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Egypt’s
capital, Cairo is the largest city in Africa and is a blend of the
exoticism of the East and sophistication of the West. It is a city
that never sleeps. Destinations
at a Glance Egypt's
riches lie in her cultural heritage, spectacular natural beauty,
her enviable year-round climate and the warmth and hospitality of
her people. Briefly, therefore, we would like to mention some of
the destinations most requested (but by no means is this list complete
!).
Rising from the shimmering desert heat, Cairo is an intoxicating blend of cultures, history and peoples, which has fascinated travelers from earliest times. Much has been written and said about this incredible city, but to experience it for oneself is to take home everlasting memories of the city known by the ancients as the Mother of the World.  One of the most breathtaking sights in Sinai is to see the dawning of a new day from the summit of Mount Moses. The stillness of the desert on a full moon night, the camels trudging along, the Bedouin tents pitched against the Sinai mountains, every moment is worth the experience.  The famous monastery of St. Catherine's stands in the shadow of Mount Moses. It was founded in 527 AD, of Greek-Orthodox origin. After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from the top, the chapel, the museum and the Burning Bush offer a rare view of early Christian monasteries. Egypt in Depth  Half Day The three pyramids of Giza, Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus are the last remaining of “The 7 wonders of the ancient world!” 4500 years old and still standing majestically on a desert plateau. Cheops, the largest of them stands 140 m tall. It took 100,000 workers 30 years to build the pyramid that would serve as the burial tomb for the King. The outer casing has long since disappeared, used as it was by different rulers to build their own monuments. However, nothing can take away the sense of awe and wonder of this incredible symbol of the power of ancient Egypt. “I remember seeing them for the first time on a bright moonlit night, all of a sudden we saw the shadow of something indescribably huge, rising from the sands above us… I felt so small,” wrote a traveler. The Sphinx, lying at the foot of the Pyramid of Chephren, was carved to have the body of a lion with a human head. No matter how familiar you think you are with the
pyramids and their size, they still take your breath away.  2 hours The discovery of the solar boat, in a pit behind
Cheop’s pyramids is in itself a fascinating story. A road was being
made to transport tourists. It was while digging that they came
across a limestone slab 1.5m thick, which happened to be the airtight
lid for a pit. Inside the pit was found a remarkably preserved solar
boat that Cheops might have been taken in, on his last journey along
the river Nile, to his burial chamber within the pyramids. The oars
and even the ropes that were used to bind the boat together (no
nails were used) seem as good as new. Made of cedarwood from Lebanon,
archaeologists wonder how they remained untouched for 4000 years
by vandals and termites, alike.
Of the two covered cabins on the deck, one might have been for Cheops
himself while the other would have been for the captain of the crew.
 Half Day If the bust of Queen Nefertari in the Egyptian museum in Berlin seems awesome, you should see what the Antiquities Museum in Cairo has within it. This museum can proudly claim to be the single largest collection in the world – not less than 100,000 treasures belonging to Pharaohs! The building itself is a 100 years old, and was intended to put an end to Egyptian antiquities being carted out of the country by tomb raiders. There are so many things to see that by the time you get to the second floor, it is afternoon; your legs ache and you are starved. Therefore, head for the Tutankhamun’s room first. Unlike the other tombs, the boy King’s tomb was found with most of his treasures intact because it lay hidden below yet another tomb. Robbers didn’t know of it’s existence, until Howard Carter stumbled upon it. Displayed in the museum is everything that was found in the tomb, including the 22-pound solid gold burial mask and a six feet long, solid gold case (worth a princely sum) in which lay the body of the King. And then to the mummies’ rooms.. as you enter the dimly lit room with
the muslin wrapped bodies of Pharaohs and Queens in deep slumber,
people talking in whispers as though not to wake the sleeping, you
sense an eerie feeling, quite indescribable.
Citadel and Khan El Khalili bazaar  Half Day The citadel was a medieval fortress built on a hill to defend Cairo against attacks from invaders. Today, the major attraction in the Citadel is the magnificent Alabaster mosque of Mohamed Ali, the Citadel’s last residing ruler. Built in Ottoman style, anyone who has seen the Aya Sofya in Istanbul will not fail to notice the striking resemblance between the two. With its two slender minarets rising up towards the sky above the huge central dome and smaller half domes it is unlike any other mosque in Cairo. The bazaars of Khan El Khalili are a must if not for the shopping, for their experience. The labyrinth of narrow passageways and alleys, the men calling out to you from their shops, the smell of spices mingling with the oriental music playing in the background, the scene appears to be straight out of a movie. A place to pick up rare stones or perfumed oils
or papyrus for your friends back home. Make sure you bargain, that
is part of the fun!  Half Day The royal necropolis of Sakkara includes the step pyramid of Pharaoh Zoser who reigned 45 centuries ago. The step pyramid was one of the earliest forms in pyramid building, and was to be the inspiration for the pyramids of Giza. Memphis, the 5000 year old capital of Lower Egypt contains the remains of one of the biggest statues of the Pharaoh Ramses II, thought to have once stood 13m tall.  Half Day One of the oldest landmarks in Christendom is the Hanging Church, dating back to the 4th century AD. A passageway behind leads to a crypt in the basement of the St. Sergius church. Legend has it that this is where the Holy family rested on their flight from Herod. Continue on this path and you will come across several old churches with large courtyards and tall trees gracing them. One can easily spend a quiet afternoon strolling about in the breezy garden. Wander along the narrow winding street and you come to the Jewish synagogue of Ben Ezra, Egypt’s oldest Jewish quarters dating back to the 9th century. Of the major religions existing today, three (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) are represented by some of their most ancient relics in this neighbourhood of Cairo. It was in 640 AD that the Arab Muslims led by Amr Ibn El–Aas first set foot on Egyptian soil. After a disastrous battle, the country was wrenched from the hands of the Romans and was soon in the hands of the Islamic Arabs. Legend has it that when Amr set off to lay siege on Alexandria, he left his tent standing and on his return found that doves had made a nest in it. It was here that Amr built his mosque. It was to be the first mosque to be built in Egypt and the entire African continent. Erected in 642 AD., it did not serve merely as a place for worship, but also as a court for settling religious and civil disputes. Sound and light show at the Pyramids
of Giza  Evening If you are not going to see the sound and light
show at the Karnak temple or the Abu Simbel, then don’t miss the
show at the pyramids! It takes you back in time to relive the days
of splendor in ancient Egypt. Against this dramatic backdrop, the
head of the sphinx with their dark eyeless orbs appears to be watching
and following your every step. They seem even more formidable as
night falls. There is nothing quite like spending a warm summer
night by the pyramids, with the wind swept desert rising and falling
to make endless patterns in the horizon. Stories of ancient times
unfold as if they happened only yesterday. Quite fascinating, especially
for children. This performance is presented in the following languages:
Arabic, English, French, Italian, spanish, German, Russian and Japanese.
Summer hours are daily at 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 10:30pm.Winters hours are
daily at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Egyptian Dinner and Folklore
Show  Evening A memorable evening of authentic Egyptian cuisine
and folklore performances. The famous mixed grill platter with oriental
rice and salad, followed up with herbal tea and sheesha (water pipe).
Sit back and enjoy the true warmth of the Egyptian culture.  Evening A local belly dancer and traditional oriental music
will entertain you as you cruise down the river Nile and the city
of Cairo lights up all around you. A dinner of some authentic Egyptian
food is served during this cruise. A night to remember. What better
setting to enjoy an evening panoramic view of Cairo than from the
heart of the city - on the River Nile itself.  Full Day from Cairo Alexandria, Pearl of the Mediterranean, is a bustling, cosmopolitan city port. Summer is the time to relax on the beautiful beaches and to sample the delicious sea food for which the city is famous. In winter, the weather is pleasantly cool and an ideal time for visiting the many ancient sights that Alexandria has to offer, such as the Roman catacombs. Wander through the winding streets with their turn of the century atmosphere. You will be left wondering if you really are in Egypt. Having conquered Egypt in 332 BC Alexander the Great, ordered that a city be constructed before setting off for Asia in search of further conquests. Thus, was born Alexandria, but Alexander never lived to see his city known for it’s beautiful beaches, turquoise blue waters and warm Mediterranean breeze. The museum of Graeco-Roman antiquities tell us of the glorious past of the city. The ancient library of Alexandria, in the place of which today stands the Bibliotheca Alexandrina hosted many a scholar including Aristotle. It was on a mid summer day in Alexandria that the famous Greek philosopher Erastothenus measured the circumference of the earth in 276 BC. Wander among the ancient ruins of a city that was once the setting for the legendary romance between Cleopatra and Marc Anthony, past Cleopatra’s bath to the last remaining amphitheatre in Egypt, where plays used to be staged. The rock hewn tombs of Kom El Shogafa, carved into
100 ft. of solid rock represent an interesting blend of Pharaonic
and Greco-Roman art. Climb up the Quaitbay fort for a spectacular
view of the Mediterranean Sea. The fort is built on the site where
the ancient Lighthouse of the Pharos (yet another of ‘the seven
wonders of the ancient world’) had stood. Today, Alexandria is a
popular, summer resort with the locals and an escape from the hustle
and bustle of Cairo. While away an afternoon at the beautiful gardens
of Montazah Palace, which used to be the summer resort of the Egyptian
royal family. Or dine on a seafood lunch at any of the popular fish
restaurants. Full Day from Cairo The Suez canal was created to shorten the trade
route between Europe and the exotic East. It took 10 years to complete
and was opened in 1869. Ismailia is one of the cities thriving on
the Suez route. A pleasant and charming little sleepy town with
cool, tree-lined boulevards. Enjoy a day in the gardens of Ismailia
which border the Crocodile Lake and afterwards for a museum tour. Full Day from Cairo Fayoum was known as the Land of the Lake by the
Pharaohs. They hunted for game, birds and fish upon the banks of
the Lake Karun. The earliest settlements in Fayoum date back some
six and a half thousand years. Under the Greek Ptolemies improvements
were made on farming, drainage and crop rotation here. Today, you
can see the ancient water wheels in use even today by the farmers
of Fayoum.  Known as Thebes in ancient times, the wealth of the Egyptian empire flooded into Luxor to glorify the temples of the gods. It is evident even today, the magnificent halls and courtyards that still bear traces of their original colors, as they glint in the sunshine. The Luxor of today is a thriving town with colorful bazaars, sailing boats lazing adrift and cool shady cornice, the perfect place to relax after a full day’s sightseeing. From Luxor there are many excursions full and half
day that are possible. Half Day On the East bank of modern day Luxor lie the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor, which took many hundreds of years to build and many different Pharaohs to build. Standing under the colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance to the Temple of Luxor, the size and grandeur of the magnificent temple is evident. Karnak temple complex was dedicated mainly to the God of Luxor, Amun Re and the other gods in the Theban triad, Mut and Khonsu. With so much history, you will welcome the company of our experienced guides who will explain to you the wonders of these remarkable monuments  Half Day Luxor museum, although smaller than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, is well worth a visit. An impressive collection laid out even more impressively. Set on the Eastern bank of the river Nile with a splendid view of the Theban hills across the river, this museum houses the treasures found in the surrounding areas in recent years. Completed in 1975, the exhibits in this modern building range from many periods of Egyptian History. Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple Evening As you wander through the giant temple columns alternately lit and shaded in darkness, reliving the story of this great capital city. Ancient Thebes (modern day Luxor) was one of the most magnificent cities not only in Egypt but throughout the ancient civilized world. Feel the spirit of the past ages as you listen to the tales of it’s inhabitants, of their hopes and the power they wielded.The show is a presentation of visual and sound effects.Shows are given in the following languages: Arabic, English, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, German, French and Russian.Summer hours are daily at 8pm, 9:15pm, 10:30pm and 11:45pm. Winter hours are daily at 5:45pm, 7pm, 8:15pm and 9:30pm.  Half Day The Pharaohs of before had made a mistake by building pyramids; before long they were looted off their treasures by pyramid robbers. Thus began the search for isolated valleys where tomb workers began digging in utmost secrecy. The workers were kept in walled cities and after the completion of the work, they would be murdered. The Valley of the Kings across the Nile on the West Bank is where many of the later Pharaohs found their resting place. The felucca will bring you across, from where a short bus ride takes you past two huge seated statues, the Colossi of Memnon to the tombs and to the temple of Hatshepsut, the only Queen to have ruled over ancient Egypt. Among the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the most renowned would be the tomb of the boy King Tutankhamun, for the excitement they generated. Howard Carter decided to try one last time, before he gave up digging for the elusive tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Later that evening his sponsor, Lord Carnavaron, more than a thousand mile away, receives a telegram. It electrified the world. It said : AT LAST HAVE MADE WONDERFUL DISCOVERY IN VALLEY; A MAGNIFICENT TOMB WITH SEALS INTACT RECOVERED; CONGRATULATIONS ! It was the tomb of Tutankhamun with all it’s treasures intact! Full or Half Day The town of Esna can be easily reached by road from Luxor, or by leisurely full day cruise on the river. The Temple at Esna has still to be fully excavated, as part of it stills lies under the existing town. This small temple was built during Ptolemaic-Roman times and dedicated to the God Khnum, the creator of mankind. Scenes on the temple walls show the God Khnum creating man on his pottery wheel.  Aswan, a city which was once the gateway to the ancient Kingdom of Nubia is today renowned for its beauty and the hospitality of the Nubian people. An afternoon tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie stayed while penning down her book “Death on the Nile” is an excellent way to unwind. So is the felucca boat ride to the Botanical gardens or Elephantine Island. Aswan lies on the ancient trade route between Egypt and its southern territories and trade in those times meant gold, ivory, slaves and exotic animals. Though, today most travelers come to Aswan as part of a relaxing cruise. As with all major towns and cities in Egypt, Aswan also has it’s share of spectacular temples; the most impressive of which is Abu Simbel built by Ramses II.  Half Day or Full Day Abu Simbel is situated on the shores of Lake Nasser and can be reached from Aswan by road or air. Closer to home, the temple of Philae is located on an island, a short journey from Aswan, amidst a romantic setting, especially the Sound and Light show. A spectacular event happens at the Temple of Abu Simbel twice a year. Ramses II wakes up to the sun shining on him on February 22 and again on October 22. The day of his accession to the throne and the second, his birthday! Four colossal statues of Ramses II, 20 m high, set in pairs flank the entrance to the temple built by him. The temple is aligned in such a way that the sun’s rays reach the innermost sanctuary to illuminate the statues only on these two days. Cruise down Lake Nasser from Aswan to Abu Simbel and have a candlelight dinner overlooking the temple. Or even better, watch the sun rise above the temples. Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple  Evening The Philae temple is set like a bright jewel in a wine dark sea, the perfect backdrop to the story of Isis. After crossing over the lake to the island, the story unfolds. In the dramatic lighting, listen to the ancient tale beneath a star studded sky.The show is a presentation of visaul and sound effects. Shows are in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Japanese.Summers hours are daily at 8pm, 9:15pm and 10:30pm. Winter hours are daily at 6:30pm,7:45pm and 9pm.  Half Day The double temples of Sobek (crocodile god) and Haroeris (falcon god) are found in Kom Ombo, reached from the town of Aswan. The two temples command a splendid location overlooking the Nile, at a bend in the river. Surrounding the temples is lush green vegetation and sugar cane fields before giving way to the desert sands. The temple walls of Kom Ombo show medical instruments used in ancient times and of pilgrims pilgrims to the temple being treated and healed by the priests of Horus, “the good doctor.” You can also see mummified crocodiles on display. The Crocodile god Sobek used to be worshipped.  Lying on the shores of the Red Sea, Hurghada is an ideal place for those who have always wanted to ‘take that diving course’ but have never found the right environment. With pleasant temperatures almost year round and a wealth of marine life, it is an excellent place for beginners. There are excellent dive sites close to the shore where you can practically walk in rather than having to take a boat to deep sea. ‘The Red Sea is a corridor of marvels…the happiest hours of my diving experience have been spent here..’ wrote Jaques Cousteau. Hurghada is an ideal place for those who have always wanted to ‘take that diving course’ but have never found the right environment. With pleasant temperatures almost year round and a wealth of marine life, it is an excellent place for beginners. There are excellent dive sites close to the shore where you can practically walk in rather than having to take a boat to deep sea. Desert safaris and camping or snorkelling and diving trips can be arranged from here.  Full Day Sandy beaches and wonderful snorkelling possibilities on Giftun island, a short ride from Hurghada. As this is a full day, a delicious fresh fish lunch is included. Afternoon can be spent exploring the colourful corals and various species of fish before making our way back.  Sharm El Sheikh at the tip of the Sinai peninsula has golden beaches, clear turquoise blue water and tepid waters almost all year round. This unique combination of location with climate accounts for the wonderful marine life. The Red sea is known to be among the top two diving sites in the world, next only to Australia’s barrier reef! Away from the sea and water sports, there are a variety of desert excursions extending from a day trip to a week, by jeep or for the more adventurous, by camel. Desert tour to the Coloured Canyon  Full Day Morning transfer by jeep and a guide to the area of the Coloured Canyon near Nuweibaa. Hike for approximately two hours through this magnificent Canyon to view the extraordinary colours and shapes of the rock strata. Return to Sharm el Sheikh. Climate Most of Egypt is dry all year round, except Alexandria which can see some frequent showers during autumn and winter. During summer, despite the hot climate during the day, evenings are still pleasant with the cool northerly breeze. Winter months are very moderate though the waters of the Red sea can get a bit too cold for swimming during January and February. Time Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 2 hours during Winter (Oct-Apr) and 3 hours during Summer (May to Sept.) Weights and measures The metric system is in use: Kilometer, Kilogram, Centigrade...etc. Visas and Passports Entry visas are required for most nationals visiting Egypt. Kindly contact the nearest Egyptian Consulate to apply and obtain your visas in good time. Most visas are issued against a certain councilor fees. Visas can also be obtained at the Airport's Arrival Hall in Cairo just before the immigration control. However, we strongly recommend to our guests, to obtain their Entry Visas ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary delay on arrival at the air terminal. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months subsequent to the date of the proposed visit. Vaccinations No special vaccination is required by the Egyptian Health Authorities except a valid Yellow Fever Certificate for visitors coming from Yellow Fever endemic areas. Health care system in Egypt is comparable to any system in the developed world. Exchange procedure There are exchange bureaus at all major hotels, most bank offices and on arrival at the airport. International hard currencies and Traveler’s checks are accepted at almost all tourist sites. Major credit cards are accepted in most places. Some can be used with automatic cashing machines. Electrical Current It is A/C 220 volts 50Hz. Wall plugs are the round two-prong European type. Kindly notice your need for an adapter. Language
Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken. Currency The Egyptian Pound [EGP] is divided into 100 piasters. Notes of 1-5-10-20-50, and 100 EGP are available. Photography At certain temples and pyramids a fee will be charged for photography. At all temples the use of flash is prohibited. Business hours Government offices : from 9:00 to 14:00, Saturday to Thursday Banks : from 9:30 t0 14:30, Sunday to Thursday. Shops : from 10:00 t0 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Shopping The bazaars of Khan El Khalili in Cairo is the place to pick up some souvenirs. African woodwork, blown glass, papyrus, spices, aromatic oils, rare stones and oriental jewelry. There are also several malls in Cairo where you could very easily spend an afternoon window shopping though it could be more expensive than the downtown shops. Clothing During the day summer clothes are suitable. For open air evening events ladies' jackets, shawls or light coats may be needed. Light suits for gentlemen are suitable at all times. Don’t forget to bring along your swimming costume. Most hotels, even in Cairo, have swimming pools. It is also advisable to get a suitable head gear, a hat or a cap. The sun can be intense, especially in summer. |
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