Egypt is primarily associated with the pyramids and tombs, however, this country is so diverse that here everyone can find amazing and memorable moments for themselves.
Egyptian history is full of brave battles and wars. The state was captured more than once and completely crushed, but this did not prevent the Egyptians from preserving the rich heritage of ancient civilization and building modern sights on the ruins.
The main item of budget revenues in Egypt is the tourism business. The country is washed by two warm seas, has a unique nature and mild climate, which makes it a great place to relax. In addition, the location of the state is convenient for visiting tourists from almost all European countries.
How to get to Egypt
Regular flights from Moscow to Cairo are carried out only by 2 airlines - Aeroflot and EgyptAir. The exact cost of tickets you will not call any tour operator - it all depends on the season and the carrier's shares. On average, from 10 000 rubles. and up one way.The duration of the flight from Moscow and St. Petersburg is 4.5 hours.
When is it better to go to Egypt
Selection of the season to visit Egypt depends on the purpose of your trip. If you want to enjoy the wonders of the country and visit the many boutiques, then go to this country in the winter. At this time, the weather in the country is rather capricious, it often rains.
The worst time to visit Egypt is March and the beginning of April. At this time, the Khamsin reigns here - a piercing wind mixed with sand, from which it is impossible to hide.
From mid-April, the swimming season begins on the west coast, which lasts until the end of November. The peak is in August, at this time here as the saying goes, "the apple has nowhere to fall." Therefore, if you prefer a more relaxing and secluded vacation, avoid this period and get trips to the beginning of summer or autumn.
What money to take to Egypt
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound. The exchange is carried out at the rate of 1 ef for 3.23 rubles. It is better to exchange currency immediately upon arrival in the country at currency exchange offices, banks or hotels. The latter option is the most disadvantageous for tourists.
It is recommended to take with you on a trip a kind of “money mix” of Egyptian pounds, dollars and euros. Take credit and debit cards with you; in Egypt, you can freely pay in restaurants, hotels, boutiques.
Which resort of Egypt to choose
Egypt is a country of magnificent resorts, the choice of which sometimes baffles inexperienced tourists. The most famous places of rest are Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. No less popular are Soma Bay, El Gouna, Dahab and others.
Prices in Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are much lower than in other places, so most tourists choose to visit them.
If you are planning your vacation for the swimming season - spring, summer, autumn, then the best place for this is Hurghada. This is the perfect ratio of price and service. Most of the beaches here are sandy, while in Sharm many coral beaches and tourists have to go down to the sea with the help of pontoons. In Sharm el-Sheikh, it is not recommended to enter the sea without slippers, there is a high probability of cutting your legs on corals.
For a winter holiday you can stay in Sharm el-Sheikh. The water here is quite warm even in rainy and cool weather. Sinai mountains reliably protect the coast from the weather.
Which hotel to choose for a holiday in Egypt 2018
In choosing hotels in Egypt, you need to know some subtleties that will save your vacation from frustration and problems. Three-star hotels in Egypt can not be compared with the same hotels in Europe. If you are aiming for a quality holiday, then choose places with only 4 and 5 stars. In this case, be sure to see the detailed description of the hotel, its location, food and entertainment. Look for only coastal, that is, located on the seafront hotels. Otherwise, constant walks from the hotel to the sea will tire you a lot, especially if you are traveling with children.
To save money, you can consider the option with satellite hotels. These are hotels that are adjacent to 5-star, but have smaller sizes and less developed infrastructure. Guests of satellites can enjoy some of the privileges of the main hotels (swimming pool, spa), which need to inquire in advance.
Sights of Egypt: what excursions should not be missed
Egypt is a mix of beach holidays and contemplation of great sights that are difficult to cover in one trip to this country. But some places you simply must visit to enjoy the main historical monuments that have absorbed the centuries-old history of several empires.
Cairo
The capital of Egypt, Cairo, is a noisy and dirty city, whose population has long exceeded the mark of 17 million people. Despite this, it is worth visiting it to see such sights as the ancient mosque of Amr, built in 642, the Egyptian Museum, the famous Tahrir Square, on which is located a magnificent museum complex.
The historical part of Cairo is a popular place for tourists, and therefore for merchants with various souvenirs. Almost all the streets here are filled with numerous shops. Near the Al-Azhar mosque is located the most famous bazaar in the world Khan al-Khalili. Here you can find everything your heart desires - from modern gadgets to antiques.
Valley of the Pharaohs - Giza
Being in Egypt and not looking at the pyramids are incompatible concepts. It is here that millions of tourists from all over the world are sent to look at the surviving wonder of the world - the ancient pyramids guarded by the Sphinx. In the direction of the Giza Plateau there are numerous restaurants, cafes, shops and night clubs.
Luxor
Luxor is the ancient capital of Egypt. This is a real treasure of the country where the largest number of ancient monuments in the world is located. Here are the world famous temples of Luxor and Karnak. The pillar hall of Pharaoh Seti I impresses tourists with 16-meter pillars, decorated from top to bottom with colored bas-reliefs. At the entrance to the temple there used to be six gigantic statues, but only 2 have survived to our time.
On the left bank of the Nile is the famous "Valley of the Pharaohs". It was found about forty tombs of the Egyptian rulers.
Nile
The Nile is a special sacred river for the Egyptians. For a country where 95% of the territory is desert, water is the subject of worship and worship. Many vouchers include excursions on the Nile and should not be abandoned. This is an amazing exciting journey that will allow you to look at such large cities as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria.
How much are restaurants in Egypt
If your ticket includes food, then the additional costs do not need to worry. For those traveling on "burning" vouchers have to eat in cafes and restaurants, which are many in Egypt.
The average bill in an Egyptian restaurant is 150 Egyptian pounds, in a cafe from 60-90. A snack on the go at beach bars costs between 25 and 50 Egyptian pounds.
When visiting Egypt, it is worth remembering that this is a country with Muslim foundations, so tourists as guests should honor traditions. Sunbathing topless, walking in swimsuits, mini-skirts, in sweaters with open shoulders is not recommended.
