Cairo and the Nile with Privileged Access: Accommodations

Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, Cairo
 

A gracious sanctuary of Four Seasons hospitality and service, with impressive views of the Great Pyramids over the old-growth canopy of Cairo’s ancient Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The Hotel is at the center of the First Residence apartments and shops on the west bank of the Nile.

Within a 20-storey tower, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence offers 269 guest rooms, including 43 suites. Among the most spacious in the city, the comfortable accommodations take full advantage of the setting, overlooking a range of lovely vistas from the pyramids and the Nile to the pool, the Botanical Gardens and captivating city views.

The soothing interiors feature soft gold, red and green tones and gilded, empire-style furnishings. Advanced in-room technology includes wired or wireless Internet access, dual-line telephones with voice mail and satellite television. Signature Four Seasons marble bathrooms include a deep soaking tub, large granite-topped vanity and separate glass-enclosed shower.
 

The M/S Nile Adventurer

The accomplished Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer has been fully renovated to allow it to make a metamorphic change from a modern, ethnic style boat, into a phaoronic inspired, elegantly trendy oasis of luxury which gently cruises the River Nile.

A Nile Adventurer cruise experience is unlike any other - with private docks in Luxor and Aswan, our own feluccas and uniquely tailored sightseeing to help avoid the crowds, accompanied by a fully qualified Egyptologist. You will notice the difference in quality of service, entertainment, on-board facilities, food and beverages.

Each cabin or suite offers panoramic windows, air-conditioning, private bathroom with bathtub and shower, hairdryer, satellite television plus in-house movies, CD player, direct dial international phone, safe and mini-bar - all the facilities required for a memorable cruise.

The public areas of this 66 metre cruiser offer stylish and decorative furnishings. Sunbathe on the spacious Sun and Promenade Decks and take a dip in the small swimming pool. Enjoy a refreshing drink in the outdoor bar, lounge or patio bar and enjoy the excellent cuisine in the restaurant. In-cabin dining is also available.

Internet access is available throughout the cruise, as well as access to the fleet physician. For your convenience a multi-lingual library and games room, small gym, laundry facilities, souvenir and gift shop are also onboard.

Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel, Cairo
 

"They do it right at this faultless, uncontested king of Cairo hotels, which enjoys an enviable location overlooking the Nile in Giza…”
--Zagat World's Top Hotels, Resorts & Spas

A gracious sanctuary of Four Seasons hospitality and service, with impressive views of the Great Pyramids over the old-growth canopy of Cairo’s ancient Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

The hotel is at the center of the First Residence apartments and shops on the west bank of the Nile.

The hotels 269 guest rooms and suites, the largest in the city, take full advantage of the diverse setting with dramatic views.

Cairo and the Nile with Privileged Access: Itinerary

Day 1:  October 8
Arrive in Cairo

Our representative will meet and assist you through immigration formalities and customs.

Welcome Cocktail Reception
Overnight Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, Cairo

Day 2: October 9  [B, L] 
The Giza Plateau

Breakfast at your hotel
Private Session with Dr. Zahi Hawass

Today’s guest speaker is Dr. Zahi Hawass, Director General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the man in charge of overseeing all archaeological activities in Egypt.

Dr. Hawass is an accomplished speaker who has lectured all over the world, and today he will give you his personal insights into the mysteries of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and up-to-date information on some of his latest discoveries – included the incredible gilded mummies in the oasis of Bahareyya.

The Great Pyramids

Embark on an unforgettable tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza built for the Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus. They were constructed about 2500 BC with blocks of limestone from the plateau and from the Turah hills on the outskirts of Cairo.

The Great Pyramid of Cheops alone, the only present-day blocks of stone, each weighing about 2.5 tons. At its base, it covers 13 acres of land. Millions of visitors come each year to ponder the fascinating mystery of their existence and explore the ancient burial chambers within.

Lunch at Andrea Restaurant
The Valley of the Sphinx Paws

Visit the Valley Temple, housing the mysterious Sphinx, located in what was once a quarry to the east of Chephren’s pyramid. One theory suggests this Pharaoh’s workers shaped the body into a lion and gave it their king’s face, as a guardian of the necropolis.

Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure
Overnight Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, Cairo

Day 3: October 10  [B]
The Necropolis of Memphis and Sakkara

Breakfast at your hotel
Visit the Step Pyramid

The Step Pyramid of King Zoser at Sakkara is the oldest known of Egypt’s 107 pyramids & the first freestanding stone structure in the world.

In the area, the tombs belonging to the nobles of the past show the beauty and excellence of Ancient Egyptian art on their walls and give an insight in the daily life of Ancient Egypt.

Visit Memphis

Founded around 3,100 BC during the Old Kingdom, Memphis is the legendary city of Menes, the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt.

Much of what we know of Memphis comes from its necropolis, texts and papyrus from other parts of Egypt, and Herodotus, who visited the city. 

This great city became the administrative and religious center of Egypt, was home to a cosmopolitan community and most likely one of the largest and most important cities in the ancient world.

Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure
Overnight Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, Cairo

Day 4: October 11 [B, L, D]
Nile Adventure Begins

Breakfast at your hotel
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor
Visit Karnak Temple

The Temple of Karnak was built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. The great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Transfer to The Nile Adventurer for Embarkation
Enjoy lunch onboard
Visit the Temple of Luxor

Your Egyptologist will guide you on a tour of the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor dedicated to the god Amun.

Return to the ship for tea
Arabian Dinner on Princess Amira Island

Enjoy all the splendors of unspoiled nature in Upper Egypt. Sail to the island by motor boat where you will be met and welcomed by an Egyptian musical ensemble to spend a fantasy evening under the stars.

Return to the boat and overnight onboard

Day 5: October 12 [B, L, D]
Luxor to Esna

Breakfast onboard
Visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens

On the West Bank of Luxor, explore the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of Pharaohs.

You will also have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens.

Visit Hatshepsut Temple

Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Ancient Egypt’s only female Pharaoh) merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it, as if nature herself had built this extraordinary monument.

Photostop: Colossi of Memnon

On the way back to the river Nile, your road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.

Lunch and afternoon tea on board while you cruise to Esna
Egyptian Night Dinner Party Onboard

Tonight’s dinner will be a costume party for all guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian “galabeyyas”. Dinner will be a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by oriental music and dancing for everyone.

Overnight Onboard in Esna

Day 6: October 13 [B, L, D]
Esna to Kom Ombo

Breakfast on board
Visit Esna Temple

This morning, your Egyptologist will guide you round the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. 

Lunch on board, while you cruise to Edfu.
Visit Edfu Temple

This afternoon, explore the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic – albeit Greek-built – temple in Egypt, the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu.

Egyptian cooking lesson onboard
Afternoon tea
Dinner onboard and overnight in Kom Ombo

Day 7: October 14  [B, L, D]
Kom Ombo to Aswan

Breakfast onboard
Visit Kom Ombo Temple

The Temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.

Lunch onboard, while you cruise to Aswan
Visit Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk

Take a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka. Next proceed to the Granite Quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples, and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk.

Felucca Ride

Take a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail boat, around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting, life jackets provided).

Afternoon tea served in the lounge with a trio of authentic Egyptian musicians
Farewell Gala Dinner onboard and overnight in Aswan

Day 8: October 15  [B]
Abu Simbel and Cairo

Breakfast onboard and check out
Domestic flight to Abu Simbel
Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel

Built by the Great Ramses II, Egypt’s longest ruling pharaoh, Abu Simbel is one of the most recognizable images in the country. Actually two temples, namely the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ favorite wife Queen Nefertari.

Return flight to Cairo
Transfer to your hotel upon arrival for time to rest and refresh
Private Opening of the Egyptian Museum

Your Egyptologist will escort you on a tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which includes the world-famous golden treasures from King Tutenkhamun ‘s tomb. The tour includes a visit of the Mummies Room, housing eleven royal Kings and Queens of Ancient Egypt, including the Great Ramses II, Egypt’s longest ruling pharaoh.

Return to your hotel
Surprise Local Event in Cairo
Overnight at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel, Cairo

Day 9: October 16  [B, L]
Cairo

Breakfast at your hotel
Tour Islamic Cairo

Your tour begins at the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders, it has never been without a military garrison. Today it is a complex of four mosques and four museums, including the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque.

Lunch at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant at the heart of Islamic Cairo
The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East, the Bazaar was originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century.   Wandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets, you will find workshops and stalls selling all manner of things from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities. Remember to bargain hard!

Return to your hotel with dinner at leisure
Overnight at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel, Cairo

Day 10: October 17  [B]
Departure

Breakfast at your hotel
Transfer to the airport for departing flight Arrive Cairo
 

Cairo and the Nile with Privileged Access: FAQs

FOOD & DRINK:

Food
All over Egypt, and especially in Cairo, you will find an enormous range of high-class restaurants serving international cuisine including Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Indian, French and Lebanese. There are also branches of international chains such as TGI Fridays, or J.W. Steakhouse. Fruits, vegetables and seafood are all excellent.

Egyptian food is generally similar to many other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, including stuffed vine leaves, grilled meats, and numerous "dips" traditionally eaten with pitta-style bread. Rice with vegetables in tomato sauce, and pasta dishes baked in a similar way to lasagna, are both common. Specialties include stuffed or spit broiled pigeons, shish kebabs made of marinated chunks of lamb and spices, then grilled over hot charcoal and small ground lamb kebabs called kofta.

Seafood is a good choice with prawns from the Red Sea, sea bass from the Mediterranean and a wonderful fish dish, tilapia, from the Nile.

The national dish of Egypt may be considered to be Foul Mudhammas. Ful or Fava beans are cooked in olive oil and garlic, flavoured with lemon, cumin and parsley and often served with an egg for breakfast. Egyptian food is often flavoured with mint, dill, parsley, garlic and cumin. A nice way to sample different recipes is to have a mezze, or selection of little dishes washed down with the local Zibib or aniseed flavoured aperitif (the equivalent of the Greek Ouzo, or the French Pernod). Dishes might include Babaghanoug (baked mashed eggplant flavoured with Taheena - sesame seed paste), Falafal or Taameyya (small round patties made of ground ful beans, seasoned and deep fried), Waraq Anab (vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat), Bickley or Turshi (spicy mixed pickled vegetables), Leban Zabadi (thick creamy yoghurt and very good for the digestion) and Mish, a mature cheese made into a paste and flavoured with spices.

Desserts range from regional specialties such as honey-soaked pastries like Kunafa, which looks like shredded wheat, made with rose water, nuts and sugar, and Basbousa made from fine semolina and flavoured with almonds, lemon and vanilla to the famous and uniquely Egyptian "Om Ali", a baked dish of layered pastry cooked with milk, nuts, raisins and spices. Most visitors to Egypt will have at least one chance to try traditional local cuisine as part of their Nile cruise, when one night is usually themed as an Egyptian night including a buffet of local delicacies.

Egypt has a wealth of fresh fruits such as mangoes, pomegranates, dates, figs, apricots, melons and citrus.
 

Drink

Tap water should never be drunk in Egypt. We recommend that you use bottled water, ensuring that the seal has not been broken on the bottle. Use it for cleaning teeth and remember not to have ice in your drinks.

Non-Alcoholic
Traditional drinks abound, ranging from chilled carob juice or hot licorice infusion, to thick milky concoctions filled with nuts and spices ("sahleb"). Some of the tastiest for visitors to try would include "karkady" - a rich, sweet infusion of the dark red hibiscus flower, usually drunk cold but also sometimes served hot - and "limoon" - a fresh lemonade made from the small local yellow limes, served frothy, tangy and sweet.

Alcoholic
Alcohol is available in all hotels in Egypt, and most restaurants are licensed. Bars and other drinking establishments are commonplace, and are popular with many locals as well as foreigners. In addition to the usual range of international brands, visitors can try Egyptian-made wine and beer, both of which are pleasantly drinkable.

Wine
• The "Obélisque" range is made in Egypt but with imported Italian grapes. The range comes in a tannin-rich red (Rouge des Pharaons), a light rosé (Rosetta) and a fresh, dry white (Blanc d'Alexandrie).

• The "Gianaclis" range is made with grapes from Egyptian vineyards, and has a fruity red Cabernet Sauvignon (Omar Khayyam), a delicate rosé (Rubis d'Egypte), and a fresh white Pinot Blanc (Cru des Ptolemées).

• The "Chateau Grand Marquis" is Egypt's premium range of wines, made out of the best Egyptian grapes and produced in association with French experts. The range contains a crisp, light white, an aromatic rosé, and a rich red.

Beer
Even more so than wine, the Egyptian brewing industry has recently transformed itself into an overnight success story, with many new local brands as well as big foreign names brewed under license in Egypt. Beer is mainly lager-style - try asking for some of these:
• Stella Local (regular lager), Stella Export (stronger lager), Stella Premium (dark Belgian-style lager)
• Meister (regular lager), Meister Max (stronger lager)
• Sakara Gold (regular lager), Sakara Premium (stronger lager)
• Löwenbräu - the famous German beer, locally brewed under license
• Heineken

WEATHER
Egypt has year-round sun, and almost no rain except in Alexandria, which has a more Mediterranean climate than the rest of the country. Daytime temperatures range from pleasantly warm in the winter to very hot in the summer. Northerly cities such as Cairo and Alexandria are generally about 5ºC cooler than southerly areas such as Aswan and Abu Simbel. Nights in the desert can be extremely cold.

Local average temperatures range as follows for the year (°C):

                    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cairo High 19  21    24  28   32   35   35  35   32   30   24   21
           Low    9    9     11  14   17  18    22  22   20   18  14   11
Luxor High  23 25     29 35   40   41   41  41   39   35   30   25
            Low   5    7     11  16   21   23  24  24    22   18   12   8
Aswan High 24 30  35   39   42   41  41  40    36   30    25 25
            Low   8     9   13   17   21   24   24 25    22    9    14 10

 
 
DOCUMENTATION

Travelers to Egypt must carry a valid passport, with validity no less than six months beyond the period of their stay. The passport must contain at least two blank pages.

Travelers should refer to their closest Egyptian Embassy or consulate to check on exact visa requirements at their time of travel. However, it is worth noting that for most North America and Western European nationalities, tourist visa may be purchased upon arrival at any Egyptian international airport. 
 
SECURITY

You should keep all travel documents, travelers' cheques, cash, passports and other valuables in your hotel or cruise boats 'safety deposit boxes. Although street crime is at a minimum, as in any other country, travelers are encouraged to use common sense and not wear ostentatious jewellery. It is also advisable to carry only small amounts of money.

In general you will find people hospitable and friendly. Personal security in Egypt is rarely an issue at all, and Cairo is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Visitors can comfortably walk at night along main city streets. However, it is recommended that a tighter hold on purses and wallets is kept when wandering round bazaars; and it is advisable for women in particular to dress more conservatively out of respect for local customs when in more traditional areas or small towns.

HEALTH MATTERS

Full details of the latest health requirements should be obtained from an authorized medical source, such as your doctor. At the time of updating this information, there are no mandatory health requirements for Egypt, however:

• Ensure Tetanus and Polio boosters are up to date.

• Yellow Fever. You will need a valid yellow fever inoculation certificate if arriving from or via an infected or endemic area (if you are unsure whether you come into this category, please contact either your local Travel clinic or doctor).

To prevent sickness while staying in Egypt you are advised to follow the golden rules, which are:
• Only drink bottled water, never tap water
• Avoid ice in your drinks
• Eat only vegetables that have been cooked
• Avoid salads and all fruit that cannot be peeled
• Avoid food that looks as if it has been around for some time; especially meats or salad dressings containing mayonnaise 
 
MONEY MATTERS

The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (£E), which is divided into 100 piasters. Pounds are issued in notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50,100 and 200. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 piasters. It is useful to have local currency for tipping or for shopping in smaller souks or local restaurants, and it is easy to change money at any hotel bank. US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques, which may be brought into the country. However, passengers entering Egypt with Egyptian currency exceeding 1000 USD must declare this on arrival. We suggest that you only use travelers cheques and change small amounts of money as you go to avoid having large amounts of Egyptian currency left over at the end of your trip.

Currency Exchange

There is one rate of exchange controlled by the government, established daily and available from all banks. Currency may be exchanged through banks or currency exchange houses which can be found in most major cities, and are usually open from 10am till 9pm every day of the week.

All major hotels will exchange major foreign currencies at the same rate as banks. You will be issued a receipt which must be retained to permit currency to be re-exchanged when leaving the country and as evidence that exchange of currency has been through official channels.

Egyptian pounds may be converted back to foreign currency at the airport if you have kept all documentation relating to any currency exchange transactions, such as hotel and bar bills, shopping and foreign exchange receipts.

Banking hours
Are normally 9am till 2pm, Sunday through Thursday, closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Cairo Airport and the majority of major hotels in Cairo offer 24-hrs banking services. Please remember to have your passport on you as this will be required to effect any transaction.

Major credit cards
Such as MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at major restaurants, almost all hotels, and many shops. American Express is less common but is still normally accepted at major hotels. Diners Club is hardly known in Egypt.

DEPARTURE TAX
The airport departure tax is currently included in your ticket. 
 
CLOTHING
As in all foreign countries with customs different to your own, it is polite to adhere to and show respect for local customs, particularly in religious places and to be discreet when a service is in progress.

Women should not wear strappy dresses, miniskirts, shorts, or low necked dresses in public places (e.g. Offices, markets and shopping areas). Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, synagogues and churches. Ladies should wear loose-fitting non see-through clothes and shoulders should be covered.

When visiting mosques, ideally, ankle-length skirts or loose trousers should be worn. Shoes are not permitted inside, therefore a thick pair of socks is useful for protection from sun baked floors. Cloth shoe coverings are often available for which a small tip is payable. Shorts and beachwear should be worn only at the beach or hotel pool area.

Egypt's climate is dry all year round, so you won't require rainwear unless you are going to Alexandria between December and February. In winter you will need light woollen clothes with sweaters, although a light sweater may be useful all year-round in the evenings throughout the country.

Cairo can sometimes be surprisingly cool during the mid-winter months so layers of clothing are recommended. From December to February travellers to the interior of the Sinai can experience extreme cold, so thick winter clothing is essential. In spring and autumn a combination of both is advisable for the warm days and cool nights, so pack accordingly. From May to November, light cotton clothes are recommended.
 
WHAT TO PACK
In addition to your clothing, following the guidelines above, we recommend to pack the following:

Very good, comfortable walking shoes: You will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just comfortable, but comfortable to walk long distances.

Hats and other covering: Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun during summer. In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and again, or not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head cool.

Sun block: While sun blocks may be purchased in Egypt, you might prefer to bring your own favorite brand.

Sunglasses: Another item that may be necessary to avoid the direct sun rays coming direct into your eyes.

If you wear prescription glasses, bring an extra pair or at least a copy of the prescription. If you wear contact lenses you may wish to bring a pair of glasses along, as the fine sand dust in the air in Egypt may irritate your lenses.

Also useful are cool wipes and moisturizing creams to protect your face from the hot, dry climate.

Medication: Of course, bring your prescription medicine. There is no problem with bringing prescription medication into Egypt. It is also more convenient to bring your favorite non-prescription medications along.

Binoculars: Bringing your own binoculars might be a nice idea for those who like to use them.

Flashlight: To view artworks inside dimly lit tombs and temples. Pack a few extra batteries, too.

Power Adapters: Power Adapters come in two different varieties. Some electronic equipment have switches to allow you to change the power input type. For these, a simple wall adapter is all that is required. However, other electronic devices do not have such switches and in this case, you not only need a wall adapter, but also a power converter. Egypt uses 220 volt and plugs are two prong rounded.

An Extra Bag: A bag, preferably soft, which can be crunched up and carried into Egypt in another bag will be handy for most people. The bag will then be used to carry back souvenirs.

Beware: Egypt Air has been strictly enforcing excess baggage charges. To avoid these charges, you should travel on domestic flights with less than 20 kilos of checked baggage. You can deposit some of your excess luggage at the hotel for your second stay. Our representative will be happy to organize that for you.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges.

We recommend that you bring all your own equipment and plenty of film with you into the country. We would recommend that high speed films (ISO 400) for night time photography such as the Sound and Light Shows, temple interiors and tombs where you are not allowed to use a flash. For outdoor light conditions, lower speeds are more suitable.

The best time for photography is either early morning or late afternoon. At midday there is an enormous amount of reflective light so a light meter and filter is useful as well as a telephoto lens, minimum size of 120mm is recommended. Remember to take a spare set of batteries for your camera and a dust cover or polythene bag to help protect your camera and lenses from Egypt's fine dust. A flash is useful, although you will find restrictions in certain places.

If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this.

Photographic Restrictions
There are a variety of rules governing photography of different sites and monuments in Egypt. At all open, outdoor historic areas, photography is unrestricted, such as outside the Pyramids and the temples at Luxor and Aswan. In some areas a ticket must be purchased to use cameras and video equipment (E£10-100 approx), and tripods and flashes are seldom allowed in those museums that do permit photography. At some museums and tombs you will be asked to leave your equipment in the care of the door custodian - your guide will advise you. These restrictions are truly in the interest of preservation of these fragile sites, and we request your co-operation. Postcards and slides are available at most sites. Signs are usually posted in restricted areas but if in doubt, ask your guide rather than risk confiscation of your film.

ELECTRICITY
Egypt electrical current is 220V, and sockets take the standard continental European dual round-pronged plug. If you do not have the correct adaptor with you, your hotel Housekeeping department may have one available upon request.

SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS
Shopping in Egypt can be relaxed and leisurely, at high-class souvenir stores and hotel outlets, or part of an authentic - but sometimes hectic! - Middle Eastern experience at the local bazaars and souks. Particularly in the local bazaars, a healthy amount of bargaining is expected - which means that the "best", or "correct" price is simply the one that both parties agree on during that sale. Enjoy the game!

Some of the loveliest and best value souvenirs available from Egypt include:
• Gold and silver jewelry, or "Cartouches" inscribed with your name in hieroglyphics.
• Wooden boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
• Hand-engraved brass and copper-work.
• Carved alabaster from the quarries of Upper Egypt.
• Hand-sewn appliqué work - with Arabic, Pharaonic, or "naïf" folk designs.
• Cotton "Galabeyyas" - traditional robes and kaftans, often beautifully embroidered.
• Papyrus - still made by traditional methods, and hand-painted with intricate designs.

LANGUAGE
The national language in Egypt is Arabic. However, tourists will rarely find a problem communicating as English is widely spoken in hotels and shops, with French a close second, and many staff in tourist areas also speaking German or Italian.

Language Trivia
Arabic is written from right to left, and the language itself has many different spoken dialects, some so far apart from each other that native Arabic speakers from different countries may actually have difficulty understanding each other.

The Arabic used in Egypt is the most widely understood dialect, due in large part to the fact that most of the Arabic movies are produced in Egypt. However, written or "classical" Arabic is the same across the Arab world, and is basically an older, purer form of the language.

Modern-day spoken Arabic in Egypt is vastly different in both vocabulary and grammar from the written classical Arabic that is used in newspapers, magazines and books - to the extent that if the same difference were expressed in English, it would be as if all printed material were written in Chaucerian!

This enormous variety of vocabulary in daily use in the Arab world is part of the reason that Arabic is considered such an expressive language. Native Arabic speakers also tend to have a great appreciation for the beauty of their own language, and poetry, or songs using poetic expressions, are greatly valued.

Useful Vocabulary

ENGLISH      ARABIC   
Egypt      Mus-r / Mis-r   
Good morning      Saba-hel-kheer   
Good evening      Misaa' el-kheer   
Welcome!      A-h-lan!   
Goodbye      Maa salaama   
Please      Min fad-lak   
Thank you      Shok-ran   
Yes Ay-wa        Tomorrow Bok-ra
No      La'-a   
Tips      Bak-sheesh  
Water      Maya
Beer      Beera
How much?      Bi-kem?
That's a lot!      Kiteer awi!
Beautiful      Gameel
Wow, cool!!      Ishta!!
Never mind      Maa-lesh
Hopefully (if God wills!)      In-sha' al-lah
No problem!      Ma-feesh mosh-kela!

Cairo and the Nile with Privileged Access: Trip Options

• PRE OPTIONS

PRE OPTIONS

Alexandria and Siwa: October 3 - 8

 

Tour important historical and cultural sights with your private Egyptologist, including the National Museum, the Royal Jewelry Museum which houses the greatest treasures from Egyptian Royal history, the Catacombs which are the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt and the Alexandria Library.

Spend a few days at the Siwa Oasis, on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. its rich history includes a visit from Alexander the Great to consult the Oracle of Amun in 331 BC. Visit the Temple of Amun where the Oracle was housed and venture out into the Western Desert on a Sand Sea Safari.

Escape the modern complexities of living and retreat into the simplicity of nature at the Adrere Amellal. Built by hand and located outside the city of Madaba, the ecolodge offers a luxurious rustic experience with no electricity and no telephones.