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Egypt

Egypt

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Egypt is a beguiling destination, inhospitably arid yet laced with verdant ribbons flanking its Nile River. Cairo, Egypt’s capital city, is in many respects a throbbing centre of cultural inspiration, artistic creativity and blooming democracy.

Of course, visits to the great Pyramids at Giza are a must, as are Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and its Temples of Luxor. Yet even as Ancient Egypt is fascinating, contemporary Egypt can be just as thrilling.

Egypt’s second largest city, Alexandria, rests on the northern shoals of Africa and enjoys an abundance of fresh fish and seafood. Visit Balbaa Restaurant, occupying an entire city block of Alexandria, and get caught up in a commotion of feasting locals. Always look up and admire the city’s Belle Epoque details on its buildings. Fill up like a camel on the coal-black coffee the city is famous for, and explore some of the beautiful oddities here, like Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the largest Roman crypts in Egypt.

Get out of Egypt’s thronged cities and visit the Coptic Monasteries on the Red Sea Coast, or spend the day at one of the (admittedly overdeveloped) beach resorts, possibly off the mainland of Hurghada, snorkeling and diving in its still-beautiful waters.

Travel Tips

  1. Some of the Middle East’s most boisterous markets are found in Egypt. Khan el-Khalili Market is probably the most famous and most recommended for getting a good taste of secondary economies in Egypt. Here you find car parts, leather jackets, shiny bangles and loads of spices and essential oils. It’s a great place to collect souvenirs for friends and family.
  2. For those who prefer to see Egypt from the comfort of its largest conduit, the Nile River, cruises are a truly enjoyable, time-saving and affordable means to tour around. One worth checking out is Thomson's 5T Nile Cruise. Cabin rooms are sleek and modern, there's a pool and restaurant on the upper deck, and the journey brings you to places like Luxor, Edfu and Aswan.
  3. Though slightly overpriced, Alexandria’s El Rehany (at Sharia Ismail Fangary) has an excellent sheesha scene ensconced in brightly coloured, tasteful interiors. The tea selection is excellent and the coffee strong. Avoid weekends - best times to visit are after lunch or on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening.
  4. If you can make the journey to Wadi Gimal, the pay-off is immense. The coastal region is gorgeous, with natural reef reserves, excellent diving and inland mangroves where gazelles spend lazy afternoons playing. It can be unpleasantly warm in the summer, though: best months to come are September to November.
  5. Many Egyptian antiquities are still lost or were plundered long ago. Most of those that were found can and should be visited at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The museum’s 107 halls are filled with ornate sarcophagi, giant stone monuments, and Treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Visit before lunch when the museum is nearly empty.

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