Currency – Egyptian pound (E£)
Language – Arabic
Vaccine – none
Electricity – 220V. 50 Hz. Power plugs and sockets are of type C & E
EMERGENCY TELEPHONES
National Police: 122
Tourist Police: 126
Medical emergency: 123
Land of contrasts composed of beautiful desert landscapes endowed with the splendor that the inexhaustible River Nile grants them, Egypt attracts millions of visitors offering them a trip to the past thanks to its majestic temples and perfectly preserved wonders of antiquity.
Considered the cradle of civilizations, Egypt is a unique country, a surprising destination full of magic and history that invites its visitors to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Egypt offers an exciting mix of adventure, culture and mystery that invites everyone who visits it to lose themselves in its colossal temples and be surrounded by the bustle of Cairo.
TOURIST SITES OF EGYPT
Hurghada – Long ago it was a fairly small and not very imposing fishing village, located by the Red Sea. But today, it has become an almost unrecognizable city, growing and becoming a reference point for visitors . It has more than 100 hotels on the beach, where you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the marine world and go diving.
Alexandria – It is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, being the epicenter of the country as it is the port and transport area of Egypt. Alexander the Great founded it many years ago, and since then it has been considered the city that crosses the roads of the world. One place you cannot miss within Alexandria is a famous library with more than 500,000 books.
Dahab – For some time this tourist place has become a hippie meeting space, where airs of tranquility are breathed and various alternatives of cheap accommodation are offered. Also, the combination of the Red Sea and the Sinai Dahab desert make the perfect setting for windsurfing, diving, rock climbing and desert trekking with the Bedouins.
The Siwa Oasis – Located very close to Egypt’s western border, the Siwa oasis remained culturally isolated from the rest of the country until the late 19th century. But today it is a very popular tourist destination, where tourists flock to enjoy vast freshwater springs, stroll through acres of palm groves, or explore ancient fortresses built with mud and remains of Siwa’s Greco-Roman past.
Sharm el-Sheikh – It is one of the most visited destinations for its beaches, popular with international divers and nature lovers in general. One of the most popular excursions is the overnight trips to the Monastery of St. Catherine and Mount Sinai.
Dahshur pyramid – It is a necropolis located in the desert, on the west bank of the Nile River. Compared to other cities like Giza and Saqqara, it is a quieter and more secluded place to see some giant pyramids. The number of visitors is much smaller, so there are fewer complications when it comes to guided tours of the Pyramids of Dahshur, which include the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, built during the reign of Pharaoh Snefru.
Aswan – It is a medium-sized territory ideal for excursions to the temples of Philae and Kabasha, as well as the Sun Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel in the south. In addition, it is the best starting point for excursions to the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu , between Aswan and Luxor.
Cairo – The modern capital of Egypt is a busy and bustling metropolis with a long and turbulent history, which attracts many tourists, as cruises to the Nile River and explorations of the Pyramids of Giza just outside the city depart from there.
Another interesting world-renowned attraction is the Egyptian Museum, located in Tahrir Square, where visitors can get a close-up view of Tutankhamun’s treasure, as well as mummies and other artifacts from Egypt’s ancient past.
Luxor – It is one of the best places to visit in Egypt, because although it is a not so big city, it has much to offer the traveler, such as the ancient temples of Karnak and Luxor, the ancient royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and the breathtaking landscapes of the desert and the river.
The necropolis of Giza – It is possibly the most famous and oldest point in the world. The pyramids, along with the Sphinx at the base of the Giza plateau, are part of the iconic image of Egypt. They were built in the span of three generations. In addition, along with these important monuments you can see a series of smaller satellite structures, known as queen pyramids, causeways and temples.
General Information about Egypt
DAILY LIFE
Since Egypt is a highly religious country, Islam governs a large number of acts of daily life. Therefore, it is not abnormal to remember the few principles of the Islamic religion, especially.
IN BARS AND RESTAURANTS
In general, meals are served between 12:00 h. and 3:00 p.m. and dinners between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Cafeterias usually close at 10:00 p.m.
TIPS
Tipping is expected everywhere in Egypt – it is not just for tourists. Tipping in Egypt is an expression of your appreciation for another person and their efforts.
RELIGION
Muslim (mainly Sunni) 94%
The other 6% are Coptic Christians.
HOLIDAYS
1 of January – New Year
January 7 – Coptic Easter
April 25 – Sinai Liberation Day
May 1 – Labor Festival
June 18 – Retirement Day
July 23 – Revolution Day
August 15 – Wafa’a el Nil – Feast of the Nile Floods
September 11 – Coptic New Year
October 6 – Armed Forces Day
October 24 – Suez Victory Day
December 23 – Victory Day
CLIMATE
Temperatures tend to change very often , either between locations, the two seasons and also during the day and at night in certain parts of the country. But already knowing that Egypt is in the desert gives us a clear idea of how we should prepare before the trip.
Gastronomy of Egypt
Egyptian food is a delicious combination of flavors, thanks to the different ingredients that come from Mediterranean, African and Arab gastronomy. The two staple foods on the Egyptian table are, the aish, loaves of bread consumed very often and fuul, fat brown beans that are seasoned with lemon. The fuul are served as an accompaniment to all kinds of dishes: vegetables, salads, cold cuts, and in meatballs that are called felafel or spicy, with yogurt, cheese, garlic and eggs.
The Egyptians eat both meat and fish. Meats are usually beef, lamb or poultry such as turkey, duck, chicken and pigeon. The fish, both saltwater and freshwater, are fresh and well prepared.
TYPICAL DISHES
Molojia: vegetable soup with meat broth, garlic and spices.
Salata Beledi: tomato salad, cucumbers, onions, parsley.
Tabbouleh: sour-flavored parsley and wheat semolina salad.
Foul: bean stew.
Shawarna: lamb meat cut from a pylon that goes around a fire.
Dressage: meat wrapped in grape leaves.
Wara annab: grape leaves stuffed with different ingredients.
Sambousek: vegetable patties.
Kofta: minced meat skewers.
Kibbeh: fried lamb meat dumplings and wheat semolina.
Kebab: lamb skewers.
Fata: mutton on cornbread with yogurt.
Hamân: roast pigeons.
Shakskhouka: Vegetable souffle .
Ommu-alí: rice cake, milk, raisins and coconut.
Baklawa: puff pastry filled with walnuts and honey.
Mashi: rice with meat, which is served with grape leaves, tomatoes, aubergines or green peppers.
Mezze: a range of cold starters of oriental origin that are served in numerous small bowls.
Ghannoush: aubergine puree with garlic.
Hummus bi tahina: pureed chickpeas with sesame paste.
Betingan: marinated aubergine slices.
Koshari: Layered Macaroni, Rice, and Lentils with Tomato Sauce.
Fattah: Layers of dry bread breaded in broth, rice and meat dressed with garlic and vinegar and topped with yogurt, walnuts and raisins.
Pilau: rice with vegetables (side dish).
Om Alí: a mixture of bread or pasta with milk, nuts, coconut and raisins that is taken hot.
Aish is serail: loaf of bread and honey softened with sugar syrup.
Baklava: dough filled with nuts flavored with mead or infused with orange blossom.
BEVERAGES
The domestically brewed “Stella” beer is good, as is the local vodka. Alcoholic beverages are difficult to find outside hotels, and usually at very high prices.
Shai: black tea.
Kargadêh: mallow tea.
Ajwa: Turkish-style coffee.
Tamarhindi: infusion made with the dried pulp of tamarind.
Irssous: liquorice water.
Erfa: cinnamon drink served hot and covered in walnuts.
Ersoos: liquor with a strong taste and smell.
Zahib: a kind of pomace.
Yasson: flavored with anise.
LOCAL FRUITS
Bananas, oranges, figs, guavas, dates.
Transportation in Egypt
AIR TRANSPORT
The Egypt Air company handles the flights within the country, there are daily flights that link Cairo – Luxor and Aswan, whenever it is necessary more planes are added.
Delays are usually quite frequent.
BOAT TRANSPORT
The main ports are Alexandria, Port Said, and Suez. It can be reached by boat from Italy, and from Genoa.
Alexandria is a stopover for many cruise ships, with the possibility of excursions to Cairo and the main tourist centers.
Car-ferry service between Suez and Jeddah, steamboat service between Aswan and Wâdr Halfá (Sudan).
Hydrofoil service linking Hurghada with Sharm el Sheikh in the Sinai.
Cruises on the Nile: it is one of the excursions with the most demand, they can be done on luxury boats or in lower category boats, they usually leave from Aswan or Luxor, with a duration of 4 to 7 days, in which Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo temples.
Feluca rides: typical Nile sailing boats that can be rented in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan. In Cairo head to the Hotel Meridien or the Maadi Yacht Club, in Luxor and Aswan you will find numerous boatmen ready to please you. Agree price and travel.
BUS TRANSPORT
Very popular means of transport, generally old and dilapidated buses and coaches, although lately long-distance coaches have improved.
There are daily services between Cairo and Alexandria, El Fayun and some cities in the delta and the canal area, and also services between the main cities in the delta and Upper Egypt.
RAILWAY TRANSPORT
Egyptian trains are comfortable, punctual, fast and cheap. They link Cairo with the Nile valley, the delta and the canal cities. There are four types of service: first, second, third class and Wagon-Lits (sleeper car heading to Luxor and Assuan). Tickets can be booked at travel agencies or at the station itself.
Train Stations:
Alexandria: Sidi Gaber Station. Mehatta Misr (main station).
Cairo: Ramses Station. Ramses Square.
Luxor: Maydan al-Mahattah.
Asswan: Maydan al-Mahattah
ROAD NETWORK
The main roads are in good condition and paved, but you may encounter many surprises, slow vehicles or animals. Secondary roads can be found in any way.
Egypt has a very high traffic accident rate (more than 5,000 deaths per year on the road). This is due both to the recklessness of the drivers and the poor condition of the car fleet. For road travel it is highly recommended to make sure that the vehicle has proper insurance.
Foreigners are recommended to take extreme precautions and avoid passing through conflictive areas of Upper Egypt such as:
Risk area to be avoided:
It is highly discouraged to travel by road, train or river in the areas of Assiut, Sohag, Minya and Quena. There are police convoys to visit the Dendera and Abydos temples.
DRIVING
Driving is on the right.
RENTAL CARS (We recommend reserving us in advance):
The requirements are: minimum age 25 years, international driving license, and pay a deposit in dollars.
It is possible to rent cars with a driver, from private cars to vans with 10 or 15 seats.
RENT A CAR at Cairo International airport >>>
TAXIS
It is the best way to visit the cities, they are painted black and white, they have a taximeter but it is best to arrange the price, it is convenient to carry the address written in Arabic.
There are stops near the big hotels, in the tourist places, and you can also stop them on the street. Bring a small coin, as most taxi drivers pretend not to carry change. It is customary to tip.
Collective taxis: They are used to travel from one city to another, they are cheap and leave when they are full. They are generally large Peugot or Mercedes type cars. Prices are fixed depending on the route. Stops can be found near the railway or bus stations.
