Destination information
Today, modern life coexists with the legacies of the past, with road links taking you from scenery as diverse as the Nile Valleys to the Red Sea with its crystal-clear waters and marine life. The largest country in the Arab world, Egypt is a vast expanse of desert, bisected by the River Nile. A land that captivates, enthrals and entices, it is not only home to awe-inspiring ancient monuments, it also boasts luxury resorts and hotels. Cairo, a major city since the time of the pharaohs, never fails to make a strong impression. Your holiday in Egypt can be as diverse as the land itself, visiting the Sphinx, perhaps and the Great Pyramids, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World still in existence. Alternatively, head for Soma Bay or Ain Soukhna and the Red Sea for some spectacular scuba-diving, snorkelling and family fun. A romantic cruise down the River Nile is always recommended. Whatever you choose to do, Egypt promises a cultural experience second to none.
Getting there
Flight Details - bmi Airways flights to Cairo depart daily from London Heathrow. EgyptAir direct flights to Luxor depart on Mon from Heathrow. Flights to Hurghada are daily from London Heathrow to Cairo with bmi Airways and onwards to Hurghada with EgyptAir. Flights to Luxor are from London Heathrow to Luxor with EgyptAir weekly on Mon.
Flying Time - Approx 4 hours 45 min to Cairo. Approx 5 hours to Luxor and 6 hours to Hurghada.
Flight Upgrades Business Class available from £299 supplement per adult each way with bmi to Cairo, or £375 supplement per adult each way to Luxor with EgyptAir.
Time Difference GMT +2 hours
Currency - Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Visa Requirements - Visas can be obtained from the Egyptian Consulate www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk or can be obtained on arrival and are valid for 30 days.
Language - Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken.
Electricity - Egypt's electrical current is 220v, 50Hz with 2 round-pin European-style sockets.
Weather - Whilst most hotels, tourist coaches and cruise boats provide good air-conditioning, for outdoor sightseeing it's important to choose your season carefully. Summer is hot, with temperatures around 32 degrees. Although this is predominantly a dry heat, making it easier to bear, you may be spending a long time in the direct sun. Cairo is more humid than Luxor and Aswan. The most comfortable time for Europeans to go is Oct-Nov, with temperatures at a more pleasant 24 degrees. Apr and May are also mild, but can have some really hot spells. The popular winter holidays of Dec-Feb alternate between balmy and cool, averaging 15 degrees. The good news is that the only rain you are likely to run into then is on the Mediterranean coast, although it's important to remember that the desert is always cold before dawn.
Tipping - For waiters and hotel staff, 10-12% will be automatically added to your bill, and it is customary to add another 5%. Taxi drivers should receive 10%. Have some small notes handy for caretakers at mosques and temples or beach attendants.
Religious Periods - During the holy month of Ramadan (01-29 Sep '08), Eid and other religious festivals, there are restrictions on alcohol consumption, transportation and entertainment from dawn until dusk when all Muslims must fast. Public areas come alive, however, at night with feasting and celebration, so it's a great time to experience the culture and tradition of Egypt.
Health and Safety in Egypt - Important Advisory - Diarrhoea (known as 'Pharaoh's Revenge'), occasionally accompanied by sickness, can occur during holidays around the Nile. We highly recommend you drink plenty of water during your stay and in the event of a tummy upset, you will find Egyptian chemists or pharmacies extremely well equipped and inexpensive.
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Vibrant Cities
In Cairo, life is fast. Bustling car-filled streets zigzag the Nile, a city thriving on the influences of a Mediterranean lifestyle and the spectacles of ancient civilisations. The sleepier region, Upper Egypt, home to Luxor, today still lives from the land fed by the Nile, and whilst little has changed, the presence of modern hotels and cruise boats are a small indication of its huge popularity.
Red Sea Paradise
Few places on the planet offer such diversity as the Red Sea. From the underwater treasures of the coral reefs to the golden beaches or the excitement and variety of water sports, the luxurious resorts that line the turquoise waters are home to a multitude of activities. antiquity Rich in culture and steeped in history, the ancients of Egypt arguably established one of the planet's most sophisticated civilisations. No visit to Egypt is complete without visiting the museums, palaces, mausoleums, temples and pyramids that litter its landscapes. The Egyptian Museum is home to the beautiful antiquities of the boy King Tutankhamun.
The Nile
The timeless life-giving Nile was revered by the ancients. Today the Nile, no less important to the Egyptians, provides the means of experiencing the water-bound journey enjoyed by the Pharaohs themselves. Nile cruising is a great way of seeing the spectacular sights of Upper Egypt in the comfort of a luxurious floating hotel.
Tee for Two
Though perhaps not as widely recognised for its golf courses, Egypt is quickly becoming a very popular destination for golfers looking for something different. The ability to relax on the beach or explore the antiquities after a round are amongst the unique propositions. A choice of courses in Cairo, Luxor and the Red Sea provides immense flexibility.
Shopping
With a great choice of bazaars, souks and shops, there is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Luxor and especially Cairo, where it's possible to buy almost anything, taking advantage of the excellent exchange rate. In Cairo, be sure to visit the many modern malls and the famous Khan El Khalili souk. In the old bazaars and souks, bargaining is definitely part of the fun.