Egypt Holiday Deals

Nightlife in Sharm el Sheikh

2011-02-21T12:04:00.002Z

There are two main types of people that go on holiday – those that like the nightlife scene and those that don’t. If you do enjoy heading out to bars and clubs in the evening, you will be glad to know that Sharm el Sheikh offers you plenty of destinations you can look forward to seeing.

Sharm el Sheikh is well known as a hugely popular destination in Egypt. It attracts families but it also attracts other people who enjoy heading out in the evenings for some entertainment. The good news is that even though the area has its fair share of clubs and bars, it also has a tempting array of restaurants available for those who want to enjoy food more than drink and music.

Indeed you could head out somewhere different every single night if you wanted to. Some venues, the Little Buddha being an excellent example, kick off the evening as a restaurant and then transform themselves into a club as the evening wears on.

You can see that it makes sense to scout out the various venues in Sharm el Sheikh before you head out for the evening. You should have an idea of whether you want a nice laid back meal, a relaxing drink or a party atmosphere to enjoy. The more you know about what you like to do the most, the better your chances are of picking just the right venue first time.

You will find some venues are typically Egyptian in nature, with Egyptian food to sample and some sensational surroundings to relax in too. Others, like the Hard Rock Café, have more familiar foods including the all American burgers they are famous for. So you can stick with familiar places if you want to; you just need to figure out where they are and what you want to eat too.

It goes without saying that you should think about being a bit more adventurous by trying some different places in Sharm el Sheikh every night. If you enjoy going out, you certainly have a wide range of places to choose from.

El Quseir – Is It Worth A Visit?

2011-01-20T11:17:00.002Z

Some places in Egypt are definitely better known than others, such as Sharm el Sheikh for example. But lesser known places are also well worth a visit in many cases, as they can often show you a more interesting and authentic side of Egypt. A good example of this is El Quseir.

You will sometimes see El Quseir written as Al Quseir so if you are looking for information on the area it might be worth looking for both names. One thing is certain though – you shouldn’t have any trouble looking for accommodation for your stay in the area, as there is plenty to choose from. El Quseir is the kind of place you would come to if you want to get a more authentic taste of Egypt. Many people say it has that real small town feel, instead of simply appearing as a large Egyptian resort. It may not be to everyone’s tastes but it will certainly be worth thinking about if you want somewhere a little unusual to visit.

One thing to remember is that there is plenty to do in El Quseir. For instance if scuba diving is one of your favourite pastimes you can look forward to having a dip in the Red Sea right here. You can of course take the popular path of relaxing by the sea too, so you have every opportunity to have a relaxing holiday here.

One of the more popular things people get up to in El Quseir is to explore all the heritage that the venue has to offer. There is a lot of Egyptian history here and you can get a much better idea of how the area looked in the past, simply by visiting many of the historic sites you will find locally. The area has an Ottoman fortress which dates from the 16th century, and it is certainly the building that most tourists will make the effort to see while they are in the area.

Whatever you decide to see or do in El Quseir, you may be glad you decided to stay somewhere a bit different from the norm.

Would You Go On A Tour Of Egypt?

2010-12-22T08:42:00.002Z

Some people find that Egypt is an overwhelming place. This is not a bad thing either – at least it isn’t if you are in the market for a memorable and exciting holiday in one of the world’s most historic locations.

Egypt has plenty to offer to those who are willing to make the journey to see it. You only need to mention the Sphinx and the Pyramids to see people’s faces light up at the mere thought of seeing them in reality instead of just in pictures. But Egypt is about much more than just these notable destinations. It is also about so much else, and it means that you can expect to have lots to think about and lots to see while you are there.

It is no big surprise then that some people elect to go on a tour of Egypt, rather than trying to make their own way around the country. If you are going to stay somewhere that is designed specifically for holidaymakers, such as Sharm el Sheikh for example, then you can simply book some individual tours. These are the best way to see various locations nearby, and there is no need to book a whole tour for the entire duration of your holiday.

But if you truly want to see everything that Egypt has to offer without missing out any of the major sights and sounds there, a proper tour can be the best way to do it. You won’t have to worry about planning a proper itinerary since it will all be booked and taken care of yourself. You won’t have to worry about booking hire cars either for the same reason. As you can see, it can result in a relaxed and exciting holiday that permits you to enjoy every moment and to ensure that you see all the best bits of Egypt.

Of course if you want to go off the beaten track a tour may not suit your needs. But you can always ask for one to be especially created just for you – if money is no object of course.

Visiting the Capital of Egypt

2010-11-22T14:29:00.002Z

Egypt is famous for many things, but one of the most famous locations is its capital, Cairo. If you only visit one city during your time in the country, make sure it is this one. Not only is it pleasantly close to the Sphinx and the famous Pyramids, it also has plenty to share with you in other ways.

For starters the city stretches back way into the past and there are still many signs of these ancient times that can be seen today. This is just one reason why a slow walk around various parts of the city can reveal much to you that you wouldn’t see otherwise. Never be surprised by the sights you see here – they can be quite spectacular in many ways.

Look out for the Muizz Street during your travels too. This has the distinction of being the first street in Egypt to have been paved. Not only is this something for Cairo itself to be proud of, it has also taken great pains to ensure the whole street is renovated and restored to glories it once knew in times gone by. For instance it is now able to be referred to as an open air museum, thanks to the extensive work that has taken place on it.

But while a tour of Egypt’s past can be undertaken simply by focusing on this one street, the whole of Cairo is a sensational place full of sights and sounds bombarding you from every angle. Islamic Cairo is a fascinating place to visit as the very structure of it is different from the one you will find in the city centre. Expect to see narrow streets and even ones that stretch back further into the past than some which are in other areas.

If you have never been to Cairo before you should be aware that it is an assault on the senses at first, albeit in the nicest of ways. This is one of the most amazing cities in the world, with lots to try and take in. Make sure you have the time to do so.

Aswan – More Than Just a Dam

2010-10-22T09:24:00.002Z

Most people will be familiar with the Aswan Dam. There are actually two dams but the one the name refers to is usually the larger one of the two.

However Aswan is not just a dam. It is also a city and as you would guess from the fact that it has a dam at all, it lies very close to the River Nile. It is also worth seeing for several good reasons, and it gives you another view of the country that is famous for its long Egyptian history.

This is a city drenched in sun and it is an ideal place to visit if you don’t want much chance of rain while you are there. This is because they only get rain quite literally every few years. Unless you are extremely unlucky and happen to catch a freak thunderstorm, it will be sun cream all the way.

One of the nicest things about this particular city is that you can get around it quite happily on foot. It sounds a strange thing to say about a city, but Aswan is nicely built up and very accessible to pedestrians. It allows you the opportunity to see how life is lived by the locals here.

There is a chance to see one of the local museums as well to learn more about life in this area. The Nubian Museum is generally regarded as one of the best ones Aswan has to offer. Watch out for the opening times as it is not usually open all day. There are many ancient exhibits here that shed light onto how life was lived many centuries ago.

The Ruins of Abu are also well worth seeing while you are in Aswan. The pillars and structures that remain here provide a stark contrast between modern day Aswan and the area as it was many years ago.

As you can see there is no opportunity to get bored in Aswan. It has much to share with you and if you are ready to see it all you will be glad you arrived in the city.

The Ancient Temple of Hathor

2010-09-22T13:30:00.002Z

Everyone knows Egypt is full of connections to its ancient past. The likes of the Egyptian pharaohs and such people as Tutankhamen once lived here.

So it is perhaps not surprising that we should get the opportunity to see many of the temples that were created in those times. Many of them still stand today to be explored by modern people, in an effort to understand the past that has led us to this point.

One key area worth visiting is the Temple of Hathor. This is located in Dendera, which is north of Luxor and on the eastern side of Egypt, just to the south of that section of the Nile. You will probably hear the area spoken of as being the Dendera Temple Complex, and indeed it has much to reveal to you once you arrive.

The first thing you will notice is the size of the temple area. It covers thousands of square metres and if you view it from a vantage point above the area as you approach, you will see just how impressive it really is. Be sure to take your camera to capture some memorable moments spent at the site.

The main temple in the complex is the one that is called the Temple of Hathor. As you walk closer to many of the structures here you will get a chance to see the artwork that has been carved into the walls. The detail is quite amazing, especially when you consider they were carved there a very long time ago. This is particularly true of some of the interior work, which has not had a chance to be weathered by the elements.

Part of the site is taken up by a necropolis, but it was not just people that were laid to rest here. Remains were found of cows as well as some other animals, testifying to the importance the ancient Egyptians placed on the animals. The ancient Hathor cult believed they could change into cows among other animals, so they took great care in burying them.

The Valley of the Kings may be more famous, but there is no doubt that the ancient Temple of Hathor is equally worthy of a visit.

Taking A Holiday In Alexandria

2010-08-24T14:06:00.000Z

When you go on holiday in Egypt you’ll probably think of one of two places to stay. You’ll either opt for somewhere like Sharm el Sheikh, one of the most popular resorts the country has to offer, or you’ll go for accommodation close to where the famous Pyramids or the Sphinx are located.

But there is another option that is well worth considering, and that is Alexandria. This is a city and in fact there is only one city larger than Alexandria in the whole of Egypt. It may not sound like an amazing place to stay in the country, but you would be surprised by the options it gives you.

For starters there are some spectacular beaches here. Beaches and cities never seem to go together do they? But Alexandria shows you just how wonderfully and effectively it can be done when the location is just right.

If you like a spot of relaxing walking during your holiday you can sample the delights of the Corniche as well. This is a promenade that can be accessed from various points in the city. No matter where you are, if you make your way towards the sea you’ll find yourself coming out on some point of the promenade itself. It is a wonderful way to spend an hour or two just wandering along and drinking in the relaxing atmosphere.

But as with many cities you also have the opportunity to delve into Alexandria’s past. The Romans once ruled the city long ago in the past for example, and you can still see signs of the time they spent there now.

You can even see a Sphinx in Alexandria, although it is not as big or grand as the one near the Pyramids. It is made from granite that is pink in colour though, so it does stand out for one very good reason!

There is a Roman amphitheatre here too, albeit the remains of it, so that gives you something else to see among the modern side of Alexandria. So regardless of what you want from an Egyptian holiday you will be bound to enjoy the delights that Alexandria has to share with you.

What Is Abu Simbel?

2010-07-23T10:58:00.002Z

Many sites in Egypt are indicative of ancient times. We all know about the Pyramids and the Sphinx, but while the name Abu Simbel may also be familiar, would you know what it really means?

Abu Simbel is the name given to two ancient monuments situated in Nubia. They are rock temples and they are known to date from the 13th century. You’ve probably heard of Pharaoh Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari – well these two temples were designed to remember and honour them both. And indeed they still do so, even today in the 21st century.

The temples themselves are quite amazing and it is difficult to believe the sheer size of them until you get up close. At the front of the temple on the left there are four huge statues, two either side of the doorway. They are all seated and every single one of them is the image of Ramesses II himself. One of them fell victim to an earthquake in the region some time ago, and although the top half of the statue fell to the ground and was broken, it still remains in that same position. The other three are in remarkably good condition considering the passage of time.

The temples can be seen inside as well if you are interested in finding out what lies inside. There are many rooms there and many more statues too, although none are quite as big as the ones outside.

To give you an idea of the scale involved here, the other temple has slightly less dramatic figures carved into the rock on the exterior. But they are no less huge because they tower over thirty feet over you as you stand and look up at them. It seems as if the Pharaoh wanted people to realise his power and importance, as the scale is quite impressive. One wonders whether he realised the statues and temples would still remain in their present condition so many centuries later?

You can learn a lot about the ancient Egyptians and their Pharaohs when you visit the temples at Abu Simbel. It’s no wonder this is a key sight in the region.

Why See Something That Will Never Be Finished?

2010-06-24T11:10:00.001Z

It’s obvious what the most famous and revered sights in all of Egypt are – the Pyramids and the Sphinx. With such delights to stand and look at in awe, why would you want to go and see an obelisk that isn’t even, well... an obelisk at all?

You should make the time to do this though, because you will see a lot more than the reason why the Unfinished Obelisk got its name. Needless to say it was never finished, and there is actually rather less of it than you might think. But there is something about its appearance that arguably tells us even more than we could learn from it if it had ever actually been completed.

The unfinished obelisk is quite something to see, and indeed it has become a tourist attraction because of its size. To make things clear, we are talking about a large section of rock which is around 42 metres long. This is one huge chunk of rock, and the idea was apparently to excavate it and stand it up somewhere. The location is vague though and we shall never know exactly where it was intended to stand.

But of course that never did happen, and the rock still lies where it was abandoned. It is very easy to see why this happened, because the rock has a huge crack running through it. Workmen would have been digging and working to create this huge obelisk and indeed much of the work had been done before the crack appeared. Knowing that this would put paid to the strength of the obelisk, they downed tools and left it where it lies today.

When you see it – it is located in Aswan – you will see all the marks the workmen made as they gradually chiselled it out of the bedrock beneath. It is quite something to imagine how they would have worked, and to speculate how long it took these ancient workers to reach even this stage.

Would they ever have imagined that we would be marvelling at their work all these centuries later, even though they would never complete it?

Why Is Sharm-el-Sheikh So Popular?

2010-05-25T11:38:00.003Z

Whenever you hear about someone booking a holiday to Egypt, the place name that comes up most often is that of Sharm el Sheikh.

Well for starters this is the resort you will head to if you are looking for a beach based holiday in Egypt. While you can still go to see the grand landmarks the country is famous for, such as the Pyramids and the Sphinx, you also have the advantage of being based in a location you don’t have to leave. If what you want is a beach holiday and nothing more, Sharm el Sheikh is the place for you.

The area is also popular for its water sports. In particular it is known for being something of a Mecca for those who love deep sea diving. If you are qualified to try scuba diving you will be amazed at the delights that await you beneath the surface of the waves.

For starters there are plenty of tropical fish down there, which are a delight to see and swim alongside. And since the waters are so clear you can see a lot even just by snorkelling. This means that even for those who don’t want to go deep sea diving for some reason, there is a lot to see and appreciate.

You also have a good variety of accommodation to choose from in Sharm el Sheikh. If you love nothing better than staying in a huge five star hotel with all the relevant services on tap right round the clock, you can find suitable accommodation like this in the area. But for those who want something smaller and perhaps a little more personal, there are indeed other venues you can stay in as well.

This is one of the reasons why so many people come back to Sharm el Sheikh again and again. It caters for everyone in so many different ways, providing everything you need for a stunning Egyptian holiday. Just remember there is a lot to explore beyond Sharm el Sheikh as well, so don’t miss out on the many other delights the region has to offer.

The Siwa Oasis – One Of The Top Attractions In Egypt

2010-04-26T11:52:00.002Z

When you think of Egypt you will automatically think of some of the biggest Egyptian attractions there are. How can you not think about the Sphinx, the Pyramids and the Tomb of Tutankhamun for example?

These are all notable sights and well worth seeing, but you should not discount other equally popular sights either. For instance there is the Siwa Oasis, which as the name suggests is in the desert. But if you are expecting a wide open space with not much to see, you should certainly think again.

For starters there are buildings here. Not just any buildings but buildings made from mud bricks. They make the buildings seem as if they have risen up out of the earth itself, rather than having been built on top of it. It provides a strange but captivating sight, and one that brings the tourist cameras out en masse.

You will find greenery here too though, in the form of olive trees and palms. Most notably a huge amount of olive oil comes from the Siwa Oasis, and since much of it is sent over to Europe, you may even have used some without realising it.

One thing to bear in mind when you visit is that due to the desert location of the oasis, you can expect hot temperatures if you pick the summer months. Record highs have been as much as 47 degrees Celcius between June and August, so if you dislike really hot weather you may want to visit at a different time of year. Although even in January you will get temperatures in the mid twenties, so be sure to take water with you whenever you go.

The best thing about this area is that it is unique to Egypt. In a sense it is almost a country in itself – at least it will feel like that. They even have their own language which they speak along with Arabic. In short, the Siwa Oasis is not to be missed, no matter what else you see while you are in Egypt.

Visit The Most Famous Tomb Of All

2010-03-25T08:08:00.000Z

Everyone knows the name of the boy King who died at a young age and was entombed for many long centuries before being rediscovered in 1922. We’re talking about Tutankhamun, and if you only visit a single tomb while you are in Egypt you must be sure you make it this one.

Many of the discoveries that were found in the tomb when it was finally uncovered by Howard Carter and his team are now in museums. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo holds many such delights, and if you can pay a visit during your holiday time in Egypt you should certainly do so.

Visiting the Valley of the Kings itself is quite an experience. It certainly lives up to its name – allocated as the place where the bodies of the deceased Egyptian kings would be buried with many treasures to help them in their afterlife. King Tutankhamun was buried with many such honours himself, and it was these that were discovered when his tomb was broken open.

His tomb is quite centrally located in the Valley of the Kings, with plenty of others surrounding it. There are several distinct rooms in the tomb, with the burial chamber slightly further in and the treasure chamber beyond that. His body is still in his tomb, being one of the few things that were not removed at the time of discovery. Tourists can go and see the tomb of the boy King himself; but visitor numbers are understandably severely restricted. The chamber is very small and can only accommodate several people at a time.

If you can get a ticket to go in however, make sure you do so. It is a privilege to witness a slice of history – a chamber where an Egyptian king was buried thousands of years before our time. To stand in that same chamber today and witness the mummified remains is quite an experience.

Be sure you see the rest of the Valley of the Kings as well though. There is enough here to take in that will keep you busy for the whole day.

How Much Do You Know About The Pyramids?

2010-02-23T09:31:00.002Z

Everyone has heard about the Egyptian Pyramids, otherwise known as the Pyramids of Giza, since this is where they are located. Nothing can really prepare you for the size of these Pyramids when you finally see them in real life – the highest one is not far off five hundred feet tall.

Most people know they were designed to hold the remains of various Pharaohs, and indeed some of them have more than one burial chamber contained within. But the Pyramids themselves are part of a larger area which also contains other tombs such as the Tomb of Queen Khentkawes. The Great Sphinx can also be seen as you approach the area from the direction of Cairo. The Temple of the Sphinx - and the Sphinx itself – is situated a short distance in front of the Pyramid of Khafre.

The Pyramid of Khafre is particularly worth noting because of its smoother top. If you look closely – and this aspect of the Pyramid is visible even in photos – the top of it is smoother than the rest. This shows the limestone casing that finished off each Pyramid once it was built. Unfortunately you can only now see the casing on this particular Pyramid, since the years and the weather have started to wear away the rest of it.

Many people mistake the Pyramid of Khafre as the tallest one of the main three Pyramids at Giza. But this is in fact untrue. The reason it appears to be the highest one of all three is because it sits on a base that is larger. The biggest one is in fact the Pyramid of Khufu.

It is quite something to think about how long these Pyramids have been standing. This is particularly true since one – the Pyramid of Djedefre – is now in ruins. This is located at Abu Rawash rather than Giza, but its remains still hark back to another age when the world was very different to how it is now. It is believed this Pyramid did once stand completed, but seeing the ruins is no less impressive than seeing the rest of the Pyramids at Giza itself.

Walk Through The City Of The Dead

2010-01-22T08:41:00.002Z

Have you ever visited a cemetery that is four miles long before? The chances are you haven’t – but you can do just that when you visit Cairo. Its famous City of the Dead might seem to be a bizarre place to visit, but you can learn a lot about Cairo by going.

And even more bizarre than the size of it, there is also the fact that it is a home for many people – living people at that.

There are hundreds of thousands of people living in this City of the Dead, and it provides a stark contrast to the rest of Cairo. While you may wander among the tombs and see such sights as the intricately decorated tomb of Sultan Faraq Ibn Barquq, dating from 1411 AD, you will also encounter the many people who live in some of these tombs. It is a strange and disquieting experience that will show you another side of Cairo altogether.

The City of the Dead is filled with alleyways and many of the bodies which lay at rest here were buried from the 13th century onwards. But since this cemetery measures four miles long the best bet is to make sure you book a place on a proper guided tour. No buses frequent the area but walking tours can be found that will not only show you the most interesting areas of the City of the Dead, they will also keep you from getting lost.

Some people may question the wisdom of visiting this part of Cairo. But the truth is that it provides a fascinating window into centuries of Cairo’s past – as well as providing an insight into how many people live there among the dead today. The city is famous for this meeting of opposites, and while conditions here are understandably not good for the living, there don’t seem to be any changes in store any time soon.

As you will see if you make the trip yourself, this truly is a living cemetery. This is just one of the names given to the City of the Dead, and any visit is worth making.

The Egyptian Museum In Cairo – A Test Of Your Egyptian Knowledge

2009-12-01T11:16:00.002Z

What better way to find out all about a particular country than to go to a museum?

And if you are heading out to Egypt make sure you pay a visit to Cairo to see the Egyptian Museum there. It isn’t too far from the River Nile so you can enjoy the sights outside as well as inside the museum.

There are plenty of highlights here to explore and if you have even the slightest interest in the history of Egypt you will find something new to discover around every corner. The most stunning of all the exhibits is unsurprisingly the Tutankhamun Gallery. Everyone knows the story of the Boy King and you will learn even more about him by visiting this gallery.

The Golden Mask of Tutankhamun is by far the highlight of the whole museum. You may have seen this on television or perhaps online or in a magazine, but nothing will prepare you for seeing it for real. This mask is solid gold with obsidian, glass and various other precious materials included within the design. There are no words to adequately describe the design; such is the history and majesty of it.

You can also view the mummified remains of Amenhotep the First. Considering how old this mummy is, it has survived remarkably well and it is quite something to see. There are countless other artefacts and exhibitions here which reveal more about ancient life in Egypt and of Tutankhamun himself. If you visit with the family it is an excellent way to show the kids a piece of living history. They’re bound to enjoy it far more than they would enjoy a history lesson at school!

The one downside of the museum is its size. Far from being too small it is huge, and exploring all of it would take you most of your holiday. So make sure you head for the Tutankhamun exhibit first, and then see the remaining items that you have an interest in. This should ensure you see the best that the Egyptian Museum has to offer.

Camel Trekking in Egypt Featured In Clean Breaks Guide

2009-09-29T14:06:00.001Z

A new book called 'Clean Breaks: 500 ways to see the world' features Camel Trekking holidays in Egypt as one of the cheap holiday options that are not only fantastic holiday experiences in themselves but also are socially responsible and environmentally friendly. The book is written by Jeremy Mcsmith and Richard Hammond and features such diverse holiday ideas as organic farming in Ibiza or sleeping in solar powered bungalows in Zanzibar.

Clean Breaks: 500 New Ways to See the World is published by rough guides and available through reputable bookstores.

New Egypt Travel Website Takes Visitors Back in Time

2007-07-31T11:02:00.000Z

When you are fully informed, you reap the full value of any activity in which you participate. That's the driving idea behind All-About-Egypt (http://www.all-about-egypt.com), a new Egypt travel site that prepares visitors for "their vacation of a lifetime".

All-About-Egypt is a travel guide website designed for people interested in Egypt as a vacation destination. The site delivers all the necessary information for Egypt travelers such as passport and visa requirements, main tour attractions, hotels, restaurants, transportation shopping and currency exchange. It also contains interesting facts about ancient Egypt magnificent temples, exquisite art and its glorious past, which continues to be the most powerful magnet for visitors to Egypt.

Visitors to the site will find its design and pictorials aesthetically pleasing and inviting for navigation. Unlike other Egypt sites aimed at egyptologists and the academic community, All-About-Egypt provides ever-evolving content adapted for general readers who wants to get informed and make their vacation to the Land of the Pharaohs a more rewarding and lasting experience.

Travel to Egypt - Top 3 Egyptian Tourist Attractions

2007-07-24T09:57:00.000Z

23 July 2007

Amar Mahallati, from the Travel to Egypt website, looks at what Eqypt has to offer.

"So you have the trip planned. You are on your way to Egypt. Visions of pyramids, vast desserts and great kings fill your mind. The idea of a great adventure makes your heart race and the adrenaline pump through your body.

There are so many places to see. Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Al-Qalaa Citadel, Coptic Museum, Museum of Islamic Arts, Gayer-Anderson Museum, Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Mosque at Al-Azhar, Abdeen Palace Museum, Abu Sir Pyramids, Manial Palace Museum, just to name a few.

But do you know where you absolutely must go to say that you had a complete adventure while in Egypt. There are three places that if you miss, you might as well not have even been to Egypt.

The Giza Pyramids

First place is of course the pyramids. The Giza Pyramids were built as tombs for the great kings of Egypt, and sometimes the queens as well. The driving force behind the pyramids construction was the desire for eternity. These world famous monuments were not in isolation but they were constructed as a part of the funerary complexes which include temples and shrines.

Imhotep is not an Egyptian dance but the famous architect that built and designed the first pyramid. This pyramid can still be seen today in Egypt. They are known as the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the first monument in Egypt to be made entirely out of hewn stone.

Did you realise that there are two types of pyramids that not all pyramids were made the same? While most of us believe that the heads on some of the pyramids represent kings actually meant something different.

Valley of the Kings

Ramsees XI was the last king of the New Kingdom and his is also the last king to have built a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Most are sure though that he never used the tomb that he built.

What other secrets lay in wait for you here? Are there kings buried in the valley? Are the royal families buried there, as their final resting place before moving onto to eternity?

There are two main branches of the Valley of the Kings. There is the East Valley where most of the tombs are located. There is also the West Valley and here you will find only a few tombs and some pits.

Abu Simbel Temples

As the story goes, back in 1813 a man named J. L. Burkhardt stumbled upon an amazing site and brought it to the attention of many Europeans. He came across the facade of two temples built to as a dedication to Ramesses II, and the other to his wife, Nefertari.

With these being such incredible finds, it led to many Victorian travellers to make the trek up the Nile and that at times they would get there to find the temples completely covered in sand. You can still see these amazing temples as they were hundreds of years ago, but not where they were built originally. What do I mean by that?

As you can see there are tourist attractions galore for any visitor to Egypt, but there are only three that you absolutely must see in order for your trip to be considered complete. These three sites give you the adventure that you have been dreaming about for your trip."

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Mining to Overtake Tourism as Egypt Main Revenue Source?

2007-03-26T15:05:00.000Z

Tourism has long been Egypt's most lucrative source of income, but that could change in the near future with the discovery of immense deposits of minerals, including gold, in the Eastern desert near the Red Sea coast.

A representative of Centamin, a junior mining corporation from Australia, recently confirmed to the Middle East Times the existence of at least £E21-billion ($3.7-billion) in proven gold reserves in one area of the desert's six hills alone.

According to Sami Al Raghy, Centamin founder and chairman, mining could take over as the primary revenue-generating sector in Egypt's economy, with up to £E60 billion ($10.5 billion) per year in income.

Despite what could potentially be the nation's most lucrative endeavor since the Ptolemaic era - 95 percent of Egypt's gold mining occurred during the time of Pharaohs - difficulties have arisen that have not allowed the largest companies to enter the exploration stages.

Frank Sader, chief strategist and senior operations manager at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), told the Middle East Times, that current regulations are archaic and do not provide an environment tempting enough to secure the millions of investment dollars necessary from larger corporations, in what could turn out to be not as optimistic a venture as early signs indicate.

"The existing legal framework is relatively old, and in fact, the framework has never been designed for mining, so we are helping to create a policy for Egypt and mining companies," Sader, who is leading the project to create a new framework for mining in Egypt, says.

This is the major drawback for mining companies to enter Egypt. Currently, the policy of the Egyptian government is based on revenue sharing and joint ventures, which are not common within the mining industry across the world. This, in turn, has limited interest to engage in exploration to see if Centamin's optimism is well-founded, Sader argues.

"Their current thinking is 'why bother with the current framework.' Through the establishment of a new framework it will allow companies to move in and establish their own exploration of the area."

That is where the IFC comes in. Sader and his team are currently reassessing the present mining code and the national mining strategy in order to help establish a new code and strategy for mining projects that is Egyptian, as well as in line with standard norms within the mining community worldwide.

The IFC hopes to have a new code and strategy completed by the end of this year with the goal of presenting it to parliament for approval.

"New laws create uncertainty," Sader continues, "so we have to educate members of parliament on what a new code would give Egypt, such as royalty issues, taxes, and revenue-sharing as well as other fiscal issues. MPs are going to want to make sure that Egypt is getting a proper percentage of money from mining companies, which is understandable, so it is a major challenge to educate them on worldwide norms."

Despite the current hurdles that must be overcome, the overall atmosphere is optimistic that the end of 2007 will see a new code and mining companies should begin to enter the market sometime in 2008.

Sader points out that mining will benefit Egypt in many ways, not simply monetarily. Mining operations will create thousands of jobs, making available a skill base that Egypt currently does not have, such as new engineers.

"It is simply too expensive to bring in foreigners for all jobs necessary for everything, so Egyptians will need to be trained. That will bring new skills to many Egyptians," Sader adds.

"We will be directly employing around 4,000 people during the construction phase," Esmat El Raghy, field director at one of Centamin's sights in the desert, recently told Egypt's online monthly Business Today. "For every person we directly employ there will be three more indirectly in terms of logistics and support operations."

Centamin is currently building an entire city in the desert that will house the workers at the mines. Roads are also being built to support the mining community and it is expected that thousands of Egyptians will flock to the new area in search of jobs.

"It is exciting to see that this whole project will create numerous jobs outside the capital," Sader says.

The mining industry in Egypt could become the nation's top source of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but it depends on whether the IFC, led by Sader, can work with the Egyptian government to create a framework allowing larger corporations to enter the Egyptian mining market.

The World Bank estimates that if current assessments are correct, mining could increase Egypt's GDP by at least 2 percent, and possibly as much as 5 percent.

Egypt to Unveil Revamped Trade Website

2007-03-06T15:10:00.001Z

The Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) will relaunch a dedicated website at the domain www.trade.egypt.travel, to cater to the travel and tourism trade and press this month, according to a statement.

The move follows recent enhancements to the authority’s international website www.egypt.travel, following a staggering 2.2 million visitors in nine months. Some 4,129 travel agents have registered on the trade site to date.

Ahmed El Khadem, chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, said, “Our aim is to provide travellers with a one-stop online resource that not only features essential and useful destination information to travellers and trade alike, but also boasts innovative features to enhance the browsing experience still further.”

The enhanced portal reflects the ETA’s new branding, and features an updated layout with even more detailed content as well as extensive information on 15 key destinations. It features a wealth of things to see and do, and has now offers several unique interactive elements, including a new sound-enhanced Egyptian dictionary.

The online Arabic lexicon www.lexicon.egypt.travel enables travellers to learn some of the essential phrases and words used in a variety of day-to-day situations that they may encounter on a holiday to Egypt. These are downloadable for practice.

Users can now also communicate in the ancient language of the Pharaohs by sending their own e-cards – written in actual hieroglyphics – through www.hieroglyph.egypt.travel.

A personalised My Travel notebook allows visitors to save, download and share their favourite travel ideas.

Future additions include a link-up with Google Earth, featuring satellite views of destinations and tourist sights. “Visitors can now begin their Egyptian adventure... before they go,” El Khadem said.

Currently available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish, www.egypt.travel is one of the key initiatives of Egypt’s integrated marketing campaign, entitled “Gift of the Sun”. It is designed to double global visitor numbers from eight million in 2004, to reach 16 million by 2014.

For more information visit ttnworldwide.com

EasyGroup Set to Take its Budget Hotel Franchise into the Middle East

2007-02-27T11:41:00.004Z

26 February 2007

As per the information available, the first of six budget hotels planned for Dubai under the easyHotel.com brand will open in Karama early next year. The development follows a master franchise agreement signed last year between with London-based easyHotel Limited and Istithmar Hotels, a subsidiary of Dubai investment firm Istithmar.

“In some markets like Dubai you start with attention to luxury,” easyGroup Chairman said Stelios Haji-Ioannou reportedly said in an interview. “But you need also levels of hotel accommodations that represent value for money and plug a gap in the market.”

easyHotels aims to open 38 properties in the next five years in the region through a franchise agreement with Istithmar Hotels, whose $3 billion in investments last year included New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel and W Hotel Union Square.

Dubai will have about four of the hotels and the others will be located in 17 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, India and Pakistan, Haji-Ioannou said.

The total project will cost $400 million.

The specific countries where easyHotel will be present are: Dubai (six), India (eight), Saudi Arabia (three), Pakistan (three), Egypt (two) Lebanon (two), and one each in Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Qatar, Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia and Algeria. Each hotel will contain between 80 and 120 rooms.

For more information visit eyefortravel.com

Egypt reports nine million tourists for 2006

2007-01-19T12:41:00.002Z

At least 9.082 million tourists visited Egypt in 2006, tourism minister Zoheir Garana announced, saying that the number was an increase of more than 400,000 visitors compared to the figures in 2005.

In 2005, 8.6 million tourists visited Egypt, which was a record according to the minister.

He recalled that over the past 10 years Egypt has received an average of 6.5 million tourists annually, but the 8.6 million was an upward trend from 2002.

Tourists visiting Egypt in 2006 came mainly from the United Kingdom (1.033 million), Russia (998,000), Germany (966,000), Italy (786,000), Libya (443,000), Saudi Arabia (388,000), France (372,000), Palestine (228,000), USA (228,100) and the Netherlands (210,500).

Portland Hotel Offers Ancient-Egypt Package

2007-01-16T14:00:00.002Z

In conjunction with the Portland Art Museum, the historic Benson Hotel in Portland is offering room stays that include tickets for The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt.

The rare exhibit was organized by United Exhibit Groups, Copenhagen, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. in association with the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Cairo. Many of the artifacts displayed have never been shown in North America.

The Ancient Egypt Package includes two premier, untimed tickets to the exhibition, a night at the Benson Hotel and valet parking

The Ancient Egypt package is offered through March 4. Visit www.portlandartmuseum.org or www.bensonhotel.com for more information.

Cairo

2007-01-15T14:38:00.002Z

Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, began 5,000 years ago when the pharaohs of old built the pyramids. Over the centuries, the land was conquered by Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Turks, leaving behind vestiges of culture procuring more tends. Besides ancient Egyptian attractions like the Sphinx, there are also monuments of a later date but in no way inferior to the earlier ones.

The Mosque of Sultan Hasan covers more than two acres and its loftiest minaret, 267-feet high, is the tallest in Cairo and built in A.D. 1357.

Mosque El Azhar, known as the "splendid," was converted into a university nearly a thousand years ago. Students come from all parts of the Islamic world to gain a deeper understanding of the Koran.

Tall and beautiful, the Minarets call the Islamic faithful to prayer daily and is a landmark of the Old Cairo when it was still a mere citadel (El-Kala).

Of course, every tourist wants to see the mummified body of Ramses the Great, Egypt’s most celebrated pharaoh, builder of mighty fortresses and monuments throughout Egypt for 66 years. To see it, you have to make your way through the congested Egyptian Museum of Cairo. Thousands of visitors go there each day to see the “King of Kings” as well as 26 other royal mummies.

The museum also contains the most valuable collection of Egyptian antiquates in existence together with some priceless articles found in the tombs of their ancient leaders.

Egypt Air to Resume Flights to Sharm El Sheikh from Dubai

2006-12-04T13:13:00.002Z

Egypt's official carrier Egypt Air will resume its direct Dubai-Sharm El Sheikh flights in November, 16 months after suspending them, a top official said.

Egypt Air halted the flights in July 2005 after terror bombings in the Egyptian Red Sea tourist resort that killed more than 80 people and wounded more than 150.

'We will re-launch our Dubai-Sharm El Sheikh flights next month because the company has noticed that demand for the destination has increased in recent weeks, and we expect more movement in the winter months,' said Gamal Hammad, Egypt Air's regional manager for Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Tourism

Hammad said Egypt Air was planning to increase its weekly flights between Cairo and Dubai from 9 to at least 11 besides a daily flight between Cairo and Sharjah.

'The decision came as part of Egypt Air's plans to activate and support the two-way flow of tourism between Egypt and the UAE especially, and the Gulf and Arab countries generally,' he added.

'We are preparing for a full package promotion with the Rotana group of hotels, including e tickets, accommodation and transportation to Sharm El Sheikh. The prices will be a pleasant surprise,' he added.

Hammad said the carrier will re-schedule its Dubai-Alexandria flights to Thursdays and Mondays, in line with the new days off in the UAE.

'We are expanding our presence and introducing more services in the Northern Emirates,' he added.

He also said Egypt Air has plans to increase its fleet by acquiring an additional 12 Boeing 777-800s.

Angolans At Deep Sea Championship In Egypt

2006-11-28T12:14:00.000Z

24 November 2006

Angola will participate with two teams at the senior male deep sea World Cup, scheduled for February 2007 in Egypt, ANGOP learnt from an official source, in Luanda.

The list of the athletes has not yet been made public, but might be announced in January 2007, after the Luanda 24 hours fishing competition, to happen also that month.

The Egypt World Cup will be disputed in deep sea, also known as 'Big Game', where the main attractions will be marlin and sailfish, that are normally found in that maritime zone.

Apart from this competition, five national teams will compete at Mexico 2007 World Championship, named IGFA-Rolex, open for middle sized marlin.

The team are Xiripiti, Tubaroes, Provider, Malembeiros and Peixe Free, the last one managed to qualify after conquering Luanda Sailfish Classic, disputed last weekend.

Angola first participated in this IGFA-Rolex competition through Adenalina Team Fishing and Tubaroes in 2005, having occupied the 11th position.

Swimming With Dolphins In The Wild - Five Best Locations Worldwide

2006-11-20T16:03:00.000Z

Swimming with dolphins in the wild is an amazing experience because you get the opportunity to interact with these incredibly friendly and intelligent animals on their own turf.

Unlike captive dolphins who have no choice but to interact with human beings whether they want to or not, wild dolphins can choose whether they want to stick around and swim with you and if they don't they have the freedom to simply disappear into the deep blue sea which makes it all the more special when they do decide to stay (which occurs on a frequent basis).

There is a huge debate raging about the ethics of swimming with captive dolphins and even though there are definite benefits for humans (treatment for depression and disabilities) captivity is harmful to the dolphins as they suffer from stress and illness and have a much shorter life expectancy than similar dolphins in the wild. The demand to swim with captive dolphins also encourages capture from wild populations that are already under threat which is very detrimental to the environment.

On the other hand, studies conducted on the effects of humans swimming with dolphins in the wild have shown that there seem to be no ill effects to the animals if it is done responsibly and sensibly (not by chasing and herding them or noisy splashing in the water).

The jury is still out because long term trends need to be taken into consideration but until such time as the scientific uncertainty is cleared up or the dolphins move away because they are feeling harassed, responsible swimming with wild dolphins is an ethical way to interact with them and tourism revenues generated provide a strong incentive for dolphin conservation.

So if you have a dream is to go swimming with dolphins, going the wild route with an ethical and responsible operator is the way to do it. Here are the top five places in the world to swim with wild dolphins.

1. Kaikoura, New Zealand

The best place in the world to swim with wild dusky dolphins because the success rate of finding and swimming with the pods is very high. The dolphins are attracted to the nutrients in the water that are available due to a 1200 meter trench situated just off the coast.

2. Oahu and Kona, Hawaii

You will find spinner and spotted dolphin here and some of the boat operators boast a 99% success rate of finding the pods on day trips.

3. Azores Archipelago

If you want dolphin variety then this is where you will find it as up to eight different species call this home and it's possible to see super pods of up to 1000 individuals here too.

4. Bimini, Bahamas

One of the advantages of swimming with dolphins here is the fact that the water is very warm, shallow and clear but it's important to remember that these are wild creatures and 20% of the time they don't come closer to the boat and rather swim away.

5. Red Sea, Egypt

Spinner and bottlenose dolphins can be found in these waters and travel operators have a very good record of finding dolphin pods in this area.

This top five list is compiled using worldwide swim with dolphins reviews and travel reports from people who have experienced it themselves.

The Top Adventure Tours website lists the best nature adventure trips worldwide. Find out where swimming with dolphins in the wild is ranked.

For more information please visit: http://www.top-adventure-tours.com/

Tourism Damaging Egyptian Heritage

2006-11-13T17:06:00.000Z

Booming tourism, a key part of Egypt's economy, is having a catastrophic effect on the country's unique cultural heritage, experts said on Wednesday.

So large were the numbers of people now visiting Egypt's famed ancient sites like the Valley of the Kings that they were causing serious damage in a way that even centuries of weather had failed to do, they said at a meeting in London.

'Tourists are scuffing walls with bags and bodies, wearing away paintings and colour,' Michael Jones, of the American Research Centre in Egypt, said during the meeting of the British Egyptian Society and the London Middle East Institute.

'The humidity caused by the crowds' breathing and perspiration is also taking a terrible toll on the fabric,' he added.

After tailing off sharply following a string of attacks by militant Islamists in the 1990s, tourist numbers in Egypt climbed to eight million in 2004 and up again to 8.6 million last year.

Figures from the Egyptian Tourism Authority show that in the first six months of this year tourist numbers were 12 percent up on the same period the previous year, and there are plans to boost numbers to 16 million by 2014.

Jones, a speaker at the Anglo-Egyptian conference to mark 50 years since the diplomatic crisis caused by Britain's invasion of the Suez canal, was not alone in his concerns.

'The time has now come to initiate a detailed study of the damage being caused to all Egypt's sites,' said Egyptologist Gaballa Ali Gaballa, a former head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities.

'Above all we must work with the tourism industry on this to raise awareness and seek solutions. We all gain from tourism but seeing the damage it is causing makes you feel very sorry indeed,' he added.

A Feast Fit For a King Comes to Cairo

2006-11-07T09:35:00.000Z

Ever wondered what the Queen of England eats for breakfast? What the King of Morocco serves at state dinners or whether Canada's Prime Minister prefers tea or coffee?

The select few who could possibly have answers to these questions can be found at the Club des Chefs des Chefs (Chefs of the heads of state) currently hosted at the Nile Hilton.

The club has 40 members all who have at one point been chefs for world leaders and bluebloods since 1977. However, only 17 of these world renowned culinary geniuses made it to Cairo.

'Today our club is surely the most exclusive gastronomic club in the world. These ladies and gentlemen are cooking for the most important people on the planet. They are the guardians of their national cuisines,' said Gilles Bragard, founder of the club and president of clothing company Bragard Uniforms.

Jean-Pierre Mainardi, manager of the Nile Hilton, added to Bragard's praise, saying, 'The Presidents of their states may have some differences politically, but food unites them around the table. This is very important in the world today.'

'In each of their countries, they are the guardians of the culinary tradition,' Bragard says to introduce them, though he later acknowledges the Queen of Denmark's chef is Japanese. At the reception, India's Chef Madhu Sudan Gupta gives tips on healthy eating, while Canada's Oliver Bartsch explains how the human metabolism deals with a regular supply of food.

Only the best will do for this group of chefs, so they will take in Cairo's finest attractions during their five-day trip. Feasting at the Nile Hilton and the Mena House Oberoi Gardens, exploring the Pyramids and the Wadi Foods olive groves, no luxury will be spared.

Established by Brugard in France in 1977, Club Chef des Chefs members now hail from all over the world: France, England, the US, Thailand, Denmark, Monaco, and many other countries.

Anne Britt Lokken, chef to the King of Norway, was appointed the sixth president of the Club in 2005. They came to Egypt at the invitation of the Egyptian Holding Company for Tourism and Cinema, which aims to promote Egypt as an international tourist destination.

'I hope that these people will go back and tell stories of the places they have visited,' said Suzy Naga, representing the company at Club des Chef des Chef's press conference at the Nile Hilton.

The club has only four female members, chefs to the US president, the king of Norway, the prime minister of Ireland and the prime minister of Finland, and two Arabs, chefs to the kings of Morocco and Bahrain.

One member of the club already knows Cairo well, and showcases Egyptian cuisine around the world. Heinrich Lauber, chef in charge of official receptions for Switzerland, was the chef of the Nile Hilton from 1976-79.

'I had a beautiful time in Egypt,' Lauber said. 'Whenever I have the possibility to cook what I learned in Egypt, I do it.'

Contiki Launch Extensive Europe 07/08 Touring Program for Young Australian Travellers

2006-10-31T10:05:00.000Z

Contiki has launched its 07/08 Europe touring brochures, incorporating its new Time Out, Concept and Camping programs. The 07/08 product range presents agents with over 50 unique itineraries to offer their clients, from camping trips and multi-country European jaunts to regional tours and city getaways.

The product range in 07/08 covers a range of countries and cities including, Britain and Ireland, Central and Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, Eastern Mediterranean including Turkey and Egypt, as well as island hopping, cruising, special interest tours, and the Contiki Resort Mykonos, with holiday options ranging from three to 46 days in length.

Tammy Marshall, managing director, Contiki Holidays said, 'We continue to increase our product depth and breadth, by listening to our customers' feedback, keeping an eye on travel trends, pushing the boundaries and staying on the pulse of what's hot in Europe in order to continue leading the market.

'We work tirelessly to stay true to our roots. Our experience and reputation, dedication to 18 to 35's, hassle free and value for money travel options have remained strong throughout our history over more than 40 years. Our ethos of fun, freedom, choice and culture continue to be communicated by our passionate staff who love, live and breathe travel and ensure the best possible holiday experience for young travellers.

'We have introduced a new Time Out tour this year, our City Getaway Rome, Sorrento and Athens, which acts as the perfect link for travellers wanting to see Rome, Athens, Sorrento and the Isle of Capri. We have also ensured that it connects easily with other trips, so travellers can mix and match tours and really tailor their trip.

'Our Europe camping program has also expanded with a new 21-day (an 18-day option is also available) Europe Camping trip, travelling through some of the hottest European cities in 07 including, Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Venice and Athens.'

Increasing Africa Presence Marks Emirates' Expansion

2006-10-24T11:37:00.000Z

20 October 2006

A growing focus on Africa with scheduled enhancements to existing operations in Egypt, Ethiopia and Tanzania, and soon-to-be-launched services to Tunisia, marks the start of Dubai-based Emirates' winter schedule.

The award-winning carrier's East African presence, currently at 31 flights to four gateways in four countries, will be bolstered when it introduces daily non-stop flights to Addis Ababa and Dar es Salaam.

The Ethiopian capital city of Addis Ababa which entered Emirates' 85-strong destination network on 27th March as its 77th gateway will experience an influx of over 1000 passenger seats and 52 tonnes cargo capacity, as the airline adds four additional flights to its existing three per week, making it a daily service from 1st December. The extra frequencies with flight numbers EK 723 (Dubai-Addis Ababa) and EK 724 (Addis Ababa-Dubai) will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday using an Airbus A340-300 aircraft.

Connections to East Africa will also improve as Emirates introduces direct flights between Dubai and Dar es Salaam, putting an end to the service which originally operated via Nairobi. The non-stop flights will make available almost 1700 passenger seats to Dar es Salaam per week per direction.

In North Africa, Emirates will add an additional flight every Saturday to power-house Egypt's capital city, Cairo, bringing its total to 10 flights a week, starting 29th October. The state-of-the-art Emirates' Boeing 777-200 aircraft currently in service on the route, and equipped with mood-lighting to minimise jetlag and Emirates' patented information, communication and entertainment (ice) system offering more than 500 channels of inflight entertainment, will be used for the additional frequency.

It offers 12 First, 42 Business and 236 Economy Class seats, along with 18 tonnes of cargo capacity. To Cairo, Emirates currently operates flights on all days of the week and a double daily on Tuesday and Friday.Nasser bin Kherbash, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Africa explained that the increasing capacity was only natural given the growing business between traditional trade partners, U.A.E. and Africa.

'Currently, Dubai's trade with Africa exceeds U27 million dollars, and is expected to reach new heights as more and more African countries adopt free trade policies. Emirates' increasing presence in the region will facilitate and add greater momentum to this trade process.'

Continuing with its strategy of enhancing links between Dubai and North Africa, Emirates recently announced its decision to serve Tunis via Tripoli. With the launch of its five-flights-a-week service to the capital city of the Tunisian Republic, the airline's North Africa footprint will include five flights to Libya, 17 to Egypt, seven to Morocco, totalling 29 flights.

Tunis will be the eighth gateway in a series of new destination launches this year for the rapidly-expanding airline, the others being Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Hamburg, Nagoya, Beijing, Thiruvananthapuram and Kolkata, and Bangalore which joins the airline's network together with Tunis on 29th October.

Cairo is a Strong Cultural Draw

2006-10-17T11:40:00.000Z

Cairo has long been a favourite with holidaymakers wanting to discover the Pyramids of Giza, and offers a host of cultural attractions besides. The Old Cairo and Islamic Cairo areas will keep you entertained for hours as you navigate the narrow streets and discover the hidden mosques, churches, museums and souks.

The main market is the Khan al-Khalili, where you'll find yourself haggling for silk and spices and the many outdoor cafes provide the perfect place to rest weary legs and do a spot of people-watching. If you want a terrific panorama of the city, head to the Citadel - home to Egypt's rulers for 700 years. Perhaps the biggest draw in Cairo itself is the Egyptian Museum - which houses the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world. With more than 130,000 items on display, it could take you some time to work your way around. Highlights include the legendary tomb of Pharoah Tutankhamun.

However, the top attraction here is undoubtedly Giza and its pyramids, located around 20 kilometres to the south of Cairo. Included as one of the original Seven Wonders of the World (and the only one still in existence), Giza and its pyramids are thought to be the most popular tourist destination ever.

Egypt to Begin New Advertising Campaign

2006-10-10T16:50:00.000Z

Cairo, Egypt, Oct 9

The Egyptian Tourism Authority revealed its new worldwide television and print advertising campaign titled 'The Gift of the Sun'.

Launching this month, The Gift of the Sun campaign, is to be rolled out across Asia, Europe, and North America over the next 24 months, building on the success of the Red Sea Riviera and other campaigns, which were key factors in helping Egypt welcome a record 8.6 million visitors in 2005.

H.E. Mr. Zoheir Garranah, Egyptian Minister for Tourism, commented 'We are very excited to be launching a new global advertising campaign which we believe truly reflects the many wonderful experiences Egypt has to offer its visitors. We believe the new campaign is our most creative and dynamic yet, and we look forward to welcoming more international visitors to Egypt for many years to come.'

In creating the commercials, the overall objective was to create an interaction between the sun in the background and the activity in the foreground to communicate not only Egypt's year-round sunshine, but also highlight the warmth and friendliness of its people.

Cairo International Film Festival, Cairo, Egypt

2006-09-18T12:30:00.000Z

01 Nov 2006 - 31 Dec 2006

This festival involves screening a great range of feature films from directors from all over the world, the 10-day Cairo International Film Festival provides audiences with a truly global screening programme. Featuring American arthouse films alongside those by local Arab filmmakers, this is a great event at which to acquaint yourself with the global film industry. In addition to the many screenings, visitors can also enjoy Q&A sessions and seminars with leading filmmakers and directors.

The 30th annual Cairo International Film Festival takes place in 2006.

Hurghada, Egypt

2006-07-11T12:12:00.000Z

Until a few years ago, Hurghada was a divers' paradise where the only entertainment around was to sit under the stars chatting away and having a beer, with somebody producing an improbable guitar or a crackling radio - fabulous indeed - but a bit repetitive!

Nowadays, Hurghada is 'the' party town in the Red Sea west coast. A town that never sleeps, Hurghada has become in recent years a place to combine beach, dives and sun with crazy clubbing and bar-hopping, with some excellent 'shisha' outlets to experience the local life in between.

From famous international chains such as Hard Rock Cafe, to local favourites such as Papa's Beach Club with their regular Dutch and British parties, to informal and ultra-popular outlets such as the Papa's Dutch bars, cosy pubs and billiards bars, bowling centres, vibrant discos, karaoke nights, divers' parties, quiz nights, foam parties, beach BBQ's, trendy lounges, the nightlife of Hurghada is one to keep you awake until sunrise!

Egypt and the Red Sea Information Fact File

2006-07-11T11:49:00.000Z

Egypt location: North Africa

Egypt capital: Cairo

Egypt population: 72 million

Egypt area: 1,000,000 square km

Egypt official language(s): Arabic, English, French, Spanish

Driving in Egypt: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required

Egyptian electricity: 220V AC 50Hz

Egyptian currency: Egyptian Pound

Egypt time difference: GMT + 2

Egypt's international dialling code: + 20

Egypt's internet extension: .eg

River Nile

2006-06-08T10:13:00.000Z

The Nile (iteru in Ancient Egyptian) was the lifeline of the ancient Egyptian civilization, with most of the population and all of the cities of Egypt resting along those parts of the Nile valley lying north of Aswan. The Nile has been the lifeline for Egyptian culture since the Stone Age. Climate change - or perhaps overgrazing - about 8000 BC desiccated the pastoral lands of Egypt to form the Sahara, and the tribes naturally migrated to the river, where they developed a settled agricultural economy and a more-centralized society.

The Nile still supports much of the population living along its banks, with the Egyptians living in otherwise inhospitable regions of the Sahara. The river flooded every summer, depositing fertile soil on the fields. The flow of the river is disturbed at several points by cataracts, which are sections of faster-flowing water with many small islands, shallow water, and rocks, forming an obstacle to navigation by boats. The sudd in the Sudan also forms a formidable obstacle for navigation and flow of water, to the extent that Egypt had once attempted to dig a canal (the Jongeli Canal) to improve the flow of this stagnant mass of water (also known as Lake No).

The Nile was, and still is, used to transport goods to different places along its long path; especially since winter winds in this area blow up river, the ships could travel up with no work by using the sail, and down using the flow of the river. While most Egyptians still live in the Nile valley, the construction of the Aswan High Dam (finished in 1970) to provide hydroelectricity ended the summer floods and their renewal of the fertile soil.

Cities on the Nile include Khartoum, Aswan, Luxor (Thebes), and the Giza-Cairo conurbation. The first cataract, the closest to the mouth of the river, is at Aswan to the north of the Aswan Dams. The Nile north of Aswan is a regular tourist route, with cruise ships and traditional wooden sailing boats known as feluccas. In addition, many 'floating hotel' cruise boats ply the route between Luxor and Aswan, stopping in at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. It used to be possible to sail on these boats all the way from Cairo to Aswan, but security concerns have shut down the northernmost portion for many years.

Vaccinations for Egypt and the Red Sea

2006-05-14T15:47:00.000Z

Recommendations that are marked 'Vaccination sometimes recommended' should be considered as 'Vaccination strongly recommended' if a person is travelling frequently or spending extended time in that country. All travellers are advised to ensure that Tetanus and Polio vaccinations are kept up to date. Recommendations do change from time to time and it is important to discuss your personal requirements with your doctor.

Typhoid - Vaccination sometimes recommended- 10 days before travel

Hepatitis A - Vaccination sometimes recommended - 2 weeks before travel

Diphtheria - Vaccination sometimes recommended - 3 months before travel

Tuberculosis - Vaccination sometimes recommended - 3 months before travel

Hepatitis B - Vaccination sometimes recommended - 2 months before travel

Rabies - Vaccination sometimes recommended - 1 month before travel

Yellow fever -Certificate of vaccination may be required - 10 days before travel

Tiny Primate Fossils Shed New Light on Our Ancient Ancestors

2006-04-30T15:28:00.000Z

14 October 2005

Palaeontologists are a step closer to understanding the origins of our primate ancestors following the discovery of the fossilised remains of two previously unknown primate species in Egypt. At 37 million years old the new species are some of the oldest human relatives ever found, as well as some of the smallest.

Fossil evidence demonstrates that higher primates or anthropoids, which include monkeys, apes and humans, have been evolving on the Afro-Arabian landmass for at least 45 million years. However, the evolution of early anthropoids in Afro-Arabia is poorly documented, with only a few isolated teeth found prior to 35 million years ago. A team of researchers from Oxford, the US and Egypt have shed new light on this period of evolution with the discovery of two new anthropoid species, Biretia fayumensis and Biretia megalopsis, which lived 37 million years ago.

The well-preserved pieces of teeth, jaw and facial bones were discovered at a site in the Fayum desert region in Northern Egypt. As well as being among the oldest known anthropoids the new species, described in the 14 October edition of Science, also appear to be among the smallest; Biretia fayumensis is estimated to have weighed between 160 and 270 grams - about the weight of a pack of butter - and is the smallest anthropoid found in the Fayum region.

A fossilised facial bone found by the team shows an unusually large eye socket, suggesting that one of the species, Biretia megalopsis, was nocturnal. This is a unique trait amongst early anthropoids and extremely unusual amongst living anthropoids - all of which are day-living with the exception of one South American species.

The dental features of both species link the Biretia primates both to the parapithecids - primitive anthropoids which first appeared around 35 million years ago – and the oldest undisputed Afro-Arabian anthropoid, the 45 million-year-old Algeripithecus. This evidence suggests the existence of a diverse group of parapithecid relatives extending back as early as 45 million years ago, and is likely to add fuel to the debate over whether anthropoids originated in Africa or Asia.

Dr Erik Seiffert, University Lecturer in Palaeobiology and Palaeoenvironments and Curator of Geological Collections at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, is lead author of the paper. He said: 'These fossils not only fill a major gap in our understanding of early anthropoid evolution, but also challenge prevailing views about the lifestyles of our Eocene relatives. With these discoveries we are much closer to understanding the time and place of origin of the living anthropoid primates, but we also see that the story of anthropoid origins is turning out to be far more complex than anybody imagined.'

Bristol International Launches First Ever Route To Egypt

2006-04-30T15:22:00.000Z

04/11/04

Bristol International has today launched its sixth new route in just five days, to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. This service to the Red Sea Riviera is being operated by Thomson Holidays.

The Red Sea Riviera has developed into a first-class luxury holiday resort and is a popular destination for British holidaymakers seeking sun, fabulous beaches, and crystal-clear sea. The resort is famous for its diving on the beautiful coral reef, and also offers other sports such as golf, watersports, tennis, quad biking, and both horse and camel riding.

Tony Hallwood, Bristol International Airport's Aviation Development Director said: 'I’m delighted to see the launch of the first ever direct flight to Egypt. Sharm el Sheikh is a great winter sun destination, and offers world-class diving. Sales so far have exceeded all expectations and we anticipate that the Red Sea Riviera will become a firm favourite for sun worshippers across the South West'

'This new route completes a fantastic week for Bristol International, now offering passengers the choice of six fantastic new destinations of Aberdeen, Rome, Budapest, Madrid, Valencia and now Sharm el Sheikh.'

Miles Morgan, Sales and Marketing Director for Thomson: 'We are exceptionally pleased with the popularity of Sharm El Sheikh. Bookings are ahead of target which is a really fantastic result for us. We were always confident that there was a strong market and given the popularity of the service, we'd advise that passengers book early to avoid disappointment.

The launch of Sharm El Sheikh rounds off a record week for the airport, which has seen six new flights begin in just five days. On Sunday Eastern Airways began a route to Aberdeen, on Monday, easyJet introduced three new routes to Budapest, Rome and Madrid, and on Wednesday, easyJet also launched its inaugural flight to Valencia.

Balloon Flights over Luxor

2006-04-06T13:54:00.000Z

For a real birds' eye view of Luxor and the surrounding area, why not do it in style and go on a hot air balloon ride? These can be organised by some major tour operators in the UK and really is a fascinating way to see the sights.
This is a great idea for anyone celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting an experience to remember.

Golfing in the Red Sea

2006-04-06T13:11:00.000Z

The all year round climate in the Red Sea is perfect for golf enthusiasts. Although the main season falls within the European golfing season of October to April, the summer season of May to September is equally good with a good dry climate and steady breezes. The only thing golfers should be aware of in the summer is it can get extremely hot so its a good idea to arrange tee off times early in the morning so you are (hopefully!) finished before the heat gets too overbearing.
There are many good courses to choose from such as the Golf & Fitness Club El Gouna, which is approximately 25 km north of Hurghada, The Cascades Golf & Country Club in Soma Bay, at approximately 30 km south of Hurghada and the Jolie Ville Golf Resort in Sharm el Sheikh. There are also more being planned and built at the moment ensuring there will always be a course to suit!

Things to do in the Red Sea

2006-04-06T12:43:00.000Z

It's not all lying on the beach and soaking up those rays you know! The Red Sea resorts offer much more than that, there are so many activities you can do during your stay.
You will of course have the opportunity to go on camel rides. This could be a few minutes down the beach or longer but its a great way to see the surrounding area from a slightly different point of view! You can also do this on the desert safaris which are also a great day out.
If camels aren't for you, you can do horse back tours or beach rides.
And if animals just aren't your choice of transport full stop, there are plenty of activities out there for all you adrenalin freaks! Go karting, quadrunners, motorbiking and motorcross to name but a few. Or perhaps tennis, golf, squash or volleyball? These are available in most hotels.

Diving in the Red Sea

2006-04-06T12:27:00.000Z

The dives one can experience in the Red Sea are said by some to be the best in the world and has one of the highest amounts of marine life in all the tropical seas.
There are great dive sites located throughout the Red Sea. These are Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Marsa Alam, Soma Bay and Nuweiba.
These diving sites are fantastic for those wishing to learn to dive, fine tune their diving skills, take diving qualifications or simply want to enjoy the incredible views. What's more, if you take the PADI qualifications you are then qualified to dive in other fantastic dive areas across the world.

Climate in Egypt and the Red Sea

2006-04-06T12:15:00.000Z

Being a year round destination, Egypt and the Red Sea attract many visitors at all times of year. Generally speaking, there are two distinct seasons - summer and winter. Egypt enjoys mild winters with an average of around 48F and hot summers (May to October) averaging 95F.
If you are looking to spend your holiday sightseeing then a good time to travel is the winter or early summer months when it is not so hot. The red sea beach resorts however, offer a good climate all year round.

Things you should know about Egypt and the Red Sea

2006-04-06T11:57:00.000Z

In Egypt when visiting a religious or traditional area, women must dress conservatively. Beachwear, ie shorts, vests, swimwear or very short skirts are not acceptable and is likely to cause offence. Shoulders should be covered and shorts, skirts etc should be of a more modest length.
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is available in many major hotels, international restaurants and cafe bars.
Tourists should exercise caution when travelling to Egypt. There are many pickpockets around in the larger cities and common sense should be used when walking around any populated area. The Foreign Office has issued warnings on terrorism alerts in the past as it has been targeted in the last few years. The current view is that people should be vigilant and take care when travelling however the problems in the past have certainly not deterred a great deal of tourists from travelling to this awesome destination.

The Giza Pyramids

2006-04-06T11:37:00.000Z

The word 'pyramid' originates from the Greek word 'pyramis', meaning 'wheat cake', as the shape was reminiscent of pointy-topped cakes.
In the fourth dynasty, three large pyramids were built at Giza, based upon designs that had been previously built and evolved into the largest pyramids that had ever been built in ancient Egypt. Built to bury the dead Pharaohs, the first was built for Khufu, the second for his son Khafra and the third for the pharaoh Menkaure.
Pyramids were built after these three but were not nearly as large as the three at Giza.
There are a number of theories as to why the pyramids were built in their particular shape. Could it be because the sloping sides meant the dead pharaoh could climb to the sky and live on? Or does the pyramid represent the rays of the sun? Whatever the theory, the architects believed that building the pharaoh's final resting place this way would ensure that he faced north, south, east and west.
If you fancy working out the theories yourself, ensure you take good walking shoes with you, adequate sun protection, plenty of water and go between 8am and 12pm as it can get very crowded (not to mention extremely hot!) after 12pm.

Accommodation in Egypt and the Red Sea

2006-04-06T11:31:00.000Z

There are a whole host of hotels to choose from in Egypt and the Red Sea area from budget style to 5* luxury.
Be aware that the classifications for hotels in Egypt are slightly different to the norm. They are graded from 1-5 star but the standard is a great deal lower than European travellers would be used to. In fact 1 and 2 star properties are rarely used by UK tour operators but be warned that if you are expecting a three star property it may well be better booking a four or five star to ensure standards are what you are accustomed to.

Overview on Egypt and Red Sea

2006-04-06T10:58:00.000Z

Egypt is well known for its immense history and incredible sights to behold such as the pyramids and exquisite temples but is fast becoming known as much more than a sightseeing paradise and has become a highly regarded beach and diving destination too.
There are a vast array of resorts to choose from in the area that comprises Egypt and the Red Sea, all of which have much to offer the holidaymaker.
From the well known Luxor, probably one of the oldest tourist destinations in the world; Cairo which offers the amazing pyramids and Aswan, offering graceful river rides on traditional feluccas; these are what most people think of when visiting Egypt. These can be done as part of a multi centre trip, single centre itineraries or even a cruise along the River Nile.
For beach and diving destinations you have the choice of Sharm El Sheikh, El Gouna, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Taba, all of which offer fantastic quality hotels, unspoilt beaches and diving experiences that some say are second to none.
Up and coming resorts included Dahab, Soma Bay, Nuweiba and Makadi Bay.