Egypt - the dawn of civilisation
General information
Egypt lies in the north-east of Africa, with part of its territory - the Sinai Peninsula - extending into Asia. The country has coastlines on both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea and borders Libya, Sudan, Israel and the Gaza Strip.
The capital, Cairo, is the largest city in the country and one of the most important cultural centres of the Arab world. Right next to the city is the Giza Plateau with the famous pyramids and the Sphinx. This is only the beginning of a journey through Egypt - after Cairo, routes usually continue along the Nile to Luxor and Aswan or to the Red Sea resorts.
Egypt is a country where ancient history is literally part of the landscape. Temples, tombs and archaeological sites lie in the desert and along the Nile Valley, while in the big cities life is noisy, modern and extremely dynamic.
Climate
Most of Egypt has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and milder winters. There is little rain, especially inland. On the Mediterranean coast winter is milder, while in the south summer temperatures can be very high.
For excursions and sightseeing, the most pleasant months are usually October to April, when temperatures are better suited to long walks. Summer is hot but popular for beach holidays on the Red Sea, where the heat is part of the resorts' appeal.
Culture and history
The history of Ancient Egypt has continued to attract visitors for more than three thousand years since the first great kingdoms arose along the Nile. The river is at the root of the development of Egyptian civilisation - it provided water and fertile land in an otherwise dry region and became the natural backbone of the state.
The Giza Plateau is the most recognisable place in the country. Here stand the three great pyramids built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid of Cheops, is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today.
Next to the pyramids is the Great Sphinx - a monumental figure with a human head and the body of a lion. Despite its enormous popularity, the purpose and symbolism of the Sphinx are still the subject of scholarly debate.
Cairo also offers a chance to see another side of Egyptian heritage. The Egyptian Museum holds a huge collection of objects from antiquity, including finds from the tomb of Tutankhamun. The city also has many mosques and historic buildings, especially in the area of Islamic Cairo.
One of the most interesting ways to continue the journey is along the Nile. The river links the historic centres of Upper Egypt and lets you visit several of the most important sights on one route.
Luxor is often described as one of the richest cities in the world in archaeological monuments. It stands on the site of ancient Thebes, which at certain periods was the capital of Egypt.
On the east bank of the Nile are the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Karnak is not a single temple but a huge complex extended by different rulers over centuries. Its columns, obelisks and reliefs give an idea of the scale of ancient Egyptian architecture.
On the west bank lies the Valley of the Kings - the necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried. Among the tombs discovered there is that of Tutankhamun, whose discovery in 1922 by the archaeologist Howard Carter caused enormous international interest.
The area is also home to the Colossi of Memnon - two huge stone statues that survive from an ancient mortuary temple.
Further south is Aswan, on the Nile near the river's first cataract. The city is known for its Nubian culture and for the temples moved from their original sites because of the construction of the Aswan Dam.
Among them is the temple of Abu Simbel, built in the time of Pharaoh Ramesses II. The four huge statues of the ruler on its façade are among the most impressive images of Ancient Egypt.
The country's history, however, is not only about the pharaohs. Egypt was part of the Greco-Roman world and later a centre of Christianity and Islamic civilisation. In Alexandria, for example, you can see traces of the Greek and Roman past, while Cairo is one of the great centres of Islamic architecture.
After the cultural routes comes the Red Sea. Hurghada is one of the most popular resorts, known for its long sandy beaches, warm climate and opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
Sharm El Sheikh, at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is another major tourist centre. The area is known for its coral reefs and the rich underwater world of the Red Sea. Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the popular places for boat trips and diving.
Marsa Alam is a quieter alternative to the big resorts and is known for its beautiful reefs and chances to see sea turtles and other marine life.
Egyptian cuisine is also part of the journey. Traditional dishes include koshari - a combination of rice, pasta, lentils and tomato sauce - ful medames made from cooked fava beans, and various dishes with meat, vegetables and spices. On the coast, fish and seafood naturally feature too.
Markets are another characteristic element of Egyptian cities. Spices, perfumes, textiles, papyrus and stone and metal crafts are among the traditional purchases, but shopping here is also a cultural experience - especially in the old parts of Cairo and Luxor.
Why and when to visit?
Egypt is one of the destinations that can offer both a cultural programme and a proper beach holiday. A trip might start with Cairo and the pyramids, continue with a Nile cruise and visits to Luxor and Aswan, and then end with a few days on the Red Sea.
For touring the historic sights, the cooler months from autumn to spring are best. If your main goal is a beach holiday, the Red Sea resorts are a year-round choice, with the water staying relatively warm even in winter.
Egypt suits both first-time visitors to North Africa and travellers who already know the region. The reason is simple - the country offers different types of experience within a relatively small part of the route: ancient civilisations, religious history, desert landscapes, sailing on the Nile and some of the most interesting coral reefs in the world.
The pyramids are the reason many people choose Egypt for the first time. But after them the country keeps surprising - with the temples of Luxor, the calm flow of the Nile, the Nubian villages around Aswan and the underwater world of the Red Sea. It is this variety that turns Egypt from a one-off trip to famous sights into a destination many travellers return to.
