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Culture: You are at the heart of the story and in no place in the world provided you have the opportunity to bring a story so rich and diverse (Pharaonic temples, Roman ruins, mosques and Arab cities, Coptic churches, etc.).
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Romantic: The pubs and restaurants on boats, the banks of the Nile, riding in caliche, the nocturnal visits of the temples ...
Shows: The magnificent sound and light held in the temples at night not to miss .. Otherwise, in boats, there is always the animation temples in the evening, the souks, the shopping ...
Surprises: A stroll in foulaka time of the sunset, sound and light show at Karnak, a trip to the Red Sea for diving ...
Hotels: Best hotel capacity in all areas of tourist interest costs (although much less in high season), from luxury to the local establishment. We also have hotels backpackers'' "comfort sometimes sketchy for 3 to 6 € / night, fifteen Youth Hostels (more expensive). Marchandage possible in low season.
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Itinerary for a trip to Egypt
Cairo Museum Cairo, pyramids ...
Alexandria Library of Alexandria ...
El Menya
Luxor Valley of Kings, the Karnak Temple ...
Esna Esna Temple ...
Edfu Temple Edfu ...
Kom Ombo Temple Kom Ombo ...
Philae Temple Aswan High Dam ...
Simbel Temple Abu Simbel About ...
Felucca Ride in Aswan ...
Luxor Temple of Luxor, Deir El Bahari ...
Hurghada Diving ...
Cairo Khan el Khalili, Museum of Antiquities ...
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Egypt, the mother of the world
Mesr this is its name in Arabic, is called by its inhabitants Oum Edounya (the mother of the world). And this is its best description. When you are in the most ancient in the world, one can not but be amazed! No one can remain indifferent to the splendour of the traces left by our ancestors for thousands of years across this country. No country in the world can claim to have a heritage as rich and diverse. The nature has also been generous with Egypt by offering exceptional landscapes (the Red Sea, the desert of Sinai, Nile, etc.).. Egypt is a trip to at least once in their life. Visit Cairo and immerse yourself in the noise of the crowded alleyways of small traders. From Alhussainine to Kalaat Salah Eddine through Khan el Ghaleel, your five senses will be fulfilled. If history is your vice, then you can not choose better destination and if you like adventure, south of Egypt will serve ...
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Cairo: Two nights on site for at least a hurry, three for those who want to do some of the main attractions. To visit the pyramids, it takes half a day. The impressive museum of Cairo requires half a day too. You can rent a taxi for a whole day to visit at your own pace the city (the souks, the nile, mosques, etc.)..
Alexandria: A day at least to visit the library.
El Menya: A day on the ground is sufficient.
Luxor: A minimum two nights. Luxor is the ancient capital of Egypt and that is that there is all the greatness of the past (temples, Pharaonic cemetery, ruins, etc.).. A enjoy a ride on the Nile felouke and not miss a visit Karnak night.
Esna: (Esna Temple) To visit the Esna temple, you must stop three to four small hours.
Edfu (Temple Edfu): To visit the Edfu temple, you must stop three to four small hours.
Kom Ombo (Temple Kom Ombo): To visit the Kom Ombo temple, you must stop three / four small hours.
Aswan (Philae Temple, High Dam ..) It should be a night on the spot if you want to go further south (starting each day at 4 am towards the temple AbouSembel) .. Otherwise, a day is enough to visit the great Naser dam built by the temple and enjoy Fialae.
Hurghada: For lovers of the sea and diving depending on your benefit choices.
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Itinerary for a trip to the region
Towards Libya : From Marsa Matrouh in Egypt, you can spend the next Egyptian border on foot and partly with a collective taxi (there is a long journey to make, between the first inspection, police and customs: Close a km, and small taxis are available for this course!). But the formalities when you are without a car are very fast. Hard to say how long they last when we go by car. Libyan side, your guide (with your visa), you should wait and it will happen even faster because the guide know everyone at the border.
Towards Gaza : Following the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979 and the withdrawal of Israel from the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, border posts have been established between the two countries. Taba is one of the principal. Located 10 km south of Eilat, the border post of Taba is the main crossing point between Israel and Egypt. It is subject to various closing and is open to Israelis and foreign tourists, but not to the Palestinians. Located some 50 kilometers south of Ashkelon, the Rafah crossing is a crossing point between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the one hand, and Egypt on the other. It is open to the Israelis, tourists, foreigners and Palestinians. For the latest news, it is still closed .. The border with Gaza in northern Sinai remains a sensitive area that should be avoided. But if you go there, try to take a visa "wheel" if you plan to visit other Arab countries.
Towards Saudi Arabia : In Saudi Arabia, a visa, and the Saudi government provides three types of visa, a visa ie professional to perform work on site, a religious visa for the pilgrimage to Mecca and the citation of Omra, almost all year and finally transit visa to go to Yemen or the UAE for example. The tourist visa does not exist (even for Muslims).
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Towards Sudan : The land of the desert is closed to foreigners. Visa to Cairo. Time between 1 and 4 weeks. Take the boat from Lake Nasser on Monday from Aswan. (Inquire at the port located on the large dam). Whether on foot, bike or 4x4 is the only mode of transport between Egypt and Sudan: the boat weekly between Aswan and Wadi Halfa, the only currently open border between the two countries. On the boat, passage possible for pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles. For cars it is necessary to wait until the barge is full (must contain 5 or 6 vehicles). It can be very long. An unforgettable journey, in rather do: 21 hours by boat, not counting the day of attendance at the port before boarding and 4-5 hours for customs formalities on arrival (for 4x4). Fortunately the atmosphere is assured and Africa in the early morning you will have the privilege of a view on the magnificent temple of Abu Simbel. Booking with Mr. Salah in Aswan. Price per person for a night-berth cabin (frankly not a luxury): 40 Euros. Rate for a vehicle (two maximum per boat): 400 Euros. The boat departs every Monday to start from Aswan to Wadi Halfa on Wednesday, but rather on Thursday in practice.
Towards Jordan :Boat Nuweiba to take for those who want to avoid Israel (if not passing through Eilat and Taba). Two boat departures per day: a slow and fast. To pay 15 dollars only.
Jordanian visa can easily be arriving in Aqaba. Otherwise, in Cairo it's easy and it is during the day. For the border, back to Taba and pass up the border by Israel ... there is no problem to pass (hopefully). Just think of to request a part to you that they stamp your passport. You fill and tamponade in place. That’s it!
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When to go
The best time to go to Egypt is the spring; it is not yet very hot. As against, if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy low season prices go for the summer heat is still bearable to the south and you'll enjoy more beaches and eastern summer evenings.
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Security
Thank you to consult the advice of the passenger site of French Foreign Ministry Please consult.
Single Woman
The police are present everywhere in Egypt. There is no therefore no risk to women. As against, it must meet a minimum of clothing so as not to draw attention to itself. In general, follow the same precautions as any country in the world and promote a dress that covers most of the body.
Population
Egypt is a country where social classes exist. the less wealthy will take you everywhere bribery (Keep you always have the money). The 16 million inhabitants of Cairo you look more stressed and more aggressive compared to the people of the south (Luxor, etc.)... In Egypt, try to adjust your behaviour depending on the region where you find and those with who you are.
Languages Spoken
In Egypt we spoke Arabic. English is also spoken by the majority of Egyptians. Other languages like French, Spanish, Russian, etc.. are used by tour guides at the entrance to the museums and temples or in hotels and boats in the South.
The Arab world
Not require a visa for nationals of the following countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Jordan,
Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Yemen.
Nationals of following countries and living abroad (Europe, etc..) Must apply for a visa from the consulates of Egypt in their country of residence and provide a period of 6 to 8 weeks for the visa (permission is sought the authorities in Cairo) Cairo ie, Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon and Iraq.
Palestinians with passport issued by the Palestinian Authority can have a transit visa for 72 hours.
Other
To travel to Egypt, a visa is required. It may be requested by mail to the nationals of the following countries: United Kingdom and all nationals of the European Union, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA, if not on site at the consulates of Egypt in the world.
For nationals of countries listed below, must apply in person the visa from the consulates of Egypt in their country of residence and provide a period of 6 to 8 weeks for the visa (and a copy of passport addition to the documents required). Nationals of these countries resident in Europe are concerned by this point: Iran, Bangladesh, Cairo i.e., Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq, Erétrie, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Moldova.
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The exempt from visa
Nationals of countries for a stay not exceeding 14 days who want to stay in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Taba and Newiba: all EU nationals.
Nationals of Malaysia; for a stay not exceeding 14 days.
Please consult to visit our visa section
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Rahhala Estimation
Average cost per day (accommodation + transport + meal), the visits are not included. There must be at least 25 euro per person per day.
A classic distance bus in the city: 20-30 Egyptian pounds. 1 distance train ticket 1 hour: 20 Books (1 night, around 70-80 pounds).
1 meal in a restaurant normal: 20-30 pounds per person.
NB: In Egypt, it is expected that many costs are related to the costs of inputs in the temples and museums (an international student card will allow you to make a lot of savings). There must be at least 40 euro per person per day.
Lodgings & Costs
Choose a complete package if you want to enjoy cruises on the Nile in particular. Take a hotel on site is much more expensive than booking outside the country. As for hostels and hostels, the prices depend of course on the comforts of the city, but in general it is very easy to find a place to stay comfortably and inexpensive.
It should be a budget between 40-60 pounds per person to Cairo and between 15-30 books in other Egyptian cities.
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Cairo hotels or hostel (good quality, equivalent * 2): 15-30 euros.
Hurghada: hotels or hostel (equivalent * 2): 30-40 euros.
SHARM EL SHEIKH: hotels or hostel (equivalent * 2): 40-60 euros.
Luxor hotels or hostel (equivalent * 2): 30-50euros.
Alexandria: hotel or hostel (equivalent * 2): 50-100.
Port Said hotels or hostel (equivalent * 2): 40-70.
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Cairo hotels (equivalent 4 / 5 *): 80-150 euros.
Hurghada: hotels or hostel (equivalent 4 / 5 *) 80-150 euros.
SHARM EL SHEIKH: hotels or hostel (equivalent 4 / 5 *) 80-150 euros.
Luxor hotel (equivalent 4 / 5 *): 40-100 euros.
Alexandria hotels (equivalent 4 / 5 *): 80-150.
Port Said hotels (equivalent 4 / 5 *): 80-150.
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Change
1 € = 7,8 Egyptian pounds.
1 Dollar = 5,5 Egyptian pounds.
Cheap Flights to Egypt
Starting from 100 Euro with Low Cost
Flight to Cairo / Luxor from Europe: around 400/450 euro.
Flight to Cairo from the Arab Gulf and North Africa: around 400 euro.
Transports
Car rental: Car rental possible though not necessarily the ideal particularly in Cairo. In the end all choose a car with a driver (or charter a vehicle), which will cost much more and you will avoid the "pitfalls and risks of driving.
Bus: Many bus services fast and luxurious (Superjet, Pullman ...) on the main (or tourist) or slow and summaries elsewhere. The rates are quite affordable and it is a good way to operate on short and medium distances.
Taxis: Collective taxis (car or minibus) or individual with an award often "local" and another "tourist". But it remains generally very cheap. Considering the conduct, few hazards, however, for the collective.
Train: Train from Luxor to Cairo, around 30 euro, bus / train to Luxor from Ourghada around 30 euro train to Aswan from Luxor: Around 10 euro.
Cruise organized from Europe: around 400-500 euro.
Night Boat 4 / 5: 50-80 euro for a double room.
Events & most important Festivals
- Muslim religious holidays, according to the lunar calendar as Moulid, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha.
- The Ismailia Festival in August, feast and carnival outdoors in Ismailia city. It is also an opportunity to see the processions of folk dances.
- Cham Annasim, the first Monday following the Coptic Easter Monday. Celebrated by all and Egypt is to host the spring of picnic, parties, etc..
- Book Fair in January at the Exhibition of Cairo is a local event.
- Day parades and military, on 6 October to commemorate the victories of Egypt during the war with Israil in 1973.
- Ascension of Ramses II. In February, it occurs when the sun enters the temple of Abu Simbel.
- International Fishing Tournament on the Red Sea in Hurghada. Fishermen from all over the world.
- Camel Festival, South Sinai, in April / May, racing camels.
- Squash Tournament of Al-Ahram in June, courses are specially designed for the occasion on the Giza plateau.
- Festival international de danse orientale, Cairo, July, fans will enjoy this dance or even take some courses.
- The tourism festival, in August, aims to promote the crafts of the country. It is also an opportunity to do business.
- Alexandria Festival of the world in October, all cities named Alexandria participate in various events.
Activities in Egypt: Diving, Trekking, hunting
The Red Sea is one of the top global destinations for diving enthusiasts. You can dive in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, in Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam and many other dive sites of world renown.
You can go to the Egyptian desert by embarking on a Trek to Aqaba, Wadi Hennis, Abyat Wadi, Wadi Khabour, Kebir Wadi Sahara or in Gedida.
For tours and excursions there is the circuit of Cairo, the circuit Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh and Sina.
Do not miss the cruise on the Nile, from Aswan Luxor, Karnac, Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. With possible trip to Abu Simbel to three hundred kilometers from Aswan (access by plane or by bus).
Music, books, movies, and more
Music: Before leaving Egypt, Oum Kalsoum listen imperative also called the 4th pyramid Halim Farid and for the classics and the star Amr Diab today.
Movies: Nothing better than watching 'Yakoubian' (available in several languages) ...
Book: Mahfoud, Nobel Prize in literature is a classic Egyptian.
History of Egypt
Egypt was inhabited since prehistoric times. Traces of human presence have been discovered in the deep layers of the Palaeolithic. The dates in the history of Egypt:
. 500 000-10 000 BC Palaeolithic Period.
. 10 000-5000 BC Mesolithic Period.
. 5000-2950 BC Neolithic and Predynastic Period.
. 2950-2650 BC Thinite Period.
. 2650-2152 BC Old Kingdom.
. 2152-2065 BC First Intermediate Period.
. 2065-1785 BC Middle Kingdom.
. 1785-1580 BC Second Intermediate Period.
. 1580-1085 BC New Kingdom.
. 1085-663 BC Third Intermediate Period.
. 663-332 BC Late Period.
. 332-304 BC Macedonian Period.
. 304-30 BC Ptolemaic Period.
. 30 BC - 395 AD Roman Period.
. 395-640 Byzantine Period.
640-1517 Islamic Period.
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