This monumental temple complex was built by King Ramses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.E.) in what was once known as ancient Nubia, as a demonstration of both his worldly and divine power. He was the most prolific pharaoh in terms of building works, and a highly accomplished military leader.

I’ve just returned from Egypt, and I wanted to tell you a little bit about my tour. Although I have travelled to Egypt several times before, this was my first time since I started working for Egypt Uncovered. I joined the Nile Explorer tour on the 23rd May and what a great time I had!

Throughout history, Tanis has been known by many names. The ancient Egyptians called it Djanet and the Old Testament refers to the city as Zoan.

The High Dam at Aswan is one of the most impressive feats of engineering design in the whole of the African continent. Construction on the High Dam began in 1960 with the view to it being a replacement for the already existent Low Dam which was built by the British from 1889-1902.

Petra is a vast and unique city, half built and half carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans over 2000 years ago. It lies between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and was an integral crossroads for trade routes that linked China, India and Southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.

The town of Baalbek is located in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, approximately 85km northeast of Beirut and 75km north of Damascus (Syria). Nowadays the town is famous for its exquisitely detailed Roman ruins which attract thousands of tourists to the country each year and also plays host to the annual Baalbek festival.

Dakhla is located around 350km from the Nile Valley between the oases of Farafra and Kharga.

There is no city in the world like Cairo. It has been the largest city in Africa and the Middle East for 750 years and has been attractive to tourists throughout the ages.

Farafra is the smallest oasis in the Western Desert of Egypt with an estimated population of around 5,000, all living within its single village. It is located approximately midway between Dakhla and Bahariya.

Dahab is only a few hours drive north of Sharm el Sheikh, but hidden in its nearby waters lie several world-class dive sites.