Light of Alexandria

As the Director of Operations for One World Tours, I often get asked about Egypt as a destination and for people who have extra time available, they ask me, should we just do Egypt, or should we take in other neighbouring countries too? Here is my advice

If you have about 7 days, then you are probably looking at just Egypt. A typical tour of this length will allow you to take in the major sites of Cairo such as the Pyramids at Giza, The Sphinx, The Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo and the Khan Al Kallili Bazaar. It would then be on to Aswan to see the like of the High Dam and Philae Temple. Many clients would also do a morning excursion out to Abu Simbel at thins point to. Its then just a short train ride to Luxor where you will get to sample amazing sites like The Valley of the Kings, The Valley of the Queens, Luxor and Karnak Temples and of course it is also a brilliant place to take a felucca sailing on the Nile. In my opinion until you have watched the sun setting over the Nile as you sail along in a traditional fishing boast, you have not lived!

If you are in the situation where you have say 10 days, then you could look the above, plus a short trip into Jordan to take in the sites at Petra. Petra is stunning and well worth the 48 to 72 hours you will need to invest to add it to your trip to Egypt.

Once you start talking about 14 days plus, then a whole set of options open up for you.

You will certainly be able to do everything that’s listed above with regards to Egypt and you can probably also do much of Luxor and Aswan via a Nile Cruise if you wish and on your way to either Jordan or Israel you would also be able to include a day or two at the Red Sea coast in somewhere like, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh or Dahab.

So now you have more time available Starting in Egypt and finishing in Jordan becomes a definite possibility. For Jordan you can cross from Sinai (in Egypt) either overland or, as most people do, by ferry to Aqaba. From here it is pretty much a south to north journey and you should certainly look at including a jeep safari in Wadi Rum, a day in Petra, a visit to the Dead Sea plus some time in Amman of course.

Of course, there is an excellent chance that you may well have international return flights coming in and out of Cairo, but this is not a problem. You can start your trip on arrival in Cairo, finish off in Amman and then take a short flight between Amman and Cairo to get you back and enable you to fly back home.

Israel can also easily be added to an Egypt itin and again, you can get in to Israel from Sinai (in Egypt) at Taba and make your way to the Israeli resort of Eilat. This is a great place to start the Israel portion of you Egypt / Israel adventure. Once you have relaxed you will be ready to venture north and take in the likes of the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Finally, just like Jordan, if you finish your tour in Tel Aviv, it’s just a short hop back to Cairo to catch your flight home.

When the Luxor opened on October 15, 1993 the striking pyramid structure was the tallest building in Las Vegas. The pyramid could be seen for miles and made the other hotels on the Strip look small in comparison. This was a time when the development of casinos in Las Vegas relied on themes to differentiate themselves from one another. The Steve Wynn hotel, Treasure Island, was based on a pirate theme and second incarnation of MGM Grand (the original MGM Grand was what is now known as Bally’s) was all about the movies, complete with a yellow brick road directing visitors through the center of the casino floor.
The Luxor, as the name suggests, relied on the ancient Egypt theme to tantalize it’s guests. The replica of the Sphinx in front of the hotel, which also doubles as the porte-cochere, greets visitors upon arrival. At one time there was even a Nile River ride, similar to what you might find in Epcot Center at Disneyworld. The Luxor may not have been considered one of the seven wonders of the world, but at the time it was definitely considered the wonder of Las Vegas.
Times and taste change very fast in Las Vegas and today the Luxor is going through a transformation that promises to bring a more contemporary flavor and erase any sign that the hotel and casino are 18 years old. This transformation began in 2006, with the refurbishment of the West Tower rooms, and will continue through 2008. All 4,047 rooms will be refurbished by the time the renovation is complete.
Gone is the RA Nightclub. RA was one of the first mega-nightclubs in Las Vegas. The Luxor is now home to the LAX Nightclub, a branch of the Los Angeles hot spot. LAX is a modern state-of-the-art nightclub covering two-stories and 26,000 square feet. Since the club was opened in August 2007 it has developed a reputation for being a celebrity hangout. There is also Noir Bar, a private reservation required bar located within the nightclub. An adjoining bistro will be opening soon so you can eat, drink and play in a singular destination.
Although the Nile River ride is no longer, the Luxor still has many entertainment offerings. The comedian Carrot Top offers his unique and somewhat twisted form of entertainment 6-nights a week. The adults-only revue, Fantasy, offers singing, dancing and of course, topless girls. Something the whole family can enjoy is the ventriloquist Ronn Lucas and his puppets who perform afternoon shows 6-days a week. In 2008 the Luxor will be home to yet another Cirque du Soleil production on the Las Vegas Strip. This production will be a collaboration with magician Criss Angel and will be housed in the theater formerly occupied by the Blue Man Group.
The Luxor’s parent company, MGM MIRAGE is spending $300 million dollars in an effort to bring the hotel in line with the newer resorts and casinos on the Strip, which was very much needed. As the transformation continues there will surely be new restaurants added, new bars and nightclubs and new entertainment options. And as the ancient Egypt theme slowly disappears during this renovation, it is beginning to look like the only reference to the old Luxor that will remain is it’s signature 30-story pyramid tower.

When you hear the word Egypt, first thing that probably comes into your mind is the pyramids. But there are more in Egypt than those great heritage from the ancient world. Antiquities mixed with luxury river cruises and super-modern resorts are just some of the things that Egypt can offer for the holidaymakers.
Cairo
Cairo, or the Triumphant City is one of the largest urban areas in the world. It is located at at the side of the Nile River and became an important trading point during the medieval times. You can find thousands or even millions of artifacts that are more than 6,000 years of age at the Cairo Musem. It has been said that if it would take you 1 second to view each of the exhibits, then it will take you a fortnight to see everything in there. So it would help if you make a plan first before you go there. There is a massive collection of treasure in the tomb of Tutankhamun that most people are interested to see. The Gold Funeral Mask wherein the mummified pharaoh was found is the highlight among these treasures. Although the city of Cairo is not as ancient as its treasure but rather a modernized busy city. But the thing that you should not miss in Cairo is the Great Pyramid. It is magnificently built that you couldn’t imagine how such amazing stature has been made. The Sphinx is also very impressive that it appears to be really guarding the Giza Plateau.
River Nile Cruise
If you want to explore the ancient Egypt, or want to see the sunset at the emerald Nile, then you’re on for a Nile River Cruise. Egypt has a lush and verdant landscapes at either sides of the River Nile and barren desert almost everywhere. So if you are to see Egypt’s civilisation, take a Nile Cruise. Famous sites included in most of Egypt cruise itineraries are Aswan, Karnak, and Luxor.
The Red Sea Riviera
After exploring Egypt’s civilisation and ancient treasures, you may like to relax or spend the rest of the holidays at the Red Sea Riviera. The place, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand, was specially developed wherein a large amount of money was spent. It now has beach resorts, world-class scuba diving, and 4-star and 5-star hotels where tourists can stay, and even a golf course. Most of them offer all-inclusive board basis which means you can have your cheap holiday spent there. Then you may also bargain your extra cash left at the local markets.
Now that you have read this article, you now have the idea on what to do, where to go and what to expect in your cheap holiday in Egypt. A weekend off may not be enough for you to explore the beauty of the country so you have to make a plan months before you actually go there. Look for cheap holiday packages, bring a group or your family to avail more discounts, and be ready for your adventure in Egypt.

Whether conventional or chic, there are a wide variety of places to have a drink in Cairo. Nearly every street in the city also supplies access to a traditional coffee house, which has served as a common male social gathering that dates back hundreds of years.
In addition to that, you will come in contact with everything from stalls filled with fruit to bakeries to up-to-date cafes that serve a wide-range of European coffee selections. Accompanying the traditional Turkish coffee and tea, patrons gain easy access to the likes of hibiscus tea, kerkedeeh (depending on the season – warm or cold), sugarcane juice, mango and date drinks, Tamr hindi, sahleb (coconut drink for the winter), and fakhfakhenna (fruit salad).
Conventional Coffee Houses
When it comes to one of the best places in the world to experience the culture associated with a traditional coffee house, Cairo tops the lists. While standard Arabic refers to the coffee houses one thing, the local dialect transforms the term into another entity.
Within any Cairene coffee house, Turkish coffee continues as the unchanging ingredient. Shisha, waterpipe, and tea are also quite popular. Many viewed this practice as outdated for quite awhile, but today, younger people are catching on. They even smoke a waterpipe, which is no longer associated with just the men. Locations are different, as one may offer a small setting (chairs and tables made of plastic that line the street) or provide access to impressive cafes situated in upscale regions.
When paying a visit to a Cairene coffee house, numerous people are looking forward to the sheesha (or waterpipe), which serves as a main attraction. Two variations are typical: pure tobacco and apple-flavored. Additional varieties of fruit are also on hand. Coffee houses tend to vary, as some are decorated in a more elaborate manner, while others are simple counters offering plastic chairs and tables for people to enjoy in the street.
While international travelers are always made welcome, some women tend to feel awkward when checking out the coffee houses in conventionally, underprivileged sections of the city. On the other hand, travel to downtown Cairo and other tourist areas associated with Islamic Cairo and single or female-only groups shouldn’t encounter more than the typical irritation.
Turkish coffee (also known as qahwe turki) is handed out either sweet (helwa), medium sweet (masbout), with a bit of sugar (sukr khafeef), or with none at all. Sweet in this case means very sweet.
Tea (shai) is served either as the customary loose tea (kushari which is not to be mixed up with the Cairo macaroni-rice staple kushari), which is also referred to as dust tea in English, or better yet – a tea bag. The majority of coffee shops generally provide fresh mint leaves upon request that is then placed in the tea. People may also enjoy a variety of soda. Many times, hibiscus tea is available, which is served warmed during the winter season, as well as heated throughout the warmer times of the year.
A Communal Tradition
During the 1600s, coffee was first introduced to the Arab and Islamic world, where the Islamic clergy tried to outlaw the drink. Nonetheless, people began to greatly desire the drink, which changed the minds of the sheikhs. To this day, the most devout followers of the Islamic faith would not pay a visit to a coffee house.
However, most Egyptian males saw coffee as a significant communal tradition, which would take place close to their residence, at the local mosque, as well as the church. This became the time to converse, discuss the latest tidbits of news, browse the newspaper, enjoy a television show or sporting event, or simply watch the people pass by while smoking a waterpipe. A lot of people will state that more than 20,000 coffee houses are found in Cairo. As of today, the downtown section and Islamic part of Cairo are some of the best locations to enjoy a rather important piece of Cairene life.
Fruit Stalls
As the heated Cairo summer lingers, fruit stalls are known to sell fresh juice (as well as the occasional fruit salad or soft drink). They really come in handy. At these locations, fresh-pressed juice of fruits of the season is sold.
Common selections include orange, lemon, strawberry, and mango. Depending on the season and availability, a collection of costs and quality are encountered. All over the city, you will encounter these places, which are quite commonplace in the hot spots that tourists frequent. The traditional coffee houses or fruit juice stalls of the city may supply some or all of these drink selections.
Contemporary Cafes and Pastry Shops
The latest cafes and pastry shops are scattered about the city. Usually, they provide light food items, such as salad and sandwiches, which join espresso-based coffees and pastry delights. The majority of these locations are chains that bear names, such as Cinnabon, Orangette, Cilantro, Beanos, as well as the Bakery and Coffee Roastery. Many of these sites, such as the chains previously mentioned, supply wireless Internet connections. Chains on the international level (like Costa Coffee and Starbucks) are also quite popular throughout Cairo.
Entertainment and the Nightlife
For the latest details regarding the movies, nightclubs, and concert halls, check out the daily called the Egyptian Gazette (LE 1; on Saturday, the Egyptian Mail), the weekly English edition of Al-Ahram newspaper (LE 1), as well as Egypt Today (LE 12), which is published on a monthly basis.
The Movies
Though international flicks are offered throughout the year, a higher number of selections are offered in the wintertime and Ramadan. It is suggested to check out the listings posted in the Egyptian Gazette or al-Ahram.
Since the movies provide Arabic subtitles, it is not uncommon to hear the audience chat it up while vendors sell snacks. The soundtrack is often interrupted, so it is recommended to position yourself close to the front in order to hear a word.
Over the past couple of years, a collection of pricey new movie theaters have sprung up in many shopping outlets. This includes the Al-Tahrir Cinema on Sharia Tahrir, in Dokki (02/335-4726; LE 15-25); MGM (located on the top floor of the Maadi Grand Mall; 02/519-5388; closed on Saturdays; LE 20); as well as Ramses Hilton Centre, positioned opposite the hotel (02/574-7436; LE 20-25). All theaters possess plush seats, stereo sound, and air conditioning (which is rather cold). Talking during movies and smoking are not allowed. When visiting these cinemas, it is suggested to book ahead of time, while in other places it is OK to purchase tickets (LE 10-15) an hour or more before the start of the film. On the other hand, during Ramadan, arriving earlier is a must, as the performances in the evening (such as the Metro Cinema on Talaat Harb, and the Al-Tahrir) provide various movie selections on a nightly basis. Usually, this attracts a large crowd, where tickets are bought rather fast and seats are not on reserve.
Discos
The city of Cairo possesses a decent amount of discos. Please note that the term “nightclub” is viewed as an old-fashioned reference that describes a venue where people sit down and enjoy a meal with a floorshow.
The music often consists of the hits of last year in America or the most recent hits in Egypt. Guests usually find that the dance floor is decent; out-of-control patrons are kept at a minimum; and even at the snazziest locations casual dress is still acceptable.
There is also a trend mounting that promotes a couples-only policy. While you may think this is to protect the females from being hounded, it is actually instilled to prevent gays and prostitutes from frequenting the discos. It is quite common to see women come to discos with an escort, but men that come without a female companion usually face more troubles. It is suggested to make a phone call to evade frustration.

Before you confirm your itinerary and make that booking for your next holiday to Egypt, just stop for a moment and consider the old saying that with a holiday – getting there is half the fun.

In this case what I am talking about in not actually getting to Egypt, but more getting around once you are there.

Certain modes of transport are not only cost effective, but they can actually save you money (like overnight trains that get you from a to b and which avoid the need of a hotel for a night)

So lets look at a few of the options which may be available to you

Flights – Internal flights are available to and from all major destinations in Egypt including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Sharm and Hurghada, just to name a few. The advantages are of course the speed of getting from a to b, the disadvantage is that once you include airport transfers at either end, then they are relatively expensive

Public Buses – Again, they go to and from all the major point and by their very nature they are very cheap indeed. The negative side is that they are not always as clean as they could be, the journeys are long and the timetables are not the most flexible / regular.

Trains – Trains in Egypt are very good indeed and basically they are split into 2 types. Day trains and overnight trains. For long journeys like Cairo to Aswan (or Luxor) and vice versa then overnight train are definitely a good thing to look at. There are 2 types – 1st class, which are like reclining airline seats or Private Sleeper Cabins which give you a bed, an evening meal and breakfast. Some people do alternatively choose day trains, but in my opinion these are long trips (12 hours) and there is relatively not much to see.

Most trips to Egypt will take in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as standard stops.

Getting from Aswan to Luxor gives 3 options. One is a 3 to 4 hour train ride, which is absolutely fine, but there are 2 more very different options

Feluccas – These are traditional fishing boats, which now are largely used for short pleasure trips for tourists. However you still can go on a longer trip down the Nile (although keep in mind that you will be sleeping on board and under the stars) but if you are adventurous then there is no doubt that this is one very interesting and adventure filled option.

The other Nile option is

Cruise ships – Nile cruise ships are relatively small, but very well equipped and definitely a more luxurious way to explore the Nile. They have superb Cabins, restaurants and bars. Plus most have swimming pools too. An average cruise running from Aswan to Luxor lasts for 4 days and 3 nights and as well as time spent sailing and relaxing you will also have lots of stops along the way at such places as Kom Ombo, Edfu etc as well as seeing the sites of Luxor on arrival.

For most site visits you will almost certainly go by

Private Vehicles / Mini Buses – There will be air conditioned and if booked via a reputable tour company will include your own driver and an English speaking guide.

For desert Safaris

4 x 4 Jeeps are definitely the way to go. They are rugged, Reliable and allow you to go off road and really explore the amazing deserts of Egypt

Our final mode of transport is a fun one

Camels – Ships of the desert. Granted this is not really an option for getting from place to place as such, but for ½ an hour to an hour, this can be a very exciting and different way to see sites like the Pyramids and parts of the west bank of Luxor.