The Amarna Letters (or Amarna Glossaries or Amarna Archives) are an extensive collection of clay figures written in Akkadian (Babylonian) and cuneiform script, found in the archives of the palace of the Egyptian King Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV) at his ruling seat (Akhet-Aten) at Tell el-Amarna that you can visit during your Egypt tours.
In 1887, a local peasant woman walking through AMARNA found a group of clay tablets inscribed in a cuneiform script (wedge-shaped writing developed in Babylonia). She had stumbled upon a storehouse of diplomatic letters between Egypt and her Middle Eastern neighbors. More than 350 inscribed tablets were discovered, written primarily on Babylonian cuneiform, the language of diplomats and foreign traders. The letters were sent from foreign kings, with their ambassadors bringing gifts or tributes to Akhenaten. Some requested that the king send gold from Egypt. Your Egypt Tours recommends joining one of our Egypt travel packages to listen to the whole story. One of the Amarna letters reads:
During Egypt classic tours, you can see the letter to see what is written (Thus spoke the king of Alasia to the king of Egypt, my brother, Know that I am well and that my land is well. And as to thy good health, Even thy good health, the excellent health of thy house, thy sons, thy wives, thy horses, thy chariots, Why hast thou not sent thy messenger to me? I have sent my messenger to thee. And have I not sent to thee through my messenger one hundred talents of copper? Now let thy messenger bring (for me) one ebony bed inlaid with gold, a chariot with gold, and two horses) Join the undiscovered attractions in Egypt including Al Amarna city with our guided Egypt luxury tours.
The Amarna letters tell us much about what luxury goods were prized in the ancient world. They give us a glimpse of how government works and have helped scholars better understand the language and grammar of cuneiform. But, most importantly, the letters show the effect of changing Egypt's religion from polytheism (many gods) to monotheism (one god), and that's what our tour guide will show you in Al Amarna during your Egypt day tours. Akhenaten remained isolated in his holy city, neglected his duties, and ignored his neighbors, and Egypt went from her "golden age" into decline.
Akhenaten, the Egyptian pharaoh, had disagreements with Tushratta, the ruler of Mitanni, early in his reign. Tushratta allied himself with Amenhotep III to fight the Hittites. The statues were part of the bride payment that Tushratta received for allowing his daughter Tadukhepa to wed Amenhotep III and then later wed Akhenaten. Tushratta repeatedly complains in letters that Akhenaten brought him gold-plated statues rather than statues made of genuine gold.
(I asked your father, Mimmureya [i.e., Amenhotep III] for statues of solid cast gold, and your father said, 'Don't talk of giving statues just of solid cast gold. I will give you ones also made of lapis lazuli. I will give you, too, along with the statues, much additional gold, and goods beyond measure.' All of my messengers in Egypt saw the gold for the statues with their own eyes, But my brother [i.e., Akhenaten] still needs to send the solid [gold] statues that your father was going to send. You have sent plated ones of wood. Nor have you sent me the goods that your father was going to send me, but you have reduced them significantly. Yet there is nothing I know of in which I have failed my brother. May my brother send me a lot of gold? In my brother's country, gold is as plentiful as dust. May my brother cause me no distress? May he send me much gold so my brother, with the gold and many goods, may honor me)
If you feel interested in the story of Al Amarna and Egyptian history in general, visit our Egypt tours guide to read more stories and mysteries, and also don't hesitate to join our Egypt cultural tours.
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Egypt has many historical sites that you can visit and enjoy. Each tour is different and unique. If you go on a Nile cruise, you can visit Abu Simbel, Aswan, and Luxor in the South and enjoy the temples, tombs, and the treasures of the Nile. In the North, enjoy the Pyramids of Giza, The Egyptian Museum, Sakkara. Mosques, churches in Cairo, and many landmarks located in the city of Alexandria. On the East, Enjoy a beach tour for diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the Red sea. Every city has its charm, history, and flavor where you can do many tours and activities.
Your Egypt Tours is one of Egypt’s leading and most trusted travel agencies, known for its personalized service and expert care. As a top-rated company for Egypt tour packages, we ensure every Egypt trip is safe, seamless, and unforgettable, offering competitive prices, excellent customer service, and the highest standards of quality. With us, you’re always in good hands.
The average cost of a one-week trip in Egypt is around 1600 USD, including visits to tombs, temples, and a Nile cruise. Prices vary depending on the Egypt tours and the level of luxury you choose.
It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt, as it’s highly chlorinated and may cause stomach issues for travelers. During your Egypt tours, it’s best to drink bottled water and use tap water only for washing or brushing your teeth.
The best time to enjoy Egypt tours is from September to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and Nile cruises. Summer (May to September) can be very hot, but it’s also a good time for budget travelers.
Egypt is generally hot and sunny most of the year, with winter falling between November and January, and summer peaking from June to August. Winters are mild, while summers can get very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. The pleasant weather from September to March makes it the best time to enjoy Egypt tours and explore the country's top attractions comfortably.
Yes, Egypt is a very safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and strong security measures in all tourist areas. The government ensures that accommodations and attractions remain clean and well-monitored for travelers’ comfort. When you book Egypt tours, you’ll find professional guides and organized arrangements that make your trip worry-free and enjoyable.
Egypt offers adventures for every traveler. Explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza, sail along the Nile on a Luxury cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and discover ancient temples and tombs that tell the story of the Pharaohs. Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, or enjoy a relaxing beach escape. Book one of our Egypt tours to experience the perfect mix of history, culture in one unforgettable journey.
Yes, you can, summer is still a great time to explore Egypt! While temperatures can rise to around 45°C, seaside resorts like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam offer refreshing escapes with diving and snorkeling opportunities. Sightseeing in the early morning or evening helps you avoid the midday heat. Summer also brings great deals on hotels and services, making it ideal for travelers on a budget. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Egypt tours during summer can still be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Egypt has a modest dress code, especially for women, since it’s a Muslim country. Light, comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid short shorts or skirts. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. During Egypt tours, you can dress casually and comfortably; formal wear is optional unless you want to make your Nile cruise dinner extra special.
You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Cairo Airport, the process is simple for USA, UK, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens. The visa costs $25 USD and can be purchased at the visa office before immigration. You can also apply for an E-Visa through the official portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. During your Egypt tours, our team can assist you with all visa-related inquiries to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Your Egypt Tours travel agency recommends two weeks so that you can enjoy the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, explore the sights of Cairo, and relax in the Red Sea islands and nature reserves.
The best Egypt Nile River cruise depends on your preferences, budget, and how many nights you wish to spend on board. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend a 5-star luxury Nile cruise that offers exceptional comfort and service. If you prefer a more private and intimate journey, choose a Dahabiya Nile cruise, ideal for small groups of around 15 people. For adventurous travelers, the traditional Felucca boats provide a simple and authentic way to sail the Nile during your Egypt tours, though they offer fewer amenities.
The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April where it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Egypt travel usually have guided tours to archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. Also have optional activities may include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling in the Red Sea, or desert safaris.
