From tradition to modernity, Egypt is a country which has succeeded in creating a present that is as fascinating as its past.
Egypt has been an important destination for people in the Middle East, Africa and Europe from ancient times. Beginning in the early 19th century — with Napoleon's invasion of Egypt — interest in Egyptology surged and this fascination laid the foundations for the modern tourism industry in the country.
The celebrated tourist attractions of Egypt are the millennia-old monuments for which the Nile Valley is world famous. Principal among them are the Pyramids and Great Sphinx at Giza, the Abu Simbel temples south of Aswan and the Karnak Temple Complex and Valley of the Kings near Luxor. Cairo also boasts the Cairo Museum and theMosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, and the coastal areas of Sinai Peninsula are also very popular with visitors.
Regions in Brief:
Cairo & Environs
North Coast
Upper Egypt
Sinai Peninsula
Red Sea Coast
Western Desert &
the Oases of the New Valley
Favorite Must-Do's when in Egypt
A sample of our Egypt Experiences:
10 day Egypt – History & Culture
12 day Mummies & Pharaohs (Family Trip)
14 day Egypt by Contrast: Nile Cruise & Desert Safari
14 day Nile Valley & Sinai Safari Trek
17 day Best of Egypt & Kenya
Enquire about more tour options here
TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
Republic of Egypt
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Area: 1 million km²
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Capital: Cairo
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Currency: Egyptian Pound
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Population: Around 78 million people live in Egypt
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Language: Arabic (official), English and French are widely understood by educated classes.
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Religion: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%.
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Climate: It's hot and sunny for most of the year in Egypt. Winters (November to February) are generally mild.
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Time: GMT + 2 / Summer DST + 3
Helpful Facts
Cairo & Environs: The capital of Egypt is a massive, densely populated city of around 13 million people. Crammed with historic mosques, great museums, and must-see sights, Cairo is, by the same token, probably not a place that you want to spend more than a few days. The air is polluted, the infrastructure on the point of collapse, and the roads edge closer to gridlock with every week.
The Pyramids of the Giza Plateau lie on the western outskirts of the city. A short drive into the countryside to the south lie the necropolis of Saqqara and the remnants of the ancient capital of Memphis, as well as the sites of Dashur and Abu Sir. Beyond Giza and Saqqara, but still an easy day trip from the city, the oasis of Fayum offers a unique cultural and shopping experience.
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North Coast: Egypt's Mediterranean coast has long been a world apart from the interior of Egypt, and did not become important until it was invaded by Alexander the Great (for whom Alexandria is named) in 331 B.C. Recently the coast to the east and west of Alex, as the city is affectionately known, has experienced something of a resurgence as a summer getaway for upper-class Cairenese escaping the muggy July and August heat of the capital. Most foreigners, however, visit the north coast for the diving. From World War II submarines and planes to the ruins of what just might be Cleopatra's Palace, there is a world of underwater treasures to be explored.
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Upper Egypt: From the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun tomb to Karnak Temple, Abu Simbel, and the Colossus of Memnon, Upper Egypt has become synonymous with ancient Egyptian treasures. Upper Egypt is also home to Nubia, which has a culture, history, and way of life all its own. Coming from Cairo to Aswan, you will immediately notice the change in atmosphere. Gone is the hustle and bustle of the big city, replaced by a laid-back attitude that takes the days as they come and seems to match the monuments themselves for timeless tranquility. With fewer must-see sights, Aswan is the place to unwind -- go for a sunset sail on the Nile and wander the souk in search of local handicrafts.
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Sinai Peninsula: Fought over in the 1960s and 1970s, Sinai did not come into its own as a tourist destination until the 1980s. Thirty years later, the main center of Sharm el Sheikh is a thriving, and still growing, city, and the coast is lined with literally hundreds of resorts. With all the hotels and the saturation level of advertising showing beaches and coral, it's easy to forget that the Sinai Peninsula has some of the most stunning desert scenery you can imagine, a must-see 6th-century monastery, and a spectacularly remote Pharaonic site.
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Red Sea Coast: The stretch of coastline from Marsa Allam up to Gouna is the new boomtown of Egyptian tourism, a spectacular desert coastline being developed with a series of plush (and some not-so-plush) resorts. Long the preserve of divers intrepid enough to brave a 12- to 18-hour bus ride to camp on a beach, the wrecks and marine life are now accessible to those of us whose ideas of hardship are having to wave down a waiter or carry our own towels.
Around Hurghada, where much of the development first started, many of the resorts are all-inclusive and have slid down-market. However, on either side of Hurghada you’ll find first-class resorts with stunning beaches and great diving.
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Western Desert & the Oases of the New Valley: The vast stretch of desert to the west of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. In prehistoric times, this desert was alternately savanna and submerged by water, and the fossilized traces of both aquatic and land-based life lay scattered about underfoot almost everywhere you look. There are five main oases in the desert, each with its own character, and are the stepping-off points for expeditions into the surrounding desert. Spend a night in the White Desert amongst the outlandish white outcroppings, explore the ancient mud-brick town of Qasr, or search out the names of the first European explorers carved on the side of a Roman temple on the edge of the Great Sand Sea.
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Frommer's Favorite EGYPT Experiences:
Seeing the Pyramids: No experience in Egypt will quite match the awe of seeing the Pyramids of Giza up close -- one is instantly gripped with how enormous they really are.
Snorkeling or Diving in the Red Sea: Crystal-clear water, spotless skies, and an amazingly diverse maritime wildlife make the Red Sea one of the best places in the world to scuba dive and snorkel.
Shopping in Khan El Khalili: A 600-year old labyrinthine souk that sells everything from mummified lizards to rose essence, this is a shopping treat not to be missed.
Sailing a Felucca: Venice has its gondolas, China its dragon boats, and Egyptians love a felucca on the Nile. Cheap and relaxing, these rickety sail boats let you explore your surroundings without the usual hassles of sightseeing. On hot days, take the felucca at night and gaze at the stars.
Witnessing the sunrise from Mount Sinai: Watching the day break from the peak of Mount Sinai will give you goose bumps, and thousands of travelers have made that nighttime hike up the mountain for those few moments of bliss. Just think: this is where Moses was said to have received the Ten Commandments from God.
Splurging on a Nile cruise: The cushiest way to see the splendid monuments of Upper Egypt, these five-star boats transport you to the temples at Luxor, Aswan and the surrounding towns in style. After a long day of sightseeing, dip into the on-deck swimming pools and delectable buffets as you glide past the Egyptian countryside.
Eating Ful or Tamiyya for Breakfast: To start your morning the Egyptian way, order a ful (fava beans) or ta'miyya (falafel) sandwich, grab some pickles and a hot cup of hot tea, and sink into one of the most satisfying breakfasts ever. After that meal, you'll be ready for a nap, which according to popular myth is the reason Egyptians never get anything done.
Attending an Egyptian Wedding: In Egypt, you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the best part of the wedding: the zaffa. It's a noisy, perfectly choreographed procession that accompanies the couple to its kosha (wedding throne in the banquet hall) as the family cheers on. Passers-by often join in to watch and clap, and if you're near a hotel on a Thursday or Friday night, you won't miss it.
Sipping a hot drink at an Ahwa: Arabic for coffee, an ahwa is the quintessential sidewalk cafe, perfect for people-watching or a game of backgammon.
Watching a Belly Dancer Perform: Forget any belly dancing you might have seen anywhere else, this is the real thing.
Spending an afternoon at the Egyptian Museum: The world's largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, with over 120,000 pieces on display.
Reading at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A recently inaugurated resurrection of the ancient library of Alexandria, which stood for 600 years before burning down in the 3rd century.
Visiting the Theban Necropolis: Probably the largest cemetery in the world, carved into the cliffs of a remote hill, where New Kingdom pharaohs tried to hide their tombs from raiders. The highlight is the Valley of the Kings, with over 60 tombs dating from 1570 B.C. to 1085 B.C. Colorful depictions of daily life in Egypt, and elaborate spiritual texts adorn the walls and ceilings. It was here that Tutankhamun's treasures were discovered.
Savoring Fresh Fish in Alexandria: Befitting a city on the Mediterranean, Alexandria has excellent seafood restaurants.
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Helpful Facts:
Language: English is widely understood around Cairo and in tourist hotels and restaurants throughout the country, but off the beaten track and in smaller towns it is relatively rare to find functional English speakers. A Pocket Dictionary of the Spoken Arabic of Cairo is an excellent companion.
Weather: Egypt is best visited in the fall (Sept-Nov) and spring (Feb-Apr). The weather is relatively chilly December through January, except in the south, where the winter is very pleasant. The summer is the only time to be avoided for climatic reasons. Cairo is hot, muggy, and filthy for most of June through August, and most residents take their vacations during this period, if possible. Upper Egypt and even the Red Sea coast can also be uncomfortably hot during the summer.
Health & Safety: Public health standards are low in Egypt, with little government investment in programs to improve it. Eating in restaurants that do not regularly serve foreign clientele or drinking water that has not come from a well-sealed bottle is asking for a bout of traveler's diarrhea or worse (including cholera and hepatitis). Most problems are easily avoided by following a few simple rules:
* Only drink bottled water. If the water doesn't taste right, even if it was unsealed in front of you, send it back and get another.
* Eat in restaurants with a high volume of foreigners whenever possible, particularly expats. Word gets around quickly when someone gets sick.
* Avoid the muddy banks of the Nile and other waterways. Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, a parasitic disease caused by flatworms that live close to shore, remains a problem in Egypt.
Business Hours: You have to accept that, in Egypt, businesses are open when they're open. Posted hours should be considered guidelines, and you should expect most places to open a little late, and sometimes close a little early as well. Banks are open from 9am to 2pm, and quite frequently in the evening from 5 to 7pm. Stores generally open between 9 or 10am and stay open until between 7 and 10pm. Small grocery stores are open the longest hours, restaurants tend to stay open from midmorning until late at night.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts in Egypt. Plugs are European-style, with two prongs.
Embassies & Consulates: Canadian Embassy, 26 Kamel el Shenawy, Garden City, Cairo (tel. 02/27918700; cairo@dfait-maeci.gc.ca); U.S. Embassy, 8 Kamal El Din Salah St., Garden City, Cairo (tel. 02/27973300; consularcairo@state.gov); British Embassy, 7 Ahmed Ragab St., Garden City, Cairo (tel. 02/27940852; info@britishembassy.org.eg);
Appropriate Attire: Egyptians place a lot of stock in dressing well in informal situations, and a good pair of slacks and a few long-sleeved shirts for men and women should come with you on your holiday. In mosques, you will be expected to take off your shoes, and women will be expected to cover their heads. Women should carry a light scarf.
Gestures: Meeting and greeting are important ceremonies in Egypt. Shake hands, introduce yourself, and take a moment to get to know people, even if you don't expect to see them ever again. Once the introductions are out of the way and everyone is sitting down, be careful to keep your feet pointed at (or, better, firmly planted on) the floor. The soles of your shoes are unclean, and it is offensive to point them or even show them. Cheek-kissing and hugging are de rigueur displays of respect and warmth between men and women, but any kind of public displays of affection are highly inappropriate between couples. There are few gestures that will cause offense by misinterpretation, but pointing at someone with your finger is disrespectful.
Punctuality is a loose concept in Egypt. It is fine to be 30 minutes late for a social engagement, but on the other hand, Egyptians try to make a point of being on time for foreigners.
Photography: Photographing anything official, from the traffic policeman to government buildings and even bridges, will usually prompt an official warning and in many cases some kind of attempt to seize your film and camera. Disorganized and ineffective security arrangements, on the other hand, generally mean you can get away with it if you're willing to ignore the shouting and walk away quickly. Actual military installations are where you should draw the line, and in no circumstances should you take an obvious photo of a military officer.
Tipping: (Baksheesh) The general rule for tipping in Egypt is simple: When in doubt, tip. Tip drivers (except for taxi drivers, whom you pay by the ride), waiters, bellhops, and guides. Tip anyone who performs a service for you (shows you to your seat on a train or opens an extra door at the museum), and tip those who haven't done anything directly but ask for it anyway (often the case with street sweepers). How much depends on circumstances and service -- a bellhop in a $400-per-night hotel who gives good services should be slipped LE50 ($9.10/£4.60) or more, while waiters should receive a percentage of the bill that reflects the quality of the service. Being provided extra access at monuments or museums is worth LE5 (90¢/45p) at most, on the other hand. Bathroom attendants are well served with LE1 (20¢/9p), as are street sweepers and anyone else looking for a handout.
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10 day Egypt – History & Culture from C$1720
Explore and discover this fascinating country with these highlights: Cairo, the pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, Khan al-Khalili bazaar and enchanting Al Azhar Mosque. Soak up Aswan’s laid-back,old-world charm, the Temple of Isis and the lively souk; cruise the Nile aboard a comfortable Riverboat, visit the temples of Komombo and Edfu; discover the majesty of the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple before a rail journey to Cairo. Discover Coptic Cairo, the quirky Gayer-Anderson Museum and the Ibn Tulun Mosque. This tour is a must for those yearning to see Egypt in depth and full-colour.
Tour price from C$1720 per person sharing twin room
Includes 4 nights comfortable hotel, 3 nights Riverboat, 2 nights air-con sleeper train, tour leader & local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees, 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners.
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12 day Mummies & Pharaohs (Family Trip) from C$1970
Catering specifically to families with children this trip keeps long travelling days to a minimum and accommodation is in family-friendly, quality hotels.
Enjoy the highlights of the Nile Valley and relax on the Red Sea coast. This tour includes Cairo with the treasures of Tutankhamun, the royal mummies and Ramses II; the pyramids and Sphinx; sleeper train to Aswan; camel ride; sail in a traditional felucca; explore the Nubian bazaar; riverboat cruise to Luxor; the temples of Komombo, Edfu and Karnak and across the Nile the celebrated Valley of the Kings and the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Driving to the coast enjoy a couple of days by the beach, including a fun boat trip with fantastic snorkelling. We head back to Cairo and spend a final morning in the Khan el Khalili bazaar.
Tour price from C$1970 per person sharing twin room
Includes 7 nights comfortable hotel, 3 nights Riverboat, 1 night air-con sleeper train, local tour leader & guides, arrival transfer, transport, Nile cruise, sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners.
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14 day Egypt by Contrast: Nile Cruise & Desert Safari from C$2490
Enjoy the contrasts of metropolitan Cairo, ancient history of the Nile Valley, laid-back Aswan and the arid tranquility of the Western Desert.
After the capital’s chaotic charm, cruise from Aswan to Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, explore ancient temples and become part of the great river’s rich, timeless way of life. Westwards, the White Desert blooms into life with a Dali-esque landscape of wind-sculpted monoliths: giant stone mushrooms and a mythic zoo of chalk animals populate this surreal, beguiling place, one of Egypt’s great secrets. Exploring the fascinating oasis towns and taking a desert camel ride encapsulate the best of Egypt: magically exotic adventure in the most alluring of lands.
Tour price from C$2490 per person sharing twin room
Includes 3 nights Riverboat, 5 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night air-con sleeper train, 4 nights rustic hotel, tour leader & local guides, arrival transfer, 4WD vehicles on safari, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees, 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners.
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14 day Nile Valley & Sinai Safari Trek from C$2160
Combining the Nile Valley splendor with the compelling Sinai wilderness and the Red Sea coast, this tour highlights:
Cairo, the pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum; Luxor, the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings; river cruise on the great Nile, the Nubian capital of Aswan; free time to visit Abu Simbel, before returning to Cairo; on to the Sinai peninsula to ascend Mount Sinai at dawn; enjoy a camel ride with new Bedouin friends; relax, swim and snorkel in the seaside towns of Dahab and Sharm-el Sheikh.
Tour price from C$2160 per person sharing twin room
Includes 4 nights Riverboat, 7 nights comfortable hotel, 2 nights air-con sleeper train, tour leader & local guides, arrival transfer, transport, camels in the Sinai, sightseeing and entrance fees, 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners.
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17 day Best of Egypt & Kenya from C$4840
This popular tour combines Egypt's historical sites with a classic Kenyan safari.
Egyptian Highlights include Cairo, Memphis and its splendid necropolis, Sakkara; the first Step Pyramid and several outstanding Old Kingdom tombs; the Egyptian Museum (including the Tutankhamun exhibition) and the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx; comfortable overnight sleeper train to Luxor with Karnak Temple, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings; relaxing river cruise, visiting Edfu and Komombo Temples along the way; Aswan and the Temple of Isis at Philae and time for an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Return to Cairo for the Gayer-Anderson Museum, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and a visit to the Khan el Khalili Bazaar.
Travelling south, Kenya’s game reserves are among the best in the world with large numbers of animal life inhabiting vast tracts of lands. This classic safari features Meru National Park, where George and Joy Adamson raised the famous lioness, Elsa featured in 'Born Free'. Our eco-lodge is set snug amongst the lush forest and small streams right at the edge of Meru National Park. We cross the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, home to massive numbers of flamingos and take a nature walk into Menengai Crater, a volcanic caldera stretching 8-10kms in diameter. 
Overnight in a beautiful permanent tented camp with en-suite facilities (all profits go to support the local Ujima Foundation). Then we
head south-west to the Masai Mara - one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Accommodation in 'the Mara' is in an intimate tented camp, staffed entirely by local Masai, providing an opportunity to learn more about the Masai customs and traditions.
Throughout this safari we travel in safari vehicles where the pop-top roof system ensures excellent game viewing, and the use of 4WD vehicles rather than minivans ensures excellent comfort and access to off-the-beaten-track places. Our specialist local guides not only share their incredible wildlife knowledge, but also their passion for their homeland.
Tour price from C$4840 per person sharing twin room
Includes 3 nights Riverboat, 5 nights comfortable hotel, 2 nights air-con sleeper train, 2 nights Eco Lodge, 4 nights permanent tented camp, tour leader & local guides, arrival transfer, transport, game activities, sightseeing and entrance fees, 16 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 12 dinners. Not included international flights - including Cairo to Nairobi.
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MOROCCO
The Kingdom of a Thousand Kingdoms
A country of artisans, many everyday objects are rendered with extraordinary craftsmanship. Markets are full of brass wares, leather goods, exquisite carpets and embroidery work of fine quality and beauty.
Buildings, gardens and fountains also become a tapestry for this national artistic inclination.
Much of Morocco's traditions are reflected in the souks. All the colors, sounds and smells of the country are mingled here.
Morocco's landscape varies dramatically throughout the country. Broad peaceful beaches give way to lively imperial cities perched atop rolling green hills and ragged peaks, which then descend into the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert.
Morocco is a very safe country with an ancient tradition of hospitality so travelers feel secure and very welcome.
Kingdom of Morocco
• Area: 446,550 km² (710,850 km² including the western Sahara)
• Capital: Rabat
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham
• Climate:
The climate is Mediterranean in the North and in some mountains west of Atlas Mountains.
The desert becomes
very dry and extremely warm during the summer.
• People: Around 32 million people live in Morocco: Muslim 99%, Christian and others 1%
• Official languages: Arabic, Berber, French
• Time: GMT
A sample of our Moroccan Experiences:
15 Days Highlights of Morocco *in Style
15 Days Imperial Cities & Desert
This is just a small sample of what is available. For our full range of Moroccan tours and adventures click here to request a brochure.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO *in Style (EX32 - DMR)
15 Days from Royal Cities to the Sahara Desert
Explore many of Morocco’s natural and cultural highlights - from the ‘Royal Cities’ of Fes, Meknes and Marrakech to the Saharan Sand Sea of Merzouga. Visit local Berber communities in the Anti-Atlas Mountains and travel through the vast Dades Gorge. Accommodation is in hand-picked hotels and traditional ‘riads’, providing an oasis of calm from the bustling cities.
Comfort 
Active
Tour Highlights
Fes - atmospheric and vibrant medina, sightseeing in the Old City
Meknes - imperial city
Moulay Idriss - the holy city
Volubilis- ancient Roman sites
Merzouga Sand Sea - Saharan dunes.
Optional: 4x4 Drive, camel ride and overnight in Bedouin camp
Dades Gorge - walk amongst the dramatic landscapes of the Dades River Valley
Ait Benhaddou - Kasbah village ruins
The Atlas Mountains - beautiful mountain scenery
Essaouira - charming historic port town on Atlantic coast
Marrakech - Morocco’s enchanting ‘Red City’, Djemma-el-Fna Square
Request detailed itinerary
Tour Dates: Fridays from September to November 2012
Tour Cost: from $2270* sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: on request
Group Size: 12 – 16 passengers
Types of Accommodation: 8 nights Comfortable Hotel, 6 nights Standard Hotel
Vehicles: chartered bus
Meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 dinners
*Also available as a Standard Tour:
IMPERIAL CITIES & DESERT (EX06-MR)
Tour Cost: from $1070 per person sharing twin accommodation
Comfort 
Active
Larger Group Size: 16 – 20 passengers
Tourist class accommodation: 14 nights Standard Hotel
Vehicles: train and chartered bus
Meals: 14 breakfasts only
More optional extras.
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TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
