Every year thousands of tourists travel to North Africa to behold some of the most unique architectural structures of the world. Many international holiday packages are offered by online travel agencies that include tours to Egypt and Morocco. These countries offer tourists a wide number of attractions, including the famous riveting Saharan deserts with its lush oases, mysterious Pyramids, serene River Nile and mighty Atlas Mountains. The bustling markets, ancient temples and ornate mosques of Cairo and Marrakech signify the religious and cultural life of the region. Rich in landforms and cultural heritage, Giza, Luxor and Fes are a few cities of North Africa, worth being explored for their stunning designs and construction.
Giza
Southwest of Cairo, located on the banks of river Nile, lies one of Seven Wonders of the World – the Giza Plateau. It is a famous archaeological site known for its ancient monuments. Serving as a necropolis to the old kingdom of Egypt, it accommodates three pyramids, which make up the Great Pyramids of Giza, in addition to the world renowned monolith statue of the Great Sphinx. Most international tour packages include an exciting cruise on the Nile River that offer a spellbinding view of one of this wonder of the world.
Luxor
Known as the greatest open air museum, the modern city of Luxor was once the capital of Ancient Egypt. It is the site of the famous city of Thebes – the City of a Hundred Gates. The city is split into two by the Nile, the East Bank or the city of the living, and the West Bank or the city of the dead. Bustling markets, luxurious hotels, spas and amazing golf courses lie on the eastern bank of the river, which has developed into a modern city. The temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the royal tombs of the Valleys of Kings and Queens are found on the western bank of the river. Deir-el-medina or the valley of artisans is another attraction in Egypt that was home to the craftsmen, who worked on the tombs at the Valley of Kings.
Marrakech
Situated at the south-western foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is an imperial city of Morocco, which attracts thousands of travellers every year to visit its medinas, palaces, monuments and gardens. The Medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features several impressive monuments that remain from the times of Ottoman empire, like the Koutoubia Mosque, Kasbah Agafay Fortress, battlements and monumental doors. Art and architecture of Marrakech are recognised for their outstanding universal value. Djemaa el-Fna, the main square and open-air theatre in Marrakesh is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It hosts street theatre since dawn to dusk every day. Numerous international vacation packages take travellers on tours through the city, providing an opportunity to experience the romantic sunset at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
Fes
Fes is the spiritual capital of Morocco, known for its beautiful minarets, domes and Islamic architecture. The medina of the Fes-el- Bali also called the Old Fes, with its striking monuments and urban fabric, is the main attraction in the city. Madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains found in this old capital date back to the Muslim rule and make the city medina a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Martin Wynn
