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Egypt, a country dating back to the time of the Pharos and linking Africa and the Middle East, is a place of enormous significance, offering visitors so much to do and see that it's hard to narrow it down. Brightsun Travel has holidays to Egypt, incorporating the magnificent Egyptian Pyramids, amazing Egyptian deserts, world class dive sites, and some of the most important archaeological and historical sites in the world.
Egypt is home to one of the most important sacred places in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religion, Mount Sinai, claimed by some to be the biblical Mount Sinai, mentioned in the Bible and Quran. Egypt also boasts one of the best dive sites in the world, Ras Mohammed National Park, with spectacular diving reefs, magical shipwrecks, and over 200 species of coral, 1000 species of fish, plus sea turtles and sharks.
2 Kasr Al Nile, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4272111, Egypt
Cairo has evolved alongside the Nile, the longest river in the world. It's a modern city with sophisticated shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. The Opera House hosts ballet and events such as classical and contemporary music. The Old Town dates back to the Roman era. The architecture is largely thirteenth-century but includes the seventh-century Hanging Church. It's also the site of the atmospheric Khan El Khalili bazaar. Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum features the famous artefacts discovered in Tutankhamun's Tomb 100 years ago. The city is perfectly located for visiting the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the mysterious Sphinx.
To the southeast of Cairo is the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, developed in the 1980s. Its location on the shores of the Red Sea makes it ideal for enjoying spacious sandy beaches and outdoor pursuits such as scuba diving. One of the attractions is Naama Bay, an idyllic promenade lined with palm trees. It also features an extensive choice of beachfront restaurants and bars that contribute to the resort's vibrant nightlife. In Soho Square, you’ll find the entertaining Dancing Fountain. Historic landmarks within easy reach of Sharm El-Sheikh include Mount Sinai where Moses was given the Ten Commandments.
Currency: You’ll be spending Egyptian pounds.
Language: Arabic is the official language.
Local Time: Two hours ahead of GMT.
Flight Time from the UK: Approximately ten-and-a-half hours to Cancun, eleven hours to Mexico City. Approximately five hours and ten minutes to Cairo, and five hours and forty minutes to Sharm El-Sheikh.
Tourist Information: Visit the official Egypt tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/Travel Restrictions: To travel to Egypt, British citizens need a valid passport and a short-term travel visa is required. For up-to-date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for Egypt.
A: Yes, visas must be applied for when travelling to Egypt. Arrange yours with Brightsun Travel.
A: October to April, when the weather is cooler.
A: It's relatively affordable.
A: It's usually trouble-free, but stay with organised tours.
A: Ladies should dress demurely with covered shoulders and hemlines below the knee. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless tops.
A: Yes, but an alternative is an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
A: It's so varied in climate you can visit any time
A: It's sensible as healthcare fees are astronomical.
A: Currently, you'll need proof of vaccination.
Cairo is just forty minutes from the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Tourists can visit the King's Chamber inside the Pyramid of Khufu. Every night, the pyramids form the backdrop to a light show telling the story of Ancient Egypt. The twelfth-century Citadel of Cairo has panoramic views of the city. An alternative viewing point is the revolving restaurant in the sixty-two-storey Cairo Tower. In central Cairo is the spacious Al-Azhar park, which opened in 2005. It includes beautifully maintained gardens and an amphitheatre for live performances. The River Nile offers many pleasure cruises and views of the city.
Sharma E-Sheikh is famous for its scuba diving tours through the coral reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experienced divers can visit many submerged shipwrecks. There are more coral reefs near the sandy beach of Ras Um Sid. To the north is the Nabq Protectorate, a distinctive landscape of mangrove forests. Local historic monuments include the sixth-century Saint Catherine's monastery, famous for its Christian manuscripts and relics. The Old Town of Sharm El-Sheikh features a traditional market filled with spices, jewellery, and local crafts. Cafes and restaurants often feature live entertainment.
July usually reaches the highest temperature of around 28°C. Winter is mild with a temperature of 13.5°C in January. This month also has the most rain, approximately 0.7 inches.
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