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<p>Also known as Aswan, this city located in the south of Egypt is known for being the starting point for many of the visits to Abu Simbel. Due to the flooding of the Nile riverbed, the Egyptians built both a high and low dam in the area to prevent flooding, but in both constructions, the environmental impact was not taken into account, and due to the rising levels of Lake Nasser the temples of Nubia and Abu Simbel suffered flooding damage. Thanks to a UN campaign to preserve the monuments, different countries of the world collaborated in the transfer of the temples to the interior, away from the river banks.</p>

Aswan

<p dir="ltr">The gigantic Egyptian capital stretches for kilometers. The Alabaster Mosque is one of the visual references of the city, as well as the citadel of Saladino, a medieval Islamic fortification that can be seen from different parts of the city.</p>
<p dir="ltr">One of the great attractions of any trip to Cairo is to get lost in the Jan el-Jalili souk, a network of narrow streets covered with numerous stalls where you can find all kinds of items: from the famous shishas, incense, papyri, spices or poufs made from camel skin, to clothing, antiques and costume jewellery. The Egyptians like to bargain very much, so purchases in any part of the country will be very economical. Another unmissable sight is the famed Egyptian Museum in Cairo, whose cabinets contain precious relics of Ancient Egypt such as vases, sculptures, friezes, paintings, personal belongings and sarcophagi found in the valley of the Kings. In the museum, you can also see the treasure of Tutankhamun, and the mummies of some of the most important pharaohs in history. The pyramids of Giza, one of the wonders of the world, are located on the outskirts of Cairo.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

El Cairo

<p dir="ltr">The necropolis of Giza is one of the greatest treasures of Ancient Egypt. Located within the site are the famous pyramids of Khafre, Menkaure and the great pyramid of Giza, Khufu, considered one of the best preserved and one of the seven wonders of the world. Located on the outskirts of Cairo, these three imposing monuments are one of the main tourist attractions, as well as the enormous figure of the Sphinx, the animal with the body of a lion and a human head whose nose was destroyed by Napoleonic troops. A visit to the great pyramid of Giza allows the traveler to enter a giant network of low-lying tunnels that lead to the King's chamber, where an empty sarcophagus is found. In the surroundings, other visitors have the opportunity of taking a camel ride between the different pyramids, for an exciting, unique experience.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Giza

<p dir="ltr">Known as the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor was the capital of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt built by the pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. An archaeological center of great relevance where you can find the pillars of the famous temples of Luxor and Karnak, linked together by an avenue of sphinxes and considered a world heritage by UNESCO. Dedicated to the god Amun, you can expect to see columns, obelisks, bas-reliefs and calendars sculpted in the rock. It is also where the mysterious sculpture of an Egyptian beetle is found, which legend suggests has the power to grant wishes. The Luxor area also includes other renowned places of interest such as the Valley of the Kings, the ancient necropolis where the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt were buried. One of the most important findings was the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. A few meters away is the Valley of the Queens, where the funeral chamber of Nefertari was found. Finally, on a trip to Egypt and Luxor you should not miss the Colossi of Memnon, two stone sculptures on the banks of the Nile that represent Amenhotep III.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Luxor

<p dir="ltr">On a trip to Egypt, you can not forego a boat trip or cruise on the Nile, the longest river in Africa on whose bank the most important cities of the country were built in antiquity. Currently, it is where the main tourist attractions are located, such as Luxor, the ancient capital; Giza, the necropolis where the famous pyramids are located; as well as Cairo, the capital of modern Egypt. The Nile River has two tributaries: the White Nile, which is born in Burundi and passes through Tanzania, Lake Victoria, Uganda, South Sudan and Sudan; and the Blue Nile, which originates in Lake Tana, crosses Ethiopia and reaches Sudan, where it meets the northern part of the river.<br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" /></p>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-6186a5fa-5a06-1108-af9c-c1c67de1317d">&nbsp;</strong></p>

Nile River

<p>The capital of Greece has successfully joined its historical past, as the pillar of democracy, with more modern elements of life. Visit neighbourhoods full of typical Greek charm, such as Plaka or Anafiotika, at the foot of the Acropolis, which contrast with other more modern areas such as Kolonaki or Piraeus, the biggest port in Greece.</p>

<p>The island dyed in a perfect white hue, with electric blue rooftop domes is one of the best known images of Greece. It still preserves the charm of rural Greek life, with small towns full of alleyways which were traditionally trodden by donkeys, still existing on the island.</p>

<p>Florence is a city situated in the north of the central region of Italy, capital of the Tuscany region, of which it is the historical, artistic, economic and administrative centre. Capital of Italy from 1865 to 1871 during the Italian unification, in the middle ages it was an important cultural, economic and financial centre. Its era of greatest splendour was following the establishment of the Grand Duke of Tuscany under the rule of the Medici Dynasty. Florence is the urban nucleus from where the Renaissance art movement emerged in the second half of the 14th century and it is considered one of the world cradles of art and architecture. Its historical centre was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982 and features medievaland renaissance works such as the Florence Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Palazzo Vecchio and museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, the National Museum of Bargello or the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David.</p>

Florence

<p>The most populated city in Italy and the fourth most populated in the European Union. It is known as the Eternal City. Over the course of its history, which goes back some three thousand years, its power reached the whole of the Mediterranean and indeed much of Europe. As capital of the Roman Empire, it constituted one of the first great metropolises of humanity, the centre of one of the most important ancient civilisations. It influenced the society, culture, language, literature, art, architecture, philosophy, religion, law and ethics of the centuries that followed. It is the city with the greatest concentration of historical sites and artefacts in the world, its historic centre marked by the perimeters of its ancient walls, overlapping the footprints of three years, is Rome's expression of historical, artistic and cultural heritage in the western European world. Rome is the geographical heart of Roman Catholicism and the only city in the world which has a foreign state within it: the enclave of the Vatican City, a Papal State controlled by the incumbent pope.</p>

Rome

Colosseum, Parthenon, Santorini & Pyramids

<p>As the name suggests: a high city, the Acropolis of Athens is found at the peak of one of the citys hills and served to defend against invasion. The Acropolis is one of the most important sites of its time, like the Parthenon or Erectheion, managed by the popular Caryatids, where the first gods of classical Greece were revered and democracy was born.</p>

<p>Known as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, this is where the Oracle of Delphi was found, inside the Temple of Apollo. For the ancient Greek civilisation, this city was the centre of the world. Travel to Delphi and discover a city which is also modern and full of life.</p>

<p>It is impossible to reach the famous monasteries of Meteora without passing through the small town of Kalambaka. If you decide not to act like other tourists and make a stop here, you will be surprised how much there is to see in Kalambaka.</p>
<h2>What to see in Kalambaka</h2>
<h3>A walk through the town of Kalambaka</h3>
<p>The first thing you will notice in Kalambaka are the views of the surrounding country, a feature that it shares with the nearby and also little-visited village of Kastraki. But the town itself is also charming. And not only because of its narrow streets and simple houses. Most of these have their own stable and garden.</p>
<p>The best thing about Kalambaka is the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This is a building with three naves decorated with frescoes that date from the 14th century, a real gem that many people miss because they are so set on seeing Meteora.</p>
<p>The town's best-known streets converge in the main square: Vlahavas, Kastrakiou, Ioanninon, Trikalon and Rodu.</p>
<p>A small wood stretches around the town and, where it ends, you will see a beautiful chapel that crowns the top of the mountain. A place with a special aura, full of mystery and charm. Undoubtedly one of the places to see in Kalambaka.</p>
<h3>What to see in Kalambaka: the surrounding area</h3>
<p>Meteora is one of the most visited places in northern Greece and one of the most famous attractions to see in and around Kalambaka. The combination of its rugged landscape, with strange rock formations, green valleys bottoms and floating monasteries make it unlike anywhere else.</p>
<p>What is there there to do in Meteora?</p>
<p>The monasteries of Meteora are its main attraction, but there are many things to do in the wild natural surroundings.</p>
<ul>
<li>You can go hillwalking to get a close up view of the rock formations that are the hallmark of the area. The views from the inns that lie on some of the trails will take your breath away.</li>
<li>Walk to Meteora's highest rock. If you are wondering what to see in Kalambaka, a stop here, 400 metres above the town, will give you a unique perspective.</li>
<li>Climbing</li>
<li>There are cycle routes with three different levels of difficulty.</li>
<li>Visit to the caves of Meteora</li>
<li>Rafting</li>
</ul>
<h3>Meteora Monasteries: the sightseeing highlights in and around Kalambaka</h3>
<p>Originally there were 24 monasteries in Meteora, but only thirteen still remain and of these only six can be visited. All of them have been named World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, which has not prevented well-known films and series such as HBO's Game of Thrones from being shot here.</p>
<p>If you want to make sure you see at least a couple, arrange for your visit to fall on a Sunday. This is the day when all the monasteries are open.</p>
<p>Which monasteries can be visited in Meteora</p>
<ul>
<li>Monastery of Great Meteoron or the Transfiguration This is the largest and also the most interesting of the group. If you're only going to see one, make it this one. It even houses a small museum explaining the monastic way of life.</li>
<li>Monastery of St. Nicholas</li>
<li>Monastery of St. Stephen The easiest to reach.</li>
<li>Monastery of the Holy Trinity The most difficult to reach.</li>
<li>Monastery of Roussanou or Saint Barbara, which is the only one where nuns still live.</li>
<li>Monastery of Varlaam or All Saints.</li>
</ul>
<p>Tips for visiting the monasteries of Meteora</p>
<p>It is important to bear in mind that there is a dress code and that it is especially important for women. Women must cover their arms and legs; trousers are not acceptable - they must wear long skirts. If you're travelling in short sleeves and shorts, don't worry. Like many mosques in other countries, the monasteries in Meteora lend large scarves which you can use to cover your arms and legs and go inside.</p>
<p>The rules are more permissive for men. In theory long trousers are needed to enter and the most reasonable thing is to wear them, but they do not usually make too much fuss about men wearing shorts. In any case, men can also use the same type of scarves as women to cover their legs if necessary.</p>
<h3>Sunset in Meteora</h3>
<p>Besides visiting the six monasteries that are the main sightseeing attraction in Kalambaka and the surrounding area, watching the sun go down on Meteora is a real treat. Especially if you follow one of the mountain paths up to the viewing points. If you choose to embark on this little adventure, remember to carry a torch in your rucksack. The area is safe, but you can't be too careful if you want to prevent your holiday being spoilt by a mishap on the mountain.</p>
<p>And now that you know what there is to see in Kalambaka, prepare your trip with Exoticca.</p>

<p>The Meteora monasteries are located in the north of Greece, on the Thessaly plain, near to Kalambaka, in the Pinios river valley. The area has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. These are constructions perched on the top of grey rocks, shaped by erosion and called Meteora. They are located at a height of 600 metres above sea level and have been inhabited since the 14th century.</p>

<p>If there's one place not to be missed when visiting Athens<span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> it's the Parthenon. Not just because it is perhaps the city's greatest icon, but also because of its unparalleled beauty and majesty, which have remained unchanged over the course of centuries. We speak of its beauty, of course, because its structure has undergone a multitude of alterations. And knowing them will make your visit much more enriching and interesting. Do you want to know why the Parthenon ruins look like they do now, and not something else?</p>
<p>Today, the Parthenon is not only a symbol of Greek culture, but one of the Western world. However, at the time of its construction it ruffled feathers, and in the centuries that followed, it suffered all kinds of assaults and plundering.</p>
<h2>The Parthenon as a symbol of democracy</h2>
<p>After a long period of internal wars and conflicts with the Persian Empire<span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> when Pericles took power in Greece he had the idea of establishing something called democracy. And, in order for it to work, the entire Greek population had to be given employment. But back then there were no taxes or other types of fiscal measures</p>
<p>What there was, however, was a military alliance that Pericles used to raise funds for the restoration of Athens. It was called the Delian League, and from this Pericles channelled funds to build the Parthenon, among other things. There were groups that were opposed, of course: the aristocracy and the philosophers, who were a little more hypocritical than is usually believed.</p>
<h2>The construction of the Parthenon and its many "deconstructions"</h2>
<p>The construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BC and only marble was used for this purpose. Even the tiles were made of marble. In fact, be careful when visiting, especially in the middle of summer when it's hot. The floor is slippery because it's made of this material. And it's a genuine miracle that it's been preserved.</p>
<h4>The fire of 267 BC</h4>
<p>267 years before the birth of Christ the Heruli occupied Athens and set fire to the Acropolis. This destroyed the original roof, the ceilings and several columns, as well as the inner parts of the walls.</p>
<p>And no attempt at restoration was made until a century and a half later! Julian the Apostate, known as the apostate because he maintained certain hostilities with the Christians, was in charge. The quality of the restoration was not particularly high.</p>
<h3>The rampage of the Christians</h3>
<p>The Christians who murdered Hypatia, as recounted in Alejandro Amenabar's film<span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> were determined to put an end to all pagan gods at any cost. In the 5th century AD, the Parthenon became a church and its statues were on the receiving end of Christian wrath. This is when the first sculptures were lost. But not only that, but also windows were added to its structure, for which several frieze blocks were destroyed.</p>
<p>It was then that the Parthenon lost its name to become the church of the Panagia Atheniotissa</p>
<h3>A bell tower at the Parthenon?</h3>
<p>Strange as it may sound, the Crusader knights placed a bell tower in the Parthenon after the fourth crusade. The temple continued to be used as a church, although its structure continued to be recognisable and dominated the Acropolis.</p>
<h3>Transformation into a mosque</h3>
<p>Relations between Greeks and Turks have never been easy, and in 1458 the latter managed to occupy Athens and transformed the Parthenon into a mosque. The bell tower became a minaret, but the new occupants did no more damage to the original structure.</p>
<h3>The worst plague to hit the Parthenon</h3>
<p>The barbarians, the Christians, the Crusaders and the Turks were nothing compared to the collectors. In the 19th century, Lord Elgin, the British ambassador, ransacked the building and took everything he could. Most of it is on display today in the British Museum. So, to see the Parthenon, visiting the Acropolis is a good start, but the best thing is to finish off... in London!</p>
<h2>The Parthenon today</h2>
<p>Fortunately, this iconic and beautiful building has been cared for by art lovers who have worked and continue to work for its recovery.</p>
<p>It is a temple 31 metres in width with 25 columns. It's unlikely you'll be able to see them all, since the temple is still undergoing reconstruction.</p>
<p>It's a misleading building; although the eye perceives the size of the columns as if they were all the same, some are wider than others: the central ones are wider, while those at the ends become steadily slimmer. But the decrease in size is small and gradual, so the human eye only perceives the architectural harmony.</p>
<h2>Tips for visiting the Parthenon</h2>
<p>The Parthenon is one of the most popular monuments in Athens, so you will always find other travellers there. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.</p>
<p>The Acropolis is a steeply sloping hill. You can take a bus or walk. If you walk, avoid the central hours of the day in summer<span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> as the heat can be dangerous. And always carry a bottle of water with you.</p>

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Santorini Island Escape

<p>The biggest of the Greek islands is a mandatory destination for any Mediterranean cruise. It is home to the popular Palace of Knossos, the most important archaeological remains of the Minoan civilisation. Its capital, Heraklion, is a vibrant and modern urban centre whilst, Agios Nikolaos is the most popular coastal town due to its beautiful surroundings.</p>

Colosseum, Parthenon, Crete & Pyramids

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