GUIDE 2 EGYPT

Egypt Information

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Egypt is the cradle of civilizations. History in Egypt starts from at least 15000 B.C. Egypt has a unique geographical location in the centre of the three main contents which enabled the ancients of Egypt to possess a powerful civilization and tempted others to turn Egypt to a capital country for their empires. Egypt occupies one million square kilometer but most of it is plane deserts as the deserts size represent about 92% of the whole land while the rest is a share between the river –Nile and the vegetation. Egypt is located at the northern part of Africa, bordered by Libya from the west, Sudan from the south, the red sea from the east and the Mediterranean Sea from the north. The population of Egypt is exceeding seventy million, third of it dwells in Cairo the capital.

Cairo city

Cairo city is the capital of Egypt since the tenth century A.D. Cairo's name in Arabic is El Qahira which means the invincible. It is believed that title was created by the Fatimayed dynasty as the construction of the city had synchronized with the El Qahir Star "the Sothic" so it was named after. Greater- Cairo now has more than twenty million inhabitant. It has two main divisions, Old-Cairo which has both old Coptic-Christian area and Islamic area. Then, New-Cairo. Cairo is a cosmopolitan city that have a modern Opera-house, a sub-way, a large number of universities and many of chains of large deluxe hotels.

Climate

Egypt generally is a dry country and chances of rain fall are rare except on the northern coast. Winter is dry and warm, while summer season is hot. There is no dusty wind often most of the year expects on April which has El khamasin sandstorm.

Visas and Passports

Egypt is a great destination for tourists and travelers. Egypt attracts from 8-10 million tourist a year.

A tourist visa either a single entry one or a multiple could be obtained from the Egyptian embassies or from local Egyptian airports and ports. It can differ in value according to nationality, for example the value for British tourists is around 10 English pounds. Passports should be valid for much longer than six month.

Flight Reconfirmation.

It is essential that you reconfirm your flight-tickets at least 72 hours before departure from home. Then we can do the rest for you whilst in Egypt.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended, that should be obtained from your home-country and should cover the whole duration of your stay in Egypt.

Medicine

You should bring some medicines to help with upset stomach, diarrhea and dehydration however, the Egyptian medicines

are good and effective. The local medicine called Antinal "nifuroxazide" is often recommended for diarrhea and stomachaches.

Luggage allowance

In general a passenger should one luggage around 20 kg plus a carry-on bag. This can differ according to the Air-line policy

Dress Code

Generally, smart casual is the best. Shorts are fine in and around touristy areas and prohibited in restaurants and dining rooms. Swim-wear should be limited to the pool or sea areas.

Banks

Banks in Egypt serve between Sundays to Thursday 08.30 to 14.00 hours. Cash-machines are available. In first class hotels banks serve 24 hours. Main shops and restaurants can deal with all types of credit cards.

Water

Tap water is not recommended, mineral bottled water are the safest to drink, ensure that the seal is intact before buying.

Religion and Culture

Majority of Egyptians are Muslims, Christians are around twelve million, both followers courteous and respectable to each other. Egyptians are friendly and hospital and they expect from foreigners no less. In public areas and religious places ladies must cover their shoulders and knees, in a mosque all should take shoes off.

Ramadan Month

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all where everybody should fast, from sun-rise to sun-set. The title of this month is after ramad which means ashes as Arabs in Ramadan used not to set fire to cook and just to leave ashes .

Electricity

Generally the voltage is 220AC, two –pin round plugs are required. So the best is you bring an international adaptor.

Time Changes

GMT+ 2 hours . Starting of summer their clock is put an hour forward.

Toilet Facilities

Toilets in hotels, restaurants are clean but you are still advised to bring your supply of toilet tissues and sanitizers.

Tipping and Gratuity

Tipping is a way of life; it is found everywhere but still to be based on the amount of satisfaction. Here there is a guideline.

Guides and Tour-managers Gratuity is around; 40 Egyptian Pounds per person per day.

Coach/ Bus Drivers Tip is ;10 EGP/LE per person per day.

Cruise ships Tip is ; 40 -50 EGP per person per day.

Hotels Tips are 12% Service charge plus 5% Tip per order.

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Daily escorted tours to Cairo museum.

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The True Pyramid at Dahshur,the fourth dynasty,reign of king Senefru.

The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur,the fourth dynasty,reign of king Senefru.

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The pyramid of Maidum,the third dynasty end,2600 B.C,reign of king Huni.

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A marvelous sunset at the Nile

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Museumegypt Site Ring Ring Owner: yasser kamel Site: Museumegypt

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EGYPT BASIC

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Day 1/ fly from home to Cairo, help, assistance and transfer from airport to Hotel

Day2/ full day excursion to Memphis, Sakkara and Giza sites.

Day3 full day Cairo museum, citadel and Khan EL Khalily.

Day4 Departing your hotel for a morning flight to Aswan and join the Nile cruise. An afternoon visit to Aswan sightseeing.

Day5 A morning flight to Abu Simble Temples, then back on board .An afternoon felucca ride, then cruise Komombow Temple.

Day6 A morning visit to Kombow Temple, then sail to Edfu and an afternoon visit to Edfu Temple. An overnight Esna.

Day7 Morning cruising to Luxor, an afternoon visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples. Overnight Luxor.

Day8 An early morning visit to the valley of kings, the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsuit and Memnon colossus. Departure from the cruise to Luxor Hotel for an overnight. Afternoon in leisure.

Day9 Departure to Luxor airport for Luxor-Cairo and Cairo-Home country.

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A felluka ride is the most enjoyable at Aswan.

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Daily Tours to the great pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza

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Professionally guided tours to luxor west bank.