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LUXOR :
Luxor/Karnak/Thebes
Luxor/Karnak/Thebes
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.
Right - The west bank across the Nile 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.
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Cairo
Bahariya Road
White Desert
Akabat Mountain
White Desert
White Desert
Camping
White Desert
White Desert
Crystal Mountain
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