(83 Reviews)
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Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX

Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
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The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than 25 years of travel industry experience, Rey specializes in providing knowledge-based guidance to corporate, government, higher education, and leisure travelers. Rey is committed to providing his clients with honest and straightforward advice throughout the travel planning process.  He places a special emphasis on being responsive to his clients’ needs while making each client feel comfortable and equipped to make informed travel decisions. Rey thrives on helping people fulfill their travel goals and dreams. As an experienced world traveler who has visited six continents and 45 countries, Rey uses his first-hand knowledge to help guide and advise his clients.   Rey has worked in the travel industry for more than 25 years and has experience with travel brands such as American Express, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, and Travel Leaders. A native Houstonian, Rey enjoys spending time with his young family, volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, and practicing yoga.  Rey also serves as a frequent travel expert on local television networks, including ABC News-KTRK-13, Fox Morning News KRIV-26, and Great Day Houston-KHOU 11. He has been quoted in the New York Times, Travel Weekly, and CNN.com.Rey graduated from Hampton University with honors in 1995 with a degree in History.                  

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Abu Simbel Travel Agent Expert

Abu Simbel is a famous archaeological site in southern Egypt, known for its stunning rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. The complex consists of two temples: the Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II himself, and a smaller temple dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari. The temples are renowned for their colossal statues and intricate carvings. In the 1960s, the entire site was relocated to higher ground to avoid submersion due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.   

Abu Simbel is a fascinating destination, rich in ancient history and incredible architecture. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting the site:

• Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II: Marvel at the colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance of the temple, each standing 20 meters tall. The temple's interior, filled with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs, is also a must-see. 


• Explore the Small Temple of Nefertari: Admire the smaller but equally impressive temple dedicated to Ramses II’s wife, Queen Nefertari. The temple's reliefs depicting the queen and Ramses II are beautifully preserved. 


• Witness the Sun Festival: If you visit in February or October, you can experience the Sun Festival, when the sun shines directly into the Great Temple’s inner sanctuary, illuminating statues of Ramses II and gods. This event celebrates the pharaoh’s birthday and his coronation. 


• Take a Boat Ride on Lake Nasser: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the artificial Lake Nasser, created by the Aswan High Dam. The lake offers stunning views of the temples from the water, making for a unique perspective. 


• Learn About the Relocation of Abu Simbel: Visit the on-site museum to learn how the entire Abu Simbel complex was carefully relocated in the 1960s to avoid flooding from the construction of the Aswan High Dam. 


• Take a Guided Tour: Explore the temples with a knowledgeable guide who can provide detailed historical insights and stories behind the complex’s carvings, statues, and purpose. 


• Photography: The site offers spectacular photo opportunities, from the towering statues to the intricate interior carvings. Be sure to capture the majesty of both the temples and the surrounding desert landscape. 


• Visit the Abu Simbel Archaeological Museum: This museum offers detailed exhibits about the history of the temples, their construction, and their relocation. It’s a great place to understand the technical challenges of preserving the site. 


• Enjoy the Desert Landscape: Abu Simbel is located in a remote desert area near the Sudanese border, offering a peaceful and dramatic setting. Take in the vast open skies and the surrounding landscape, which contrasts beautifully with the man-made monuments. 


• Attend the Evening Sound and Light Show: In the evening, the temples are lit up and a sound-and-light show narrates the history of the pharaohs, including the story of how the temples were built and relocated. This is a magical way to experience the site after dark. 

These activities will help you immerse yourself in the rich history, breathtaking architecture, and stunning surroundings of Abu Simbel.