Egypt Holiday Tips - Travel Guide, Travel & Travel Ideas
The world still gazes in wonder at the mysteries of ancient Egypt. At the end of the 19th century, Egypt experienced an incredibly rapid development. Politics, business and culture were also affected. Immerse yourself in the fascination of Egypt. Experience an Egypt vacation filled with legends about pharaohs, monuments, temples and museums. Relax on a cruise and enjoy the sights. A visit to the Temples of Karnak and Luxor is like stepping back in time to ancient Egypt. The columns and walls are decorated with beautiful drawings and reliefs. Images and hieroglyphs represent life and Egyptian mythology. The Pyramid of Giza was built in 2560 BC and, at a height of 159 meters, was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the 19th century.
Facts and figures for your Egypt holiday
- Area: 1,001,449km²
- Population: 78,887,007
- National language: Arabic
- Religion: Muslims
- Population density: 72 inhabitants per km²
- Capital: Cairo. Approximately 7,734,614 people live in Cairo
- Vehicle registration: ET
- The international dialing code for Egypt is: 0020, to Germany 0043 to Austria 0043, to Switzerland 0041
- Form of government: Presidential regime
- National holidays: Revolution Day on July 23, 1952
- Local currency: The official currency unit in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. (LE) 1 pound=100 piasters
- Emergency number: police 122, accident 123
- Time zone: CET + 1; May to September: CET + 2.
- Average temperature: 33ºC in summer, 21ºC in winter
- Entry Requirements: Visa and valid passport
The history of Egypt
Around 5,000 BC In the western Nile Delta and in the Fayum, crops began to be cultivated. Around 4000 BC the Nagade culture developed near Luxor, which in many ways prepared the Egyptian culture. The Egyptians lived in walled cities, there was a first symbolic script and large palaces and tombs. The term pharaoh means “house of God” and is originally just a name for the palace. The Nile was and is vital for Egypt and decided between fruitful years and famine. Through its annual flooding, it brought fertile Nile mud, which made the otherwise desolate country economically viable. Most of the villages were located on the Nile because a good water supply was to be expected here. The discovery of the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun also belongs to the history of Egypt. The hope of spectacular finds was almost given up, only one man was convinced that he could make another discovery. The Briton Howard Carter. On November 4, 1922, he succeeded in finding Tutankhamun's tomb.
Cultural information for your Egypt vacation
If you want to get used to the country and the up to 11,000-year-old culture before you go on holiday in Egypt, you should start with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Located right downtown on the Nile. Statues of the pharaohs, stones and wooden figures give an impression of the handicraft customs of bygone times. The symbiosis of Orient and West, of past and present, can nowhere be seen as clearly as in Cairo. Typically Islamic during the day with thousands of minarets, at night it turns into an almost typically European city: bars, discos and restaurants that appeal to both tourists and locals. And neon signs in all colors that are more reminiscent of Times Square in New York than of Egypt.
Discover Egypt's highlights for your Egypt vacation
Egypt vacation highlights include Cairo, Alexandria (north coast), Nile cruises, Luxor, ancient Thebes, Abu Simbel rock temple, Aswan, the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea. The combination of beach resorts and historical sites makes Egypt one of the most interesting holiday destinations. The vibrant capital Cairo with its astonishing diversity connects Africa, the Orient and Western Europe. Visitors vacationing in Egypt can enjoy a wonderful view of the city from the observation deck of the Cairo Tower. The 187 m high tower stands in a wealthy residential area. A delightful contrast to this is the hustle and bustle of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, which sells traditional leatherwork, brassware and hand-tailored dresses. Numerous providers organize cruises on the Nile, most ships operate between Luxor and Aswan. Some tours include visits to Abydos and Denderha. In Abydos is the Osireion, one of the most important and oldest places of worship.
Sights for your Egypt vacation
If you want to go on holiday in Egypt, you are typically interested in the diverse sights. On the Sinai Peninsula is one of the most beautiful sights, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine in the middle of the beautiful mountain landscape. It has an area of 75 x 85 meters and is in the immediate vicinity of Mount Sinai. For those interested in history and art on holiday in Egypt, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a must-see. There are the best and most beautiful artefacts that have been found and that have remained in the country. The Valley of the Kings is one of Luxor's most beautiful sights. The fantastic treasures that were buried in the graves, the history of grave robbers and last but not least the mysterious deaths. Beautiful decorations are on the walls of the burial chamber. One of the most popular destinations is of course the Sphinx near Gizeh. Standing in front of her gives the impression that she is guarding the pyramids, the tombs of the pharaohs. The construction period is estimated around 2700 BC. It is 20 meters high and 70 meters long.
National parks information for your Egypt vacation
The Wadi al Gamal National Park near Marsa Alam is the third largest in the East Arabian Desert and, with its delta, is one of the most beautiful national parks in Egypt. It is home to a variety of plants and animals on its 7450km². The nature reserve also includes other wadis such as Wadi Abu Ghusun, Wadi ar-Ringa and Wadi ar-Rada. Thirty kilometers southwest of Sharm el Sheikh is Ras Mahamed National Park. Several blocks of stone have been piled into a beautiful archway that you can drive through. Within the Ras Mohamed National Park one encounters all sorts of rare birds and animals. The national park also includes a large area in the water. That is why there is an unbelievable number of fish species to be found there and the coral reefs here are also very colorful and species-rich. Ras Mohamed is a reef that nature has dumped with boulders and has been uplifted by volcanic activity. Ras Mohamed is popular with tourists. The park rangers are happy to answer any questions. Many diving tourists on Egypt holidays come by boat to explore the magical underwater world by diving. In addition to barracuda, snappers and smaller fish species, sharks can also be found here.
Important vacation spots for your Egypt vacation
Cairo
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is also the largest city in Africa and the Arab world. Cairo is the cultural, economic and political center of Egypt, all central authorities are located here. The Mamluks made Cairo the capital of their empire after 1260. The spice trade between East and West was transacted via Cairo, and the resulting wealth flowed into architectural masterpieces.
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and the most important port city. It was once considered the pearl of the Mediterranean. Important cultural institutions are the university and the Greco-Roman Museum. Besides Cairo, Alexandria has the only international airport in the country. There are many small mosques that have been donated by private individuals. The city is a popular destination for many Egypt vacationers: Alexandria is a holiday and seaside resort for Egyptian and foreign visitors because of its beautiful location on the Mediterranean Sea and the Mediterranean climate. In the summer months, Alexandria is much cooler and more pleasant than the southern resorts of the Red Sea.
Hurghada
Hurghada is located directly on the Red Sea and offers an enormous number of fantastic beaches. The resort of Hurghada has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Egypt. There are more than 100 different hotels and most of them are on the coast. It is the haven for outdoor and nature lovers. There are hundreds of exciting dive sites perfect for scuba diving. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the underwater reefs and incredible marine life. Parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and jet skiing are among the other recommended activities, along with scuba diving.
Sharm El Sheikh
Located on the Sinai Peninsula, the city is one of the top tourist destinations, especially for those looking for eco-tourism and scuba diving experiences. Sharm el Sheikh offers stunning, diverse marine life for scuba diving and the coral reefs of the Red Sea are other attractions along with Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery.
Today, Sharm el Sheikh has resorts all along the coast and the city also offers incredible nightlife. Home to various sea creatures, Ras Mohammed National Park is a popular diving destination. Also enjoy the coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba, which are close to Sharm El Sheikh.
El Gouna
El Gouna is the Red Sea resort town with many exotic attractions. Unforgettable excursions through the countryside on water and on land are offered there. The desert tour is a mesmerizing adventure where you can ride quad bikes on the sand. You can also enjoy the huge golf course in town and relax at the local spas. The city never sleeps, as the nightlife is enlivened by outdoor music and certainly by the considerable number of bars. It is recommended to arrange accommodation and excursions in advance bookto secure your seats, especially in high season.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is another high profile destination to add to your Egypt vacation list. The international airport and the landscape of water and land make it a great travel destination. The former fishing village offers beautiful coastal reefs as well as beautiful beaches, making it an excellent holiday or honeymoon destination where the sun shines every day. The mountains and desert of Marsa Alam allow for an adventurous safari on your vacation. You can choose between a quad bike or an exciting jeep ride. Don't forget to visit Wadi El Gemal National Park. Marsa Alam is also the best place to relax and unwind.
Makadi Bay/Soma Bay
If you want to spend your next vacation specifically with scuba diving and snorkeling, then Makadi Bay and Soma Bay are the best destinations for an Egypt vacation. Makadi Bay is the modern beach resort that offers a large diving area in addition to long sandy beaches. Makadi Bay offers two famous dive sites including Abu Hashish and Gota Abu Ramada. Soma Bay allows for a Red Sea vacation where you can enjoy a beautiful sandy beach, kite surfing and of course scuba diving. There are two famous courses including Torbia Arba'a and Middle Reef. Other attractions include historical excursions, jeep safaris, boat trips, a golf course, a sunset cruise and so on.
nature and wildlife information for your Egypt vacation
Much of Egypt is desert and semi-desert with sparse grass cover. Only in the oases, along the Mediterranean coast and along the Nile, is there richer vegetation. Gazelles, jackals and the desert fox live in the desert regions, wild cats and lynx in the oases, and the Nile crocodile in the upper reaches of the Nile. The Red Sea not only gives Egypt some very beautiful beaches, but also a beautiful underwater landscape and coastal roads with spectacular viewpoints. The total length of the Red Sea from Suez to the island of Perim in the Bab Al Mandab is 2240 km, the greatest depth is 2850 m. The water is very clean and occasionally turns red when a certain type of algae appears. The high water temperature, which is never below 20° C, makes the Red Sea a bathing paradise. The coastal road Suez-Mersa el-Alam is one of the most beautiful parts of Egypt. Miles of coral reefs stretch offshore.
Leisure activities & leisure activities in Egypt vacation
The country offers you a variety of things to do on your Egypt vacation free time activities and sights. Explore ancient Egypt with the legends of the pharaohs and the pyramids. Discover the fascinating underwater world. The Red Sea is probably one of the best and most popular diving areas in the world.
If you want to go diving in Egypt on holiday, we recommend the east coast. Here you will find some of the world's most beautiful diving areas. Magnificent coral reefs are found near the coastal city of Hurghada in particular. The sea crystal clear with a million shades of blue, its fertile, healthy underwater life, a triumph of nature. During a Nile cruise you get to know many important cultural monuments of Egypt. And in a unique atmosphere. The feeling of experiencing a sunset on the Nile on the ship is unforgettable. Just relax with a wellness program. Even in ancient Egypt, people appreciated the soothing and relaxing effects of a Rasul bath. The millennia-old bathing ritual is also enjoying increasing popularity in today's bathing oases. Because the special mixture of herbs, healing earth and healing vapors cleanses the skin and strengthens the organism.
Food and drink information for your Egypt vacation
In Egypt, mainly vegetables from the Nile Valley are served. Bamya also known as okra. Beans, tomatoes, flatbread and rice are at the top of the Egyptian diet. Meat and vegetables are very expensive in Egypt and are therefore only served on public holidays. Juices, red mallow tea, black tea with peppermint and water are available as drinks. The Nile Valley produces excellent wines. Also recommended for a holiday in Egypt is the Stella lager beer, which is produced in the country's only brewery. Of course you can eat without worry in the better restaurants of Egypt. However, there are also a few factors to consider for your Egypt holiday: What you should avoid are salads that are often washed with impure tap water. Be careful when eating from street vendors. Because some don't take it so seriously with hygiene. In Egypt, too, it is important to drink a lot on hot days. Here you should be careful that you only buy water from bottles with the original closure. On a safari tour you should boil the water or clean it with tablets.
Climate and best travel time for your Egypt vacation
Egypt consists for the most part of desert landscape, where the typical desert climate prevails. Unlike in Europe, the temperature differences between day and night are much larger. The climate is sunny and dry all year round. However, there is a refreshing wind that makes the heat bearable. Precipitation hardly ever falls. The Red Sea is a good source of heat. Red Sea temperatures never drop below 20°C. A Mediterranean climate prevails on the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. In the upper Nile valley, the summers get a good bit hotter, so that temperatures of 34 to 37°C prevail during the day. In the summer months, the temperatures rise to over 40° C, especially in Upper Egypt. However, the humidity is very low, so Central Europeans can also endure such high temperatures.
Arrival information for your Egypt vacation
Egypt's national airline is Egyptair. It flies daily from Frankfurt to Cairo. Egyptair connects Cairo with Munich on a weekly basis and Berlin-Schoenefeld and Düsseldorf on a weekly basis. Many major airlines fly to Egypt. International Airports: Cairo International (CAI). Borg El Arab (HBE) is 60 km southwest of Alexandria. Luxor Airport (LXR) is 5.5 km from Luxor. Bus to city center. Other international airports are at Sharm el Sheik, Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Most travelers on Egypt holidays reach the country via Cairo, the other airports (except Alexandria) are more likely to be from charter flights used.
Entry requirements for your Egypt vacation
Certain rules apply to an Egypt vacation entry requirements. A visa is required for entry, which is issued for a fee of €22 at the Egyptian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulates General in Frankfurt and Hamburg.
Egypt vacation visa
The visa can also be purchased upon arrival and costs 15 US-$. To enter the country with an identity card, an entry card must be filled out and provided with a passport photo. Bring your passport photo with you. However, entering the country with a passport is easier and faster. All travel documents must be valid for 6 months beyond the planned length of stay. It is advisable to make a copy of all travel documents. In the event that documents are lost or stolen on the trip, here is a tip that you should definitely do before you start your trip. Scan all important documents and send them to your own email address. You can then call up and print this out in an emergency. This saves you a lot of trouble with the authorities and you can temporarily identify yourself with a copy.
vaccinations
You should be vaccinated against the following diseases before you travel. Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A for longer stays of more than 4 weeks additionally hepatis B, meningococci, meningitis, rabies and typhus.
Egypt Travel Guides & Travel Tips – Embassies and consulates information for your Egypt vacation
German Embassy Cairo
Address: 2, Sh. Berlin (off Sh. Hassan Sabri)
Zamalek / Cairo
Tel: (00202) 2728-2000
Fax: (00202) 2728-2159
Egyptian Embassy in Berlin
Address: Stauffenbergstr. 6/7
10785 Berlin
Tel: (+49) 030/477 54740 – 030/479 01880
Fax : 030/477 4000
Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Eysseneckstrasse 34 60322
Frankfurt am Main
Tel:069-9 55 13 40
Fax: 069-5 97 21 31
Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Harvestehuder Weg 47
20149 Hamburg
Tel: 040-4 13 32 60
Fax: 040-4 10 61 15
Ministry of Tourism, Misr Travel Tower, Abassia Square
Cairo, Egypt
Phone: (Egypt Tourist Board, Cairo) 20-(0)2-285 4509 or 284 1970
Fax: (Egypt Tourism Bureau, Cairo) 20-(0)2-285 4363
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