Egypt When To Visit, What To Take, What To Do

Egypt
When to visit? What to take? What to do? What to see?

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When to visit Travel Time to Egypt Peak travel season in Egypt runs from mid October to May, and this is the best time to visit. As you will notice, the tourist season is during winter and spring, but this is also the high season, and prices go up at this time of year. Some hotels can be really expensive, and because of this, I would advise prior reservations for all hotels before you come, even the budget hotels. From May until October, the temperatures are fairly high, especially in Luxor and the southern parts of the country, yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite. It is a huge advantage being able to see the tourist sites without hassle from school children, or from the crowds of tourists. Imagine, piece and quiet to take photographs, without strangers obscuring the view! Although certain Cairo hotels will fill up with many Arab visitors in the summer, who would rather be here than having to endure even hotter weather in their own countries, advanced bookings are rarely required, and a variety of discounts are even offered, as incentives to them who would brave the heat. Another very good time to visit Egypt is during the springtime. During spring the weather is fairly moderate, but try and avoid the The Khamsin wind season that runs between March and April, though it only takes a few days and you can handle that so easily ....The Khamsin wind is a warm wind that blows in from the desert, carrying sand and dust!.... it is quite an adventure! !! Some Egypt travellers may avoid travelling to Egypt during Ramadan. This is mainly due to the fact that alcohol is not allowed during this month, especially during the daytime! or maybe many of street restaurants are closed during Ramadan, and all tourist sites would usually close entry at least two hours earlier than usual, causing a shorter time for visiting. People are slow during day time but very active after they break their fast. But on the other hand Ramadan is a lovely month in Egypt, as it a month-long festival. At night all coffee shops are open and full of people who will stay up till the early morning hours. It is the time when Cairo (and the rest of Egypt) never sleeps, the time when all people go out to have fun.
Areas rarely seen and safety When travelling through Egypt, you should avoid certain areas, particularly sites located in the centre of the Nile Valley! About 20 years ago there was rising tensions at these sites, Islamic fundamentalists had targeted tourists in order to destroy the tourist industry and the economy. This was part of a larger plan to bring down the government, seize power themselves, and install the political ideas of their own vision, a vision which no more resembles the rules of the Quran than the Inquisition resembled the Christianity of Christ.
Some certain incidents occurred during the '80s and the '90s, a handful of events took place again targeting the tourist industry. Without for a moment trying to deny the reality of these events, the situation has been blown out of all proportion by the world's press, while the situation in other countries with flourishing tourist industries is far worse, their incidents rarely make headlines. But in Egypt, if anything happens, it becomes front-page news! In the mid '90s, a widespread, and harsh, government crackdown campaign was implemented to try and stop any threats to tourism and visitors. A trip to Egypt still entails far less danger than a trip to anywhere else in the world. During the realm of the violence in the mid '90s, there were certain areas appointed as not good for tourists. These areas are located in the centre of the Nile Valley, particularly Minia, Asyout and Sohag. Unfortunately these places happen to have some of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt, like the beautiful tombs at Bani Hassan in Minia, the marvellous monasteries of Asyout and the Temple of Abydos in Sohag. In time, all of these sites will be fully re-opened for tourists. If you still think that you would like to visit these places as an individual traveller, you can! However, be prepared for a police escort with you, as the local police will not let you travel alone in these areas! I would suggest that the safest, cheapest and most informative way to visit these sites is through a reputable travel agent. Traveling during Ramadan Egyptians like rest of the Muslims all over the world fast at holy month of Ramadan, it is the time when they all come close to each other and respect each other, it is the time Egypt stay awake at night. During this month, donations, almsgiving and charity would be at its highest rates, it is the time for forgiveness and love. It is a wonderful month. First of all, to understand Ramadan, we need to have first a glimpse of the faith of Islam: What is Islam: Islam is one of the worlds major religions, and the world second largest religion and is the final link in the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition of monotheism (belief in one God). Islam has two major religious celebrations. One of them, known as Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), takes place during the time of the Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to the city of Makkah (in modern-day Saudi Arabia, also known as Mecca). The other celebration occurs after the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic month during which Muslims (believers in Islam) fast daily from dawn to sunset as part of an effort towards self-purification and betterment. This holiday is known as Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) Among the most important duties for a Muslim, is fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, which is the ninth of the twelve months in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims use a lunar calendar for many of their religious observances. A new month in the lunar calendar is determined by the appearance of a new crescent moon. Since this occurs every 29 or 30 days, the lunar month is generally 1 or 2 days shorter than a typical month in the Gregorian calendar. Similarly, a lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a typical Gregorian year. As a result, dates of events in the Islamic lunar year move forward about 11 days every year. For example, in 1995 Ramadan began on February 1, and in 1996, it began on January 22.
The Importance of Ramadan Ramadan is important for Muslims because it is believed to be the month in which the first verses of the Holy Quran (the divine scripture) were revealed by Allah (God) to the Prophet Muhammad (570-632 C.E). From time to time, Muhammad used to go out from Makkah, where he was born and where he worked as a caravan trader, to reflect and meditate in solitude. Like Abraham before him, he had never accepted his peoples worship of many Gods and felt a need to withdraw to a quiet place to reflect on the One God. One night, while contemplating in a cave near Makkah, he heard a voice call out telling him to Read! Muhammad protested that he was unable to read. The voice insisted again, and then a third time, and Muhammad found himself reciting the first verses of the Quran: Read, in the name of thy Lord, Who created Created man, out of a clot (embryo). Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught the use of the pen Taught man that which he knew not. Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds, In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient. Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all). (Ch.96: 1-8) The voice was that of the Angel Gabriel, and he confirmed that Muhammad was selected for an important and challenging mission; he was to call people to monotheism and righteousness. Muslims consider the Quran to be Gods speech recorded in the Arabic language, and transmitted to humanity through Muhammad, who is considered the last of the prophets. This tradition of God-chosen prophets, or messengers, is believed to include such figures as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. Muslims believe that over a period of twenty-three years, various verses and chapters of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad through Gabriel. The Quran is comprised of 114 chapters of varying length, with titles such as Abraham, The Pilgrimage, Mary, and Repentance. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, every day. This means not consuming food and drink, including water, during daylight hours. For married adults, it also includes refraining from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight hours). In the Arabic language, fasting is known as sawm. Muslims arise early in the morning, during Ramadan, to have a predawn breakfast meal, known as suhoor. At the end of the day taking the Iftar meal, which usually includes dates, fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner, completes the fast. Later in the evening, Muslims attend special nightly tarawih prayers at their local masjid. Each night during Ramadan, approximately 1/30th of the Quran is recited in the tarawih prayers, so that the entire scripture is recited in the course of the 29 or 30 days of the month. Why Muslims Fast
For Muslims, fasting has a number of benefits: 1. It helps one to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate and underprivileged, since each day Muslims feel greater appreciation for what they have as a result of feeling hunger and thirst. 2. It allows one to build a sense of self-control and will power, which can be beneficial throughout life in dealing with temptations and peer-pressure. Through fasting, Muslims learn to control their natural urges such as hunger and thirst, and thus are able to better resist temptations for things that are not necessary, such as drugs or other unhealthy or harmful substances and behaviours. 3. It offers a time for Muslims to purify their bodies as well as their souls, by developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community. Ramadan is a very spiritual time for Muslims, and often they invite each other to one anothers homes to break the fast and pray together. A greater sense of generosity and forgiveness is also characteristic of this time. As with other duties in Islam, fasting becomes obligatory (i.e. one becomes accountable) after the age of puberty. Eid EL-Fitr: After the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate a very festive and joyous holiday, which is known as Eid al-Fitr [eed ul fit-ur], the Festival of Breaking the Fast. On the day of the Eid, Muslims attend special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing their best clothes and perfumes. After the completion of prayers, and a special sermon, Muslims rise to greet and hug one another, saying Eid Mubarak, which means Holiday Blessings. Later on, Muslim families visit each others homes, and have special meals together. Children are often rewarded with gifts, money, and sweets. Lights and other decorations mark the happy occasion. VOCABULARY LIST: Ramadan - The 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Sawm - Arabic word that means fasting. Suhoor - The pre-dawn breakfast meal eaten before beginning the daily fast. Iftar - The evening meal, taken after sunset to break the daily fast. Tarawih - Special prayers offered nightly during Ramadan, in which approximately 1/30th of the Quran is recited each night. Eid al-Fitr - Festival at the end of Ramadan, in celebration of completing the month of fasting. This takes place on the 1st day of the next month, Shawal. People:
Muhammad A prophet and righteous person, believed by Muslims to be the final messenger of God, whose predecessors are believed to include prophets Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus, among others. Gabriel Muslims believe that among Gods many creations are Angels. Gabriel is believed to be one of the most important Angels as he was responsible for transmitting Gods divine revelations to all of the human prophets, ending with Muhammad. Places : Arafat - A place where pilgrims travel to as part of the Hajj. Pilgrims offer prayers there throughout the day. Makkah (Mecca) - The sacred city of Muslims, in modern day Saudi Arabia, where the Ka'bah is located. Mina - A place where pilgrims camp, located on the outskirts of Makkah. Muzdalifa - A place where pilgrims stay overnight and pray during the Hajj. Safa and Marwah - Two hills near the Ka'bah. MISCELLANEOUS: Allah The Arabic name for the One God. Eid Mubarak A greeting used by Muslims during the Eid holidays. It means Holiday Blessings! Makkah (Mecca) The sacred city of Muslims, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, where the Kabah (house of worship built by Abraham) is located. Masjid Muslim house of worship, (also known as mosque.). Monotheism Belief in One God. Polytheism Belief in many Gods. Quran (Koran) The holy book of Muslims, containing Gods revelation to Muhammad. We hope this helps you to know more about Ramadan and a little glimpse of Islam.
What to take The Egyptian Traveler's Survival Kit Egypt is a sophisticated and modern country, and most anything that you need may be purchased in Egypt. But providing that you do not wish to purchase such things as shoes in Egypt, and that other items may be difficult to find, or very expensive, we have compiled a checklist of some of the more important items you may wish to carry with you. This list may seem rudimentary for the seasoned traveler, but for many making a first time trip to Egypt, it may prevent problems. Contending with Sun and Heat Hats and other covering: Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun. In addition, women will be more acceptable when touring old churches and mosques if they are wearing some sort of head covering. In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and again, or not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head cool. "Squeeze Breeze": this is a water bottle with a sprayer and a battery-operated fan attached, which is available in such stores as Wal-Mart in the US. This item literally kept our Senior Editor, Mary Kay Radnich, from hitting the deck in the 104F heat on the West Bank, late one morning. If you can find something like this among the beach toys this summer, pick it up. Sun block: While sun blocks may be purchased in Egypt, you might prefer to bring your own favorite brand, but do bring it. We have often, and I wish to emphasis, very often, seen tourists with painful sunburns after a days worth of sightseeing. Sunglasses: Another item that may be purchased in Egypt are sunglasses, but again, many people will prefer to bring their own. There will be many times that tourists find themselves in a blaring, sand and desert landscape and there is nothing better than a good pair of sunglasses, with the highest UV rating you can find Canteen or water holder: Staying hydrated will mean the difference between a comfortable tour and one that might end with trouble. Most people quickly learn to carry a water bottle with them, and bottled water is easily accessible. However, lugging around a water bottle in your hand can be tiresome. It is much better to bring along either a canteen, or some other utensil that will allow you to carry the water bottle on your waist or around your shoulder. Fanny packs or backpacks with holders for water bottles, and for women, even a shoulder bag type of purse will make this more convenient.
Other Needs Very good, comfortable walking shoes: This is probably one of the first things most people will tell you to bring to Egypt. Most tourists will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just comfortable, but comfortable to walk long distances. Unlike leather shoes for mountain walks and such, it is also preferable for walking shoes to be breathable and perhaps made of a lightweight nylon or similar fabric. "Tennis shoes" or other sporting type of shoes are good for this. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of steps in Egypt. Power Adapters: Power Adapters come in two different varieties. Some electronic equipment have switches to allow you to change the power input type. For these, a simple wall adapter is all that is required. However, other electronic devices do not have such switches and in this case, you not only need a wall adapter, but also a power converter. Egypt uses 220 volt and plugs are two prong rounded. Medication: Of course, bring your prescription medicine. It will usually be available in Egyptian drug stores, but it may be called a different name. There is no problem with bringing prescription medication into Egypt. However, it is also more convenient to bring your favorite non-prescription medications along. Though you may find such medication in Egypt, such as heart burn medication and pain capsules, you may have problems finding your favorite brands. In addition, many tourists who are a part of an organized tour will be staying in large hotels, which may lack a complete inventory of such medication, and trekking out to find a variety of over the counter medications may be inconvenient. Dont forget your Imodium. While no one wants to get Tuts Trot or Mummys Tummy, it may be handy to have some Imodium or other anti-diarrheic with you. The most common bottled water brand, Baraka, contains a little magnesium and therefore may act as a mild laxative. Another brand to try is Siwa bottled water. Camera: Most people are not going to forget to bring their cameras on an Egyptian tour. However, a couple of things should be pointed out. First, while you may take pictures as you like from the outside of most monuments, many require that you do not use a flash when taking pictures inside. If you intend to take pictures inside tombs, for example, you will need to bring high-speed film. Most people use ASA 800 film, which they push to 1600. For the most part, this requires a good 35 mm SLR camera. In addition, monuments in Egypt are truly monumental, and tourists will often be disappointed with regular lenses. If possible, a good wide-angle lens will be nice to bring along. A video camera will also provide you with nice souvenir footage of your trip, however, keep in mind that filming inside many of the museums, monuments and tombs is prohibited. Travel Alarm: Sure, most hotels will give you a wakeup call, but for many, don't count on it. A travel alarm is perhaps less important on an organized tour, as you will have people taking care of you. But particularly for the independent traveler, a travel alarm will come in very handy. It will help make
sure that you wake up when you wish in Egypt. But I have often used mine to make sure that I could grab some sleep in airports along the way, and still catch my flight. Guide Books: Do invest in an Egyptian Guide book, such as the "Lonely Planet" or "Rough Guide" or any number of other good guides. While you may be on a guided tour, such a book will give you time to orient yourself both before and after the actual tours to various locations. In addition, foreign printed guidebooks may be somewhat more expensive in Egypt, even though they are available. You may also wish to look around once in Egypt for other guidebooks. An Extra Bag: A bag, preferably soft, which can be crunched up and carried into Egypt in another bag will be handy for most people. The bag will then be used to carry back souvenirs. Alternatively, many business people or guests of Egyptians often bring presents into Egypt, and once emptied, the bag is used to bring souvenirs back. Again, bags may be easily purchased in Egypt, but are likely to be less expensive if you buy it at home and bring it to Egypt. Sewing Kits: Some of the larger hotels, as well as some of the better-equipped smaller hotels (the Longchamps) may supply a sewing kit in your room. But don't count on this. Most Egyptian tours are relatively long, and it is not unusual to loose a button here or there climbing through tombs and pyramids. Alcoholic Beverages: There are good suitable beers and wines in Egypt that are highly affordable, and it is not necessary to bring in such items unless you have a very acute taste for a particular brand. In fact, I consider Egyptian beer excellent, and wish that I could buy it in the states. However, harder alcoholic beverages such as whiskies and bourbons are maybe extremely difficult to find, and extremely expensive when you do. You may bring in up to two litters of liquor, and you may buy additional liquor at a reasonable price at the tax-free shop prior to leaving the airport. To give you an indication of why you should do this, it is not uncommon to pay as much or more than $13.00 for a single shot of Jack Daniels, a well-known US bourbon. Cigarette: Egyptians smoke, and cigarettes are not expensive in Egypt. However, you will find only a limited variety of cigarettes for the most part. For example, Marlboro Lights are readily available, but not 100s. In fact, not very many "long" cigarettes are. Further, while you can purchase "American" cigarettes for a price in some of the better hotels, usually you are getting an Egyptian manufactured cigarette that is somewhat harsher then the "American" variety. Just because you are buying Marlboro does not make it the same Marlboro that you would by in the US, for example. Finally, bring along a humor and a good attitude. For many, and even those who have done extensive traveling in the US or Europe, Egypt will be very different. You will often find attitudes more "laid back", time less important and even some of the Egyptians selling their wares or their
services at tourism sites annoying. Egypt is a place where you learn to let the smaller problems you might encounter roll off your shoulders, and simply enjoy this, the oldest of all civilizations.
What to do Camel trading Perhaps best not to purchase a camel yourself while on holiday, but to observe this exotic activity, head to the Camel Market (Souq al-Gamaal), held every morning at Birqash, around 35km (21 miles) from Cairo on the Western Desert fringe. A livestock market is also held every Tuesday morning at El-Hebel, 4km (2.4 miles) from Luxor. Diving The Red Sea justly deserves its worldwide reputation for underwater adventure. Teeming with a colourful marine life, the crystal waters are landscaped with coral and dramatic drop-offs. Head for Ras Mohamed National Park for the underwater world at its best. Explore the desert Egypt's six oases in the vast Western Desert offer a fascinating glimpse of Bedouin and Berber life, often with ancient ruins nearby. Don't miss the White Desert, an area of dazzling white, wind-blown rock forms scattered across the wilderness. Fresh fish suppers A walk along the corniche in Alexandria is a good way to work up an appetite for one of the city's fabled fish suppers. The catch of the day, seasoned with exotic spices and dressed with a dozen mezze (small dishes), is a treat worth being hungry for. Golf While it's not a sport readily associated with Egypt, the country is now making quite a golfing name for itself and offers around 20 courses. They range from locations within sight of Cairo's Pyramids to settings alongside the Red Sea. Haggling Take a trip to Cairo's famous Khan-el Khalili bazaar, where haggling for spices, copper, perfume and trinkets has been refined into an art form. Don't miss Fishawi's tea house; in business for over 200 years, it is the ultimate place to people-watch. Hiking for centuries, pilgrims of different denominations have been making the journey up historic Mt Sinai to witness the sun rise across the desert landscape. If the three-hour hike sounds a bit ambitious, stay overnight at St Catherine Monastery, hire a camel and walk down in leisure. Hot-air ballooning Luxor, strewn either side of the Nile, looks good from the ground, better from the river and superb from the air. Rise above the land of the Pharoahs in a hot-air balloon and take a god'seye view of the colossal works of ancient mortals. Nile cruise plying the river between Luxor and Aswan, and generally lasting around three to five days, a boat ride is the quintessential Nile experience. Along the Nile, egrets flock to the water's edge and Egypt's ancient wonders unfold like a story book along the river bank.
Snorkelling Egypt's spectacular coastline is accessible without a wetsuit. Simply wade out with a mask or snorkel or take a glass-bottomed boat from the shores of Sharm el-Sheik and the fish will come to you
What To See
Cairo Attractions .: Known as the greatest city in the Islamic world, Cairo's ancient monuments and medieval customs thrive in a cosmopolitan, modern city. A blend of Arab, African and European influences, Africa's largest city has a population of at least 18 million. Situated on the Nile, the city is polluted and overcrowded, and getting around poses many challenges, although it has greatly improved with the ever-expanding underground Metro system. In Islamic or (Medieval) Cairo, narrow congested streets are filled with donkey carts, spice traders and imposing mosques. A central landmark is Midan Hussain, a large open square with tea houses around the perimeter, and dominated by the sacred Mosque of Sayyidna Al-Hussain. Adjacent is the famous Khan-el Khalili, one of the world's largest bazaars, pulsing with commerce and crammed with spices, coppersmiths, perfume and trinkets. Bargaining has been a way of life in these alleyways since the late 14th century and it is easy to get taken in by silver-tongued salesmen. Here, Fishawi's tea house has been in business for over 200 years, and is still a great people-watching venue. Nearby is Al-Azhar Mosque, containing the oldest university in the world (AD 970). The preOttoman Madrassa and Mausoleum of Al-Ghouri, has Sufi dancing, and opposite is Wakala of AlGhouri, an attractively preserved cultural centre. Exhibits in the Museum of Islamic Art bring Islamic Cairo to life, with arts, ceramics, mosaics and calligraphy. The Citadel was home to Egypt 's rulers for 700 years; an imposing medieval fortress offering sweeping views of the city. Within it is the Midan Salah al-Din with the unmissable Sultan Hassan and Rifai Mosques. The Mohammad Ali Mosque has classic Ottoman minarets and interior. Within the Citadel, other attractions include the Military National Museum, Al-Gawhara Palace and Museum and the National Police Museum. City of the Dead (Northern Cemetery) is a Mamluk necropolis with hundreds of thousands of tombs dating from the 12th century. Many thousands more live here in something resembling a shanty town amongst the ornate mausoleums. Sharia Talat Harb street and Midan Tahrir (Liberation Square) are typical of the more modern, commercial centre of Cairo ? filled with concrete and cars, and containing countless hotels, restaurants, office blocks and museums. Here is one of the country's greatest attractions; the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities housing over 130,000 exhibits, including Pharaonic and Byzantine art and sculpture, the Mummy Room and the celebrated Tutankhamun exhibition.Behind the museum, bridges cross the Nile, and riverside walks along the corniche bring some relief from traffic. Here, river taxis travel to local docks, and feluccas (sail boats) are available for private trips. The south is home to the Coptic Orthodox Christians, forming 10 per cent of the population. Originally a Roman fortress town called Babylon, it was greatly significant to early Christians. Here, the Coptic Museum has exhibits from AD 300 to AD 1000, in the world's greatest collection of Coptic art. The Hanging Church, Monastery of St George and the churches of St Sergius and St Barbara are all in the same area. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt, and represents the remains of the Jewish community. The small island of Gezira is a modern upmarket area with the Opera House (a US$30 million arts complex) containing the Museum of Modern Art, and the Cairo Tower with great city views. The adjacent neighbourhood of Zamalek contains elegant town houses and embassies. On the southwest outskirts of the city is Giza with Cairo Zoo and the University. But Cairo is most famous for the Great Pyramids, Egypt's most visited monuments. Of
the three main pyramids (Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus), the largest is 137m (449ft) high and contains some three million blocks of stone. Exploring the interiors is possible via labyrinthine tunnels and staircases. Adjacent is the bewitching Sphinx, as named by the ancient Greeks, with the head of a woman and body of a lion. Erosion was partly rectified by restoration, which finished in 1998. Early morning and late afternoon are a little less crowded, and every evening there are son et lumi - extravagant light shows telling the story of ancient Egypt. Camels, horses and donkeys can be hired to explore the site. ELSEWHERE: There are more ancient tombs and pyramids outside the city - more difficult to get to but much less crowded. There are remains of the Old Kingdom's capital Memphis; the necropolis at Saqqara, with the Step Pyramid older than those at Giza, with well-preserved wall reliefs and royal tombs. Dahshur has only been open to foreigners since 1996, and is famous for its Bent Pyramid and a huge field of royal tombs. In contrast to ancient sights, the Camel Market (Souq al-Gamaal), is held every morning at Birqash, around 35km (21 miles) from the city, located on the edge of the Western Desert. Hundreds of camels are sold daily, most having been brought from Sudan. Egypt's Oasis .: Egypt 's Five Oasis can provide relief from cities. All have accommodation and can be accessed by public transport. The desert forms 94 per cent of the country's area, yet only 1 per cent of the population lives in it. The largest and most developed oasis is Kharga, with a Berber community, temples and museums. Dhakla Oasis has hot springs, and camel rides over the sand dunes. The nearby village of Bashandi sells handicrafts made by local girls. The smallest is Farafra, an ancient fort town; Bahariyyaa Oasis by car. It is 385 km from Cairo and will take approximately 4 hours to reach and is made up of several small villages and the antiquities of El Baheriya Oasis, Greek-Roman Mummies at Antiquities Office, Greek-Roman Cemetery from Valley of Mummies, Temple of Alexander the Great, Pharaonic Temple 'Ai El Maftella (26th Dynasty) and Pharaonic Thumb 'Banatiu' (26th Dynasty)., and you Can depart for a day trip to Black and White Desert by land cruiser on half asphalt/half road. Enjoy picnic lunch on the sight. After the sunset, return to the oasis.famed for its olives and dates. Al-Faiyum Oasis is 100km (60 miles) southwest of Cairo , and the area contains small pyramids, the old city of Karanis , and temples. Siwa is the furthest west and remote, but the most picturesque and idyllic. The community is traditional and Berberspeaking. The Nile .: Many tour operators offer Nile cruises, usually between Luxor and Aswan , and generally lasting around 03 Nights or 4 Nights . It is also possible to get a cruise to Minia (a charming town with Roman, Greek and Pharaonic ruins, including the Beni Hassan archaeological area) and/or through to Cairo. Felucca trips offer the same route ? with more basic facilities. Luxor Attractions .: Once the ancient city of Thebes and powerhouse of upper Egypt, Luxor has grown into a large town, awash with hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops, with most of its economy coming from tourism. A highlight is the Karnak Temple , covering an immense 100 acres (40.5 hectares). Of the three temple enclosures, the grandest is the Precinct of Amun, the main place of worship. The Great Hypostyle Hall is 6000 sq m (64,584 sq ft) and filled with immense stone pillars. The whole site has colossal statues, reliefs, obelisks and halls and, of course, the Avenue of the Sphinxes. There are nightly son et lumi shows. Along the riverbank, Luxor Temple is guarded by a huge statue of Ramses II, and although a fraction of the area of Karnak , it also contains countless columns, statues and sphinxes. A pleasant walk north along the corniche brings you to the Luxor Museum where a small, interesting collection of relics from the Theban Temples and Necropolis can be viewed. The recently opened Mummification Museum has exhibits of human, reptile and bird mummies, as
well as explanations of how they are made. On the West Bank of the Nile is the vast Theban Necropolis, containing some of the world's finest tombs: the Valley of the Kings ; Valley of the Queens; and Tombs of the Nobles. Highlights include the Tomb of Tutankhamun; Ramses II; and the Tomb of Nefertari, reputed to be the country's finest, which is newly restored and allows only 150 visitors a day for 10 minutes. Nearby is Deir el-Bahri (Northern Monastery), a picturesque temple set amidst the amphitheatre of the Theban Hills. Along the Nile , felucca owners tout for custom, and it is possible to hire one for a brief sunset cruise to Banana Island , or even to organise a trip upriver to Aswan . Hot-air balloon trips are also available, offering the best views of Luxor. Around Luxor Temple , shopping is dominated by tourist bazaars with enthusiastic salesmen. The more traditional souk, with household goods, spices and clothes, is on Sharia el-Birka. Cafes and stalls sell hot food, and there are rooftop terraces overlooking the river. A livestock market is held every Tuesday morning at El-Hebel, a village 4km (2.4 miles) from Luxor . Aswan Attractions .: A beautiful winter resort, relaxing Aswan is the southernmost city in the country; the gateway to Africa , and steeped in Nubian culture. Although the sights are not the country's finest, the town's riverside location is picturesque and peaceful. It has a busy tourism scene although it is less aggressive than Luxor. The corniche provides attractive riverside walks, and a stop-off for many cruise ships. In the evenings, floating restaurants provide a lively gathering place, and the world-famous folkloric dance troupe performs nightly during winter months at the Cultural Centre. Southernmost is the Old Cataract Hotel ( famous as the location of the film 'Death on the Nile '). Sharia el-Souq is the atmospheric market stretching for streets, with spices, food and clothes, as well as predictable tourist souvenirs. Elephantine Island is easily accessible by river taxi. Formerly Egypt 's frontier town, recent excavations of this ancient site have revealed temples and a fortress. Aswan Museum contains exhibits found in Nubia and Aswan . The Nilometre on the south of the island, dating back to Pharaonic times, was used to measure the height of the Nile . Further south is the tiny Island of Plants, presented to Lord Horatio Kitchener in the 1890s in recognition of his military services. Importing exotic flowers and plants from India and Malaysia , he created a beautiful botanical garden, open daily to the public, attracting a wide variety of birds.On the West Bank of the Nile lies the Monastery of St Simeon, which resembles a fortress. Nearby is the domed granite and sandstone Mausoleum of Aga Khan.Beyond Aswan : Outside the city are the Aswan Dam, built by the British at the beginning of the century, and the Temple of Philae , on the Island of Philae . The Temple is one of Egypt 's most famous attractions, and after being under threat from flooding from the High Dam, UNESCO moved it stone by stone to a higher point on the island.Further afield is Abu Simbel, the magnificent Sun Temple of Ramses II, also rescued from flooding by UNESCO. Ramses had four gigantic statues of himself built in order to intimidate travellers entering Egypt from Africa, especially the Nubians.Kom Ombo, 30km (18 miles) north of Aswan , is a largely Nubian settlement, known for its Temple of Haroeris and Sobek. Nearby is the Darow Camel Market, held every Tuesday morning and mainly frequented by tribesmen from the northern Sudanese deserts. Edfu is famed for the largest and best preserved Pharaoronic Temple in Egypt, the Temple of Horus . It is a favoured starting/stopping point for felucca trips to and from Luxor . Alexandria Attractions : The Northern Coast is dominated by Alexandria, conquered and designed by Alexander the Great. More Mediterranean than Arabic, it was always considered affluent and liberal, and still attracts wealthy Cairenes as a summer retreat. Egypt's second city is less chaotic than Cairo, and famed for its numerous Hellenistic and Roman relics from the age when it was the cultural capital of Europe. The newly constructed Bibliotheka Alexandria, costing over US$300m, is the greatest library in
the ancient world and a major research centre for scholars. Relics from the third century BC are exhibited in the Graeco-Roman Museum, and there is a recently excavated Roman Amphitheatre. Fort Qait Bey is a 15th-century fort built on the foundations of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The modern Mosque of Abu al-Abbas Mursi dominates the main square on Sharia Tatwig, and other places of interest include the Museum of Fine Arts, and Montazah Palace with attractive gardens, often the summer venue of theatre performances. Swimming and diving are popular, although beaches tend to be overcrowded in summer. Ma'amoura is a more liberal and Westernised beach, and further out of the city Agami and Hannoville are cleaner and less crowded. Diving is possible on Montazah beach. Beyond Alexandria: The ancient city of Rosetta, 65km (39 miles) away from Alexandria, is famed for being where the Rosetta Stone was discovered (now housed in the British Museum) and has attractive Ottoman, 'Delta Style' architecture. El Alamein is a small coastal village 100km (60 miles) west of Alexandria and an easy day trip. Famous as the scene of a decisive Allied victory, which determined the fate of Egypt and Britain's Empire, there is a War Museum, Cemetery and Memorial to the soldiers who died in battle. Further west is the coastal resort of Mersa Matrouh, which has a good beach, although it can be overcrowded in summer.
Sinai and the Red Sea Coast .: A great example of modern engineering, the Suez Canal links the Red Sea with the Mediterranean. Completed in 1869, it has repeatedly been the cause of dispute, most recently when blocked during the 1967 war with Israel. Port Said is the main city. Anyone travelling to Sinai by road would cross the Suez on a small shuttle boat, or under the tunnel. The Red Sea Coast sits strategically between Africa and Asia, rich in mineral wealth and revered as the place of miracles and prophets in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. God is said to have appeared to Moses here, and thought to have delivered the Israelites from the Egyptian army into the Red Sea. These days, the region is revered for its spectacular diving resorts, beaches, stunning coastline and vast deserts. This area has some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world, and has a more liberal atmosphere than the rest of Egypt. The coastline attracts tourists ranging from top-class package deals, to backpackers in campsites: Sharm el-Sheikh is a large resort, and is best for diving. Na'ama Bay is much better developed and upmarket, with private beaches. A few kilometres north is Shark Bay, a quieter resort camp. The beaches at Dahab are spectacularly framed by jagged mountains. Holiday villages within a Bedouin settlement are close by. Nuweiba is a port city, with a plethora of resorts, and is famous for Olin the dolphin, with which people can pay to swim. Local Bedouins offer jeep safaris into the interior. Between here and Taba, there are many small, quiet resorts that threaten to be overshadowed by a huge new tourist development, Taba Heights. On the west of the Red Sea Coast, the biggest diving resort is Hurghada, once a fishing village and now a major commercial tourist centre. Ras Muhammed is the southernmost point on the peninsula, fringed with lagoons and reefs, and is now a National Park. Little is accessible in Sinai's interior, a barren area with rocks and sands, and the best way to explore this is by treks or safari by camel or jeep. One of the highlights is St Catherine's Monastery, now home to Greek Orthodox monks. St Catherine was the legendary martyr of Alexandria, who was tortured and beheaded for her Christianity. It has been a place of pilgrimage since the 4th century. Within the monastery is the 'burning bush' from which God is said to have appeared to speak to Making People Happy Is Our Job Join our news letter on our Website: http://www.ancientegyptholidays.com
Moses. Mount Sinai, revered as the site of God's revelation of the Ten Commandments, is a craggy and sheer-faced mount of grey and red, dramatic and steep. Care should be taken when ascending. Other places to visit in this region include Oyun Musa ('Springs of Moses'), Qalat al-Gindi, an 800-year-old fortress, and Hammam Fara'un's hot springs and isolated beach.
HINTS AND TIPS
First and foremost, prepare yourself for a culture shock! Many seasoned travelers are amazed when they first visit Egypt, and find that it is unlike any other country that they have previously visited! Egypt is a Muslim country, so please respect their faith. Many things that you take as the norm, such as kissing and/or fondling your partner in public, wearing revealing clothing etc., are frowned upon here, so try and be more conservative in your attitude. Homosexuality is actually illegal in Muslim countries! Do not rely, solely, on travel books such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. Though they do give a lot of good information, they do not explain everything, or how to help if you get into problems. Too many people have come to Egypt armed with one of these books, and have left, totally disappointed with their trip, vowing never to return again! If you are traveling alone, or in a couple, and wish to organize everything yourself, please let the hotel know your plans before you leave. If you should get lost, the hotel will be able to act on your behalf! Also, take a note of the hotels name and telephone number, in case you do get lost, or change your plans. If you wish to organize everything yourself, be prepared for the occasional rip-off. Like many other tourist destinations, Egypt has its wolves, those who prey on unsuspecting travelers. Often the total cost of an excursion can be a lot more than if you had arranged it through your hotel, or a travel agent, and a lot less enjoyable. Never drink the tap water! It is okay to wash, shower and clean your teeth with it, but not advised to drink. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful; use it instead! In Egypt they drive on the right, be careful when crossing roads. Take special care in Cairo, where the traffic is a lot busier than in other Egyptian cities especially outside the Egyptian museum! UK and Japanese travelers should be extra careful, as you will be used to traffic driving on the left. Get your visa at your destination airport; it often works out cheaper than getting it at home. Also you can exchange your $, or Euro at the same time the conversion rate is far better in Egypt! (More on visas here) If you are going to be using the Sleeper Train service, please try and make your reservation in advance. For help with this, try here. Internal flights by Egypt Air must be booked in advance as well. For help with this, try here. Ask your hotels reception desk for help and/or advise. They will know the best taxis, tour companies etc. and will let you know. Some hotels can also take bookings for excursions. Do not be scared of being part of a group for excursions. These groups have leaders (a tour guide and/or Egyptologist) who will help with problems, explain about the site you are visiting, arrange transport (if necessary!) etc., things you would find difficult if you tried it alone. You will also find that you will get less hassle if you are part of a group! Many traders will not approach a group of people, but they will approach a lone traveler or a couple.
When you pay for a group excursion, the price includes everything except for tips (sometimes admission prices are not included). This includes transport, a driver, a tour guide, tolls etc. Some longer excursions may even include a stop for lunch (often included in the price too). Many will take you to places where Ancient crafts are still practiced, giving you the chance to buy good quality merchandise at low prices. Buy (and drink) plenty of water. You will find it a lot cheaper to buy in the various shops, than buying at your hotel or cruise boat. You may not drink a lot of water at home, but make sure you do in Egypt. It is very easy to become dehydrated if you dont. Remember that Egypt is a 3rd world country, and has many poor people who think that all tourists are rich, no matter where they come from in the world! Learn the phrase La Shukran (No thank you!) and dont be afraid to say it to anyone who tries to sell you anything, or asks for baksheesh. Believe it or not, it does work. Please do not say Emshi (as many tour books advise), this can be taken as an insult. If you forget the expression La Shukran just politely say No thank you and walk away. Dont get abusive to the trader; he is only trying to feed his family. If you feel that someone is being too pushy, let a member of the Tourist Police know. You will see them everywhere in Egypt and their job is to protect you. Admission to all sites is payable in LE, so make sure that you carry enough with you. Try and plan each day in advance, work out how much you will need for admissions, and keep this money separate from your spending money. You will find that many tours (especially to the desert sites) are done either early morning or late afternoon. The reason for this is because of the heat in the middle of the day. If you do want to visit sites independently, please try and follow the example of the experienced tour organizers and avoid the midday sun! Be prepared for delays when entering some sites. Because of the threat of terrorism, you will have your personal belongings (camera bags, carrier bags etc.) searched before gaining admittance. Though this is annoying, it is for your safety! Also, on some sites, they may find video equipment, which they will take from you. Dont worry you will get it back! It is just that certain sites do not allow videos to be used. Take a small, pocket, flashlight with you when visiting the sites. Many tombs, temples etc. use the natural light for illumination (including a local with a large mirror, reflecting the light!) and a small flashlight can be very handy. A small mirror, such as the one in a ladies make-up, can also be used to highlight a relief. Please Note: Do not take one of the really bright halogen torches, you could cause damage to the monuments! Once developed for cleaning the parts underneath a babies nappy / diaper, Wet Wipes (the small, damp, tissue usually bought in a plastic tub) are becoming more and more popular with adults. They are also very useful when traveling in Egypt. When you have felt the reliefs in a Temple, touched the hieroglyphs in a Tomb, caressed the stones on the Pyramids etc., you only have to take one of these wipes out to instantly clean your hands. No more looking for a washroom! Make up a small medical-kit before you go! Include things like safety pins, plasters (different sizes), antiseptic cream, diarrhea tablets, headache tablets and sun cream (high factor advised).
Take a box of cheap ballpoint pens. The children (and many adults) are very happy when you hand them out, handy for baksheesh. When shopping for bargains, keep your own currency and credit cards out of sight, and separate from your LE. It is easier to haggle over a price if you can show that you have only a few Egyptian pounds in your possession! Plus, some traders may try and insist that they meant $ or , instead of LE, if they see that you are carrying them. Wear sensible footwear when visiting the various sites. High heels and open toe shoes are not advisable. The floors of most sites are either sand or rough-cut, uneven stone. Inside many tombs, wooden floorboards have been installed, but thin heels could get caught in the gaps between the floorboards. Many monuments have signs that say No Flash Photography, please obey these signs (you can be ejected from the site if you ignore the sign!). The very bright flash can cause serious damage to some of the ancient paintwork! Some reliefs have depictions that show male genitalia this is not pornography, so there is no reason to be offended! If you are part of a group (of any size) the leader/guide will explain the reason for the depiction. If you are travelling by road to Abu Simbel, ask your hotel or cruise boat if they supply a breakfast box. Some hotels do this, as they cannot supply you with a breakfast before you depart. If they do not do this service, take some food with you, as hunger will set in before you reach Abu Simbel (a 3 - 4 hour trip, each way!) Also, make sure you take plenty of water with you; it tends to be hot here and you can dehydrate very quickly. When visiting the West Bank sites at Luxor, again take plenty of water with you! You will be there for either day or a whole day (with a break for lunch) and it can become very hot, drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration! Ladies, if you intend visiting the inside of one of the pyramids, please wear trousers (or jeans). You may have to ascend/descend ladders and/or crawl through narrow passages. For the same reasons, I would advise men to avoid wearing short trousers. Public transport (town bus services, and in Cairo, the Metro!) in Egypt is very cheap, but try and avoid it if you can. You will only put yourself into an awkward position having many locals staring and talking about you. Taxis are not expensive so use these for travelling about town. Your hotel will let you know the best companies to use. When you have paid your entry into the Egyptian Museum and received your ticket (s), a guide, offering his services, will approach you. These guides are not employed by the museum, they are freelance. Most of the museums exhibits are not labeled, so the chances are, you will not know one from another. A guidebook is available from the museum, but it is up to you if you want to employ one of these guides. If you decide to do so, make sure you haggle for a good, low price, so that if he is useless, you have not wasted much money. You could even try and form a group of visitors to share the cost! To avoid this problem in the first place, ask at your hotel for advise on getting a proper guide! At most sites, especially if you are alone, or in a couple, a guide, offering to show you around, may approach you. To these people you should say La Shukran or no thank you! The Egyptian Government does not employ any guides at any of the sites and monuments! Again, ask
at your hotel, for help, before you visit the site. Many people, to save money, use the express train service, Cairo - Luxor/Aswan - Cairo. This is a long journey, though it is comfortable (and the scenery is breathtaking!). Before boarding the train, make sure you take some food with you, as the supplies on-board run out very quickly and are not replenished. A book is often advised, to help pass the time. Make sure you get the 1st Class, air-conditioned express train (normally, tourists have no option the lower class carriages are for locals only!). They are non-smoking, but you can smoke in the entrance/exit area! And finally: Please do not let this list put you off going to Egypt. It has been compiled from questions that people regularly ask, and complaints that travelers have experienced. This list is to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Egypt When To Visit, What To Take, What To Do

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Egypt When To Visit, What To Take, What To Do

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When to visit? What to take? What to do? What to see?

HINTS AND TIPS

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