquering of Spain performed by the Christian kings, started. This adds to its aura. While the illiterate Christians were advancing, Spain reached its highest cultural level ever, but under the Muslim rulers. The slender structure of Alhambra, the breathtaking details, the celebration of life, the mixture of nature in men's design, all underline what disaster the return of Christianity in Spain was to be for centuries to approach.

Founded in 1203, the Sinagoga de Santa Maria La Blanca is nearly two centuries older
The synagogue was designed and decorated by Mudejar architects  and the Islamic influence is readily apparent. The white interior features graceful horseshoe arches, ornamental horizontal moldings, and a forest of pillars supporting capitals of enchanting filigree workmanship. Stormed in the early 15th century by a Christian mob led by St. Vincent Ferrer and converted into a church, the synagogue was later used as a carpenter's workshop, a store, a barracks, and a refuge for reformed prostitutes.

The most significant alteration was the construction of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the middle of the structure. It was constructed by permission of Carlos V, king of united Spain. Its reversion to a Christian church  may have helped to preserve it when the Spanish Inquisition was most active. The Cathedral of Seville, formally Catedral de Santa María de la Sede was begun in 1402, with construction continuing into the 16th century. It is the largest of all Roman Catholic cathedrals and also the largest Medieval Gothic holy building, in terms of both area and volume. It is 76 by 115 meters, and was built to cover the land before occupied by the Almohad Mosque. Its central nave rises to an awesome 42 metres and even the side chapels seem tall enough to contain an ordinary church. Its main altarpiece is considered the largest in the Christian world.

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Spain Travel Tips

Spain Travel Tips

Climate/Clothing:

Spring and Fall: 55°F - 75°F; Summer: 70°F - 85°F; Winter: 40°F - 55°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. 

Language:

Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken as well.

Passports and Visas:

Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. For more information, please see Right Travel Visa page

Currency:

Spain: The Euro

Tipping:

This is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.  You may use the following as a guideline:
Porters: 50¢ per bag
Waiter/Waitress: $1.00 per person (dinner)
Chamber Maid: 50¢ per person, per day
Bus Driver: $2.00 per person, per day
Group Tour Guide: $5.00 per person, per day
Private Car Tour Guide: $10 - $15 per person, per day

Electricity:

The voltage used is 220 volts

*Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.

Shopping:

Throughout Spain, stores are open in the morning, closing at noon for siesta. They re-open around 4:00 p.m. and do a lively business late into the evening. Spain is known for its fine leather goods and porcelain.

Health Precautions:

No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Spain or Portugal from the U.S. but you should consult with your health care provider before traveling.

To prevent Montezuma's Revenge, avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.

For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov

Conservation/Code of Conduct:

Spanish life has undergone rapid change in recent years and many of the stricter religious customs are giving way to more modern ways, particularly in the cities and among women. Nonetheless, many old customs, manners and traditions have not faded and hospitality, chivalry and courtesy remain important. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home. If invited to a private home, a small gift is appreciated. Flowers are only sent for special celebrations. Conservative casual wear is widely acceptable. Some hotels and restaurants encourage men to wear jackets. A black tie is only necessary for very formal occasions and is usually specified if required. Outside resorts, beachwear should be confined to beach or poolside. Smoking is widely accepted. The evening meal is taken late, generally 9 -10 p.m. The Spanish have two family names; in conversation only the first should be used.

Luggage:

Right Travel tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece.

As Right Travel will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport See Right Travel Luggage Page for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.

Departure Tax:

There are currently no departure taxes in Spain, please see Right Travel departure tax page for more information.

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim.

Local Emergency Phone #:

General emergency: 112 or 061

Holidays:

January 1 New Year's Day, Jan 6 * Epiphany, Mar 19 * San Jose, Mar 24 * Maundy Thursday, Mar 25, Good Friday, May 1 Labor Day, Aug 15 Assumption, Oct 12 National Day, Nov 1 All Saints’ Day, Dec 6 Constitution Day, Dec 8 Immaculate Conception, Dec 25 Christmas Day

Spanish Regional Holidays:

Jan 29  Dia de la Convivencia (Ceuta)
Feb 28 Andalucía Day
Mar 1 Balearic Isles Day
Apr 23 San Jorge (Aragon) and Day of the Region of Castilla y Leon
May 2 San Segundo (Castilla y Leon) and Fiesta of the Communidad de Madrid
May 17 Dia de las Letras Gallegas (Galicia)
May 30 Canaries Day
May 31 Day of the Region of Castilla-La Mancha
Jun 9 Day of the Region of Murcia and Day of La Rioja
Sep 8 Asturias Day, Day of Extremadura and Nuestra la Virgen de la Victoria (Melilla)
Sep 11 National Day of Catalonia
Sep 15 Nuestra Senora de la Bien Aparecida (Cantabria)
Sep 17 Commemoration of the Spanish refounding of the City of Melilla
Dec 26 San Esteban (Balearic Isles and Catalonia).

Note: *These holidays may be replaced by the autonomous communities with another date. **These dates are also celebrated as regional public holidays (within these regions, there are further public holidays peculiar to the various towns and cities). Catalonia, Navarra, Pais Vasco (Basque Country) and Valenciana also celebrate Easter Monday.

Driving:

Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 150,000km of roads. Motorways are well-maintained and connect Spain north–south. Tolls are in operation on some sections and have to be paid in Euros. Trunk roads between major cities are generally fast and well-maintained. Rural roads are of differing quality.

Rail Tickets:

The full description of the part of the Rail Ticket can be found on our rail ticket description page at Right Travel Rail Page.

For More Information:-  http://www.right-travel.com/travel_tips.php?id=6

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Kenya Travel Tips

Kenya Travel Tips

Entry Requirements:

Canadian and US citizens are required to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their intended return date, as well as a tourist visa. Visa can be acquired before arrival or on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Visa cost US$50 per person.
 

Climate:

WINTER:
June - August
SUMMER: September - March
Kenya’s geographical diversity means its climate varies from the hot humidity of the coast to the cool, sometimes frosty, morning of the central highland country and burning heat of the Northern desert.  Overall it is seldom harsh, being neither too hot not too cold. Rainy seasons are late March to May (the “long” rains) and late October to November (the “short” rains). During these times downpours occur mostly in the late afternoons; the days start out warm and sunny. Traveling in Kenya at this time is not generally a problem as the roads are good and the bursts of rain are short. 

Currency:

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. There are about 69 Kenya shillings to one US dollar (at time of printing). Most hotels and lodges will accept either US dollars or Kenya Shillings as payment. Bring US dollars in cash and travellers cheques.

Credit Cards:

Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted throughout Kenya. Some banks in Kenya will issue cash against a Visa or Mastercard.

Luggage:

Packing space is limited on all modes of transport but
particularly on small domestic aircraft. Luggage must be restricted to 12kg (26lbs) in soft bags plus a reasonable amount of hand luggage.

Time Difference:

EST plus 7 (Summer)
EST plus 8 (Winter)

Water:

Although tap water in Kenya is safe to drink, we do recommend that you purchase and drink bottled water. Many lodges and camps will provide bottled water for you to drink. Shades of Africa Tours and Safaris will provide free bottled mineral water while in safari Minibus.

Electricity:

220/240 volts AC. Outlets are of the 3 pin, 13-amp type. Please be aware that in some tented accommodations you may not find a plug socket.

Health Requirements:

It is imperative that you obtain Anti-Malaria medication before entering Kenya. Other precautionary measures are: keep flaps of your tent zipped at all times; spray your accommodation with insecticide; make use of a mosquito repellent lotion; wear long-sleeved clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night.
Anyone who has any special medication should take enough supplies to last their visit.
Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi and Mombasa. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. We therefore recommend that travel insurance should also include medical cover. Flying doctor services are available and to become a member for the period of your safari it will cost you US$30. One can subscribe on arrival in Kenya.

Air Tickets:

All flights should be reconfirmed at least 48 hours prior to departure of your flight. Normally your guide or the concierge at hotels and lodges are able to assist you.

Tipping:

Most hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill. If the service charge has not been included 10% tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitor's discretion. On safari you should tip your driver and guide. These people do not earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel you can, about USD 5.00 per person, per day is about right, but of course this depends on you and how happy you were with your service.

Communication and Important Telephone Numbers:

The international dialling code for calling Kenya
is +254. International direct dialling is available at most hotels but remember that hotels levy a substantial surcharge on all calls. Public phones work with coins or with telephone cards (which can be purchased at post offices or from international call services in major towns.) Most game lodges will have a central phone at reception but not individual phones in the rooms. If you require special assistance you may call our local office, numbers will be provided within your document.
 
 
 
 
City of Aswan

Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Its ancient Egyptian name was Syene.  Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.

In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. View the spectacular sunsets while having tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel (Named due to the location of the Nile's first cataract located here). Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and it's still a perfect place to get away from it all.

Every night Nubian dancers and musicians perform in the Cultural Center, just off the Corniche. Folklore troupes recreate scenes from village life and perform the famous Nubian mock stick-fight dances.

Aswan is a strategic location which currently houses a garrison of the Egyptian army, but which has also seen ancient Egyptian garrisons, as well as that of General Kitchener, Turkish troops of the Ottoman empire and the Romans.

The city proper lies on the east bank of the Nile.  Relax here, visit a few mosques, but then prepare for an adventure.  The bazaar runs along the Corniche, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum, and continues on to the Cemetery, with its forest of cupolas surmounted tombs from the Fatimid period.  Just east of the cemetery in the famous area quarries is the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk.  Just to the south of this, two Graeco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand.

The most obvious is Elephantine Island, which is timeless with artifacts dating from pre-Dynastic times onward.  It is the largest island in the area. Just beyond Elephantine is Kitchener's Island (Geziret el-Nabatat).  It was named for the British general Haratio Kitchener (185--1916) and was sent to Egypt in 1883 to reorganize the Egyptian army, which he then led against the Sudanese Mahdi.  But the island is known for its garden and the exotic plants the Kitchener planted there, and which continue to flourish today.

On the opposite shore (west bank), the cliffs are surmounted by the tomb of a marabut, Qubbet el-Hawwa, who was a local saint.  Below are tombs of the local (pharaonic) nobles and dignitaries.

Upriver a bit is the tomb of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan who died in 1957.  Known as the Tomb of the Aga Khan, it is beautiful in its simplicity.  A road from there leads back to the Coptic Monastery of St Simeon, which was built in the sixth century in honor of Amba Hadra, a local saint.

Just up river a bit, there is also the old Aswan dam, built by the British, which was enlarged, expanded, but unable to control the Nile for irrigation.

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City of Luxor

Luxor has often been called the worlds greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and much more. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world that know of.  Actually, what most people think of as Luxor is really three different areas, consisting of the City of Luxor on the East side of the Nile, the town of Karnak just north of Luxor and Thebes, which the ancient Egyptians called Waset, which is on the west side of the Nile across from Luxor.

To say that the Luxor area is a major attraction for tourists in Egypt would be an understatement.  It has been a tourist destination since the beginning of tourism.  Even in ancient times, during the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods, the area drew tourists, and has been doing so ever since.  Today Luxor is well equipped to accommodate tourists with many hotels and in general a tourist industry ready and willing to serve the people from many countries that descend on this area of the Nile Valley every year.

Within Luxor, there are only three main streets consisting of Sharia al-Mahatta, Sharia al-Karnak and the Corniched, next to the Nile.  The street in front of the train station is Sharia al-Mahatta and runs away from the Nile where it meets the gardens of Luxor Temple.  Sharia al-Karnak, or Maabad al-Karnak which means Karnak Temple Street runs along the Nile from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple.  However, Sharia al-Karnak  is known as Sharia al-Markaz where it meets Sharia al-Mahatta street, and to the south around the temple it is known as Sharia al-Lokanda.  Along this street one will find the colorful signs of restaurants and cafes, as well as bazaars where the usual variety of Egyptian souvenirs can be found.  Of interest is the alabaster, which is plentiful along the west bank and miled not far from here.  Also look for the clay pots used by the locals for cooking, which are more unusual.

Luxor today is a city of some 150,000 people and is governed by special statues that allow it more autonomy then other political areas of Egypt.  One thing you might notice is that various government and other buildings confirm to an 'ancient' building code.  Particularly, the National bank of Egypt (located near the winter palace), the spa south of the police station, and the railway station are all designed to appear as pharaonic constructs.  All of this occurred after the Egyptianization of the modern town resulting mostly from the mania that resulted from Howard Carter's discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. As one might think, the city has all the amenities tourists might expect, including a variety of hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

In Luxor proper on the East Bank, one of the first stops must be the Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III. Head south on Sharia al-Karnak to reach the temple, which was connected to the Karnak Temple via a long stone processional street called a dromos.  The dromos (Picture at right) was built by Nectanebo I, and originally was lined on either side by sphinxes. In front of the Luxor temple, the dromos is well preserved, and on the way to the entrance one passes by a Roman chapel of burnt brick dedicated to the god Serapis, which was built during the rule of Hadrian.  There is a path that leads to the Nile side of the Temple where one enters the complex.

After leaving Luxor, head back to Sharia al-Karnak and go north towards Karnak.  Down the road, near the police station which is near the tomb  is the oldest mosque in Luxor, the El-Mekashkesh Mosque.  It contains the remains of a 10th century Islamic saint who rumor has it was a monk prior to converting to Islam.  The mosque is a popular pilgrimage destination.  Here also is the Franciscan Church and its schools, one for boys and the other girls. Beyond this lies a great Coptic basilica.

At the Police station, head towards the Nile Corniche.  Here, opposite the Mina Palace Hotel you will find the Mummification Museum, which has most anything you would ever want to know about mummifications.  From here, head north towards Karnak.

About halfway to Karnak, you will discover the Luxor Museum.  (The image at left is a Block Statue of Iamu Negh from the Luxor Museum). It should certainly be visited if you plan a well rounded and educated experience.  While this is a small museum, most of the relics are from the surrounding area and provide considerable insight to the monuments you will visit.

From the Museum, head back to Sharia al-Karnak and continue north towards Karnak.  After crossing a small bridge one will begin to see the excavated dromos off the road and running through a small village. A little further on you will pass the ruins of the Temple of Mut where another dromos leads to the gateway of the tenth pylon.  The road finally arrives at the domed tombs of two saints, Sidi Ahmed and Sidi Ali, where a road leads past the Department of Antiquities leads to the main Temple of Karnak entrance. This road is built along a canal that once connected the Nile to the Temple.  There was a dock in ancient times, but now all that is left is the quay and the raised dais.   Just past that is a red brick Roman dock and past that two paved ramps led to the river bank.  They are bordered by stone parapets, and were built during the rule of Taharqa.  Past these is the Chapel of Achoris, which received the sacred boat of Amun when it was used in ceremonies.

To arrive at the entrance one follows the dromos with its crio-sphinxes.  They have the head of a Ram and the body of a lion and are symbolic of the God Amun.  Arriving at the temple, there is a statue of Ramesses II with his son between his feet. 

To the right is a structure that has red steps, a red front colonnade and red brick walls.  Inside there are pedestals. inscribed with the names of Roman emperors,  that once held their statues.  This was a Roman chapel dedicated to imperial worship. After leaving the Temple complex on the left is the Franco-Egyptian Center which has managed the temple complex since 196