Brief History

Egypt was one of the first centers of civilization in the world and its recorded history stretches back at least 6,000 years,way 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 exquititely 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.  Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s resort is famous for its beaches and diving opportunities.

Sharm El Sheikh

Located at the southern-most tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the finest beach resorts in the Middle East. Referred to as the "Red Sea Riviera" this destination unites the simple pleasures of sun, sea, sand and shopping, with excellent hotels, great entertainment, abundant water sports and some of the world’s best reef diving.

Places of interest:  Visit the 4th century St Catherine’s Monastery; take a safari to the Coloured Canyon with its beautifully-coloured rock formations.

For the family:  Most hotels offer a full programme of family activities and water sports.

Best buys:  Sharm El Sheikh provides good shopping opportunities with tourist boutiques selling a wide range of Pharaonic souvenirs, leather goods, jewellery, pottery and beach and diving equipment.
Out and about:  Discothèques, restaurants, cafés and nightclubs provide evening entertainment to suit all tastes.
Sporting attractions:  Diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing expeditions and a variety of water sports are available. There is an excellent golf course close by.

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.  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, with the Nile at its heart, is the largest city on the African continent.  There can be few places with a history as rich – 4,500 – year – old Pyramids, Roman ruins, exquisite mosques, Byzantine Coptic churches and traditional latee-sailed boats provide a kaleidoscopic background to Cairo’s vibrant nightlife sicuak cyktyre,  wutg nire than 400 registered historical monuments dating back as far as the Pharaonic period, Cairo is a living treasure trove.

But there is considerably more to the city than mementoes of past civilizations.  The 21st century is very much in evidence – in luxurious hotel, busy casinos, lively nightclubs and comprehensive programmes of entertainment, together making Cairo one of the most intriguing vacation destinations.

You can enjoy exploring the crowded, labyrinthine streets of the 14th century Khan-El-Khalili bazaar (one of the largest markets in the world).  Particularly good buys include spices, perfumes, amber, gold, silver, carpets, textiles, brass and copperware, leatherwork, glass and ceramics.  Investigate the fabulous displays of treasures in the recently renovated Egyptian Museum or take a leisurely felucca cruise along the river that has nurtured the city for millennia.  No holiday- maker can leave without visiting Giza, where the Great Pyramids and mysterious Sphinx rise from the desert sands.

Try some of the intriguing street markets – Wekala Al-Balq, for Egyptian cotton and other fabrics; the Tentmakers’ Bazaar for exquisite appliqué work and Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments.

Cairo comes alive at night.  Dine in a floating restaurant on the Nile, sample an apple-flavoured shisha (hubbly bubbly) water pipe at a coffee shop, or see oriental dancers at a luxury hotel.  Listening to music under the stars, in the open-air theatre, is a magical experience.  Don’t forget the most essential after-dark experience, the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids, a dramatic fusion of light and music that vividly recreates the atmosphere of ancient Egypt.