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We’ve been on the road for a while now and every

We’ve been on the road for a while now and every place we go, we try to find a new way to explore. So far, we’ve done it on foot as well as by bus, car, train, raft boat, jeep, tuk tuk and camel. No horseback yet, but I believe that’s coming (God help us), so that only leaves cycling.

Now, I’m not a huge fan of the two wheeled tour. You have to spend a lot of time concentrating on the road and the traffic and let’s face it, not falling off.

But the twins love cycling so when we arrived on the Greek island of Corfu, the bike tour got the biggest vote.

There were a couple of big hills but overall it was a pretty easy ride and you got to see different parts of the island from the sea side to the mountains while getting a taste of local life in between.

Was it fun? Yes. Was I sore? Yes. Was it worth it? Jury’s still out.

#greece #corfu #corfuisland #cycling #familytour #explore #fgy24tour

Take enough guided tours in Greece and you’re gu

Take enough guided tours in Greece and you’re guaranteed to hear the name of at least one ancient god; Apollo, Aphrodite, Zeus, Athena, Hades, Artemis and of course, Poseidon, he was a big one, the most revered god in Athens after Athena.

According to Greek mythology, he was the god of the sea and, thanks to that raging temper of his, also the god of earthquakes, floods and droughts. Hence the 2500 year old temple dedicated to him along the coast at Cape Sounion about an hour out of Athens.

After being at the Acropolis the day before with what felt like a million tourists, it was nice to be the only ones there. To be honest, there’s not a lot to do except wander around the ruins but the site is extraordinary and the view of the Aegean absolutely spectacular. Definitely worth a visit.

#greece #capesounion #posiedon #greekgods #explore #learn #fgy24tour

Instagram post 18010799549368825

Instagram post 18010799549368825

So, here’s a funny thing…. The word “gymnas

So, here’s a funny thing….

The word “gymnasium” or “gym” comes from the Greek word “gymnos” meaning naked. Who knew???

And in Ancient Greece, athletes would compete in Olympia, the home of the ancient Olympics, the same way they exercised at the gym; sans vetements.

Of course, it begs the question, why? Can’t imagine it would be more comfortable for a man to run without any covering (and by covering, I mean support).

Turns out, it was done to honour the god Zeus and to celebrate manhood and strength. It was also an exercise, so to speak, in vanity.

There were various competitions, ranging from footraces to chariot races across this sprawling venue which also featured, yes you guessed it, a gymnasium.

Like the modern games, the ancient olympics were held every four years but only men were allowed to compete and only unmarried women were allowed to attend.

Our guide told us that one year a married woman, dressed as a man, attended the games pretending to be her son’s coach. When he won, she tried to climb over the enclosure and in the excitement of it all, her robe came off. I guess at that point the jig was up. Thankfully, she wasn’t executed just evicted but after that, all competitors and coaches had to enter the venue naked. Quite the opening ceremony.

#greece #ancientgreece #olympia #ancientolympics #learn #explore #fgy24tour

There’s something so infectious about the Zorba,

There’s something so infectious about the Zorba, the minute the music starts you can’t help but want to dance. It’s a pretty solid workout too.

Of course, the best part at the end of all that dancing is to grab a plate and smash it. Seriously therapeutic. These days, it’s more of a touristy thing than an active Greek tradition but really, who cares? Opa!!

#greece #zorba #greekdancing #learn #fgy24tour

Ok, so we couldn’t have picked a hotter or windi

Ok, so we couldn’t have picked a hotter or windier day to visit the Acropolis. In fact it was so hot that a few days later they closed the site during the middle of the day as a safety precaution.

The crowds were heavy too making it almost impossible to get a clear photo. Plus, there was a lot of restoration going on so scaffolding featured in just about every photo.

Add to that, the fact that we couldn’t hear a word our tour guide was saying, even with headphones on, and our visit to the Acropolis/Parthenon fell a little short of the mark.

Don’t get me wrong, the Acropolis is still the Acropolis - one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world and a stunning symbol of human creativity, but there are a few lessons to be learned here.

First, have some idea about what you’re going to see before you see it. We didn’t so it meant very little standing in front of it, other than marveling at the size of the main structure and its commanding position over the city. If we had, I’m sure the tour would have been more meaningful.

Always take a “first in” or “last out” approach to visiting big name monuments, that way you can avoid heavy crowds as well as the heat if you’re touring in summer!

Oh, and forget about blow drying your hair, turns out that’s a total waste of time.

#greece #athens #acropolis #parthenon #explore #learn #familytraveltips #fgy24tour

And we’re off! First stop on our Athens tour, a

And we’re off! First stop on our Athens tour, a visit to the old Olympic Stadium.

3 fun facts:

✨Known as the Panathenaic Stadium, it was built for the first of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 but the site itself dates back to 400BC

✨It’s the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble.

✨And it’s the only stadium to have hosted three Olympic Games.

Bonus fun fact:

✨ I can’t run as fast as I used to. Then again, I was still able to achieve a podium finish 😜

No medals, just glory.

#greece #athens #olympics #history #smallwins #fgy24tour

Greece, I mean you’ve either been there or are p

Greece, I mean you’ve either been there or are planning to go, right? And there’s a reason it’s on everyone’s bucket list; endless blue skies, crystal clear waters, the freshest seafood, incredible architecture and of course, history. Lots of history.

That’s the main reason we’re here, to bathe in all the glorious delights of our ancient past but after four months of constant travel we’re also in need of a few days of R&R so we’ll be going off grid to the island of Sifnos for a few days. Haven’t heard of it? According to those in the know, that means it must be good. We’ll let you know…

#greece #countryseven #athens #ancientgreece #ancienthistory #sifnos #explore #learn #familytravel #fgy24tour

Egypt 10 Day Itinerary Our 10 Day Egypt itinerary

Egypt 10 Day Itinerary

Our 10 Day Egypt itinerary:

✨Day 1-3: Cairo
Three days won’t be enough in Cairo but you’ll certainly make a good dent. You need a full day to see the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx. You should also see the ancient wonders of Memphis and Sakkara that day too.

✨Day 2: Explore the extraordinary Egyptian Museum, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque as well as the Khan El Khalili bazaars. If you’re interested in World War I and II history, you can visit a number of Commonwealth War Graves including the site of the first Anzac Day ceremony.

✨Day 3: spend the day in Old Cairo, don’t rush this as there’s lots to see. Go to the Hanging Church and the Church of St Sergio for a truly moving Christian experience. Next door is the magnificent Ben Ezra Synagogue where Moses was found floating down the Nile. Slightly out of town is Mary’s Tree where the Holy Family sought refuge after fleeing Bethlehem.

✨Day 4-5: Fly to Luxor. This is where you’ll start your boat journey down the Nile to Aswan. Spend the day exploring Luxor and Karnak Temples.

✨Day 6: This is big day, so fuel up. Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Enjoy a leisurely sail that night to Edfu.

✨Day 7: Explore ancient Edfu and the temples of Horus and Kom Ombo before setting sail for Aswan.

✨Day 8: Visit the High Dam and the Temple of Philae.

✨Day 9: It’s a long drive but you won’t regret visiting the incredible Abu Simbel, an architectural and engineering marvel.

Day 10: Disembark and wander around Aswan; take a felucca ride, visit Elephantine Island and check out the Old Cataract Hotel where Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile.

For a seamless Egypt adventure, book through @lastminuteluxury from @360travel.

#egypt #egypttravel #travel #ancientegypt #explore #learn #familytravel #history #fgy24tour

Our Top 5 Tips for Touring Egypt ✨Weather - we

Our Top 5 Tips for Touring Egypt

✨Weather - we went in May and it was 45-47 degrees on some days. Best time to visit is October to April but if you decide to travel in the hotter months, hydrate. Take salt tablets/hydralyte too and strap on a fan, anything to prevent the wilt. While you’re at it, pack the Imodium, you will be cursed by Pharoah, guaranteed.

✨There’s a lot to take in - names, places, dates. Stick to 2-3 sites a day, max. There were a couple of days where none of us took much in by late afternoon other than the visuals.

✨Do some pre-reading. This is a big trip for us and we haven’t had time to research every place we’re visiting. To get the most out of it, create a reading list and watch some films/documentaries.

✨Hire an Egyptologist, they know more than you ever will and make the whole experience much more worthwhile.

✨Save something for the next time. You can try, but it’s almost impossible to see it all. Resign yourself to that and you’ll enjoy it more.

#egypt #egypttravel #travel #nile #history #ancienthistory #explore #fgy24tour

So, when we were told our visit to Abu Simbel was

So, when we were told our visit to Abu Simbel was a three hour drive from our hotel in Aswan my first question was, is it worth it?

I mean, six hours in a car to see another Egyptian temple is a big investment in time and, let’s face it, when you’re travelling with children, patience.

Oh. My. Word. It’s absolutely worth it. In fact, Abu Simbel might take the gong as my favourite site in all of Egypt.

Of course, asking which temple in Egypt is your number one is like asking which is your favourite child, but Abu Simbel is gongworthy.

Let’s start with the commanding entrance and the 20m high statues flanking each side. Mind blowing. Death on the Nile film fans will recognise the scenes shot here. Inside, you have the most stunningly preserved hieroglyphics.

But the truly gobsmacking part of this story is the fact that the whole complex INCLUDING the mountain in which it’s carved actually sits 65m higher from its original spot. That’s right, they picked up the whole thing and moved it.

It’s one of the most extraordinary monument engineering projects in history. Nat Geo has a documentary on it and I highly recommend watching it, especially if you’re planning on going.

We couldn’t have asked for a better final day in Egypt, talk about saving the best ‘til last.

#Egypt #abusimbel #ancienthistory #explore #learn #fgy24tour

Winston Churchill holidayed here frequently and Ag

Winston Churchill holidayed here frequently and Agatha Christie was a live-in guest for several months while writing Death on the Nile, so you’d think high tea at the famed Old Cataract in Aswan would be a world-class, five star experience. Unfortunately not, check out our latest review.
(Blog link in bio)

#egypt #aswan #aswanegypt #oldcataract #hightea #scones #agathachristie #explore #fgy24tour

No trip along the Nile is complete without a ride

No trip along the Nile is complete without a ride in Dahabiya or felucca, a traditional wooden, wind-powered sail boat.

Until the 1870s the Dahabiya was the standard mode of transport for tourists to travel up and down the river Nile, today it’s more of a tourist attraction.

That said, it is a lovely way to explore the city of Aswan and escape the heat.

Fun fact: the Nile actually flows south to north so when you’re sailing from Luxor to Aswan, you should say “up the Nile” not “down”.

#egypt #nile #nileriver #aswan #aswanegypt #dahabiya #dahabiyacruise #explore #fgy24tour

So, you’ve done Giza, Valley of The Kings, Karna

So, you’ve done Giza, Valley of The Kings, Karnak Temple and Edfu and you think, what more could there possibly be to see?

Anddddd, I’ll be honest, by this stage in an Egyptian odyssey (particularly in searing 45 degrees temps) you’re also starting to ask if the next temple on the excursion list is vastly different from the ones you’ve already seen?

The short answer is, yes.

At first glance, Kom Ombo feels familiar; there are statues, chambers, ante chambers and plenty of hieroglyphics, but when you take a closer look you’ll also see this is a one-of-a-kind temple.

First up, it’s perfectly symmetrical, divided into two sections each identical to the other. One is for the worship of Sobek, the crocodile god, the other for Horus.

Walk around, and you’ll also see inscriptions you won’t find anywhere else. For example, there’s a Medical Relief depicting various surgical tools and medical procedures practised by ancient physicians. Check them out! There’s even a birthing chair depicted.

But the most interesting feature is what they called, the Nilometer, a walk through, circular well shaft. The marks on it showed the nearby Nile’s water levels, important in determining how fertile a crop season lay ahead. But it also correlated to the amount of taxes residents paid. If the water level indicated there would be a strong harvest, taxes would be higher.

No escaping taxes, even in ancient times.

#egypt #aswan #ancientegypt #komombo #komombotemple #learn #explore #taxes #fgy24tour

No, you haven’t seen this before, I promise. Th

No, you haven’t seen this before, I promise.

This is Edfu, another awe inspiring ancient Egyptian site. It was built in dedication to the god Horus - who was a very big deal in the god world - and is considered the best preserved temple in the entire country.

Believe it or not, this huge complex was almost completely buried under desert sands until it was discovered by a French archaeologist in 1860.

Can you imagine dusting off the rooftops of what looked like a mud hut to discover an entire temple complex underneath??

The first thing that strikes you is the immensity of the structure, the temple absolutely towers over you, it’s gigantic! To give you some idea, it’s 118ft high and 450ft wide, making it the tallest of all the surviving Egyptian temples.

The gates are particularly impressive with two statues of the god Horus as a falcon flanking each side.

But I think the real value here is the insight the temple gives us into everyday life at that time.

One room, a perfume laboratory is so well preserved, you can see the recipes for these ancient scents still written on the walls.

There are so many other legible inscriptions on the walls too, incredible when you think it was built in the second century BC.

If you ask the twins, the best part was getting there and back. Nothing like a horse drawn carriage to set the historic mood.

#egypt #edfu #edfutemple #ancienthistory #learning #explore #fgy24tour

Everywhere you go in Egypt you’ve got people try

Everywhere you go in Egypt you’ve got people trying to sell you things, even sailing down the Nile. First question is always the same, where are you from?

We decided to have a little fun with it and name a planet each time we were asked the question. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, we mixed it up just to see which one was the least plausible.

Guess what? No one blinked an eyelid, not once.

Turns out it doesn’t matter where you’re from, even from other planets, a deal is a deal 😜

#egypt #nileriver #planets #hardsell #funny #fgy24tour

There have been endless highlights on this trip so

There have been endless highlights on this trip so far but sailing down the Nile is definitely at the pointy end of our list.

There are several ways you can sail; a traditional Dahabiya, a wind powered vessel, a large cruise ship or a smaller one, like the @historianilecruise .

The Historia is a relatively new vessel and is the ultimate way to make this four day journey to Aswan.

If you’re a foodie, this is definitely the cruise to take. Everything is made on board including the best croissants we’ve ever had. That’s right, better than in France.

Wait until you see our Family Kitchen Adventures episode on board, guaranteed drool.

But trips like these are nothing without great service and the staff on board the Historia are world class, we’ve never felt more welcomed or looked after. Thanks for the sail of a lifetime.

Huge thanks as well to @lastminuteluxury for the fabulous recommendation and arranging everything for us, we’ve loved every minute.

#egypt #nileriver #nilecruise #historianilecruise #explore #fgy24tour

There’s lots to see in the Valley of the Kings i

There’s lots to see in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor but the biggest draw card for visitors is Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Discovered in 1922 by British archeologist Howard Carter, it’s actually the smallest and least elaborate of the 63 tombs located there.

Why? Tut actually had a grand design plan in mind for his burial but no one expected him to die at the tender age of 19, least of all him. Legend has it that his burial was a bit rushed so he was placed in a small tomb designed for a non-royal individual. It was robbed twice in the immediate years following his death but after that, his tomb sat undisturbed for the next 3000 years.

My word, when Carter did find it, what a treasure trove he discovered inside….

First up, Tut’s mummified remains. Have to say, it’s pretty surreal to get up close to him.

Most of the other objects have been removed including the famous gold mask, which is on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

What else? Board games - guess you have to find some way to keep busy in the afterlife.

A mannequin to help choose a wardrobe. Yes, you read that right. According to historians, King Tut was somewhat of a clothes horse with a huge wardrobe for both his real and after life.

Speaking of - they also found solid gold sandals - designed/worn just for burial, as you do.

There were hundreds of other artifacts found as well including numerous thrones, six chariots and a few trumpets, the boy king proving he was quite the Boy Scout.

Valley of the Kings is one of the most incredible sites in Egypt, an elaborate royal burial ground so vast it has to be seen to be believed. Don’t leave Egypt before touring it.

#egypt #valleyofthekings #tutankhamun #ancientegypt #ancientwonders #history #learn #explore #fgy24tour

Waking up to hot air balloons at dawn in Luxor. Ma

Waking up to hot air balloons at dawn in Luxor. Magnificent.

#egypt #nile #nileriver #luxor #hotairballoon #dawn

After you’ve visited the Pyramids in Giza, you t

After you’ve visited the Pyramids in Giza, you think nothing can possibly top it.

Then you hit Luxor.

Situated at the start of the mighty Nile River in Egypt, it’s often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum.

Now we know why.

From Valley of the Kings to Karnak Temple, this is architecture, culture, and engineering personified.

Our tour started with a visit to Luxor and Karnak Temples - extraordinary religious complexes, thousands of years old.

If it wasn’t a scorching 47 degrees, we would have stayed longer. Still, we tried to take it in - the size, the grandeur, the beauty and the antiquity.

Mind boggling, all of it.

#egypt #luxor #luxortemple #karnak #karnaktemple #explore #ancienthistory #fgy24tour

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