Since the earliest days of humanity, the Nile River valley has drawn in and captivated travelers from around CYPRUS EUROPE the world. Modern-day , the inheritor of an unbroken civilization of more than 5000 years, located at the crossroads of the Asian, African and Mediterranean worlds, is a fascinating mixture of modern diversity ASIA and ancient splendor. Its cultural treasures are supplemented by over 2500 km of scenic coastline along M e a d S e EGYPT the Red and Mediterranean Seas, making Egypt an enchanting year-round destination, able to put a i t e r r a n e a n

smile on the face of even the most jaded of travelers. AFRICA Egypt’s advantages are as seductive as they are diverse: the pleasant mild temperatures of air and sea, especially in winter; the hospitality and cheerfulness of its people; the year-round sunshine; the magnificent beaches; the diving and snorkeling resorts and second-to-none reefs and aquatic life; Beaches Sidi Barani the biblical mountains; the romantic desert oases; and, in between, the fertile valley of the Nile, Sallum Rosetta Damietta Diving Sites the second-longest river in the world, packed with life and history. Egypt’s diverse and profound spiritual Marsa Matruh Rafah Golf Courses heritage cannot fail to make an impression on her guests. Pharaonic, Coptic, and Muslim, including Alexandria El Arish Port Said Bardawil El Mansura SUEZ CANA Main Airports Porto Lake churches, convents, mosques, temples and elaborate funerary complexes, Egypt’s spiritual treasures Zaranik Sidi Abd Marina exhibit an artistic and devotional energy that makes Egypt an unforgettable and profound experience. el Rahman Borg Damanhur TANIS Main Roads El Arab Tanta Ismailia Marina Wadi el- L Egypt’s multifaceted treasures, including the To help the traveler plan a unique and El Alamein Natroun Zagazig Timsah Nile Valley with its Pharaonic treasures and its unforgettable trip through Egypt’s myriad Lake Monasteries cultural metropolis of , the bathing and attractions, we have summarized the highlights Cairo Monuments diving paradise of the , and the oases of Egypt’s three main tourist attractions- PYRAMIDS Suez Museums a n OF GIZA Giza Oyoun Musa and open expanse of the surrounding deserts, Sightseeing along the Nile, Recreation along r io ta s PYRAMIDS Ain Qara Oasis t s OF SAQQARA Memphis Ras Sidr Taba National Parks each guarantee the traveler an unforgettable the coast, and Adventure in the desert- a e Sukhna Taba r Heights Siwa Oasis Q p Qaroun Qaroun PORTO Sinai experience on their own. separately in the map that follows, allowing e Lake Pharaoh’s Island AMON TEMPLE Lake Oases D EL SUKHNA SERABIT Taba But the uniqueness of Egypt as a holiday paradise you to put together your own personalized trip, Siwa Gabal El Mawta Fayoum El Fayoum EL KHADIM Cleopatra Oasis Ports lies in the traveler’s ability to combine from among to pick and choose among the smorgasbord Bath Za’farana YA Gabal Wadi Abu El Dakrur El Rayan Beni Suef ST ANTHONY’S ST CATHERINE’S Ras Abu all of these, as their heart and calendar dictate. of Egypt’s attractions to plan the perfect holiday Siwa Rudeis a Pyramids MONASTERY MONASTERY Gallum b Areg t a for you and your family. at St Catherine q LIB e r The Gr ST PAUL’S Area A Sound & E e f a MONASTERY G Se MOUNT MOSES o Light Shows NILE VALLEY Sand s Ras u Alexandria & Mediterranean Coast: grandeur, great l f e a f l Bawiti D Gharib o u Tourist heritage and sandy beaches f El Tur G D s S Egypt’s legendary port of Alexandria has been at the crossroads of ALEXANDER ue Nabq Information Ancient Cradle e MONS z civilization throughout human history, and the stories of its varied conquerors n THE GREAT TEMPLE El Minya t PORPHYRITES Offices of continue to coexist alongside one another in a rich cultural mélange. Bahariyya s e Sharm el-Sheikh Founded by Alexander the Great, and famous in ancient times for its r Oasis BANI HASAN r scholars, lighthouse and library, Alexandria once again became a focus of e TOMBS e Civilization cosmopolitan influences in the early 20th century, lying at the intersection White t Desert TONA EL GABAL RUINS r n Imagine you are relaxing on the deck of a boat meandering of the Mediterranean, Arabian and African worlds. The grandeur of this rt Mallawi Ras Mohammed down the Nile, sitting back in a comfortable wicker chair. It is late in s ese t cultural heyday is still alive today, not only in the books of Lawrence Durrell or White D TEL EL AMARNA the afternoon, and the waiter has just served hibiscus tea. A gentle Konstantinos Kavafis, but also on the Corniche with its numerous restaurants, e breeze wafts across the river. The setting sun bathes sand dunes and famous for their tasty, freshly caught seafood; in the majestic new “Bibliotheca cliffs in a soft light of the color of golden honey. Water buffalo, ibis Alexandrina;” and in the city’s charming neighborhoods, with cafés, antique W Farafra and camels crowd the shore. Fishermen throw their nets, children markets, and Art Deco cinema-palaces. Alexandria continues to shine as Oasis Asyut Qasr Farafra MONS CLAUDIANUS paddle, and a local farmer ploughs his field. Now and then you sail the “Pearl of the Eastern Mediterranean” thanks to its oriental flair and deep past villages of loam houses, embedded in palm groves and fields historical, cultural and archaeological heritage. Nile of green sugar cane. Later, a Pharaonic temple entices you to shore. From Mediterranean beaches to the historic Abu minqar River Along this wondrous river, an advanced civilization blossomed 5000 monuments of central Egypt years ago, one of the earliest flowerings of civilization. The traces West of Alexandria, towards Marsa Matruh, magnificent sandy beaches stretch along the G Sohag of this mighty civilization, buildings and statues of unparalleled shores of a coastline known for its turquoise-blue water. Along this stretch, holiday homes elf Ke WADI monumentality and splendor, border the river valley for more than and resorts on the beach are in great demand among locals and Egyptians alike, along b Qena ir ABYDOS HAMMAMAT a thousand kilometers, from the fertile Delta region and the glorious a landscape that during World War II was fiercely fought over by Montgomery for the Allies, El Quseir harbor of Alexandria in the north, past the great, historic urban and Rommel for the Axis powers. Haunting memorials to this conflict around Alamein DANDARA make a compelling visit for the history buff. The Nile Delta region to Alexandria’s center of Cairo on the Giza plateau, to ancient capitals of Luxor Qus and in the far south. In front of such scenery, a Nile cruise east, meanwhile, pampers the senses with lush and verdant vegetation. Ancient Ain Umm VALLEY OF THE KINGS R ruins, such as those at Tanis and Abu Menas, and sights, such as the history-steeped El Qasr becomes a journey of personal discovery, through a land whose Dakhla Dabadib KARNAK Rosetta, and the Coptic monasteries of Wadi el-Natroun, offer the opportunity for Oasis e grace and gloriously old fashioned contemplativeness nourishes true exploration, beyond the well-trodden tourist track. South of Cairo, pearl upon one’s imagination and touches the heart. AL BAGAWAT Al Kharga Luxor pearl of Pharaonic architecture lie threaded along the left bank of the Nile, including NECROPOLIS d Memphis, the Necropolis of Saqqara, and the pyramids of Dahshur, El-Lisht and Mut Port Ghalib Meidum. Further up river, in Central Egypt, not far from El-Minya, are the rock graves Esna of Beni Hassan and Tell El - Amarna, as well as archeological remainders of the Bulaq TEMPLE S residential city of the heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton. Beyond Assiut, around Sohag, N Kharga OF KHNOUM PROGRAMS ew Oasis Edfu e are more monasteries whose roots date back to the 5th century AD. Further, south, V THROUGH at the border with Upper Egypt, lie the two outstanding temples of Abydos and al TEMPLE a le OF HORUS Dandara. y Kom Ombo The sacred heart of ancient Egypt: Luxor and the West Bank Baris TEMPLE OF SOBEK The start and climax of every journey to Upper Nile is the small town of Luxor. Dush & HAREORIS Wadi El Gemal Egypt Saluga The grand temples and funerary cities found there, tributes to the advanced & Ghazale civilization based around the ancient capital of Thebes, have been impressing Aswan EZBET DUSH visitors for millennia. The magnificent columned halls in the temple of Karnak, SAAD EL-ALI, Berenice NILE VALLEY which for many centuries functioned as the country’s central sanctuary of the THE HIGH DAM god Amun, leave visitors in awe. Over the river in the various valleys of the PHILAE The classic tour Necropolis of Thebes, one is overwhelmed by the gigantic size and spiritual Spend a few days in the capital KALABSHA Cairo, including visits to Giza, Saqqara devotion of the mortuary temples of rulers such as Ramses II or III, and Queen and Fayoum, followed by a boat trip Hatshepsut. One of these valleys, along the Nile, sailing by the Pharaonic the spectacular Valley of the Kings, where the glorious rulers of the New Tropic of Cancer sites of Upper Egypt between Luxor and Kingdom were laid to rest more than 3000 years ago, was where, in 1922, Aswan. For those with a bit more time Giza Pyramids Howard Carter brought to light the legendary treasures of Tutankhamun, whose to spare, Abu Simbel is an easy day- Lake Cairo: Pyramids, mosques and modern museums glorious funerary regalia continue to inspire a global audience. Shalatin trip from Aswan, or can be reached As was written in the tales of the Arabian Nights, “He who has not seen Cairo Nasser via a more leisurely Lake Nasser cruise. has not seen the world.” Indeed Egypt’s vivacious capital, whose name in Grande finale deep in the south: Aswan and Abu Simbel English is derived from the Arabic Al-Qahira, “the Victorious,” is like no other city Continuing the journey to the south, three great temples await your visit – the temple WADI EL-SUBUA Mediterranean Egypt of Esna, devoted to the ram-headed god Khnum, the Horus sanctuary in Edfu, and A fascinating alternative for those on earth, and embodies 150 generations of history, and an unbroken line of the Ptolemaic double temple of Kom Ombo. The next port of call is Aswan, where AMADA who are already familiar with Cairo civilization dating back to the Pharaohs. On its western edge, the Great Pyramids and the Nile Valley could include rise majestically towards heaven, witnessing a time when faith in immortality truly there is much more to be seen in the way of Pharaonic sites—in particular the Temple Tushka Qasr Ibram following Cleopatra’s footsteps to moved mountains. Cairo’s heart, the maze of lanes through the Islamic old of Philae-alongside more modern wonders, such the High Aswan Dam, backing the great port of Alexandria, along with trips through the Delta and to the town, between mighty mosques and caravanserais, the resting place of traders up behind it the massive Lake Nasser. In Aswan, a lasting impression is left by the ABU SIMBEL monasteries of Wadi el-Natroun. This itinerary could then continue west along along ancient trade routes, invites us on a fascinating tour through the Middle enchanting river scenery of the First Cataract, where the rushing waters of the Nile flow the Mediterranean coast, via the World War II monuments at El Alamein, on Ages, in the steps of legendary sultans like Salah el-Din. Nearer the Nile, the dramatically through a rocky descent. Later on, after a sunset sail on the traditional OWAYNAT MOUNT to Marsa Matruh, and through the desert to the legendary oasis of Siwa. metropolis pulsates to the rhythm of modern day life. Modern-day Cairo is a Egyptian sailboat, the Felucca, a stroll through the botanical garden on Plants Island 1 934 M dynamic business hub, with a lively arts scene and a world renowned opera (Kitchener’s), or five o’clock tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel, steeped house, exquisite shopping, and contemporary museums, and a trendy food in royal and colonial history, it’s easy to understand why Aswan continues to attract RED SEA & SINAI and nightclub scene. Just to the south of the city center, in Old Cairo, Egypt’s Europeans in search of a respite from their cold winters. The grand finale of a journey Christian community, the Copts, tend to their precious early Christian inheritance, into the deep south of Egypt is the awesome Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel. 0200 km Sun, beaches, diving and including the world’s oldest traces of monastic communities, and visitors can Its colossal statues reign supreme above Lake Nasser, having been saved from the SUDAN trekking follow in the footsteps of the holy family during their travels through Egypt. rising water behind the new dam in the 1960s thanks to a monumental engineering Vacations on the Red Sea or the Gulf achievement, and proclaim to the world the eternal fame of their creator and his of Aqaba guarantee pure relaxation realm. and holiday fun, perfect temperate weather, and a fascinating underwater RED SEA & SINAI DESERTS & OASES world of marine delights. Just inland, Hurghada: The cradle of holiday tourism for swimming Sharm el-Sheikh: pure pleasure and colourful activities but the twinkling stars of a clear desert sky. the mountain and desert scenery and diving under water and on land Fayoum: Cairo’s front garden - a natural paradise with beckons the traveler on a day trip, or Dakhla: traditional loam architecture in front of a This former fishing village, about 400 km south of Suez, became a booming A few decades ago, Sharm el-Sheikh was just another minor fishing village. Modern- a storied past a longer adventurous visit, through the Aquatic Paradise tourism destination on the west coast of the Red Sea in the space of a single day Sharm, close to the southern tip of the , has securely positioned spectacular rock backdrop spectacular mountains of South Sinai, Untamed Mystery generation. Today, it offers ideal conditions for all kinds of water sports, as well as itself as an international destination of choice among divers and holidaymakers alike. The oasis closest to the Nile valley lies only a one hour drive south of The Dakhla oasis served as a granary to the Romans, and until today, or to the monasteries of St. Paul, St. If the deep chill of a prolonged winter has left you down and discontented, then Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra, Bahariyya and Siwa: the oases of Western Cairo. Due to the fertility of the region, Fayoum has always served as the miles and miles of pristine coastline with quality accommodation, restaurants and The original epicenter of this pulsating “Riviera on the Red Sea” is Naama Bay, around resembles a fairy tale idyll over vast stretches of territory. Two of the Anthony, or St. Catherine. a dose of Egypt’s Red Sea aquatic paradise could be just what is needed to revive Egypt appear to be islands not only in the seemingly endless expanse breadbasket for the capital. Fayoum makes a worthwhile day trip, if only to entertainment to suit all tastes. Even the most experienced of international travelers which extensive world-class tourism infrastructure has been developed over a series most beautiful of all the 14 settlements are Balad, meaning “village the spirit and please the soul. Blessed with blue sky all year round, a pleasant see the verdant vegetation and rural tranquility. The Fellah, rural peasants, will be delighted by Hurghada’s beach scene and lively nightlife. A wide variety of of adjacent bays, now including the area between Sharm El-Maya up to Nabq Bay. of Saharan sand, but also in time. This is where fairy tales still come of loam,” and El Qasr, meaning “the citadel,” consisting of narrow, temperate climate, conveniently accessible only a few hours direct flight from continue to work the fields, and the women and children line up in front attractions, including the sea aquarium, panorama submarine ride, and two superb Other than the flat sandy beaches and the myriad of leisure options over this holiday true: seeing the sunrise from the back of a camel, or the spectacular shady lanes. The lush green of the many orchards, and clover, rice Europe, fine sandy beaches lining a sumptuous tropical sea stretching nearly of mud brick houses bordering palm-edged canals, appearing just as DESERTS & OASES golf courses mean that Hurghada truly has something for everyone. Well worth a paradise along more than 25 km in coastline, the biggest attraction of Sharm no views from on top of a sand dune into the majestic expanse of desert. graceful and timeless as did their ancestors depicted on the wall-reliefs of and peanut fields, is a charming contrast to the honey-colored dunes 1500 km down Egypt’s eastern coast, with coral reefs renowned by experienced doubt is the spectacular underwater life. In particular, the reefs at Ras Umm Sid and day-trip are the offshore islands and the inland desert mountains. Noon in the quiet shade of palm groves, or perhaps in the cool spring- the surrounding ancient tombs. The 230 km2 Qaroun Lake and the and rock quarries glowing in pale-pink pastel in the surrounding desert. The great oasis circuit divers as amongst the best in the world, Egypt’s Red Sea coast has treasures the nearby Ras Mohammed National Park are enchantingly rich feasts for the eye. From the heyday of ancient times, several temple and tomb sites are aplenty to draw you in, and keep you coming back. Back on land, the attractions El Gouna: perfect holiday atmosphere fed pool at one of the region’s splendid eco-lodges, waiting until a ripe adjacent Wadi El-Rayan nature reserve are valuable protected areas, Idyllic nature, spectacular landscapes Dahab & Inland: relaxation in paradise for backpackers and the migratory birds these areas attract will be of particular delight to still discernible. and cultural highlights off the beaten are just as compelling: holiday resorts with quality, affordable accommodation, with the turquoise-blue lagoon date from an overhanging palm tree drops into one’s open mouth; a bird lovers. In Wadi Al-Hitan, one can marvel at the gigantic skeletons of tourist track can be found on exciting the opportunity to invest your own piece of paradise through an attractive market Lying just 20 km north of Hurghada, the modern holiday resort of El Gouna, accessing adventure in the South Sinai Mountains late afternoon walk through Pharaonic temples or between mud brick prehistoric whales, washed up when the Mediterranean Sea extended far Kharga: once a caravan station, today a prosperous trips to the oases of Bahariyya, Farafra, Along the east coast of the Sinai, the rugged, majestic mountains rise spectacularly in beachside holiday homes, and a fascinating bouquet of shopping, sport and developed from scratch as a holiday paradise, is the perfect destination for south of its current shoreline. In addition, those seeking cultural diversions provincial center Dakhla and Kharga. In between these, away from the coast. Like prehistoric giant dragons, the summits push forward with houses in ageless villages; and nights spent at a campfire in front of leisure activities. And inland, directly adjacent to the beaches, spectacular desert tranquil family vacations or long-term stays. The resort includes 14 exclusive hotels, will be interested by the range of historical sites on offer, particularly the The southernmost oasis of the Western Desert was once an important one experiences the timeless magic of their high, serrated combs, plunging coastward almost to the shores of the Gulf of a Bedouins’ tent, enchanted by garlands of tales, with nothing above mountains rise up dramatically, perfect for both trekking and seeking one’s inner numerous private villas and apartments, restaurants, discos, shopping malls, a pyramids of Hawara and El Lahun. station on the Darb el Arbain—the Forty Days Road—connecting camel the Sahara Desert. Cairo or Luxor serve as Aqaba. Dahab, the tourist center of the area, with its Bedouin camps and golden peace of mind. Sound tempting? Come catch the excitement; a warm welcome stylishly designed 18 hole golf course, and numerous diving and leisure centers. and slave traders between the markets of northern and southern Africa. good base from which to begin or end beaches, has kept the easygoing charm of a 1970s hippy idyll, even though it now Bahariyya: palm groves, spa waters and golden a desert oasis exploration, and a visit to to “Egypt’s Riviera,” the Red Sea and Sinai coasts, awaits you! The resort stretches over an extensive archipelago of artificial islands, and it is easy Today, it is the administrative capital of the “New Valley” province and, boasts numerous luxury hotels. The Ras Abu Gallum National Park diving area here is mummies one or both of these could round out a to get around by bus, bike or foot. This small but cosmopolitan city, conjured out 2 alongside extensive palm groves and fields, boasts several independent breathtakingly magnificent. Not far inland, some spectacular Sinai sites are ready to Known as the “Northern Oasis,” this approximately 4000 km desert perfect tour through the heart of Egypt. of the desert sand in a harmonious mixture of architectural traditions, drawing upon settlements such as Qasr Kharga, Bulaq and Baris. Highlights among the be explored, including the Colored Canyon, a twisting canyon filled with multi-hued depression, set in black volcanic rock and reachable from Cairo within seven some of the finest regional and international architects, has been internationally hours drive, has been well known since ancient times for its ore mines, its ancient sanctuaries include the early Christian necropolis Al-Bagawat How to spend a long red stone, and Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, at the acclaimed for its environmentally friendly operations. fertile gardens, its healing waters, and its spectacular vistas of jagged black and, from Persian times, the Hibis Temple. week-end in Egypt? foot of which lies the legendary St. Catherine’s Monastery. volcanic formations jutting from the desert floor below. The site became An enchanting weekend in Egypt Marsa Alam & Port Ghalib: where the future has already begun Siwa: Egypt’s westernmost oasis lures travelers with Nuweiba & Taba: two ports for relaxation and recreation world famous when an enormous necropolis dating back to Greco-Roman could comprise of one or two days in 130 km south of El Quseir, the latest of Egypt’s world-class holiday destinations is times was discovered by chance here towards the end of the 1990s. baths, lakes and legendary temples the cultural metropolis of Cairo, including quickly making its mark. Marsa Alam began in the 1990s as the first Red Sea resort in in the north of the Gulf of Aqaba The tombs contained thousands and thousands of preciously decorated A special and enchanted place, the oasis of Siwa lies 500 km west of the Nile, Giza, Saqqara and Fayoum, followed by the far south. Blessed with a rich abundance of unspoiled beaches and enchanting About 90 km north of Dahab lies Nuweiba, a comparatively calm hideaway for mummies, a sensational find, which gave the area the name of the “Valley 300 km south of Marsa Matruh, and several meters beneath sea level. 2700 years a trip by plane south to Luxor or Aswan. sea life, the area has tremendous promise. Today, this majestic setting has been nature lovers. Like elsewhere in Sinai, Nuweiba has made a name for itself based on its of the Golden Mummies.” ago, while Roma was still a village and Homer had just completed the Iliad, Siwa Alternatively, a visit to Cairo could be made accessible to travelers through an extensive resort complex with its own fine sandy beaches with wonderful multi-colored reefs in front of cragged cinnamon- already enjoyed great renown within the entire Mediterranean world as home colored mountains. Taba Heights, a resort town adjacent to the international Farafra: an island of green on the edge of the White arranged in conjunction with a beach airport and several high quality hotels. 60 km further north, the latest flagship project to the Oracle of Amun Re. World fame was gained in 331 AD when Alexander trip to Ain Sukhna, Port Said, Alexandria, border, offers the same attractions set in a planned resort community boasting an in the region, Port Ghalib, is situated at the junction of the coast and an artificial arm Desert the Great chose to stay here and consult the oracle. The feeling of something or the various beach resorts on the international quality golf course a numerous fine dining options. Both Nuweiba and In this, the smallest and most isolated oasis, the traveler can visit several sulphur of land extending out to sea. With its yachting club and harbor boasting world-class legendary and surreal continues to adhere to this oasis until today. The plethora Mediterranean Coast, with a diving Taba offer excellent hotel resorts, and great sporting activities above and below water springs, and marvel at Qasr El-Farafra, the region’s only settlement, a fortress ruin facilities, this top class holiday resort is positioning itself as a central hub for water expedition to the Red Sea, or with a trip for those seeking active holiday pursuits. In addition, a wide variety of guided camel surrounded by palms. The biggest attraction, just 30 km north, is the “White Desert,” of natural attractions, including date and olive groves, lakes surrounded by reeds, through the desert. sports in this part of the Red Sea. and desert tours are available to lure the traveler into sampling inland attractions. a landscape of surreal beauty, in which wind and weather, over time, have carved table mountains and sand dunes, and gushing springs beckoning bathers to Printed in Egypt By UPPIT Tel:(202) 23928815 swim heighten Siwa’s charm. Home to delightful, quality accommodation in eco- Western Desert and chiseled a gigantic sculpture park out of the chalk-white limestone rock. Red Sea 1 lodges, Siwa in addition boastsv two picturesque hilltop castles, several ancient sites and a very distinctive culture strongly influenced by Berber traditions. Modern metropolis, Islamic and Old Cairo More breathtaking still is the 40 hectare temple district of Karnak. For over attention today due to the Ottoman Bibliotheca Alexandrina Over 1000 years old, UNESCO has selected over 600 architectural monuments in 1700 years, well into Roman times, Karnak was extended by almost every ruler. ASWAN Citadel of Qaitbey. The principal Nile at Aswan Cairo’s Islamic town as being worthy of particular protection, and inclusion in the list of Highlights include the gigantic pylons and obelisks, and the Amun temple with ancient sites of Alexandria include the its phenomenal columned hall. The size and scale of Karnak are impressively catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa, the PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS NILE VALLEY world cultural heritage sites, including mosques like Sultan Hassan, Ibn Tulun or conveyed every evening during the Sound & Light Show on the shore of the Holy early Ptolemaic tombs of Anfushi, and Al Azhar and the towering Citadel. Al Muizz road, stretching for two kilometers between Lake. The charm of the small town is best experienced in a one-horse open-top Pompey’s famous Pillar watched over by the ancient enormous city gates of Bab Al-Futuh and Bab Zuwaila, meanders past “Caleche” trotting through the quiet streets. Also recommended are the various two Sphinxes, the Roman Amphitheatre a particularly exquisite selection of ancient monuments, including mausoleums, museums for mummification and archaeology. Worthwhile day trips from Luxor of Kom El Dikka, the villa al-Tuyur with Passport and visa requirements Shopping CAIRO mosques, schools caravanserais (ancient trader’s hostels), fountains and bath houses. include the temples of Dandara and Abydos in the north, Esna to the south, or i its beautiful mosaics, and the Greco- Cairo A shopping adventure becomes a joy ride for the senses in the adjacent bazaars, eastwards to the Red Sea. Roman Museum. Further into the city, • To enter Egypt you need a valid passport and a visa, for which • Egyptian handicrafts reflect the country’s history. Souks and particularly Khan el-Khalili, al-Muski and the Tentmakers Market, Khayyamia, or even Tombs, temples and colossi: boundless amazement on districts with an oriental flair, such as a fee is payable. Depending on the regulations applying to galleries sell handmade goods such as blown glass, pottery, in markets further afield like Kerdassa and Fustat. Further highlights include the Islamic the shores of the hereafter Anfushi or Gumruk, characterized by your country of origin, visas can be obtained from Egyptian jewelry, papyrus, carpets, leather goods, scarves, cotton Museum, the Gayer-Anderson House, a perfectly restored ancient Cairo home, the fine narrow lanes, busy bazaars and huge As with the Pyramids near Cairo, the necropolis of Thebes lies with a westward consulates abroad. In many cases, you can also obtain a visa textiles, alabaster, perfumes and spices. Modern goods can collections for ceramics at the Museum for Islamic Ceramics, and the Mahmoud Khalil mosques, invite visitors for a leisurely stroll. orientation, where the sun, tracing the movement of Osiris into the netherworld, at any international airport or major port of entry into Egypt. be found in stores and shopping malls. Museum with its impressive collection of impressionist works. Only a little further south, Reminders of Alexandria’s cultural flowering that took place during the early 1900s disappears behind the sandy horizon. Until today, the tombs and mortuary temples tell Visitors to the Gulf of Aqaba and St. Catherine’s entering Egypt on the banks of the Nile, the district of Old Cairo looks back on nearly 2000 years of can be found in the Art Nouveau façades, cinemas and cafés in the central Children of the immense faith and energy of their builders. Among the extraordinary attractions by overland routes are granted free 14-day residence permits, history. Worthy of a thorough inspection here are the ancient gate towers of the Roman district of El-Manshiya, the jewel of a museum dedicated to the life of Alexandria of the Theban Necropolis, over which the two twin columns, the Colossi of Memnon, so do not need visas. • Egypt offers a wealth of activities for children and young Fort Babylon, the Coptic Museum and a number of historicallyx important religious poet Constantine Cavafy, as well as much praised sea-food restaurants and lay watch, are the Temple for Ramses II (Ramesseum), Ramses III (Medinet Habu) and seaside villas on the way to the elegant suburb of Montazah. As a testament teenagers, with theme parks, libraries and museums for sites, including Mari Girgis, the St. Barbara, the Hanging Church, and the Moallaqa Queen Hatshepsut (Deir El-Bahari), the settlement of the necropolis-workers including Health regulations and medical facilities children, Kids’ Clubs in many resorts and a host of sporting churches, the Ben Ezra-Synagogue and the oldest mosque in Egypt named after the to Alexandria’s proud history and bold outlook into the future, the new “Bibliotheca their graves (Deir el-Medina) and the graves of the nobles (Sheikh Abd el-Qurna). • You do not need a vaccination to visit Egypt unless you activities (swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, hiking, military commander, Amr Ibn al-As. Entertainment of a different variety can also be Alexandrina” is a dramatic monument to the post-modernist architectural style. In the Valley of the Queens, one can visit the last resting place of beautiful Nefertari, come from a high-risk area, in which case you must have kite surfing, windsurfing, golf courses, diving...). Many hotels found in the city’s many world-class shopping malls and a selection of well-maintained and in the Valley of the Kings pay one’s respects to several of the 60 Pharaohs of the Through the idyllic Nile Delta to the monasteries of valid vaccination certificates. Egypt has excellent medical offer a babysitting service. golf courses on the outskirts of town. Further recommendations include an afternoon Fluvial idyll at the First Cataract New Kingdom buried here. Those who take advantage of a bird’s eye view of the Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, once the gate to inner Africa, and today the last Wadi el-Natroun care: you will find highly qualified doctors and well-equipped floating along the Nile aboard a Felucca, or an evening performance from the diverse scenery via an early morning hot-air balloon flight above the bare desert mountains Entertainment port of call for all river cruises, is today particularly famous for its two dams: In the evergreen, picturesque agrarian country of the Nile Delta around hospitals in all major cities. Pharmacies (drugstores) are cultural events taking place at the modern Opera House. bring home with them a truly unique perspective on this ancient wonder. Alexandria, several important attractions can be found, including the ruins of the barrage dam, completed during the colonial period in the early 1900s, and the generally open 24 hours a day, although patients with special • There is plenty to do in Egypt. Enjoy the many museums of history, the ancient metropolis Tanis. Located on the western arm of the Nile is Rosetta, more dramatic High Aswan Dam, an epic engineering accomplishment achieved prescriptions are advised to fill them before traveling. art and culture, or experience the “Sound-and-Light” Shows at The Pharaonic inheritance: Giza, Saqqara and world famous due to the discovery of the stone that bears its name that enabled some of Egypt’s most beautiful historic sites. Enjoy the opera LUXOR in the decades following independence. Aswan’s quarries delivered the granite, as Nile Cruises Champollion to decipher the ancient hieroglyphic language of the Pharaohs. In Language houses of Cairo or Alexandria, or watch traditional dancing as you the Egyptian Museum Hatshepsut Temple

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