hotels4u egypt travel guide
TRANSCRIPT
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AT A GLANCE
From world-class diving opportunities to ancient ruins and the
Great Pyramid of Giza the only remaining Wonder of the
Ancient World - Egypt is a destination that has so much to offer.
The multitude of sandy beaches is ideal for those seeking a
stereotypical beach resort. In Cairo, holidaymakers can find out
more about Egypts ancient civilisations at the Egyptian
museum, whilst the tombs and temples of Luxor and Aswan
allow you to live the history yourself.
WHEN TO GO
October through to April is the best time to visit Egypt. However if you dont mind the heat you
could consider travelling during the summer months when flights tend to be cheaper. Temperatures
at this time can reach a sweltering 37. When going to Egypt you may wish to consider the holy
month of Ramadan. The dates of Ramadan change from year to year and although tourists are not
expected to fast during the month, they may find that fewer businesses and restaurants are open
during the day.
Weather Winter: November through to April is the winter season in Egypt.
Temperatures can drop as low as 13 in the cool months of January and
February. Nights in the desert areas will be particularly cold during this
period, so wrap up warm if youre heading into the Sahara. In April, Egypt
is subject to strong winds and the Khamsin Wind can bring dust and debris
into the resort.
Summer: Egypt only has two seasons - summer and winter - and summercomes from May through to October. Temperatures can reach up to a
simmering 33 Celsius in May rising to a sweltering 37 Celsius in August.
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THINGS TO DO
Egypt is a destination with something to offer everyone from family attractions in the resort of
Sharm el Sheikh to historical relics in Cairo. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Egypt.
Attractions The Pyramids of Giza: Just a short drive from Cairo is the
worlds only remaining Ancient Wonder
Egyptian Museum: Beat the crowds in Cairo for a glimpse ofTutankhamuns death mask
Karnak Temple: One of the most impressive temples inEgypt found in Luxor
Red Sea Reefs: Coral reefs and tropical fish can be found inabundance in Sharm el Sheikh
Valley of the Kings: Discover Tutankhamuns ancient tombin Luxors outskirts
Abu Simbel: Features two large rock-hewn temples on thebanks of Lake Nasser
Siwa Oasis: A Berber settlement in the heart of the LibyanDesert with mud-brick houses
Mount Sinai: The mountain where Moses received the tencommandments from God
Luxor Temple:A sandstone temple with an Avenue ofSphinx
Nightlife
Egypt is predominately a Muslim country and as such isnt known for its bustling nightlife. In some of
the main tourist resorts, such as Sharm el Sheikh, which locals are unable to access, holidaymakers
will find a more vibrant night scene. However, in Egypts major cities the nightlife is there albeit
rather limited. Locals tend to hang out in coffee shops where they can smoke shisha until the early
hours:
Pacha: The international brand has a bar in Sharm featuring top class DJs Camel Dive Bar: Sports and live music in this Sharm bar. Try the camel burger! Ministry of Sound: This Hurghada nightspot attracts hundreds of holidaymakers Hed Kandi: Sells the best cocktails in Hurghada and attracts top DJs Absolute: A Nile Side Club in Cairo plays an Arabic take on techno music Bliss: Located on the lower deck of a boat this Cairo nightclub is a lot of fun El Morocco: Elegant dcor makes this Cairo club a hit with locals and tourists alike
Activities in Egypt
Whilst Egypt is a country with plenty to see, the more adventurous travellers will find that its also a
destination with plenty of activities. Whether you want to seek out the best snorkelling spots in the
country or are looking for something to entertain the children, one things certain - youll never bebored in Egypt:
http://www.discoveringegypt.com/pyramid3.htmhttp://www.discoveringegypt.com/pyramid3.htmhttp://www.sca-egypt.org/eng/MUS_Egyptian_Museum.htmhttp://www.sca-egypt.org/eng/MUS_Egyptian_Museum.htmhttp://www.eyelid.co.uk/karnak1.htmhttp://www.eyelid.co.uk/karnak1.htmhttp://www.touregypt.net/kingtomb.htmhttp://www.touregypt.net/kingtomb.htmhttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/88http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/88http://www.siwaoasis.com/http://www.siwaoasis.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sinaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sinaihttp://www.discoveringegypt.com/luxor1.htmhttp://www.discoveringegypt.com/luxor1.htmhttp://www.pachasharm.com/http://www.pachasharm.com/http://www.cameldive.com/about/camel-barhttp://www.cameldive.com/about/camel-barhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Ministry-of-Sound-Red-Sea-Egypt/48202184669http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ministry-of-Sound-Red-Sea-Egypt/48202184669http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hed-Kandi-Beach-Club-HKV001/140075702719832http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hed-Kandi-Beach-Club-HKV001/140075702719832http://www.cairo360.com/article/nightlife/39/absolute-still-in-style-on-the-dancefloor/http://www.cairo360.com/article/nightlife/39/absolute-still-in-style-on-the-dancefloor/http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/egypt/cairo/review-470540.htmlhttp://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/egypt/cairo/review-470540.htmlhttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt/cairo/entertainment-nightlife/bar/el-moroccohttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt/cairo/entertainment-nightlife/bar/el-moroccohttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt/cairo/entertainment-nightlife/bar/el-moroccohttp://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/egypt/cairo/review-470540.htmlhttp://www.cairo360.com/article/nightlife/39/absolute-still-in-style-on-the-dancefloor/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hed-Kandi-Beach-Club-HKV001/140075702719832http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ministry-of-Sound-Red-Sea-Egypt/48202184669http://www.cameldive.com/about/camel-barhttp://www.pachasharm.com/http://www.discoveringegypt.com/luxor1.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sinaihttp://www.siwaoasis.com/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/88http://www.touregypt.net/kingtomb.htmhttp://www.eyelid.co.uk/karnak1.htmhttp://www.sca-egypt.org/eng/MUS_Egyptian_Museum.htmhttp://www.discoveringegypt.com/pyramid3.htm -
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Windsurfing: A popular pursuit particularly in the region of Dahab Snorkelling: The Red Sea Region is ideal for snorkelling amongst the coral reefs Felucca Rides: Take a trip down the Nile on a Felucca, a traditional broad-sailed boat Theme Parks: Entertain the kids at Dr Ragabs Pharaonic Village in Cairo Horseriding: Holidaymakers can also go traditional in Cairo and ride camels and donkeys Jeep Safari:Explore the Nuweiban Desert and Coloured Canyon on a jeep safari ATV Riding: Take a ride out into the Saharan Desert from Sharm el Sheikh Diving: Egypt contains many wonderful dive sites particularly in Ras Mohammed Kayaking: In Dahab, canoes and kayaks can be rented to explore a freshwater lake
Images: Karnak Temple by EvilJohnius / Abu Simbel by MrSnooks / Luxor Temple by Bernt Rostad
SHOPPING
In Egypt, shopping is a mixture of old and new and tourists can choose
between shopping for traditional goods in the old souks and browsing
modern fashions in air-conditioned malls.
Shopping Areas:
Cairo: Holidaymakers can browse for handmade goods and shopdesigner fashions
Alexandria: Traditional markets and modern shopping malls standtogether in Alexandria
Luxor: Souvenirs and Alabaster items remain popular in this cruise shipdestination
Sharm el Sheikh: Shop for snorkelling gear and European brandsSouks:
Khan el Khalili:Egypts most prominent souk can befound in the countrys capital Ibrahimiyya: Alexandrias main souk sells fresh food and ingredients to a local population Bedouin Market: In Al Arish the Bedouin arrive from the desert to sell silverware and jewellery Hanafi Bazaar: Pick up authentic Nubian swords in Aswan and beads from throughout AfricaShopping Centres:
Arkadia Mall: Cairos largest mall has an arcade on the top floor and a food court San Stefano Mall: Alexandrias largest mall contains all the latest designer fashions Green Plaza Mall: Alexandrias older mall will appeal to children with a funfair and bowling alley
Image: Khan el Khalili by Archer10
http://divezone.net/diving/sharm-el-sheikhhttp://divezone.net/diving/sharm-el-sheikhhttp://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/feluccas.htmhttp://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/feluccas.htmhttp://pharaonicvillage.com/http://pharaonicvillage.com/http://www.cairo360.com/article/healthandfitness/884/fb-stables-horseback-riding-near-the-giza-pyramids/http://www.cairo360.com/article/healthandfitness/884/fb-stables-horseback-riding-near-the-giza-pyramids/http://www.kingsafaridahab.com/exjeep.htmhttp://www.kingsafaridahab.com/exjeep.htmhttp://www.viator.com/tours/Sharm-el-Sheikh/Quad-Biking-in-the-Egyptian-Desert-from-Sharm-el-Sheikh/d827-3124SSH14http://www.viator.com/tours/Sharm-el-Sheikh/Quad-Biking-in-the-Egyptian-Desert-from-Sharm-el-Sheikh/d827-3124SSH14http://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-red-sea-ras-mohammed.phphttp://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-red-sea-ras-mohammed.phphttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt/sinai/dahab/activities/canoeing-kayakinghttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt/sinai/dahab/activities/canoeing-kayakinghttp://www.ask-aladdin.com/Egypt-Sites/Khan.htmlhttp://www.ask-aladdin.com/Egypt-Sites/Khan.htmlhttp://historyabroad.blogspot.co.uk/2008/07/bedouin-market-place-al-arish.htmlhttp://historyabroad.blogspot.co.uk/2008/07/bedouin-market-place-al-arish.htmlhttp://historyabroad.blogspot.co.uk/2008/07/bedouin-market-place-al-arish.htmlhttp://www.ask-aladdin.com/Egypt-Sites/Khan.htmlhttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt/sinai/dahab/activities/canoeing-kayakinghttp://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-red-sea-ras-mohammed.phphttp://www.viator.com/tours/Sharm-el-Sheikh/Quad-Biking-in-the-Egyptian-Desert-from-Sharm-el-Sheikh/d827-3124SSH14http://www.kingsafaridahab.com/exjeep.htmhttp://www.cairo360.com/article/healthandfitness/884/fb-stables-horseback-riding-near-the-giza-pyramids/http://pharaonicvillage.com/http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/feluccas.htmhttp://divezone.net/diving/sharm-el-sheikh -
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FOOD & DRINK
Traditional Egyptian food is based around beans and pulses, with
chickpeas and sesame seeds featuring heavily. Most restaurants will
serve hummus and pitta bread alongside Egyptian favourites such as
roasted pigeon stuffed with wheat, kofta kebabs and the nationaldish, ful mudammas (beans in a garlicky sauce). Fussy eaters will find
plenty of fast food restaurants such as McDonalds and KFC
throughout Egypt, particularly in holiday resorts such as Sharm el
Sheikh.
Popular Egypt Hotspots:
Cairo: Sample the fresh street food in Khan el Khalili Souk or seek out authentic restaurants
Alexandria: Seafood is popular in this Mediterranean city. Locals eat it fried or grilled
Sharm el Sheikh: Fast food and chain restaurants dominate this holiday resort
Aswan: Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel is a favourite past time in this area
Image: Stuffed Pigeon by Plusgood
CULTURE & ETIQUETTE
Whether youre visiting Cairo or Sharm el Sheikh, its important to remember that Egypt is a Muslim
country. Holidaymakers should take care to respect the beliefs of their hosts and abstain from
showing signs of affection with a partner when out in public. If travelling during the holy month of
Ramadan which changes from year to year, tourists should avoid eating, drinking and smoking in
public. Men and women will need to dress conservatively, ideally covering their arms and legs when
out of the beach areas. Women will need to wear a headscarf if visiting a mosque and both sexes will
need to remove their shoes and avoid pointing their feet towards the direction of Mecca.
Useful Phrases
Marharban Hello Do you speak English? hal tatakallam al ingliziya? Please write it down uktubha min fadlak Thank you shukran
Dos and Donts
Do cover up and wear a headdress when visiting a mosque Dont forget to haggle on the price when shopping in the
souks
Do try some traditional shisha Dont use your left hand to eat food, this is the hand used
for personal hygiene
Do get out of the main resorts and head off the beaten track Dont forget to charge your camera there are many sites to see Do get your name spelt out in hieroglyphicsits a tourist must Dont accept random invitations on the streets to go to a merchants shop Do avoid drinking tap water and eating salad or vegetables that may have been washed in it
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Tipping
Baksheesh or tipping is part of the culture in Egypt. Restaurants will normally add a 10-12% service
charge on the bill; however it is customary to leave 5% more if you received good service. For hotel
porters, tip 3 LE (Egyptian Pounds) per bag. Housekeeping staff are usually given 5-10 LE per night,
and taxi drivers should be tipped 10% of the journey. When using public restrooms, hand the staff 1
LE, unless you believe that the toilet has not been kept to an acceptable standard.
Image: Egyptian pounds by EmiemHuimei
TRANSPORT
Getting around Egypt is relatively easy. However, if you do rent a car, there are some parts of the
country where foreigners are not advised to travel. Avoid the North Sinai region and check the FCO
website for current advice on travel in Egypt.
Getting Around
Boats: The best way to travel between Hurghada and Sharmel Sheikh. The countrys Nile Cruises are a great way to get
around the southern Nile region of Egypt
Buses: An extensive network runs between all major cities inEgypt
Train: Egypts train network needs modernisation but workswell between Cairo and Alexandria and from Cairo to Luxor
Air: EgyptAir runs domestic flights between Egypts maincities
Taxis: The official taxis are blue and white in Sharm el Sheikh and black and yellow in Cairo,arrange a price in advance
Airports: Egypt has 30 airports. The 13 major airports are at: Luxor, Alexandria, Sohag, Taba,Port Said, Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Borg el Arab, Cairo, Abu Simbel, Assiut,
Aswan
Fare Information
Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 20 LEImage: Taxi by Jonworth-EU
HEALTH & SAFETY
British Embassy in Egypt Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeEmergency numbers:
Police: 123
Ambulance: 122
Fire Brigade: 180
http://ukinegypt.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-egypt/contactshttp://ukinegypt.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-egypt/contactshttp://ukinegypt.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-egypt/contactshttp://ukinegypt.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-egypt/contactshttp://ukinegypt.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-egypt/contacts