The Pharaonic Village began, like so many other great wonders of our world, with a dream. Dr. Hassan Ragab, already famous for his rediscovery of the ancient techniques for making papyrus, had begun to ponder the possibility of a living museum with real people, actors in costume and in a realistic locale, taking the place of static exhibits.

It was after a visit to Disney World's EPCOT Center in Orlando, Florida, that his idea took root. Dr. Ragab believed EPCOT "was too computerized" and there was nothing human about it. He began to think, "Dare I have real, live people in my village, dressed in the manner of three or four thousand years ago?"

The result is The Pharaonic Village, a living museum of ancient Egyptian life where visitors can sail on a network of canals and view the remarkably realistic recreation of the past.

One of the most relaxing "chores" for a visitor to Egypt is cruising along the Nile aboard a cruise boat. Although elements of the modern world are beginning to transform parts of the Nile riverbank, much of the river still retains the same scenery that would have been familiar to the ancient Egyptians. It is a scene of which you never tire - a way to leave everyday pressures behind.

Newly built in a modern design, the comfortable 5 star deluxe Nile cruise boat The Mirage features 58 cabins, comfortably furnished cabins. All cabins feature side by side beds, air conditioning with individual control, private bathroom with shower and hair dryer, mini bar, safe deposit box, telephone with international line and satellite TV.

The boat itself features a main restaurant (one seating) with daily changing menu and buffets, lounges and reading areas, discotheque, swimming pool with jacuzzi, large shaded sundeck with bar, boutique and gift shop, library, hairdresser and laundry.