Egypt tours

GMT +2 hours

Arabic

Egyptian pound

Pickpockets operate around tourist areas, so never carry money in your back pocket and leave valuables and jewellery in the hotel safe.

Your tour may take you to the following sights:

Alexandria
This ancient city was the setting of Anthony and Cleopatra's stormy relationship. Visit the Graeco-Roman Museum, the catacombs of Kom el Shoukafa and Pompy's Pillar.

Egyptian Museum, Cairo
See treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb and King Narmer's slate palette, one of the first documents in Egyptian history.

Pyramids of Giza
Discover these incredible structures, guarded by a giant sp-hinx. Don't miss the evening Sound & Light Show.

Temples of Luxor and Karnak, Luxor
These magnificent temples were built over 3,000 years ago in honour of ancient Egyptian gods.

West Bank, Luxor
See sights including the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Temple of Horus
One of Egypt's best-preserved temple ruins.

Kom Ombo Temple
This unique double temple was built in honour of god of fertility Sobek and god of falcons Haroeis.

Abu Simbel
See the two monumental temples, which were famously moved to stop them disappearing into Nasser Lake.

Bahariya
Discover the Golden Mummies, Bennuti Tombsa and Qasr Selim at this oasis.

Dakhla Oasis
Visit the Temple of Der El Hagar, Tombs of El Mozawaka and the pretty village of El Qasr.

•   You’ll need a full valid EU passport, and the expiry date should be at least 6 months after your arrival back in the UK.
•   Brits also need a visa to enter Egypt, which you can get before you leave from: The Consulate General of The Arab Republic of Egypt (2 Lowndes Street, London, SW1X 9ET; 020 7493 5285).

4¾ hours to Cairo
5¼ hours to Luxor
5¾ hours to Sharm el Sheikh

Food
• Authentic Egyptian starters are called mezzeh, and are best eaten with traditional pitta-style bread.
• Lamb is marinated in spices and grilled for juicy kebabs and shwarma is the Egyptian equivalent of the Turkish doner kebab.
• Popular desserts include dates soaked in milk, honey-laced pastries and baked rice.

Drink
• Stick to bottled water, and remember that it’s easy to get dehydrated here in the summer.

Religion
Islam

•   Egypt is predominately a Muslim country, so make sure you’re properly dressed when out and about. Revealing outfits are a no-no, especially for women.
•   Pack lightweight cotton clothes in the summer and a jumper or jacket for cooler winter evenings.

Tipping or ‘baksheesh’ is a way of life in Egypt and it’s customary to tip about LE£1 for every little service, so keep a pocketful of small change!