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8 of the Best Ways to Spend a Night in Cairo
Visitors typically come to Cairo to see the pyramids at Giza—This is absolutely no surprise considering that the Great Pyramid is the only surviving original ancient wonder of the world. But what to do when the sun sets and you’re not quite ready to head back to the hotel? Luckily, Cairo is a world-class city with countless options for livening up your night. Here are a few of my favorites:

Opera House
The Cairo Opera House is Egypt’s premiere performing arts center. This large opera complex opened in 1988 and houses seven theaters of varying sizes, as well as an art gallery, museum, and music library. In addition to opera, the center holds ballet performances, musicals, concerts, and plays. Its roomy Main Hall has room for 1200 patrons to enjoy opera, orchestral music, and ballet. Smaller theaters provide more intimate settings and excellent acoustics.
The opera house serves as a hub for a number of companies in residence, such as the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, Cairo Opera Company, Cairo Opera Ballet Company, National Arab Music Ensemble, and Cairo Opera Choir. It is located in a tranquil setting amidst the manicured gardens of the National Egyptian Museum of Modern Art, on Gezira Island in the Nile. Dress up and enjoy a glamorous night out!

Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe
A true must-see while you’re in Cairo, Al-Tannoura dance troupe provides a spectacle for both your eyes and ears. Colorfully costumed performers show off their talents in song, music, and dance. This beautiful performance is like a moving meditation, showing you a spiritual and invigorating side of traditional Egyptian culture. Prepare to be mesmerized.

Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center
Located in central Cairo, the Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center regularly hosts cultural events and shows, including performances by the Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe. It makes for a stunning venue, thanks to its incredible architecture (dating back to 1504!) and atmosphere. Make sure to catch a show here if you get the chance.

Felucca by Night
Feluccas are traditional wooden boats that people have sailed for centuries along the Nile. Consider for a moment how significant the Nile has been to the entire course of Egyptian history. Millennia ago, the Nile’s regular flooding patterns enabled the ancient Egyptians to cultivate the surrounding land. Egyptian society sprang up along the river, which nourished the growth of an astounding civilization. The Nile also plays a larger than life role in ancient Egyptian religion and mythology.
On your trip to Egypt, you’ll likely arrive by plane and travel around the country by car—but take a moment to slow down and enjoy this slower, more traditional way of travel. As you skim over the Nile waters in a felucca, you can experience for yourself what the Pharaohs themselves did when they traveled by boat. You’ll leave Egypt with a more concrete appreciation of (and participating in) its storied history.

Dinner Nile Cruise
Admire Cairo’s illuminated skyline while enjoying dinner and a show. A dinner cruise down the Nile is the perfect way to unwind after a long and hectic day of sightseeing. Chefs prepare a sumptuous dinner from fresh ingredients, offering you a delicious introduction to Egyptian cuisine. The Nile’s floating restaurants also feature top-notch entertainment: belly dancing, traditional music, folklore shows, and more. Dinner cruises are simultaneously relaxing and engaging, making them a vacation classic for a reason!

Muizz Street (Bayt al-Suhaymi)
Located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, this one-kilometer street contains an extraordinarily high concentration of medieval Islamic gems. Since 2008, the street has been designated as a pedestrian only zone, helping maintain its unique charm and character.
Your evening stroll down Muizz Street will take you past the Mosque of Al Hakim bi Amr Allah (built in 1013), the Mosque of al-Aqmar (built in 1125), the Complex of Qalawun (built in 1285), the Madrasa of Al-Nasir Muhammad (built in 1304), Qasr Bashtak (built in 1339), the Madrasa of Barquq (built in 1386), the Mausoleum of Sultan Al-Ghuri (built in 1505), and many, many more spectacular building of immense historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance.
Bayt al-Suhaymi is one of many notable buildings on or near Muizz Street. This house, constructed in 1648, is a phenomenal example of Ottoman-era architecture and design. Latticed windows, marble floors, enamel tiles…This place will give you some interior design inspiration for your own home!
While Muizz Street is beautiful at any time, it becomes especially enchanting in the evening.

Pyramids Sound and Light Show
If you’re in Cairo, you’ll of course want to enjoy pyramid tours and sphinx. But did you know that you can also explore the history of these ancient wonders by night? The sound and light show is a striking audio-visual show that not only makes for pretty pictures, but also acquaints you with the stories behind these mysterious structures.
Do you know the story of the sphinx? Or about the intriguing lives of Queen Nefertiti and her rather unusual husband the pharaoh Akhenaten? The pyramids sound and light show is a history class like no other, brought to life at the very spot where history was made.

Cairo Tower
Cairo Tower is a famous landmark that was once the tallest building in all of Africa (until 1971). Standing 187 meters tall, it looms over the city, its concrete latticework exterior blending elements of both modern and ancient design. Needless to say, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views over the city.
Atop the tower, you’ll find an observation deck and rotating restaurant, ideal for admiring the sunset and watching as the city lights begin to shine through the darkness. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the sheer size of Cairo.

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Top Tips for Solo Female Travelers Before Travelling to Egypt
A mosaic of ancient history, cultural adventure, and modern urbanity, Egypt is one lively and momentous travel destination where you can sense the old, the new, and everything in between.
While maneuvering through this Middle Eastern marvel might become a bit overwhelming for women travellers at first, it’s imperative to get the cultural clues correct in order to reduce the hassle and potential problems.
As a solo female traveller, you should not only take the safety in your own hands but also be prepared for the adventure. Here are top safety tips for solo female travelers for their Trip to Egypt:

1. Dress Conservatively: After all Modesty is the best Virtue
Egypt is a highly conservative country and the locals are very traditional about their dressing. So, it is recommended to dump your hot shorts and strappy tank tops that might draw negative attention from the crowd.
Women are expected to dress up modestly, covering shoulders, upper arms, chest and legs by wearing loose-fitting, opaque T-shirts (with a sleeve that covers upper arms), long pants and long skirts.
P.S: A huge part of how you are treated when you’re strolling through the streets of Egypt depends on how you dress up. So, making that extra effort to cover up not only improves your impression on the local people but it also gives off the message that you respect their culture, cutting short any negative, demeaning attention

2. Find yourself a safe hotel: A Home away from Home
If travelling alone, it’s best to consider hotels that have security checks at all entrances and are generally deemed safe. In fact, the country is flooded with a number of safe, comfy, family-owned three-star hotels where the staff is not only warm and welcoming but they also look out for you, once they get to know you! They can become your home-away-from-home.
Pro Tip: Always carry your hotel’s business card when you go sightseeing. It’s a quick and easy way to get home in case you’re lost in a warren of streets and your Arabic isn’t really good. Simply hand the car to any cab driver and you’ll be home safe in a flash.

3. Book Local Female Guides: The Best Way to Explore Egypt
While we appreciate your choice and bold attitude to travel the world on your own, it’s always a good idea to partner with a local female tour guide. While Egypt is mostly a safe and welcoming country, it is recommended not to stroll alone at some places after the sunset. So, at such times, it’s better to be accompanied by a trusted local guide than moving alone. Plus, they can also give you some valuable insights about the rich Egyptian history.
Pro Tip: Inquire at the front desk of your hotel or consult your travel agent on how to go about finding one. In fact, for very little money you can book a professional guide (and driver) who go through strict training and years of classes on Egyptology.

4. Transportation Secret for Women
If you happen to be in two of the largest cities of Egypt: Cairo and Alexandria, then you’ll be extremely happy to learn that both share a secret pertaining to women. While Alexandria boasts of its safe and sound streetcars, Cairo takes extreme pride in its wonderful ‘Metro’ which is not only safe and clean but is also incredibly cheap.
Because Egypt is vastly a Muslim country, the front car (or two) on each streetcar or train is reserved exclusively for women. It’s an amazing experience to mingle solely with the local women who will come up and talk to you, laughing shyly.

5. Mark Your Territory: Be an Aware Woman Traveler
As a woman travelling solo in Egypt, it is always wise to research properly about the places you’ll be visiting and get an idea about what it’d be like to travel through them alone. While the internet is undoubtedly the best place to get started for your research process, take out some time to visit government sites, travel blogs, and public forums to learn about the concerned places.
What’s more; it is strongly advisable to learn a few standard phrases of Arabic as it will not only help you break the ice but also sound more friendly to the locals.

Salam or Marhaba: Hello
Ibtihki ingleezi? : Do you speak English?
Jameel : Beautiful
Ismi…: My name is…
Shukran : Thank you
Afwan :You are welcome (Reply to Shukran)

Pro Tip: Learn the Arabic names of the tourist places you intend to visit beforehand. While Egyptians are known for being helpful and friendly, doing so will empower you to be more independent in your travel endeavors and help you avoid overly intrusive locals insisting on guiding you.

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Top 5 Most Relaxing Destinations in Egypt

Egypt is rightfully famous for its phenomenal history and culture: Ancient pyramids, the Sphinx, and seemingly endless temples dotting the Nile. But have you ever considered choosing Egypt for your next relaxing beach holiday?
Outside the hustle and bustle of Cairo, there are plenty of places where life unfolds at a slower pace. You’ll find pristine shorelines, top-notch spas, comfortable resorts, and opportunities to enjoy water sports. Here are the top 5 places to visit in Egypt if you’re looking to unwind.

1- Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is where to go when you truly want peace and quiet. This sleepy town has been growing in popularity among tourists lately, but it still makes an excellent beach escape. Go diving or snorkeling in the warm Red Sea waters, or simply relax with a book.
If you’re feeling more ambitious, you can use Marsa Alam as a base from which to visit Egypt’s Eastern Desert and the beautiful Wadi el Gemal National Park. Finally, Marsa Alam is relatively close and well connected to Luxor and the temples at Karnak and Edfu, so you can combine your beach getaway with some historic sightseeing too.

2- Hurghada
Incredible beaches and unforgettable dive sites: This combination brings thousands of visitors to Hurghada and for good reason! Hurghada offers a truly dizzying array of activities. You can of course go SCUBA diving or snorkeling for close-up views of coral reefs and marine life. You can also opt for a glass-bottom boat tour to catch a glimpse underwater without getting wet. Other options include windsurfing and taking a boat cruise to explore the nearby Giftun Islands.
On land, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax and entertain yourself as well. Enjoy an evening browsing Hurghada’s shops and trying one of its restaurants. Consider heading into the desert for a completely different landscape. Like Marsa Alam, Hurghada is only several hours away from Luxor, so you can visit some famous temples on the same trip.

3- El Gouna
Situated about a 30-minute drive away from Hurghada, the resort town of El Gouna is a smaller, quieter alternative, though make no mistake: El Gouna still has plenty to do! You can enjoy virtually any water sport here, from SCUBA diving and snorkeling to windsurfing. Numerous boat cruises depart regularly from El Gouna’s shores.
Accommodations here tend to be upscale, and there are also excellent spas, fine dining, shopping, and even a small museum. El Gouna is ideal if you’re hoping to enjoy horseback riding, tennis, or golf during your vacation, since it has facilities catering to all of these sports. Overall, this Red Sea resort town will most likely have you never wanting to leave.

4- Sharm el-Sheikh
Perched on the southern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm is perhaps best known as a world-class dive spot. Its calm and crystal clear waters, along with its warm weather, make it an ideal setting for all kinds of water sports. Don’t miss out on Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve, a protected area with stunning beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs. If you’re a diver, check out the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, one of the world’s most fascinating wreck sites, and an excellent place to find barracuda, lionfish, stonefish, moray eels, and other species.
In addition to all the underwater activities, Sharm provides numerous land-based activities, ranging from go-karts to quad biking to horseback riding. I also highly recommend taking a trip into the desert to see the famous Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery. Between the breathtaking desert landscape and the ancient history, this excursion is unforgettable.

5- Dahab
Located on the Gulf of Aqaba, about 50 miles north of Sharm, Dahab is a charming and relaxed beach town known for SCUBA diving, free diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and other water sports. Plus, you can find yoga classes, rock climbing excursions, and sandboarding. Once a small Bedouin village, Dahab has become popular with hippies and adrenaline seekers alike.
In any case, the beautiful beaches here are equally good for relaxing and napping as they are for partaking in more exhilarating pursuits like free diving. While in the area, you might also want to book a tour into the desert or a trip to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery.

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Your Guide to Egypt: A Land of Magic and Wonder
Egypt, a country sited in the midst of Northeast Africa and the Middle East, is without a doubt a land of awe and wonder. Filled with Millennia-old constructions and sitting along the splendorous Nile River Valley, Egypt Classical Tours will leave you speechless
Pharaohs, Pyramids, and splendor
With more than 8 million tourist per year, Egypt has astonishing landscapes to impress even to the most experienced traveler. Down below you will find a list of places that will take your breath away.
The Giza Pyramids
The most representative and iconic wonder of the world and top of Egypt touristic attractions, the Pyramids of Egypt, the place where several generations of Egyptian royalty constructed their great burial shrines on the plains outside of Cairo, enjoy and it awaits to impress you with more than 139 meters of splendor and marvel.
The Cairo Museum
The Egyptian Museum, in Cairo, Egypt, is home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities. With more than 120,000 splendorous pieces of art on display, the Cairo Museum is crowned as one of the largest and most spectacular museums of the region.
The Valley of Kings
The Valley of the Kings is the abode of the tomb of Tutankhamen and the burial location for most of the pharaohs of the “New Kingdom”, the Valley of the Kings is one of the most heavily visited attractions in Egypt due to the dazzling and breathtaking sights which can be noticed through the Pyramids Of Egypt.
Nile River Cruises
Merge yourself in a lavishing and luxurious experience once reserved for queens and pharaohs and enjoy the marvelous sunset views of the Nile River from Nile Cruise marvelous view.
Abu Simbel Temples
Also known as the Temples of Ramses II, these astonishing sandstone structures were built in 1255 in honor to Nefertiti, the beauty and magnificence of this antique place remained though centuries, and today are ready to travel you in time into the Egyptian Royal chambers.
To unveil this and more wonders please visit Egypt for a life-changing experience.
Egypt is a cradle for most famous ancient civilization the Pharaohs, get amazed by the greatness of ancient Egyptian through Egypt Classical Tours!

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Impress Your Friends with These 12 Facts about the Pyramids of Giza
The pyramids of Egypt have captured the imaginations of people for centuries. Perhaps because they are part of the glory of Ancient Egypt. Perhaps because they continue to mystify us as well as the best and the brightest scientists and scholars. The facts provided here are merely a “starter kit” of knowledge available about the fascinating pyramids.
1- The first and largest pyramid of Giza was built by Pharaoh Khufu c. 2550 BCE. It is the Great Pyramid. The second smaller pyramid was built by his son, Pharaoh Khafre, and the third and still smaller by Khafre’s son, Pharaoh Menkaure
2- The sizes of the pyramids were not based on status; it was the result of the diminishing economy. As the government built more and more grand buildings, fewer resources were available for the pyramids. In fact, Menkaure’s son, Pharaoh Shepseskaf, was unable to build a pyramid for himself.
3- Scientists and scholars have never been able to determine how the pyramids were built, but they now know that the builders were skilled Egyptian workers who were housed in a nearby community and paid for their labor.
4- Today Giza looks like an isolated plateau of monuments, but at the time the pyramids were being built, it was a thriving community with temples, shops, a marketplace, and housing.
5- Experts agree that the pyramids were built from huge blocks carved out of stone quarries with copper chisels, each blocking weighing anywhere between 2.5 to 15 tons.
6- The pyramids were covered with casing stones made of highly polished white limestone that glistened in the sun. It was said that they could be seen from the mountains in Israel.
7- The pyramids face true north. Since there was no Northstar at the time, no one knows how the Egyptians achieved such precision
8- The Great Pyramid held its position as the world’s tallest man-made structure for 3,871 years until the central spire of the Lincoln Cathedral in England was built in 1311 CE. The pyramid is 146 meters (479 feet) high. The spire 160 meters (525 feet).
9- Khaemweset, son of Rameses II, is considered the first Egyptologist. By the time of the New Kingdom (1570-1069 BCE), Giza was abandoned and the pyramids vandalized and looted. Khaemweset dedicated himself to the study, restoration and preservation of Giza, which flourished until the Romans took o
10- In 1798, Napoleon landed in Egypt with 400 ships, an army of 54,000 and a team of scholars and scientists who, in 1809, produced Description de l’Égypte, a comprehensive history of Ancient Egypt, which generated a fascination with Ancient Egypt throughout Europe.
11- In spite of the blistering heat at Giza, the temperature inside the pyramids stays relatively constant, around 20 Celsius (60 F).
12- The most recent mystery of the pyramids is what appears to be a giant cavity in the Great Pyramid. It is not accessible. No one knows why it is there. It was found by an international team of researchers using muography, a technology that senses density changes inside large rock structures. And now the experts have something else to hypothesize about and debate.
The Pyramids Of Giza is one of the most important seven wonders in the world that everyone wishes to visit more than once in life, Visit the marvelous Pyramids through our Egypt Classical Tours!

Egypt Travel tips
Are you planning a trip to Egypt and looking for some great tips to help make the entire process as smooth as possible? Our travel experts are here to assist you with a variety of travel advice and trip details.
The Currency of Egypt:
Egypt’s currency is Egyptian pound (referred by LE – Livre Egyptienne) and one LE is equal to 100 piasters, or genaeh in Arabic. You will find 25 and 50 piaster notes and 1 pound coin
At present $1 dollar is equivalent to about 17.5 Egyptian pounds.
In Egypt, most of the banks are open from Sunday to Thursday, from 0830 to 1400, though banks at major entry points, like airports, are open 24 hours daily.
Note: Most of the major credit/debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, all Euro cards, and JCB, are widely accepted in various hotels and shops. If you want to use an ATM machine, then most of them accept E-Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus cards. If you can’t find an ATM in your vicinity, you can still obtain cash if you go to any of the Misr Bank branches. But do note: banks are unwilling to accept $100 notes issued before 1992.
If you wish to convert your currency, you can use $US, £UK or Euros, as they are accepted in many banks and other places. TIP: Don’t change your $, £ or Euro until you arrive in Egypt – the conversion rate is much better here!
Another important point is that Scottish pounds and Irish punts are not accepted by Egypt Banks! You will find plenty of banks at the airport and several foreign currency exchange offices. Your duty-free goods must be purchased within 48 hours after the arrival.
If at any point during your tour, you run out of money, and your credit cards are not accepted, you can still have money wired to you from abroad. In Egypt, there are many Western Union branches, and it takes mere moments to have money sent to you.
Traveling Alone Advice:
As a tourist country, Egypt cannot be compared to other countries. Almost everything is cheaper here; even entry fees to the sites are cheaper than many other countries. Flying to Egypt is also cheaper than many other destinations in the world. These days, you’re even able to buy an organized package with accommodations for $500
It’s advisable to never hire a taxi to tour the sites. Local taxi drivers really only care about what you’ll pay at the end of your trip. Travel agencies, or local licensed guides, will treat you much better. Today there are so many travel agencies in Australia and the UK that offer very cheap trips. However, if you want to plan a trip yourself, then you must be prepared.

You must be aware of the following TIPS:

Hints and Tips

If you must take a taxi, then it would be best if you asked the reception/ concierge of your hotel to get you one. They have assigned taxis that they know very well, and deal with on a daily basis. If you want to tour a site on your own, you have to be aware of where you are going, how much you are going to pay for the ticket, and what is included with the ticket. That is why I started this site, to give you this information.
First-time travelers to Egypt must know where the recommended restaurants are if you plan to dine out, and where you will find clean healthy food. Don’t consider the price, even if you dine in a 5-star hotel, it is still cheaper than in your own country! Independent travel, for your 1st experience, is not advised. I have explained elsewhere about how “Lonely Planet” gives the wrong impression. I have spoken to many people who have traveled solo, and wish they had gone as part of a group (I do not mean a package holiday – groups can be arranged when you get there!).
First and foremost, prepare yourself for a culture shock! Many seasoned travelers are amazed when they first visit Egypt and find that it is unlike any other country that they have previously visited!
Egypt is a Muslim country, so please respect their faith. Many things that you take as the norm, such as kissing and/or fondling your partner in public, wearing revealing clothing etc., are frowned upon here, so try and be more conservative in your attitude. Homosexuality is actually illegal in Muslim countries!
Have a look at the ask-Aladdin forum for more hints and tips from other travelers. If you have any questions, please ask it on the forum, no matter how trivial you may feel the question is.
Do not rely solely on travel books such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. Though do contain a lot of good information, they do not explain everything or advise you on what to do regarding any potential problems. Too many people have come to Egypt, armed with one of these books, and have left, totally disappointed with their trip, vowing never to return!
If you are traveling alone, or as a couple, and wish to organize everything yourself, please let the hotel know your plans before you leave. If you should get lost, the hotel will be able to act on your behalf! Also, take a note of the hotel’s name and telephone number, in case you do get lost, or change your plans.
If you wish to organize everything yourself, be prepared for the occasional “rip-off”. Like many other tourist destinations, Egypt has its “wolves” who prey on unsuspecting travelers. Often the total cost of an excursion can be a lot more than if you had arranged it through your hotel, or a travel agent, and not to mention, a lot less enjoyable.
Never drink the tap water! It is okay to wash, shower and clean your teeth with it, but not advised to drink. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful; use it instead!
In Egypt, they drive on the right, be careful when crossing roads. Take special care in Cairo, where the traffic is a lot busier than in other Egyptian cities – especially outside the Egyptian museum! The UK and Japanese travelers should be extra careful, as you will be used to traffic driving on the left.
Get your entry visa at your destination airport; it often works out cheaper than getting it at home. Also, you can exchange your $, £ or Euro at the same time – the conversion rate is far better in Egypt!
If you are going to be using the Abela Sleeper Train service, please try and make your reservation in advance. For help with this, try here.

Internal flights by Egypt Air must be booked in advance as well.
Get to know the other guests in your hotel, many of them will give you advice about what and what not to do. They should also be able to tell you where the best restaurants and bargain centers are; no one will knowingly recommend a bad place!
Ask your hotel’s reception desk for help and/or advice. They will know the best taxis, tour companies etc. and will let you know. Some hotels can also take bookings for excursions.
Do not be scared of being part of a group for excursions. These groups have leaders (a tour guide and/or Egyptologist) who will help with problems, explain about the site you are visiting, arrange transport (if necessary!) etc., things you would find difficult if you tried it alone. You will also find that you will get less hassle if you are part of a group! Many traders will not approach a group of people, but they will approach a lone traveler or a couple.
When you pay for a group excursion, the price includes everything except for tips (sometimes admission prices are not included). This includes transport, a driver, a tour guide, tolls etc. Some longer excursions may even include a stop for lunch (often included in the price too). Many will take you to places where Ancient crafts are still practiced, giving you the chance to buy good quality merchandise at low prices.
Buy (and drink) plenty of water. You will find it a lot cheaper to buy in the various shops than at your hotel or cruise boat. You may not drink a lot of water at home, but make sure you do in Egypt. It is very easy to become dehydrated if you don’t.
Remember that Egypt is a 3rd world country, and has many poor people who think that all tourists are rich, no matter where they come from in the world! Learn the phrase “la shukran” (no thank you) and don’t be afraid to say it to anyone who tries to sell you anything, or asks for “baksheesh”. Believe it or not, it does work. Please do not say “emshi” (as many tour books advise), this can be taken as an insult.
If you forget the expression “la shukran”, just politely say “no thank you” and walk away. Don’t get abusive to the trader; he is only trying to feed his family.
If you feel that someone is being too pushy, let a member of the Tourist Police know. You will see them everywhere in Egypt and their job is to protect you.
Admission to all sites is payable in LE, so make sure that you carry enough with you. Try and plan each day in advance, work out how much you will need for admissions, and keep this money separate from your spending money.
If you want to go on a felucca trip, be careful! Again, ask for advice from your hotel first, to find out the best captain to approach. Unfortunately, there have been reports of some captains demanding extra money for the return leg of a journey, or demanding to take you somewhere else first! While this is not the norm, but it does occasionally happen.
You will find that many tours (especially to the desert sites) are done either early morning or late afternoon. The reason for this is because of the heat in the middle of the day. If you do want to visit sites independently, please try and follow the example of the experienced tour organizers and avoid the midday sun!
Be prepared for delays when entering some sites. Because of the threat of terrorism, you will have your personal belongings (camera bags, carrier bags etc.) searched before gaining admittance. Though this is annoying, it is for your safety! Also, on some sites, they may find video equipment, which they will take from you. Don’t worry, you will get it back! It is just that certain sites do not allow videos to be used.
Take a small pocket flashlight with you when visiting the sites. Many tombs, temples etc. use the natural light for illumination (including a local with a large mirror, reflecting the light!) and a small flashlight can be very handy. A small mirror, such as the one in a ladies makeup, can also be used to highlight a relief. Please Note: Do not take one of the really bright halogen torches, you could cause damage to the monuments!
Once developed for cleaning the parts underneath a babies nappy / diaper, “Wet Wipes” (the small, damp, tissue usually bought in a plastic tub) are becoming more and more popular with adults. They are also very useful when traveling in Egypt. When you have felt the relief’s in a Temple, touched the hieroglyphs in a Tomb, caressed the stones on the Pyramids etc., you only have to take one of these wipes out to instantly clean your hands. No more looking for a washroom!
Make up a small “medical-kit” before you go! Include things like safety pins, plasters (different sizes), antiseptic cream, diarrhea tablets, headache tablets and sunscreen (high factor advised).
Take a box of cheap ballpoint pens. The children (and many adults) are very happy when you hand them out, handy for baksheesh.
When shopping for bargains, keep your own currency and credit cards out of sight, and separate from your LE. It is easier to haggle over a price if you can show that you have only a few Egyptian pounds in your possession! Plus, some traders may try and insist that they meant $ or £, instead of LE, if they see that you are carrying them.
Wear sensible footwear when visiting the various sites. High heels and open toe shoes are not advisable. The floors of most sites are either sand or rough-cut, with uneven stone. Inside many tombs, wooden floorboards have been installed, but thin heels could get caught in the gaps between the floorboards.
Many monuments have signs that say ” No Flash Photography”, please obey these signs (you can be ejected from the site if you ignore the sign!). The very bright flash can cause serious damage to some of the ancient paintwork!
Some reliefs have depictions that show male genitalia – this is not pornography, so there is no reason to be offended! If you are part of a group (of any size) the leader/guide will explain the reason for the depiction.
If you are traveling by road to Abu Simbel, ask your hotel or cruise boat if they supply a “breakfast box”. Some hotels do this, as they cannot supply you with a breakfast before you depart. If they do not do this service, take some food with you, as hunger will set in before you reach Abu Simbel (a 3 ½ – 4 hour trip, each way!) Also, make sure you take plenty of water with you; it tends to be hot here and you can dehydrate very quickly.
When visiting the West Bank sites at Luxor, again take plenty of water with you! You will be there for either ½ day or a whole day (with a break for lunch) and it can become very hot, drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration!
Ladies, if you intend visiting the inside of one of the pyramids, please wear trousers (or jeans). You may have to ascend/descend ladders and/or crawl through narrow passages. For the same reasons, I would advise men to avoid wearing shorts.
Public transport (town bus services, and in Cairo, the Metro!) in Egypt is very cheap, but try and avoid it if you can. You will only put yourself in an awkward position having many locals staring and talking about you. Taxis are not expensive so use these for traveling about town. Your hotel will let you know the best companies to use.
If you on a “multi-center” holiday, and you will be returning to your first hotel before your departure, arrange to leave some of your luggage, and items you have bought, with the hotel. Most hotels offer this service free of charge (or for a very low cost) and it saves you from having to carry too much to your next destinations.
When you have paid your entry into the Egyptian Museum and received your ticket(s), a “guide”, offering his services, will approach you. These “guides” are not employed by the museum, they are freelance. Most of the museum’s exhibits are not labeled, so the chances are, you will not know one from another. A guidebook is available from the museum, but it is up to you if you want to employ one of these “guides”. If you decide to do so, make sure you haggle for a good, low price, so that if he is useless, you have not wasted much money. You could even try and form a group with other visitors to share the cost! To avoid this problem in the first place, ask at your hotel for advice on getting a proper guide!
At most sites, especially if you are alone, or in a couple, a “guide”, offering to show you around, may approach you. To these people you should say “La Shukran” or “no thank you”! The Egyptian Government does not employ any guides at any of the sites and monuments! Again, ask at your hotel, for help, before you visit the site.
Do not buy anything from the traders inside the Giza Plateau! The items they are trying to sell you can be bought a lot cheaper at places like the Khan El-Khalili. Also beware the many people offering you camel rides, as they are not all genuine! Head for the main stables if you want a camel ride, or better still, arrange one at your hotel.
If you go to the Citadel, try and ignore the traders selling “papyrus” pictures, as the “papyrus” is made from banana leafs, they are not genuine papyrus! Also, if you buy some from one trader, another will approach selling you “pictures that the other man did not have”! To get mementos here, there are some stalls between the bus park and the old bank, where the traders are better to deal with, and not so pushy.
Many people, to save money, use the express train service, Cairo – Luxor/Aswan – Cairo. This is a long journey, though it is comfortable (and the scenery is breathtaking!). Before boarding the train, make sure you take some food with you, as the supplies “on-board” run out very quickly and are not replenished. A book is often advised, to help pass the time. Make sure you get the 1st Class, air-conditioned express train (normally, tourists have no option – the lower class carriages are for locals only!). They are non-smoking, but you can smoke in the entrance/exit area!
Do not feel that 5-star hotels are always the best! There are many 4 star hotels, that are Egyptian owned and run, that offer the same facilities as the big multi-national ones, sometimes they offer better service and in most cases, the staff is a lot friendlier!

We, at AskAladdin, advise against the idea of a felucca trip between Aswan and Luxor (Esna), unless you are really intent on sleeping under the stars and eating food that is not of the best standard. Many of this little felucca tip over, due to the strong wind, and you will end up losing all your luggage in the bottom of the Nile. We recommend using big Cruise boats, they can do the same trip, with better sleeping accommodation and first class food!
I would advise you to bring a supply of any medicines that you take regularly and bring the prescription too. Feel safe in the knowledge that in the unlikely event of serious trouble, your hotel or cruise boat staff will find, and provide, a doctor for you instantly.
And don’t forget that is always a good idea to bring mosquito repellent for open-air night events! It helps to minimize the “mosquito annoyance factor”!
You know what your stomach is like! Just because you are on holiday don’t treat it differently, if you have a sensitive stomach and tend to stay to a certain type of diet, try and do the same when you are Egypt. Err on the side of caution; you do not want to ruin a great holiday because you have eaten something you would never have tried at home. Some people are lucky, they seem to be able to consume anything and everything, others become ill by simply looking at a different food. You may feel brave by trying something different, but sometimes you are better by being a coward and enjoying your stay.
Wash your hand always before eating. this contributes a lot to the cause of your travel sickness.
Only bottled water must be used, as waters in the Egyptian cities is said to be highly chlorinated. Also, there should be ample care taken when eating out to prevent the occurrence of travelers’ diarrhea, which is a very common health concern that most people face when traveling to a new country.
And finally: Please do not let this list put you off going to Egypt. It has been compiled from questions that people regularly ask, and complaints that travelers have experienced. This list is to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

there are special organized tours to discover the magic of egypt

Egypt’s culture and customs are truly cosmopolitan and the perfect fusion of many of the other cultures and traditions here. Here the tradition, introduced by pharaohs is prevalent as well as the tribal culture and traditions, and even the customs of invaders are somehow seen present amidst modern Egypt. It’s like a melting pot here, where multiple cultures and ethnic traditions have created a new concept of living and a mentality that embraces new and advanced thinking that creates a liberal ambiance all around.

This liberal attitude is on display in Egyptians’ friendly behavior toward foreigners and tourists. If asked, people of Egypt will always share their service and enthusiasm with the people whom hardly they know. In Egypt, with its excellent travel attractions and cultural ambiance, the smiling faces of the locales are an added charm. All these sweet fragments are the best part of the visit to Egypt program and will remain with you as a memory forever. The Egypt culture immerses you into the traditions, languages, history civilizations of ancient places.

Egypt’s population is quite high, about 71 million, with the majority being Sunni Islam at about 62 million. Out of the rest, 8-9 million are Coptic Christians. Sunni and Copt are both sensitive and adhere to respective religious rules and customs. In Egypt, family integrity matters a lot and the head of the family takes the entire responsibility to run the family in a proper manner, with great focus on behavior. The family integrity of the Egyptians is in sharp contrast to the nuclear family concept in West. Here people put special respect for the family value and family relation. Perhaps this is one of the reasons, traveling in City of Egypt is safer than any other top global destinations, even for women traveling alone.

The lifestyle of Arabs is often different and often found enveloped with some mysterious facts. As a result, people often find these people mystic and some time offbeat. But in reality these people are truly a friend in heart; they love people and greet people with the best hospitality. They often like to call people at their home. However, if someone expresses disrespect and unfriendly gesture, these people take it as an insult and they become aggressive.

Here are Some Useful Arabic Words for You

The rules and regulation common in Egypt may seem quite a bit different, which can make people outsiders at Egypt at times confused. In order to understand the air of Egypt, you need to learn about their culture, customs, and family values. Once you’re able to understand and respect their values, traveling in Egypt will be even fuller of enjoyment and excitement.

Commonly, Egyptians are quite adjustable in nature and they love to help people. If you ask them any question, they will answer it happily. One interesting behavior is whenever you will ask an Egyptian something, he will call some other people over to discuss the question and they will try their best to offer you the correct answer to the question asked.

Most of the Muslims in Egypt are not accustomed to drinking alcohol, but hardly have any objection to others drinking. But it is important that if you drink alcohol while in Egypt, you should have it in moderation. In Egypt, consumption of pork is not that common but the places where pork is unavailable, you will still find plenty of other options.

Interested to know about Ramadan! Click here for more

Ramadan is a holy month for Egyptians in which people celebrate the month with friends and relatives. During this month, Egyptians stay awake at night and spend time in prayer and spiritual activities. Also, they donate to charity and indulge in the renewal of relationships as well as sharing love and affection with each other. The Egypt holiday season goes on throughout the country.

In Egypt, there are few restrictions valid for foreign women. In a ticket line, foreign women stand with other women in a queue. For underground train cars, elderly ladies always get first preference. Outright interaction with Egyptian women is never recommended; it is always wise to speak to them via someone local or family member whom you know well.

Crime in Egypt is rarely experienced and violence is mostly found in family disputes. However, some scattered events of petty thieves and pickpockets are sometimes found here and there. Women in an average need to be alert, especially in outlying zones. Consumption of drugs is not appreciated and you should not carry your drugs in public if you have anything with you.

How to Respond if an Egyptian Invites You to His home

There is one interesting fact about Egyptian invitation. They refuse all sorts of invitation initially and it is a custom to fulfill their formalities. If an Egyptian decides that he/she will invite you with real spirit, he/she will repeat the invitation again. And it is always good to honor a cordial request. If you can’t honor the request, always promise that you’ll visit them next time.

In case you are invited, you should attend the invitation otherwise there is a chance that your host will be humiliated. It is always good to show the respect and positive view toward the custom and practice of the host and behaves cordially with all people assembled there. If you wish you can take some gifts for the host but check if the gift is equal to his status.

Tipping is a Way of Life in Egypt

In Egypt, tipping is cordially accepted and often expected. You can offer tips for all the people who have helped you during your travel but do not offer them small coins or notes. These activities are taken as insulting to the people you have tipped. However, your tipping should be spontaneous and it is considered offensive otherwise. It is a good way to create some good impression on the people surrounding you. In this context, you should not ever attempt to offer tips for professionals or the people who are of your status. You can arrange some gifts for them as a gesture of friendship. But check if the gift is equal to his status.

Egyptian Women

Egyptian women are known for their exquisite beauty. Nowadays Egyptian ladies, in general, are well educated, groomed, and they are immersed in the professional world also. In Egyptian society, girls are well pampered by their parents until marriage establishes them in reality.

In Egyptian tradition, virginity is considered a prime value for women and therefore women do prefer keeping their modesty and virginity for as long as possible. Egyptian women maintain their modesty because men also respect ladies who are alert about their social prestige and modesty. Most Egyptian men prefer to get married to virginal women who believe in family values; however, there are several instances where Egyptian men have married non-Egyptian girls and they are quite different in their attitude than common Egyptian girls too.

Most of the girls in Egypt wear a scarf and it has become a common practice these days for young girls. This practice honors Muslim convention for ladies covering their heads, plus it is a stylish way to respect Islamic virtue of conservativeness.

In Egypt, women behave conservatively with strangers. They may use western wear and may manage businesses, but Egyptian women, mostly, maintain a sober approach where their social profile is presented. Many of Egyptian women are found involved in different professional activities with a good success rate in Egypt as well as in outside of Egypt. However, they are tend to keep a diligent obedience to their religious rites and customs.

More about Egypt women

Women Traveling Alone into Egypt:

Egypt is a completely safe place for women. Therefore, it is a safe travel destination for foreign tourist groups of women set to vacation in Egypt. It is always recommended that in case of any sort of problem, they should seek help from local shopkeepers or from police. However, it is always wise to dress properly and to walk on the street with a common and covered dress. Being indifferent to local men is a good way to avoid hassle and curiosity about foreign ladies traveling in this country. While planning a tour in Egypt, a woman traveling alone should care for Egyptian holidays because some of the buildings and places may remain closed on those days.

Places of Worship:

Places of worship are considered sacred places for Egyptians and therefore tourists from abroad should respect the serious mentality about the places of worship. For Muslims, these are called mosques and the places of worships for Christians are called churches. In Egypt, both mosques and churches are numerous.

People follow the rules of taking out their shoes before entering the sacred ground. Women and men are requested to cover up their bare heads and heads. It is always wise to use somber and covered dress, especially when visiting a mosque. Friday is considered the most sacred day of the week.

Egypt Holiday Calendar:
Both Business and religious community in Egypt run on a Western/Gregogian calendar but other calendars are widely honored in this country. The Islamic calendar is based on viewing religious formalities and the lunar cycle of 12 months of 29 or 30 days. The Muslim year is thus almost 11 days smaller than the Gregorian year according to the Gregorian calendar and months moving ahead. According to the Gregorian calendar, for example, April is the time of spring, but in the Muslim calendar entire cycle of months move through in a 33-year cycle.
The Coptic calendar is also called the Alexandrian calendar, and it is made on a solar cycle of 12 months of 30 days and 1 month of 5 days, respectively. Every four years a 6th day is added to the shorter month. Besides the Coptic Orthodox Church, farmers often follow the Coptic calendar for their date reminder, calculation, as well as counting of days.

there are special organized tours to discover the magic of egypt