Cyprus And Egypt

 

In 570, the Island was conquered by Egypt under Amasis.The period of Egyptian domination, though brief, left its mark mainly in arts especially in sculpture, where we observe the rigidity and the dress of Egyptians. 

Soon, however, the Cypriots discarded both for the sake of Greek prototypes.

Statues in stone show a mixture of Egyptian and Greek influence. Men often wear Egyptian whigs and Assyrian-style beards. Armour and dress show western Asiatic elements as well.

Well so much for the Egyptians hey? They didn't hang around to long. Maybe it had something to do with all that Anthony and Cleopatra stuff that was going down at the time who knows?

Anyway, the great news for you history buffs out there is you can check out all that Egypt stuff for real with a mini cruise from Limassol to port said in Egypt.

Taking only a couple of days the trips make a special addition to your holiday and it would be a shame having Egypt so close yet missing out on seeing the pyramids.

The cruise ships are modern and well equipped and upgraded cabins are available quite cheaply. The one we sailed on had a casino, some shops and several bars. The food was excellent and the staff on board could not have been more helpful.

The trip also includes a visit to the Cairo museum which houses the golden burial mask of the boy king Tutankhamun and a visit to the Sphinx (no not that trendy bar in Protaras) the huge stone cat in the desert.

Then its back to port said across the trans-desert highway. If you keep your eyes open long enough you actually catch a glimpse of the famous Suez canal.

Back aboard with plenty of time to freshen up for dinner (maybe at the captains table) and when you finish breakfast the following day looking out the window there's Limassol again.

There are also trips to Israel or a longer cruise taking in several destinations on route if you are really in the cruising mood.