Egypt

Introduction

With a civilisation and heritage of over five thousand years, travel to Egypt for a luxurious cultural experience or for a beach holiday which also offers something a little out of the ordinary. Imagine drifting slowly in a felucca along the banks of the Nile or luxuriating in the full glamour of a cruise, with five course dinners and excellent wines. Imagine diving amid brilliant corals and exotic fish in the clear waters of Egypt’s Red Sea at world famous sites such as Ras Mohamed National Park, before returning to the sumptuous surroundings of some of the country’s best resorts. We offer the finest luxury holidays to Egypt including exclusive resorts in Sharm El Shiekh – many of which are ideally suited to family holidays.

Egypt is one civilisation woven from many strands, threaded by successive and intertwining eras – creating a diverse culture. Traditions, philosophies and religious beliefs are still visible in the accumulation of monuments and sites witnessing this unique heritage.

Ancient ports that date back to the Pharaonic times, today are better known as some of the best diving and fishing resorts in the world. White sands back dropped by desert mountains and year round sunshine, Egypt is a destination that is consistently rewarding to visit.

Egypt | Personal View

Amanda Bailey - Sharm El Sheikh

My recent seven day visit to the Egyptian hotspot Sharm El Sheikh was one of pure adventure, fascinating culture and sheer beauty.

I began my stay in a large seaview room at the Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh, with the breathtaking views across the Red Sea a delight to wake up to each morning.

Offering something for all tastes I had to try out all of the facilities and activities available. I started my stay relaxing in the outdoor dining area watching parents lounging by the poolside whilst their children were entertained in the Children’s Club.

I went on my first snorkelling excursion in the crystal blue waters around the resort where the beautiful fish and colourful coral captivated me. Moving from the tranquil beauty of the underwater life to something more adventurous, I embarked on a quad biking experience through the surrounding deserts. This is one of the most exhilarating ways to travel, allowing you to absorb the undulating landscape and experience some wholesome Egyptian culture.

Moving on from there I stayed at the magnificent Ritz Carlton Sharm El Sheikh. Built on three levels in vast grounds, this hotel was particularly memorable for its authentic Far and Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine from all three of its restaurants – Blue Ginger, Fayrouz and La Luna.

My final stay was at the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh in an Arabian themed premier sea view room, again boasting stunning views across the Red Sea. The resort offered excellent service and delicious food at a selection of restaurants.

Regional Info

HIGHLIGHTS

Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Cairo
This famous museum houses the world's largest collection of ancient Egyption artifacts (more than 120,000 items on display) featuring the famous Tutankhamun collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus and the royal Mummy room, which houses an additional eleven Pharaonic dignitaries.
Pyramids of Giza, Giza
Perhaps the most recognizable among the Seven Wonders of the World, the exact origin of these majestic pyramids continues to spark debate.
Temple of Karnak, Luxor, Nile River Valley
This city of temples was built over 2000 years and is still capable of overshadowing many of the wonders of the modern world.
Abu Simbel
The awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples in the south of Aswan, date back to the beginning of civilasation.

EVENTS

January | International Nile Festival For Children's Song
February | International Egyptian Marathon Luxor
International event with over 36 nationalities participating
February | Camel Race Festival in Ismailia
May | Camel festival in Sharm el-Sheikh
Around 250 camels and 15 Bedouin tribes will gather in May in Sharm el-Sheikh.
July | September - Tourism and shopping festival
August | Camel Race Competition In North Sinai
August | Cairo International Song Festival
August | Ismailia International Folklore Festival
September | Arab Horse Festival in Al-Sharkia
September | Alex. International Film Festival
September | International Experimental Theatre Festival
November | The Pharaohs Marathon Giza
International event with over 36 nationalities participating
November | Festival of Tut Ankh Amon Tomb Discovery
December | Cairo International Film Festival
Annual event which is a major attraction to members of World cinema

LOCAL SPECIALITIES

Food
Egypt's cultural heritage has been coloured by all of the great Mediterranean cultures, and Egyptian cooking is a fabulous combination of different dishes. Sumptuous delicacies are seasoned with a host of exotic spices, from mouthwatering bite-sized mezze to charcoal-grilled skewers of chicken or stuffed lamb. Nothing complements a meal better than a cup of steaming mint tea or an intense shot of arabic coffee with a piece of sweet baklava on the side.
Shopping
Egypt's bustling bazaars, offer everything from exquisite jewellery to hand-woven carpets, papyrus paintings, pipes and perfumes whilst herb shops serve up ancient remedies like licorice powders and other mysterious medicines.

Built at the tail end of the fourteenth century, the magnificent Khan el-Khalili is the biggest bazaar in Egypt and the Middle East. It is a veritable Aladdin's cave with meandering maze of stalls brightly coloured stalls, glittering with endless lamps and lanterns in gold, copper and silver - the heady scent of incense in the air and the din of its hagglers.

Treasures include backgammon boards and beautiful boxes inlaid intricately with mother-of-pearl.

TRAVEL TIPS

CLIMATE
Very hot, dry summers are followed by mild, dry winters. November to March is the best season for touring. The Red Sea coast is pleasant year-round with fewer climate extremes.

CAPITAL
Cairo

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT +2 hrs

CURRENCY
Egypt Pound

Multi-Centre Holidays

Sail & Stay