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الجمعة، 15 أغسطس 2014

Egypt in Details

Egypt

The beautiful and legendary land of the pyramids along the Nile river
Egypt
The Arab Republic of Egypt , or more popularly known as Egypt , is a country in north west Africa and highlights in addition to its important and significant history as one of the most populous countries in the entire African continent. Bordered on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, south Sudan, the east by Israel and the Red Sea, and west by Libya. Its largest city and its capital is Cairo .
Within its surface is understood the Sahara desert mostly, having lots of oasis; Egypt is a country noted for its impressive monuments and its rich history, and many archaeological sites with remains of the most important palaces.
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General information

Overview of Egypt

Flag of EgyptEgypt is a mysterious and legendary country with over 6000 years of history is still as dazzling traveler is encouraged to know. The imposing and formidable Pyramids of Giza have been silent witnesses to the large amount of both cultural and historical events that have been happening throughout history, also part of it due to offering outstanding panorama of the desert.
Although, as time passed, Egypt became quite popular and busy, for both single tourists and archaeologists and scholars who were just unveiling of the mysteries that contain these monuments, but Egypt is not only pyramids, but also has many other historical or biblical oasis areas such routes still left amazed today to more than one.
More information about the Overview of Egypt

Getting to Egypt

Visas

To enter Egypt you must have a valid passport with at least six months validity at the time of leaving the country. This document may include seals visit to Israel. The visa is obtained directly from the airports of Cairo , Alexandria , Luxor and Hurghada . If you enter Egypt through the Sinai is necessary to manage the visa in advance any Egyptian embassy.

By plane

At present there are five regular direct flights per week from Spain to Egypt served by British Airways and Egyptair . There are also several charter flights to Cairo or Luxor as well as the interesting city of Sharm el Sheikh.

Overland

By land you can only enter Egypt from Israel on a tourist level through Eilat, via the border post at Taba in the Sinai. Several Israeli bus companies cover this route.

By Ferry

By sea, you can navigate to Hurghada or other points of Sinai from the port of Aqaba, Jordan, on board a regular ferries and catamarans.

Weather

As fixed rule, Egypt is always hot , while from November to March temperatures are relatively moderate in most of the country (Cairo: 9th -22 º C; Luxor: 8 -26 ° C; Aswan: 12th-30).
The climate is mild and Mediterranean just off the coast of the eponymous sea, Alexandria, and in the Delta, where more or less regular rainfall occurs. By contrast, in the Nile Valley is desert environmental characteristics, becoming the terrible summer heat bearable thanks to the extremely low rates of humidity. The extreme dryness is the further south you travel, the most arid strip that stretches between Aswan and Nubia (Abu Simbel). There is almost no rain.
Summer, especially July and August, is particularly hellish, forcing visitors in Upper Egypt (Luxor-Aswan) should be initiated even before dawn. This period is therefore considered low season.
Consequently, the winter is the ideal time to tour the country , or in any case, the spring or late fall. However, the Red Sea remain clear and warm, and therefore suitable for diving, only in summer. See Diving in Egypt. Occasionally, short cold periods should also be provided in Cairo in December and January, with values ​​that may even fall of 5 ° C.

Drink

In Egypt we can enjoy the local cuisine , based on a conception of Egyptian-Turkish cuisine that stand out as native dishes the foul (mashed beans or lentils), tahini (sesame paste), koushari (rice, macaroni, lentils and chickpeas with spicy sauce) and babaganoush (eggplant paste), not to mention the various expressions of kebab (kofta, shawarma, shish kebab, etc.), or recreated according to old recipes of the times of the Pharaohs dishes such as goose or roasted duck with honey.
Desserts include roz bilàban ago screams of joy throw your sweet tooth and legion of lovers rice pudding and basbusa is another great pastry based semolina, yogurt and honey with nuts recipe.

Accommodation

Egypt has been always a true resort paradise thanks to its large number of accommodations of all ranks and especially favorable value in the lodges of the highest category. However, rates have experienced a huge increase in recent years and what is worse, the quality of the services of tourist type hotels have plummeted. However, we will always find an accommodation that suits our pocket and expectations of the country's main sites.
A recommendation to take into account is that advance reservations are almost essential all year round, and can be performed on their own without going through a travel agency. We will save enough money. Not so in the case of establishments where the Red Sea off season offer very good rates through agencies.
The big three of the country profiled Nile hotels-all, all are míticos- Mena House Oberoi Giza, the Old Cataract Aswan and Luxor Winter Palace.

Parties and Events

Islamic Festivities

The great Islamic festivals are: Ras Sana the Hegira , 1 of Moharram, New Year (first Islamic month) Ramadan (ninth month of the Muslim calendar, date varies each year in relation to the Gregorian) Moulid the Nabi , 12 Rabi al-Awal, birth of Muhammad (third month of the Muslim calendar) Qurban Bairam , 10-13 Zoul Hagga sacrifice of the lambs (Last month of the Islamic calendar, devoted to the pilgrimage).



Coptic festivities

Coptic festivities are governed by their own calendar, which begins in 284 AD Among these are the following: Jan. 7: Christmas January 19: Epiphany March 21: Annunciation besides Easter, which culminates with the feast of Sham the Nessim , Pharaonic origin, which falls on Monday following the said celebration.



Secular Holidays

The festivities lay down the following dates: April 25: Sinai Liberation May 1: Labor Day July 23:Anniversary of the Revolution of 1952 October 6: Day of the Armed Forces). Sham El Nessim is also considered the day of national holiday for the entire population.



Security

At the level of common crime, Egypt is neither more nor less secure than any other country in the world. Precisely, only in the major tourist areas, airports, train stations, it is necessary to take precautions to prevent theft of our belongings, crime king among crowds of unsuspecting travelers. Assaults with bullying remain a rarity in Egypt, being recalcitrant vendors selling trinkets and unique in our way to hinder counterfeiting. If you feel overwhelmed by this, or have been victims of theft, it is more appropriate to use the Tourist Police patrolling in all places of interest.
Regarding terrorism, the killing of tourists who came in 1997 and isolated incidents resulting in death have not been followed, which does not prevent fundamentalist dissidents still maintained its hostile attitude towards foreigners. Because of this, still required a police escort to access by road to any remote area of ​​conventional circuits, such as the Libyan Desert Oasis, Hurghada beach or sanctuaries Denderah and Abydos. The track between Aswan and Abu Simbel remains closed to traffic; and intermediate stops along the Nile Valley in places like Esna continue discouraged.

Health

It is not compulsory to access any vaccination Egypt. The certificate of vaccination against yellow fever only those travelers coming from a country where such disease is suffered is required.
Overall, Egypt is safe. Due to the large influx of tourists, hygiene in restaurants and stores for foreigners is reliable. Bottled water is everywhere, and it is usually made ice drinks served to Westerners.
You can take any food at street level if it is well cooked, roasted or fried, the main cause of the tremendous heat gastric disorders, environmental dryness or excessive spices. The scorching sun can cause dizziness or sunstroke and dehydration, eye irritation or skin burns, so it should be protected from the rigors of the sun.
However, if we get out of tourist establishments we can find some stomach problems, or hepatic amebiasis.
In desert areas should never turn stones at ground level, as they can hide scorpions, cobras or vipers whose bites are extremely painful and poisonous. With regard to the famous tradition of drinking water from the Nile to ensure a prompt return to the country, you should know that the ancient river is quite polluted and its banks are often a common source of bilharcia.

Money

All types of hard currency may be converted into national currency at any of the multiple bank exchange offices that are located in airports, hotels and areas of high tourist season. Dollars, British Pounds, ITL, DEM and Spanish pesetas to be bartered for Egyptian pounds without problems. The euro will replace the names referred to when making their appearance.
Travellers checks are handled as easily as similar contributions to the change in cash. In any case, it very convenient to keep the supporting receipts for each transaction to convert Egyptian currency for foreign currency at the time of leaving the country, if we have a surplus.
Credit cards, especially Visa, American Express and MasterCard are accepted at most hotels and tourist superior range, as well as numerous restaurants and shops.

History of Egypt

The history of Egypt is one of the oldest and most popular in the world, from the beginning of settlement along the Nile River and the constant development of cultures and civilizations to where it is today, a maelstrom of events that have been piling of just a great culture on the African continent.
More information about the history of Egypt

Transportation in Egypt

By plane

Domestic flights are covered by Egyptair and its subsidiary Air Sinai, which perform many daily services between Cairo and major destinations. Precisely Air Sinai and a third airline, Zas, exclusively covering routes to Santa Catalina, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. Cheapest journeys cost about $ 70 one way, and the most expensive $ 200. Prebooked seat well in advance, especially for the flight to Abu Simbel from Aswan or the capital.

Boat

Navigating the river can be made between Luxor and Aswan or vice versa I aboard luxury cruise ships (floating hotels) and feluccas. Today the entire voyage between Cairo and Qena it has suspended for security reasons. However, you are operating from a couple of years called Nubian Cruise, tracing the Nile from Aswan to Abu Simbel in five days ago.
Floating hotels are also classified by stars (three to five), and its rates suitable to their rank, and made trips up and down the Nile between three and eight days. Reservations are highly desirable and may be formalized through travel agencies and luxury hotels. Feluccas can be booked in the same way, although it is much easier to get a place in one of these boats on the docks of Luxor or Aswan. Its amenities are scarce and require the use of a sleeping bag.

Trains

The train is still a good choice for nostalgic travelers, although their rates are fully present for a paying double for an Egyptian foreign ticket. There are air-conditioned trains that run through the valley of the Nile between Cairo and Aswan. Cars have first and second class, sleeper cars well and serve food on board. The cheaper trips in first class haunt the 50LE (Cairo-Alexandria) and the more expensive the 100LE (Cairo-Aswan). By car bed, sharing a double cabin, the latter route would cost 300LE. Local trains for short distances, crowded with travelers uncomfortable without air conditioning is only recommended for lovers of strong experiences.

Buses

The Egyptians buses are efficient, comfortable and quite connect all the major towns of the country. Their rates are much cheaper than the train and its output frequencies greater. However, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Taxis

This measurement is not needed if you prefer to travel by road in shared taxis, which made ​​travel between two fixed points. Cars allowed seven passengers and depart as are full. With them you can get anywhere while enjoying a real contact with the local population. If you prefer to move privately, you can always rent a private taxi, which will require an enormous bargaining power and stamina before the impending crash continued, especially in the streets of Cairo .

Car Hire

Otherwise, we can rent a car, an option that is only suitable for reckless given the lack of traffic rules in Egypt; therefore, rented a car, it is best to do with driver.

Attractions in Egypt

Monuments

Watching the grandiose remains of Pharaonic Egypt is above any consideration, the reason for a trip to the land of the Nile.
Thus, the Giza Plateau and Pyramids, Saqqara necropolis with accompanying ruins of Memphis, the temples of Karnak and Luxor on the eponymous city as well as the Theban necropolis and mortuary temples of Deir el Bahari and the Ramesseum , and of course, Abu Simbel in Nubia, the points are a must no traveler should miss.
But there are many more archaeological sites of equal interest and less popular so you can enjoy them in relative privacy, such as the complex of pyramids of Abusir and Dahshur , respectively north and south of Saqqara; the temples of Denderah and Abydos, north of Luxor; or the city of the royal necropolis workers, Deir el Medina, on the western edge of the old Thebes.

Religion

For those interested in the history of Christianity, in addition to travel to the south of the Sinaito visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina , where theoretically Moses received the Tablets of the Law, it is also possible to follow the route of the Holy Family in Egypt land, according a path that crosses the northern Sinai and extends between the Delta and the city of Asyut throughCairo .
Precisely this city is one of the places you should pay more attention to that is normally granted, being one of the mainstays of the Islamic world. The Citadel, Coptic Cairo and the bazaar of Khan el-Khalili is a must.
Of course, the visit to his Egyptian Museum is quite an inexcusable duty. Alexandria is also becoming an increasingly common destination for travelers, especially since they have found remains of the palace of Cleopatra submerged under the sea and even more by the lure of the inauguration of its modern-and too modernist Library .
Aswan , meanwhile, is another set of a tour of the country, though so just to enjoy the beauty of the Ptolemaic temple of Philae, which is only accessible by boat stage.

Scorching desert

In recent years, the Route of the Oasis in the Libyan desert (Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, Al Kharga, plus a possible extension to Siwa), is also becoming a boom, since it provides the perfect counterpoint and the ideal complement to transit touristed by the Nile valley , while allowing you to enjoy those amazing orchards that arise in the middle of the most absolute aridity.

Mar and Diving

On the contrary, the beach lovers and diving should not miss a stay in Hurghada , on the Red Sea, an area in which the Ministry of Tourism is focusing all his interest to make it a sort of complex holiday in true Caribbean style. Also Sharm el Sheikh is getting a big boost as a magnet for divers and sea lovers.

Things to Do in Egypt

Making the trek from the Valley of the Kings Valley of the Queens through Deir el Bahari, the top of The Deir el Medina Qurn and following the path trodden by the ancient builders of tombs more than 3,000 years ago.
Try to visit some of the tombs of the Nobles . They are not as famous as the tombs of the Kings and for that reason are less crowded. Moreover, the frescoes depict scenes of everyday life that have charm and are easier to decode the complex mythology of Ra, Hathor and Nut.
Locate on the left side of the cabin on planes bound for Abu Simbel, as the usual glide path allows us to contemplate the incredible temples from the air shortly before landing.
Gossip arguments with either a huckster trying to convince a tourist at the tomb of Tutankhamun to buy him a piece of mummy, he said, found recently, as well as questions about astonished that such a finding makes overseas gullible.
Tired of belly dancing and mint tea, we can have a drink with enough alcohol in Cairo Jazz Clubwhile listening to Charlie Mingus and dream Bogart and Lauren Bacall in a landscape of pyramids and palm trees. At 197 26Th Street Julio, in Agouza, Cairo.
Do not miss the Archaeological Museum in Cairo . In the living mummies look against the faces of the pharaohs to which humanity should some of his most glorious monuments and the basis on which our civilization has developed. If you are free and not dependent on schedules imposed by organized trips, try to go to the museum just after lunchtime. There are fewer people and this allows a more relaxed visit. Not a bad idea, if time permits, make two visits to the museum instead of a.
Attending the mystical spectacle of whirling dervishes that takes place every day in the Mausoleum of El-Ghuri at Khan el-Khalili.
Make a Nile cruise . boat cruises are a more relaxing than it first may seem from outside experience. Consider the daily life of both banks of the Nile is one of the great experiences of the trip to Egypt. It is a comfortable and relaxing way to get around and allows you to combine visits to archaeological sites sedate afternoon reading on deck, from where you can watch beautiful sunsets.
Take a felucca ride in Luxor or Aswan . For the previous proposal has them seemed worthy of mass tourism, they know they can also take a cruise without all the amenities of the big boats in these boats. Essential sleeping bag and a dose of adventurous spirit.
Soaking in over azure waters of the Red Sea and feel the sensation of diving in a big pond of large corals. No need to dive, with granny glasses and a tube be excited profane. We recommend a place called Blue Hole in Dahab, but there are thousands.

Tours in Egypt

Tour 15 days

This is a basic course that shows the three tourist areas -Oasis Egypt, Nile Valley and Red-Sea.
From Cairo, we would cover the route of the oasis, excluding Siwa road for five days, up to Luxor, where we would use two more days to visit the most important monuments. The next three days would soar Nile felucca to Aswan, where depending on the shipping, a half-day tour could be done by plane for Abu Simbel.
The penultimate stage road would take us back to Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh on the Red Sea coast, to relax in its spacious beaches a couple of days. The last stretch, by car or bus, we return to Cairo, where we would spend the final 48 hours before returning to our country.

Tour a month

Thirty days in Egypt is enough time to visit all the attractions that the country possesses, unhurried and thoroughly.
The tour will begin in Cairo, spending five days a complete tour of the city and its Pharaonic sites nearby (Gizeh, Saqqara-Memphis, Abusir, Dahshur).
The sixth day, by air or road, visit Alexandria, starting the next morning by air to Siwa, in the limit of Libyan Desert, which would begin the Oasis Road south to reach Luxor in six stages.
Six days spent in ancient Thebes allow all monuments on both sides and make the trip back and forth to Denderah and Abydos.
The next four days remontaríamos the Nile to Aswan, felucca or cruise, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Bastan forty-eight hours in the city of the great dam to visit points of interest and make a round trip flight to Abu Simbel.
The next step would Hurghada on the Red Sea, which can be reached by road or by plane from Aswan from Luxor. Two days of sun and sand give way to a sailing catamaran to Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, to make a tour and overnight in the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Returning by air to Cairo, still could use two days to go and return by road to Ismailia to contemplate and ferry to cross the Suez Canal.
Still better than Hurghada and the Sinai Peninsula in the town of Dahab is located. Its tourism is more obscure and less crowded than in Hurghada or Sharm-el-Seik also in the Sinai, at least for now. Although traditionally it is a destination for backpackers and hippies, the truth is that there are very upscale hotels - a reasonable-prices that are a pleasure. From Dahab can be many local agencies that organize tours, including a trip to Petra (Jordan) on the same day. It is also possible for those who have time, go on their own. But the purpose of this target is to relax and indulge in the pleasures that hide the marine waters of the Red Sea.
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Source : http://turismo.org/egipto/

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