Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Egypt
 |  | Destination Guide : Egypt |
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| | | Of pyramids and kings |  | Why go on holiday to Egypt?
Egypt is best known for its history - the pyramids, the Sphinx, the ancient town of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The Egypt of today sees ancient and modern living side by side.
Mud brick villages stand beside Pharaonic ruins surrounded by buildings of steel, stone and glass. There is the chaos of Cairo, the tranquillity of the desert, the laid-back beauty of a Nile cruise or fabulous diving in the Red Sea.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary between resorts but at the bottom end, direct flights can cost from £220 return. A one-week package including flights and accommodation will cost from £200 or so. Bargains can be picked up if you visit between November and March.
When should I go?
This depends where you are going. Upper Egypt and Luxor can be uncomfortably hot in June to August. The Mediterranean resorts get very crowded at this time.
Winter in Cairo can be pretty cool, so spring and autumn are the best times to go.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to Egypt.
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| | | Desert oasis |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Visit the capital, Cairo - once you've adjusted to the noise and pollution, it is an archaeological treat. It is home to the Egyptian Museum, which contains more than 100,000 relics and antiquities from Egyptian history.
Cairo is also where you'll find the Pyramids, which are best viewed at dawn, when you'll have them to yourself.
And out of the capital?
Luxor was built on the site of ancient Thebes and boasts the striking Temples of Karnak from that time.
The monumental ancient architecture is complemented by several luxury hotels along the banks of the Nile.
Aswan is beautifully situated and has the High Dam and Lake Nasser to visit. Up north, Alexandria has much to see - the Greco-Roman Museum, the newly-discovered Roman amphitheatre, towering Pompeii's pillar and the ancient Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa.
What's off the beaten track?
Dahab is a good place to kick back for a few days. Accommodation is dirt cheap and the swimming is great. Sidi Abdel Rahman is an un-touristy waterfront town on the Med coast, worth going to for a look at the nomadic Bedouin who congregate nearby.
If you get time, travel out to the Dakhla Oasis and wander through the medieval town and its citadel.
What activities are there?
The Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are centres for diving and snorkelling.
The coastal waters teem with colourful marine life, coral and crustaceans. A camel trek into the desert is also a great experience.
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| | | Kofta and kebabs | | Where's good for nightlife?
It's at night that Cairo really buzzes. The city starts to come alive as the sun sets. Bars get busy only towards midnight and the belly dancers don't appear until about 3am.
For night owls there are places that don't shut at all - it's rumoured some have never closed in the past 200 years.
What's the food like?
Egyptian food is mainly based on meat (no pork, of course) and salads (chopped tomato and cucumber).
Kofta and kebabs are popular and vegetarians will have plenty to choose from with dishes like ta'amiyya (falafel), hummus and baba ghanoug (eggplant and tahina). Egyptian bakeries are a marvel, with numerous breads and sweet honeyed pastries.
What should I buy?
Egypt is brilliant for kitsch - stuffed camels and alabaster pyramids, etc. Backgammon and chess sets are also popular souvenirs.
There are lots of bargains as well if you're looking for cotton clothing, spices, jewellery, leather, rugs, brass and copperware. Don't pay the first price you're offered - you're expected to haggle!
What is there for children to do?
Egypt is very child-friendly. There are camel and donkey rides, and at Cairo Zoo they can feed the animals. Also in Cairo, on the outskirts, there are waterparks, and a theme park, Dr Ragab's Pharaonic Village.
Many hotels will let non-residents use their pools, and children are often admitted free.
Tourist office
Egyptian Tourist Office, 170 Piccadilly, London W1V 9DD. Tel. 020 7493 5283.
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| | Available rental properties in Egypt |
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| |  | | HURGHADA, RED SEA RIVIERA
3 Bedroom air conditioned apartment with shared pool. Free Collection from Hurghada Airport. Short stroll to shops restaurants hotels and beaches. Sleeps 6/8.Special discount for single or couple
|  | | 2 Bed Apartment Hurghada Red Sea
2 bedroomed apartment in Hurghada on the Red Sea Riviera. Fully Air Conditioned, Satellite TV, full use of large shared pool.
|  | | Sea Stars Apartments, Dahab
Beautiful new apartments set in a private lawned garden. Just one minutes walk from the beach and fringing red sea reef they are the perfect place to
|  | | 2 Bedroom apartment, Hurghada
2 bedrooms (with air con), 2 bathrooms, open plan living space includes a sofa bed, balconies and roof terrace. Full cooking facilities, satellite rec
|  | | SHARM EL SHEIKH, RED SEA
A lovely 2 bedroom apartment with balcony, ideal for couples and families.
The apartment is fully equipped with everything you need
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