Egypt – a great place to relax with the whole family: you can swim in the sea, and look at the antiquities, and the fish in the coral reefs to admire. And in this article, you will learn a few important reasons why it is worth going to Egypt to rest!
General Information
Egypt is a country of ancient pyramids on the shores of the Red and Mediterranean Seas. The main part of the country is in the African continent and part of the country in Asia. About 95% of the country is desert. All life is concentrated on the banks of the largest river in the world, the Nile, and on the shores of the Red and Mediterranean Seas.
1. Visa
Visa to Egypt for Russian citizens opens on arrival, you just need to buy it at the airport. If you want to vacation only in the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm el Sheikh), and no more than two weeks, you can skip the visa fee, this option is called “Sinai Only”.
2. Weather
The season in Egypt lasts all year round. Summer temperatures can exceed 40 degrees, the water is about 30 degrees, like fresh milk. The hottest month of the year – is August. In winter is cooler: in January the air can get up to 23 degrees and the water – up to 21 degrees. The coldest month of the year – February.
3. Hotels
Egyptian hotels attract hundreds of tourists for their prices. There really is a huge choice of hotels for all tastes and wallets. You can choose a luxury hotel 5 * De Luxe with meals “all-inclusive” or breakfast. You can buy a tour to the economy three-star hotel on half board or even without food if you know the country well or have already been here.
4. Resorts
The most famous Egyptian resorts are Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. There are direct charter and scheduled flights. In addition, there are direct flights to Marsa Alam – the youngest resort 200 km south of Hurghada. Many hotels in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh have their own water parks, which hotel guests can visit for free. Sidestariness of Egyptian hotels approximately corresponds to the stardom of hotels in Turkey, Tunisia, and other southern countries, but below European standards.
5. What to See
The first and only surviving Seven Wonders of the World is located in Egypt, these are the famous pyramids. On the Giza Plateau, which used to be a separate city and is now the outskirts of Cairo, there are three huge pyramids and a sphinx. You can take a tour of Cairo from Hurghada and from Sharm el-Sheikh: the journey time is the same, about 6 hours.
Another popular excursion for lovers of antiquities is to Luxor, where you can see the Karnak Temple and the City of the Dead with numerous tombs, some of which are still under excavation.
6.Sea and Diving
The beauty of the Red Sea can be compared only with the distant and very expensive Maldives. You can choose a hotel with a suitable entrance to the sea and coral. If you like a sandy entrance, it is better to buy a tour in Hurghada. And if you are interested in fish and corals like in the movies, we recommend Sharm el Sheikh or Marsa Alam.
Diving in Egypt is one of the attractions, no less famous than the pyramids. Almost every hotel has its own dive club. And for those who do not want to dive into the abyss of the sea, there is snorkeling – swimming with a snorkel on the surface of the sea, the fishes and corals will also be perfectly visible.
7. Cuisine
The cuisine of Egypt is similar to the cuisines of all Arab countries. Meals are cooked with a lot of fragrant spices, the basis – beans and rice. Of the national dishes, you should try the pigeons with rice, couscous, a stew of lamb and vegetables, stewed beans with olive oil.
In restaurants in the city, you can always order freshly caught fish or seafood, which are displayed on ice at the entrance to attract customers. The cuisine in the hotels is European, and the buffet usually offers salads, meat, chicken, and fish with several kinds of side dishes. The lusciously sweet Arabic sweets, dates, and guavas are very tasty. Carcade tea, which has a red color and sour taste, is refreshing in the heat. You cannot drink tap water, but you can wash your fruit with it and brush your teeth.
Useful to Know
- On vacation in Egypt, as in all southern countries, it is necessary to comply with safety standards and personal hygiene. In the shopping areas, there are always a lot of barkers, who persistently invite you into the shop and “just to see”. If shopping is not planned, pass by quietly, do not pay attention to them, and do not engage in conversation. Particularly intrusive you can scare the tourist police.
- Water and food are better to buy in stores at fixed prices. You can find out about the location of the nearest store from the hotel staff or guide.
- Take care of your wallets and personal belongings, remember that crowded areas can be thieves.
- Women are not advised to bare their shoulders and knees too much when going out, but on the beach and at the hotel, you can tan freely.
Conclusion
Holidays in Egypt – a fascinating excursion to the country of warm sea and golden sand, where eternal summer reigns. Its resorts are notable for their affordability, developed tourist infrastructure, and original national colors. Be sure to visit Egypt in the summer!
