Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Find Aswan Tours that Take You to the Temples in the Outskirts of the City


Aswan is a must visit city in Egypt. Every year numerous tourists plan Aswan Holidays especially to feel the refreshment of nature. The city is home to numerous monuments, islands and museums. In other words, while vacationing in the city, you get an opportunity to spend time amidst great blend of intriguing past, captivating relaxation and thrilling adventure. Apart from the attractions within the city, there are several worth visiting sites located in the outskirts area. 

One attraction in the outskirts that always remain in the list of last minute holidays to Aswan is Kalabsha Temple. This is one of the most important historical sites in and around the city. While visiting the temple, you would come across spectacular Nubian architecture. Original position of the temple was 56 kilometers in the southern direction of Aswan Dam. It was shifted to its present position in 1960s with the sponsorship of UNESCO. While standing on the dam, you can capture beautiful view of the temple provided you have good quality binoculars. This temple is considered as the best example of free standing structures in Nubia. Sandstone blocks were used to build this temple.

While taking a closer look at the structure, you would come across spectacular traditional Egyptian style of architecture. The temple consists of Ptlomaic columns, screen walls and an open court. You can easily find Aswan hotels that offer tours to this temple. While visiting the temple, don’t ignore the nearby monuments such as Beit el-Wali, the Kiosk of Qertassi and Gerf Hussein. 

Another notable attraction located in the outskirts of Aswan is Abu Simbel. At this site, you would come across magnificent temples and monuments. One of the most important temples is The Great Temple of Rameses II. The temple is best known for its gigantic seated statues. These are carved out of a huge rock. Each statue is 20 meters high and represents the king. History lovers plan Aswan tours especially to visit this temple and take a closer look at these statues. 

The statues depict king and at his feet, you would find his chief wife nefertari, his mother Tuya and his children. Inside the great temple, few smaller temples can be found. One such temple is The Temple of Hathor. This is another rock cut temple in the area of Abu Simbel. It is strategically located in the northern side of the Great Temple. This majestic temple was built to honor Great wife of Rameses and Nefertari, his best consorts. 

Cheap  hotels in Aswan are incomplete without visiting Hathor Temple at Abu Simbel. The interior of the temple is quite simple however, you would come across monuments and sculptures in human size. While taking a closer look at the traditional scenes depicted on the walls of the temple, you would come across stories of the pharaoh Rameses II in his warrior role of slaying captives. There are two rows of six pillars that crowned with Hathor heads. There are few chambers as well that are carved out from mountain rocks.

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Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Aswan is Not Only for Diving but for Shopping As Well

Aswan is the best place to enjoy a refreshing vacation in Egypt. This intriguing city is situated by River Nile. While enjoying cheap Aswan holidays, you can indulge in variety of marine activities. You can dive into the refreshing waters to explore spectacular marine flora and fauna. Snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing and jet skiing are other notable marine activities that can be enjoyed in the waters of Aswan. However, this enchanting Egyptian city is not only about marine activities. There are several other attractions that keep people planning last minute holidays to Aswan.

Aswan has become a great shopping spot in Egypt. There are several places from where you can buy branded stuff. If you know the art of bargaining, you can easily find great stuff at reasonable price. Best place for bargain shopping is the vivacious markets located by the river. These markets are not only about shopping, you can also take a look at the local culture. Traditional markets usually open during the day. Shopaholics prefer to find Aswan accommodation near Souk Shopping.

This local market is strategically located in the heart of the beautiful city. In this market, you can find almost everything. Sellers would tell you that prices are fixed however, once you start negotiating, you will find that prices are coming down. If you are looking to get Egyptian spices, make sure you are adding Spice Market to the list of cheap Aswan holidays. Walking through the spice market would be an incredible experience. You can choose from wide variety of spices. Some of the spices are dyed. So, while checking spice shops, you would come across enticing colors.

Aswan Bazaar is among the best markets in the city. If you want to experience the practice of bartering, you cannot afford to miss on visiting this market. One thing that discerns Aswan Bazaar from other markets is that while enjoying shopping in this traditional bazaar you won’t find pushy sellers. This bazaar opens in late hours therefore, shopaholics find cheap hotels in Aswan near this bazaar so that they can easily commute to and from the market even during odd hours. After enjoying diving or exploring the historical monuments, you can spend your evening in Aswan Bazaar.

If you are looking for mementos, Hubia Craft Center is the best place in the entire Aswan. While spending time in this craft center, you get an opportunity to peep into the creativity of Nubian Culture. Great artwork can be seen in the unique souvenirs that are up for sale. There is lot to choose from. In case, you are a hardcore fan of handicrafts and Egyptian arts, you would return to your hotel with multiple bags.

West Bank is an integral part of Aswan tours. Besides world renowned attractions, you would also come across numerous souvenir stalls while strolling around the west bank. Remember, prices for the handicrafts are slightly higher than that of what you get in the other markets. Most of the tourists visit these stalls to get an idea of the price of the handicrafts.

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