Egyptian Ruins at Luxor and Karnak

Many travelers might assume that Cairo is the place to be if one wants to see Ancient Egyptian monuments, and it's true to a certain extent - Cairo provides easy access to the Pyramids at Giza and the world-famous Great Sphinx. However, those on a world cruise might end up liking the port of Safaga even better, as it provides easy access to Luxor and Karnak, home to some of the best ruins in Egypt and possibly the world.

Luxor and Karnak get their name from two temples in the area, and you'll have the chance to explore both of these sights during your visit. Of the two, Karnak is better-preserved and perhaps more impressive, but Luxor is obviously worth seeing as well.

At Karnak, you'll see sights like the Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut, the Temple of Amen-Re and the Sacred Lake. This massive complex features a number of sphinxes guarding the entrance and sights like the Hall of Hypostyle, which features 134 gigantic stone columns.

Luxor, meanwhile, is a similarly vast undertaking, which was added to over several centuries by Egyptian rulers. Be sure to see the Colossi of Memnon, two 64-foot twin statues that are located close by.

While Luxor and Karnak are impressive, your most memorable visit here will likely be to the Valley of the Kings. This necropolis is the final resting place for a number of Egyptian rulers, each of whom tried to outdo the others with their tombs. The sights here won't soon be forgotten, and you can't help but get a bit of an eerie feeling as you walk through this breathtaking sacred site.

If you're the type that would rather explore under the sea than dry land, simply stay in the port of Safaga. The tourism boost that this city has received in recent years have transformed it into a fine place to spend a day, with plenty of amenities for travelers to enjoy. It's of special use to divers and snorkelers, however, as there are numerous companies here that offer excursions to the beautiful waters of the nearby Red Sea.  View World Cruises.