N o country on earth boasts a longer recorded history than does Egypt, the eternal " Gift Of The Nile ", as described by the Historian Herodotus. A statement as true today as it has been throughout the fifty centuries of Egypt's extraordinary history. One of the largest countries in the world, Egypt is a country of myths and mysteries, the cradle of ancient civilization with some of the most awesome monuments to be seen in the world. Known as the " Mother of the world " Egypt has a reason for such a name for it stimulates, soothes and fascinates simultaneously. Egypt occupies the upper northeastern corner of Africa with a population of approximately 65 million living mainly along the banks of the River Nile. The Nile flows north and empties into the Mediterranean Sea which forms the country’s northern boundary. Egypt is bordered on the south by Sudan, to the west by Libya and to its east by the Red Sea, and beyond the Sinai Peninsula, by Israel. The country encompasses about 626,000 square miles (1,002,000 square kilometers) and at its most distant reaches is 640 miles from north to south and 775 miles from east to west.
	Click to enlarge map

E gypt, the land of ancient civilization and of the promising bright future, invites you to one of the most enjoyable trips of your life. It is so easy to come or transit to Egypt. Situated at the crossroads of the world, Egypt is a vital junction for international air and sea traffic. You may enjoy a trip to Egypt; a trip both stimulating to the mind and pleasing to the heart, amidst immortal ancient monuments dating from some of the oldest civilizations ever created by man; Pharaonic, Greek, Roman Byzantine, early Christian and Islamic civilizations. With the beauty of its nature, its bright sunshine and its hospitable people, Egypt welcomes and invites you to a holiday of pleasure and enjoyment, teeming with culture, knowledge, information, and a wealth of unforgettable memories that you will glean on the banks of the Nile.

With a history spanning a period of over 6,000 years, Egypt's rich and splendid culture retains an indisputable place in history books and ensures it holds a very special appeal for the discerning visitor. A land of lush green vegetation, stark and quiet deserts; a country of humble villages, and also the cosmopolitan-metropolis of Cairo, are all the reflection of changing times itself.

Geography:
T here are 2 deserts: the Eastern or Arabian Desert from the Nile to the Red Sea and the Western or Libya Desert, separated from the Sahara by sandstone and limestone highlands. There are 6 inhabited oases watered for the most art through underground strata with water flowing north from Equatorial Africa. Some of this water may take as many as 500 years to reach its final oasis destination. The Sinai Peninsula separates the continents of Africa and Asia and is bordered by the Gulf of Aqaba on the east and the Gulf of Suez on the west. Containing 6% of Egypts land area the Sinai is harsh desert in the north and granite mountains in the south. The Red Sea is over 1200 miles long and almost 1-1/2 miles deep. It is part of the fault line juncture between the African and Arabian Tectonic plates which culminates in the south in Africas Great Rift Valley.

Festival Days In Egypt
 

Sinai Liberation Day	25 April
Labour Day	01 May
Revolution Day	23 July
Army Day	06 October
Christmas	7 January
Other Religious Holidays	Bairam, change according to Lunar Calander

Clothes And Dress Codes  
For Summer, May through September only light pure cotton dresses, blouses, skirts, shirts and shorts are recommended.
For Winter, December through March, warm woolen clothes and sweaters specially for the evening are recommended. Light walking shoes and hats are advised.

ELECTRIC CURRENT
220 volts, 50 cycles AC in Cairo. Wall plugs are the round two pronged European type-No adapters or transformers are provided bring your own.

Business Hours
Banks are open From 08:00 AM. To 02:00 PM. (Sunday to Thursday).
Banks in 5 star hotels are open 24:00 Hrs. whole week.
Shops  are open From 09:00 AM. To 09:00 PM. (Monday to Saturday)

 

Climate
T he climate in Egypt is mostly temperate; the sun practically shines the year round, at least eight hours a day, and rainy days are the exception.

Even in the summer months (June-August), the northern wind blowing from Europe brings about milder weather. Although the desert regions of the country have a continental climate, the Nile-Valley maintains a temperate climate throughout the year.

Ancient writings indicate that, as far back as Pharaonic times, a large number of Egyptian cities enjoyed a healthy climate, with curative properties. The ancient Greek scientists who fathered the science of therapeutics have emphasized in their writings the importance of Egypt in that domain, and advised people to benefit from the climate and sun of Egyptian cities. Herodotus states that the good health of the Egyptians and their strong constitution is due to the ever shining sun of Egypt, and the wholesome climate of its cities.

 Average Temperature(Centigrade)

 

Currency:
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (LE). 1 LE = 100 piasters. Banknotes: 25, 50 (piasters), 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 (Egyptian pounds). Silver coins: 5, 10, 20 piasters. Banks are opened in major hotels for 24 hrs – credit cards are widely used in major Hotels & restaurants. Charges will be in Egyptian pounds. Current rate of exchange is $1.00 = LE 5.95 (Approximately).

Things to Remember:
Bring all medications with you, there is no place to get refills while in Egypt. Immodium is suggested in case you get the "Pharaoh's Curse". Bring extra pair of prescription glasses or the prescription. A fanny pack around your waist is recommended to hold your camera, extra film, water and your money. Instant Sanitizer "Purell" or similar for a quick freshening up. A flashlight will come in handy for the dim light of the tombs and museums.

Drink only bottled water. Eat in the hotel restaurants. Be sure your food is well cooked. Peel all your fruits and eat only vegetables that have been cooked or that you can peel. In the summer months drink plenty of water, carry some with you while sightseeing. Be careful of fresh fruit juices as they may be diluted with local water.

Historical Synopsis
The history of Egypt dates back, more than 7000 years. The Pharaonic era is divided into three main periods:

The Ancient Kingdom
Its capital was Menf (Memphis), founded by King Mena, the first king of I Dynasty, who united Upper and Lower Egypt. One of the famous kings of that Dynasty is Zoser who built the Sakkara Pyramid, the first large-scale stone structure in history. Pharaonic Egypt was at the apex of its civilization at the era, which witnessed the building of the pyramids.

The Middle Kingdom
Its capital was Thebes. A period characterized by an artistic renaissance, agricultural projects and trade exchange with Bilad al-Sham and the Sudan.

The New Kingdom
The New Kingdom starts with the 18th Dynasty founded by King Ahmos. Its capital was Thebes, except for the short period, when King Akhenaton moved his capital to Tel-el-Amarna and lived there with his wife Nefertiti. Among the eminent rulers of the New Kingdom is King Ramses II who left a great architectural patrimony, the most important being the two temples of Abu Simbel.

After the Pharaonic era came the Persian, the Greek, the Roman and the Byzantine epochs, respectively.

The Arab Islamic era
This era starts in 641 A.D. when the Arabs entered Egypt, under the leadership of Amr Ibn el-Aas, and Egypt became a great Islamic bastion. One of the salient names of this era is that of Salah Eddin El-Ayyoubi.

In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte, led his expedition to Egypt, which brought Egypt in contact with the European civilization for the first time. In 1840, Mohammed Ali established his dynasty in Egypt, which ruled for over 100 years. In 1952, the revolution broke out, putting an end to monarchy and establishing a republican regime.