Garden Tours in Egypt

More is known about the gardens of ancient Egypt than another others in the ancient world, for the following reasons:

• some Egyptian garden spaces, made in the desert on the edge of the Nile Valley, have survived
• Egyptian tomb paintings in the Valley of the Kings provide amazing details of Ancient Egypt's gardens
• records of gardens were made because of the belief that a pharaoh's life did not end with his death
• Egypt's climate was, and is, astonishingly well-suited to making gardens

There is little evidence of Egyptian influence on European gardens, but nor can it be doubted. The surviving garden spaces in Egypt include: fragments of private gardens; the foundations of a few palace gardens (eg at Amarna); the great Temple compounds of Luxor. See Gothein on Egyptian gardens. See photo index on what garden historians should see in the Luxor area (East and West Thebes): the Domain of Amun, Egypt.

Travel arrangements for visiting Egypt's gardens

Why not try a Luxor Garden Short Break?

Visiting Egypt as an independent traveller is perfectly possible. The train and air systems are good, but finding one's way can be confusing and time-consuming. Many tourists therefore opt for an organised tour and a great choice is available. Leisurly tourists choose a Nile cruise. If you have patience to sit and watch the wonderful river scenery, it is a marvellous way to travel. If you have even more patience, do the trip by sail. There are two alternatives:

Dahabiya: a twin-masted antique houseboat. Only a few are left on the river.

Felucca: a traditional single-masted open boat. A wide choice is available.