Egypt holds the key that unlocks seven millennia of history and hospitality. We at Egypt Travel invite you to explore this living, breathing past with us! When you visit Egypt , you will stand in awe before her ancient treasures. You will marvel at her natural beauty; the golden dunes of the Sahara, the holy land of Mount Sinai, the fertile Nile valley, and the underwater paradise of the Red Sea. But most of all, you will be impressed by the warmth, generosity and hospitality of her people. We have specialized in travel to Egypt for over 25 years, and this year we are very proud to offer you a portfolio of top quality tours that are customized for a wide variety of interests. Whether you are interested in the ancient sites, in a very special family vacation, in water sports, horseback riding, a desert safari or romance, we have something just for you! We want your stay in Egypt to be the most exciting, memorable and satisfying travel experience of your life. We know that once you have traveled with us, Egypt and her people will always have a special place in your heart! Ahlan-Wa-Sahlan! Upon arrival in Egypt , you will be warmly greeted with “Ahlan-Wa-Sahlan,” which means, “Welcome home” - and we really mean it! Baksheesh (Tips) Tips – the popular “baksheesh.” Remember that in Egypt , you pay “baksheesh” for rendered services, and the amount is up to your discretion. Your tour guide will be glad to help you determine appropriate tips when necessary. Cartouche A cartouche is an elongated piece of jewelry in the shape of an oval. Originally, it was drawn with the hieroglyphics of a king or queen's name. Today you can have a beautiful cartouche made in silver or gold with your own name on it! Dynasty A succession of kings who were usually related. Egyptologists divide ancient Egypt 's history into 31 dynasties up until the time of the arrival of Alexander the Great. Electricity In Egypt , the electrical current is 220 AC and 50 cycles and the wall plugs are the round, two-prong European type adapters. For your American-made appliances and electronics, you will need electrical transformers. Food We invite you to savor the delicious typical dishes of Egypt , such as: koshari (lentil and rice dish), maashi (stuffed vegetables) and ful medammes (broadbean stew). When it comes to fruit, Egypt is a paradise of fragrant and tasty fruits. Don't forget to taste the guavas, dates, figs, and large variety of juicy mangos! Government Offices and other Services Government offices, including post offices, are open from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM , Saturday through Thursday, and are closed Fridays and on national holidays. Banks are from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM , Sunday through Thursday, and are closed Fridays, Saturdays, and national holidays. Shops are open daily from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with some shops closed on Fridays and Sundays. Health Vaccinations are no longer necessary or required to enter Egypt . However, we advise you to avoid drinking tap water, other unbottled beverages, and drinks with ice. Please consult your physician for more advice. Information The Egyptian government has offices throughout the world that provide all necessary information for travelers to Egypt . Once you are in Egypt , our team is available to provide you with any additional information. Jewelry and Souvenirs Egypt is world famous for the incomparable beauty, quality, and affordability of its gold jewelry. Cotton from Egypt is the finest quality in the world. Khan El Khalili Cairo 's sprawling markets are a feast of sights, sounds, exotic smells and great shopping! Khan Al Khalili is one of the biggest bazaars in the Middle East , perhaps in the world. It is a whole town of markets and shops. Craftsmen, businessmen and wholesalers crowd together along its narrow alleys. There are wonderful brass ornaments and fixtures there, lovely mosaics, and perfume shops suffused with spice and floral scents. Be prepared to bargain for your new treasures! Language, Demographics and Religion Arabic is the official language of Egypt ; however, most people speak one or two other languages, usually English and/or French. Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa and is populated by 65 million people. Approximately 85% of Egypt 's population is Moslem. About 9 million inhabitants are Christian Orthodox who belong to the Coptic Church. In most cities, mosques and churches can be found next to each other. There are also various synagogues. Money The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound ( L.E. ). It is divided into 100 Piasters (silver coins). Banknotes (paper currency) are available in the following denominations: 0.25, 0.50, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Pounds ( L.E. ). Coins are available in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, and 25 Piasters. Exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = approximately 5.8 ( L.E. ), depending on the daily rate. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks and authorized exchange offices where the official rates of exchange are posted daily. Nile Cruise A cruise on the Nile is the most interesting and memorable river experience in the world! Since the beginning of time, Egypt and the Nile have unified to build and share one life. It was the Nile, which gave life to the land, Egypt . The Nile is the foundation that gave rise to one of the most impressive civilizations of the human race. Egypt is truly the gift of the Nile . Optional Tours In addition to the variety of organized tours offered in this brochure, we offer the best customized tour packages, at the best rates! Just ask us about areas of interest to you – we are here to make your dream vacation come true! Photography Egypt is a fascinating and magnificent country to photograph. You are allowed to take pictures inside many tombs and temples. A photography fee must be paid at the ticket office, prior to entering the exhibit. These fees are not included in the tour package price.