Ep 6. Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor

In this episode of "Rick Steves' Europe," Rick takes us on a journey through Egypt, exploring the beautiful cities of Alexandria and Luxor, and the mighty Nile River.

Starting off in Alexandria, Rick dives into the city's rich history, dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. We see the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern-day library built to honor the original, which was one of the largest and most important libraries in ancient times. We also visit the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, a fascinating underground necropolis that showcases the unique blend of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences that prevail in Alexandria.

Next up, Rick travels south to Luxor, the site of many ancient Egyptian treasures. We start with a visit to the Temple of Karnak, the largest temple complex in the world, which was dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. Here, we see the impressive Hypostyle Hall, a feat of engineering and artistry that consists of 134 massive columns.

We then explore the Luxor Temple, located on the east bank of the Nile. Here, we see the Avenue of Sphinxes, a mile-long road lined with sphinx statues that once connected the Luxor Temple to the Karnak Temple. We also visit a nearby temple dedicated to the goddess Mut, which features a stunning statue of her in the form of a vulture.

The highlight of the episode comes when Rick takes us on a cruise down the Nile River. We see the lush greenery that lines the river banks, as well as a variety of villages and small towns along the way. At Edfu, we visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples in the country. And at Kom Ombo, we explore the unusual Temple of Sobek, which was built to honor the crocodile god.

Throughout the episode, Rick provides valuable historical and cultural context for each site we visit. He also shares his own observations and experiences as a traveler in Egypt, giving us an insider's look at the country's unique charms and challenges.

Overall, "Egypt's Nile, Alexandria, and Luxor" is a fascinating and immersive episode that showcases some of Egypt's most impressive attractions. Whether you're interested in ancient history, modern culture, or natural beauty, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire.