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Egypt

Country Facts

Best known for its pyramids and Pharaohs, its ancient civilizations and its mud-brick villages, the majestic River Nile and its gorgeous diving spots, Egypt is as much a travel haven for the history buff, as it is for the adventure sports enthusiast. Take a Nile cruise, smoke a water-pipe at a coffeehouse, ride a camel across the desert, go trekking and exclaim at the majesty of the lesser known pyramids. To get under the skin of Egypt read 'Cairo: The City Victorious' by Max Rodenbeck, watch the iconic movie, 'Cleopatra' starring Elizabeth Taylorand and listen to Om Kalsoum, considered the greatest female singer in Arab music history.

  • Capital: Cairo
  • Official Languages: Arabic
  • Government: Arab Republic
  • Currency: Egyptian Pound
  • Time Zone: + 2 GMT (3.5 hrs behind India)
  • Telephone Calling Code: 0020

When To Go

Best time to visit: October to May with temperatures around 22°C to 31°C. During summer the desert areas go from 7°C at night to 43°C during the day. The coast usually sees an average of 14°C during winter and around 30°C in the summer. Winter sees temperatures hitting the mid to high 20s with cold nights and hot and sunny days.

What To Do

Egyptian food is influenced by and has influenced its neighbouring countries extensively. Koftas, kebabs, lentils and bread make up the base for most Egyptian food. There is use of a lot of legumes and vegetables, while meat is used on special occasions.


Nightlife

Explore bars, nightclubs and lounges in Egypt's top destinations, go for a crazy yacht party cruise on the Red Sea or enjoy dinner shows with belly dancing and whirling dervishes aboard the Nile dinner cruisers. In Cairo most of the night spots are in the neighborhoods of Zamalek, Mohandeseen and downtown or enjoy a performance in the new Opera house in Cairo.

Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are packed with night spots and discos. Many of Egypt's five-star hotels have casinos that are open for non Egyptians only. See the sound and light shows at the Pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Philae and Abu Simble in Aswan.


What to eat and drink
  • Ful medammis: Cooked and mashed fava beans served with olive oil, chopped parsley, onion, garlic, and lemon juice
  • Felafel
  • Tahini: Sesame paste
  • Koushari(the national dish): A mixture of rice, lentils and macaroni
  • Aish Baladi: A pita-like bread
  • Kofta: Spicy, minced lamb
  • Kebabs: Grilled lamb pieces
  • Besboussa: A sweet, sticky pastry
  • Kunafa: Crispy strands of dough, layered over sweet cheese
  • Fresh juices

Shopping

Fez, turbans, tacky King Tut souviners, Egyptian gold ornaments, antiques, carpets and rugs, hookahs, hand-blown glassware, cushion covers, Bedouin handicraft, silver and brass ornaments, brass lamps, Galabiya-traditional loose-flowing robe.

Packages

Escorted Tours

The best and easiest way to see the highlights is on an escorted tour, where all your travel, accommodation and sightseeing arrangements are well taken care of. A knowledgeable local guide brings history and culture to life as you travel in the comfort of your deluxe coach.

Unmatched selection, more included features, quality first class hotels, and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travelers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.

Attractions

Travel Tips

VISA

https://www.eoicairo.gov.in/eoi.php?id=General


HOW TO GET THERE
By Air

Egypt is well connected with India. Some of the airlines which fly into Egypt are Egypt Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways offer some of the best connections.

Once in Egypt 45 minute domestic flights connect the majority of the country’s main attractions, from temples to resorts. The extensive list of airports includes Cairo International, Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Aswan, El Gouna, Hurghada, Luxor, Marsa Alam, Marsa Matrouh, Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, and St. Catherine.


TRAVEL WITHIN EGYPT
By Road

Egypt offers splendid variety of transportation options that cater to each and every traveler. Whether you want to see it from above the clouds or from the vantage point of a hitchhiker, there are as many ways to discover Egypt as your creativity will allow.

Taxis: Egypt’s streets are serviced by a fleet of taxis with running meters, so just wave, climb aboard, and you’ll be on your way.

Nile Taxis: Special boats along the Nile can circumvent land altogether to get you to your destination. A quick internet search will easily show you rates as well as drop-off and pick-up points.

Rental / Car Hire: Driving in Egypt is not for the faint-hearted motorist, but renting a car pays obvious dividends if time is a factor or if you’re looking to visit more remote areas. And it’s not much more expensive to hire a car and driver if getting behind the wheel is not your cup of tea.

Buses / Coaches: For those who prefer to traverse via asphalt, Egypt’s three main bus companies, all based in Cairo, provide another alternative. The Upper Egypt Bus Company, the East Delta Bus Company, and Middle Delta Bus Company. Other key routes including Cairo to Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab and El Gouna are also covered by independent bus companies.


By Rail

Egypt’s air-conditioned trains are great for the long haul, providing a comfier alternative to travelling by road. Schedules and fares are posted on the Egyptian Railways website (enr.gov.eg), where you can also buy tickets online. The most comfortable option is first class, with waiter service, reclining armchairs and on-board movies. Seats are reserve-able up to seven days in advance, but you should be wary that return tickets can’t necessarily be booked at the point of origin. If you’re looking for absolute luxury, then opt for the more expensive sleeper cars. Passengers get a comfortable two-bed cabin with a sink, plus breakfast and dinner, and access to a dining car and a bar.


DO'S & DON'TS
  • To ensure you get the most out your trip, ensure that you utilize the services of registered tour operators and agents to organize city tours and the like.
  • Societal and cultural conventions should be followed to guarantee the best possible experience, such as taking note of acceptable dress codes and not drinking alcohol in the street. The hotel you’re staying at can provide you with everything you need to know about your current destination.
  • Don’t assume you can pay with your credit card as not everyone provides this option, so make sure you have enough cash on you to avoid any hiccups in your vacation.
  • Leave tips, but don’t feel obligated to.
  • Carry some kind of ID.
  • Bargain in shops and markets.
  • Ask “white taxis” to turn their meter on as soon as you get in. Unless you’re in a hurry, you don’t need to negotiate.
  • Ask permission before taking a photo (even of people). In some places it is forbidden to take photos.
  • Ask the help of the touristic police if you feel you’re in a troublesome situation.
  • Spend time talking to the people. Egyptians are interesting, kind and have a great sense of humor. You will learn from them as they will learn from you—it is always a rich exchange. Don’t miss out on that!

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