Wonder-full Egypt a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience that's easy to come by

By Glenn Webster, Travel Consultant, South Trail Crossing

The Destination

On the northeastern tip of Africa, you'll find Egypt, home to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Unforgettable Egypt offers an incredible combination of history, culture, and adventure.

Many people are under the impression that this destination is distant, exotic and costly to visit. Exotic,yes; but in reality, Cairo is only a three- to four-hour flight from most European gateways, and the cost for a two-week tour is comparable to two weeks in Mexico at a nicer resort.

Arabic is the official language, although English is spoken in most of the tourist spots. The Muslim faith is the predominant religion and the silhouettes of elaborate mosques highlight city and village skylines. The landscape is dominated by desert and massive sand dunes, except in the area immediately around the mighty Nile River, where the land is lush, green and fertile.

Temperatures range from the mid-teens in winter to extremely hot in summer, when the mercury can hit over 40o C! At night, however, things can cool off; in the desert during the winter it's not uncommon for temperatures to come close to freezing, so pack accordingly.

Attractions

Cairo

The city of Cairo covers more than 453 sq km, though it's difficult to separate the city from its immediate suburbs. The population has been estimated as high as 24 million; with this many people, this amazing city can be a bit overwhelming. Having been settled for nearly 6,000 years, it has its share of historic landmarks and unique features. The main tourist draw is, without a doubt, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx on the Plains of Giza, just outside the city. Millions of people make the pilgrimage every year to experience the wonders of the Pyramids. This is truly one of those "you have to see it to believe it" attractions, as words and pictures can never really prepare you. Other must-sees include Khan El-Khalili, which is the oldest market in Africa, and the Egyptian Museum, which houses countless artifacts including the famous King Tutankhamen exhibit. From Cairo, plan to take a daytrips to the open-air Museum of Memphis, the city of Alexandria, or to Sakkara to view the oldest pyramid in Egypt.

Luxor

Most classic Egypt itineraries have you either fly or do an overnight train from Cairo south to the city of Luxor. In addition to the famous Temple of Luxor, nearby Karnak Temple is one of the largest and most impressive sights in all of Egypt. Featured in many films, this huge complex is incredibly well preserved and can easily keep you occupied for a day as you ponder the ancient hieroglyphics that adorn its vast walls. From here, it's a short drive into the Valley of the Kings, ancient burial site of over 60 Egyptian pharaohs and their families. Most of these tombs were looted over the centuries, except for the famous tomb of the boy king Tutankhamen, and you can still walk down into the crypts and imagine what they must have been like, piled high with treasure, thousands of years ago. For the more adventurous traveler, a hot air balloon ride over the valley is an unforgettable experience and comes highly recommended!

Nile Cruises

The majority of tourists travelling through Egypt take a cruise down the Nile on one of the many riverboats that dot the longest river in the world. It's once-in-a-lifetime journey -- something you'll always remember. Cruises range from three days to a week and are both relaxing and cultural. Life along the shores of the river seems unchanged for centuries. It feels like time has stood still as you watch farmers cutting and bundling their crops by hand or children playing outside their mud-brick homes while their mothers wash clothes in the river. Cars and trucks are a rarity; the norm is still transport by donkey or camel.

Cruise ships make periodic stops at villages and temples, and most organized tours include a local guide to point out sights and explain their historical significance.

Most cruises end in Aswan, a beautiful city populated mostly by Nubians who emigrated from the Sudan. It is a marvelous city - rich in culture, very friendly, with a vibe that is truly African. The markets are extremely vibrant, but without the aggressive nature of the vendors that you find in other areas of the world. Some of the more popular attractions are the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, and Abu Simbel. Many tourists fly to Abu Simbel from Aswan as the bus to this huge mountain temple complex takes about four hours. No matter how you get there, it's well worth the trip!

Accommodation

There's a room to suit everyone and every budget in almost every location in Egypt. In the smaller centres, hotels, hostels and guesthouses are fairly limited, but extremely well priced. Cairo offers plenty of options, ranging from small, locally operated properties to world-class, 5-star luxury hotels, including all the leading resort chains. If you choose an organized tour, accommodation will be booked for you -- a great way to eliminate guesswork.

Dining

Terrific value and hot, fresh meals are the rule of thumb for this destination. Egyptian food is delicious, and is similar to Lebanese/Middle Eastern cuisine. Kebabs and grilled meats are common, accented by a variety of tasty sauces. Breads are mostly flat, pita-style; a typical sandwich would be filled with hummus and mashed falafel. Prices are more than reasonable. The average cost of a falafel sandwich from a street vendor is $0.15 (CAD), and even in the hotels (traditionally much more expensive), you can eat heartily for under $10 (CAD) per person.

Getting Around

By far the easiest and most recommended way to travel in Egypt is with an organized tour group. There are tour options to match a full range of budgets and preferences, from camping in the desert to private 5-star tours. If you're on a tour, you likely won't need taxis and rental cars, but they are readily available in the major centres. Driving yourself around the countryside would be manageable, but navigating Cairo's bustling streets is not for the faint of heart! In Luxor, a popular form of public transport is the horse-drawn carriage, which, though slow, is relaxing and fun!

Getting There

From Calgary, there are many different routes to Egypt. British Airways offers non-stop service from London, KLM routes through Amsterdam (via Minneapolis), and Air Canada and Lufthansa fly direct from Frankfurt. Extending your trip with a stopover in one of these European cities is an easy way to add a marvelous destination to your holiday. It also breaks up the journey and gives you a rest after your Trans-Atlantic flight.

Travel Tips

  • Canadian citizens need a visa for entry to Egypt, which can be obtained from the Egyptian consulate before departing Canada. It currently takes about three to four weeks for processing.
  • Bank machines are readily available in most cities and towns. Don't exchange too much money when you arrive. Converting currency back is very difficult.
  • Dress conservatively. The Egyptian culture frowns upon revealing clothing so men and women alike should dress appropriately. When visiting a mosque, heads must be covered with a hat or scarf.
  • Carry small denominations of Egyptian pounds. "Baksheesh" (tipping) makes the world go around in Egypt. People expect to be tipped for even the smallest service, so it is a good idea to carry as much small change as possible.

For More Information

Exotic Egypt is closer than you think - and a lot more affordable! For the latest facts on a destination full of ancient wonders, please call Glenn Webster at 257-7247 or email gwebster@calgarycoop.com. You're also welcome to visit any of our 11 Calgary Co-op Travel Offices; dial our Call Centre (299-4144) for service after hours, Sundays and holidays; or book online 24/7.