Ballyclare Gazette - Features - Forget Rome: Egypt is the Seat of Ancient History

Features

Forget Rome: Egypt is the Seat of Ancient History

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

If you are a history buff and want to take a holiday to the home of the most interesting and ancient history on the planet, you may think that Rome is the place to go. You couldn't be more wrong. For breathtaking scenery and more history than you can shake a stick at, Egypt is the place to visit.

While there are plenty of companies offering the opportunity for such a trip, UlookUbook have a range of Egypt holidays which will let you enjoy both the history of this ancient land, and also the relaxation and warm weather we all need when we take a break.

UlookUbook are one of many websites which has risen toward prevalence as part of the online revolution in the travel industry; focusing on its large database, it takes the best of the services you get from a high-street travel agent and combines that with the ability to search and compare at your leisure, and at your convenience.

Great for booking holidays when you're not quite sure where you're going, then, it has plenty of deals: its perfect if you're looking for a trip to Egypt, keeping UlookUbook on one tab of your web browser, while you scour the web for information on your chosen destination at the same time.

But why Egypt in the first place, and why not Rome?

Well, one of the best things about Egypt compared to Rome is the fact that you can expect to get much more for your money. As a less popular destination it is often more reasonably priced to visit the attractions; the accommodation and the food is cheaper, the flights won't cost you an arm and a leg and there will be fewer crowds.

So, you may be thinking that Egypt is just the pyramids, right? Wrong! Egypt sits between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean and is therefore one of the better beach destinations you could choose. The weather is good all year round and the country accommodates its tourists very well indeed.

If it is history you are wanting to see then Egypt boasts some of the oldest and most impressive temples and monuments to be found anywhere in the world. Of course, the pyramids are an essential visit and must be seen to be believed. As a tourist you can take guided tours and find out about how and why they were built.

Of course, the Nile provides a wealth of interest for someone visiting the country for the first time. Nile cruises are very popular and simply travelling up and down can show how important this great river is to the population. In fact, Egypt would not exist if it wasn't for the fertile land which the yearly Nile overflow creates. It was this factor which brought people to North Africa many thousands of years ago, bringing their traditions with them.

While Greek and Roman mythology may have captured the attention of scholars around the world, the Egyptians have their own gods and goddesses, too. Much of these revolve around the Nile and its ability to offer a fertile land amidst the desert. The rise and fall of the river has been attributed to the tears of Isis who was mourning the loss of her husband Osiris.

The actual life giving force of the river has also been given God status; that of Hapy. He is a rather stout and joyful man who was celebrated each year with feasts and parties. This represents how the Nile brings people together.

So, don't write off Egypt as a place to go to learn about history. There is plenty which the people of Egypt would love to share and the bonus is that you will save yourself money as well; and UlookUbook is the perfect place to start looking.