;
PEACE OF MIND
USA & Canada
Latin America
Europe
Africa & Middle East
Asia
Antarctica
An ancient land renowned for its great civilization and architectural marvels, you may be surprised by the scope of Egypt beyond the Nile, the pyramids and hieroglyphs. Experience modern Egypt at Cairo’s Khan el Khalili bazaar, and explore the world’s largest library in Alexandria.
Experience
in your own style
Destinations > Egypt
The land that gave birth to the world’s first great civilization needs little introduction. The pyramids, the temples, the Nile – the scope of Egypt is magnificent. Visitors are surprised to discover that the legendary pyramids are merely the tip of the archaeological iceberg. Pharaonic Nations, ancient Greeks, Romans, Christians, and Arab dynasties have all played their part in fashioning Egypt’s embarrassment of architectural wealth. There is an extraordinary combination of chaos and peace that reigns throughout this ancient land.
During the summer months day time temperatures regularly exceed 86º F along the Nile Valley and in Cairo. The best time to visit is from October to April where an average temperature of 70º F degrees keeps things cool, dry and comfortable.
PYRAMIDS OF GIZA You haven’t been to Egypt until you’ve stood at the base of these legendary monuments, marvels of human engineering and construction. The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
ABU SIMBEL Built into the solid rock cliff by Pharaoh Rameses II to commemorate his victory over the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh, the temples of Abu Simbel are a must-see for any visitor to Egypt.
ALEXANDRIA Stretching along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, at one stage Alexandria was the largest city in the known world and was famous for its great library, also the largest in the world.
VALLEY OF THE KINGS The Valley of the Kings was the burial place of choice for the Pharaohs and elites of Egypt’s New Kingdom, but is most well-known to us due to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.
EGYPTIAN MUSEUM The Egyptian Museum is one of the world’s most famous museums and houses a magnificent collection of antiquities including mummies, sarcophagi and the fabulous treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
KHAN EL KHALILI BAZAAR An ancient, oriental bazaar or souk in one of the main districts of Cairo, its narrow, winding passages are filled with tiny shops selling souvenirs, antiques and jewelry, craftsmen with their traditional workshops.
Country Code for Egypt: +20 Visa Global Assistance: 1 303 967 1090. International Operator: 120 Emergency Services: 122 Ambulance: 123 Fire: 180 Police: 122 Tourist Police: 126 These services may not have English speaking staff.
Egypt is an Arabic country and has Arabic customs. The Egyptians are deeply religious and religious principles govern their daily lives. Combined with religious belief is commitment to the extended family. Devout Muslims do not drink alcohol though most do not object to others drinking reasonable amounts. If in doubt, ask. In addition, they do not use drugs or eat pork, which is considered unclean. Ticket lines are occasionally segregated. Women should line up with other women. On buses, women are seated in the front with other women. On the metro lines, the first car is usually reserved for women. You will find that whenever you start talking with an Egyptian, you will inevitably draw a crowd, and often the Egyptians will start discussing among themselves over the correct answer to a question. In Egypt, a woman traveling alone is generally safe, but will be noticed, less in large cities than in the country. However, if problems do occur, seek help from the police or any shop nearby. All visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas must remove their shoes. Most Muslims walk around in their stockings but those mosques that are major tourist attractions have canvas overshoes available. Women must cover bare arms and should also have a hat.
Electrical Socket type: European Voltage: 220-240 volts. Modem Plug: French & US
Getting around in Egypt is pretty easy. Although it may seem very different from what most travelers are used to back home, the Egyptian transportation system is efficient and you shouldn’t face trouble finding your way around and reaching any destination. Taxis are the easiest way for moving around in cities. For traveling between cities, you have the choice between buses, trains, hiring a private vehicle and driver and the domestic air carriers operated by the national airline EgyptAir.
Arabic
One of Egypt’s best shopping experiences is Cairo’s medieval market, the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Everything from cheap souvenirs to household goods, reproduction ‘antique’ jewelry, brass plaques and jugs, copper utensils, and cotton goods fill the narrow noisy alleyways. Shopping hours vary widely according to season and location. In most cities, shops are generally open daily 10am to 8pm, taking a lengthy lunch break in summer, and some will close on Fridays. Markets tend to stay open later in the evening. Shops are now required to close by 10pm; those with a tourism license may open later. During Ramadan, shops may well close at sunset and reopen several hours later, after eating. Some shops may close during Friday midday prayers, for a couple of hours.
A ‘Basksheesh’ will be requested of you by almost anybody who provides you with a service, and indeed by many people that do not. This includes situations you may be accustomed to, such as after a meal, or by a porter who carries your bags to your room. But it also includes situations that may seem a little unusual such as in a public toilet, or by a security guard or curator at one of the ancient sites.
The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool.
FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TRIP
66
70
75
82
90
95
93
86
77
Share This
Uncover the real west in legendary North Dakota
January 10, 2022
3 reasons why Idaho should be on your USA bucket-list
January 03, 2022
The Glasgow Declaration on Tourism & Climate
October 13, 2021
Working...