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Destination Details - Egypt
 
A unique destination to savour and enjoy, Egypt is a civilization that has flourished for over 5000 years, nurtured by the historic Nile, Egypt's many gifts to the world lie in its great monuments, temples and statues dedicated to ancient gods and goddesses while the souqs present a staggering array of goods from priceless jewellery to everyday fare. Egypt is an exciting and different destination that captivates both the imagination and the senses, and shares little in common with other Mediterranean resorts

Egypt, the land of mysteries, magnificent treasures and adventure, has for centuries captured the heart and mind of travellers and adventurers alike, drawing them to the land of curious expectation and rarely leaving them disappointed. It is a great country to explore.

Indeed, this land of diversity holds something for everyone. It is a colourful mosaic of four distinct cultures; Pharaonic, Coptic Christian, Islamic and Modern. A mild climate, unforgettable landscapes and varied topography, all provide a myriad of settings to satisfy a wide variety of holiday choices.
Fast Facts
Area 1,001,449 sq km
Capital City Cairo
Languages Although the language is Arabic, English and French are widely used in business circles
Religion 90% Muslim and 9% Coptic Christians. The remainder consists of Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics and Anglicans.
Time Egyptian time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This is reduced to one hour for approximately one month in May and October
Electricity 220V, 50 Hz
Currency Pound; Symbol: £E; Subdivision: 100 piasters or 1,000 milliemes
Government Republic
 
Seasons to Visit:
Throughout most of the year most of Egypt is hot and dry. Alexandria and the Mediterranean coastal communities experience milder weather while the heat in Cairo and other inland areas is fierce with temperatures rising to as high as 50°C in some parts of the country. Heavy winter rains fall along the Mediterranean coast but are less frequent in Cairo and in the interior. During the winter months (from November to February), however, temperatures can fall to freezing. The spring in Egypt is generally mild but plagued by the khamsin, a hot and bitter wind that brings blinding sand and dust storms and heralds the coming of summer.

Entry Requirements: All visitors to Egypt are required to have a visa and a passport valid for six months. Visas can be arranged through Egyptian embassies worldwide. Visitors from the US, Canada, EU and GCC countries may be able to purchase a visa stamp upon arrival at many large airports. One-month visitor's visas can be extended.

Dress: In summer, loose cotton clothing may be the most comfortable. Bare shoulders, extremely casual clothing, and comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing. Conservative dress for women with at least half sleeve is more appropriate in town, especially when visiting mosques and churches.

Food / Restaurants: All major hotels have several restaurants offering both international and local dishes. The standard and service vary. Cairo has many restaurants offering international, local and oriental dishes. As restaurants quickly come and go, travellers are recommended to ask for advice on where to eat once they arrive in Cairo. Average price of a meal is about £10 - £15 per person (suggested level of tipping: 10%). All major hotels except credit cards.

Shopping:
The most interesting shopping are for tourists in Cairo is the Old Bazaar, Khan El Khalili, specialising in reproductions of antiquities. Jewellery, spices, copper utensils and Coptic cloth are some of the special items. There are also modern shopping centres available, particularly near Tahrir Square.

Transportation: There is a variety of good options for getting to Egypt, with good connections between Cairo and many European cities. Other connections from elsewhere in Africa and the Middle East include the bus from Israel via the Gulf of Aqaba or the southern edge of the Gaza Strip, and ferries from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The largest and the most important towns are connected to the rail network. Cairo and Alexandria have extensive bus, tram and minibus services. Local buses are available to all places from the buses stations located all over Cairo and other big cities. Taxis are generally less expensive, they are perfectly reliable and a good bargain. When you hire them, it is best to negotiate the fare in advance.

Health risks: Protect yourself against the sun. It is difficult to ascertain the speed at which your body is losing fluid in Egypt because of the dry climate. Headaches, dizziness and nausea are signs that you have lost too much water and may be suffering from heat exhaustion.
 
 
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