Land of the pharaohs
Egypt was one of the first centers of civilization in the world and its recorded history stretches back at least 6,000 years before the time of the pharaohs.
Such a past has left the country with an unsurpassed collection of ancient monuments and relics of antiquity. Whilst the pyramids
- amongst the world's largest constructions - are perhaps the most famous of Egypt's 
sights, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and exquisitely decorated mosques testify to the various cultures that have  influenced the country and its people over the millennia. 
The main sites, clustered along the Nile valley, are easily accessible by road, air and best of all by cruise ship.
A Nile cruise aboard a ship is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to travel. There is no better way to discover the archeological heritage of Egypt like sailing smoothly along this historic waterway.

Tutankhamun
The Citadel
But there is more to Egypt than mementoes of past civilizations.
The 20th century is very much in evidence - in comfortable hotels, busy casinos, lively nightclubs and comprehensive programmes of entertainment.
Cairo Skyline

Cairo Ramses Hilton		 Shopping, too, especially in the bustling souks, is a great experience and there are bargains to be found in jewellery, glass, leather, silver, brass and handicrafts. Shops are generally open well into the evening although, during Ramadan, times for shopping (and also businesses) can vary. All this, plus an active social culture makes Egypt one of the region's most intriguing holiday destinations.
Cairo is the foremost capital on the African continent and lies at the center of all routes leading to, and from the capitals of the three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. In Cairo you will never, not even for a moment, feel a lonely traveler!
In fact, you will enjoy traveling through time, from one period to another, exhilarated by the history of those who remained immortal, through their bodies were laid to rest thousands of years ago.
Cairo, the city where past and present meet, invites you to come and enjoy its beautiful all-year weather, and visit the immortal monuments and relics especially the ancient pyramids, in Giza.
The Sphinx
P R A C T I C A L  I N F O
Business Hours:
Most government offices work from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Bank open to the public from 8.30 a.m to 2.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Shops are usually open from 9.00 a.m to 8.30 p.m. (winter)
and 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. (summer).
Air mail postage: Foreign countries: P.T 75 - Arab countries: P.T 55.
A c C O M M O D A T I O N
  International Festivals:
1 - International Book Fair - Cairo (January)
2 - Tennis tournament (March)
3 - international Fishing Festival, Hurghada (February)
4 - Abu Simbel Sun Festival, Abu Simbel (Feb./Oct.)
5 - Pharaohs's Vehicle Rally, The Pyramids (October)
6 - Yacht-Racing and Water Skying Festival - Alexandria,
     Hurghada (October)
7 - Arab Horse Festival (November)
8 - National Fishing Festival, Sharm El Sheikh (November)
9 - International Rowing Festival, Cairo (December)
10- Cairo International Film Festival, Cairo (December)

The God Horus
 
The weather
Egypt's climate, as a hole, can be described as mild. While the midsummer months can get quite hot, the heat is less taxing than else-where because the humidity is low. And for the rest of the year the weather is ideal, the sky sparkling with sunshine, the rainy days few and far between in Cairo, nearly unknown in Upper Egypt, the crisp coolness of the air impregnated by the warmth of the winter.

Wall inscriptions

Egyptian Food
The Egyptian kitchen is renowned for its tasty dishes which millions of visitors to Egypt have gained an appeal. Elegant restaurants in major hotels, and else-where, offer delicious oriental selections such as Kafta, Kebab, Mulukhia, Tahina Salad (grilled pigeon), Bba Ghanough, mixed green salad, Vine leaves, Foul and Ta'meya and Kusheri.
Where to stay
There are numerous hotels in Cairo and Giza, ranging from 5 stars to one star, including
those belonging to international chains as well as public sector hotels.

Domestic Travel
Egyptair operates several internal flights to all parts of Egypt including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, El Wadi,
El Gedid, Alexandria, Hurghada on the Red sea.
By rail, the trip from cairo to Alexandria takes 2 hrs 40 mins., to Luxor 12 hrs and to Aswan 16 hrs
(Nights trains are equipped with comfortable sleepers and restaurant cars.)
Car Rental Service
There are several private car rental companies in Cairo.
Limousine  -  Avis  -  Hertz  -  Budget  -  Bita  -  Misr Travel.
Ferry boat service
- Al Qamar Al Saudi      - Al Areesh         - Al fahd
- Al Gawaher                - AlSalam
- Al Nasr                      - Shahd fayez

VISIT THE CITIES OF EGYPT
CAIRO - ALEXANDRIA - ASWAN - SHARM EL SHEIKH
FAYOUM - MERSA MATRUH - LUXOR - MINYA
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