Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip

The mystery of Egypt - Pyramids, Sphinx, The Valley of the Dead and the Nile River. A land steeped in history stretching back over 5000 years - a land that lures people time after time to discover its ancient treasures. From the magnificent temples and monuments of the Nile to the bustle of Cairo and the wonders of the Red Sea, Egypt is a land of tremendous contrasts.

Cairo city is really bustling and for some tourists too hectic. It is the centre of the Islamic world and is a strange mix of ancient and modern with its tall modern buildings set against a backdrop of mosques and open-air bazaars. Cairo has a vibrant nightlife and music scene and enjoyable evenings can be spent listening to music at an open-air theatre.

Old Cairo is the oldest part of the city and is interesting for its Coptic churches and Roman artefacts. Ancient relics of Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism are represented here.

Luxor is a little town, and is built on the East bank of the Nile on the site of Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt. From here you can explore the many attractions along the Nile.

Aswan is a pleasant resort town on the banks of the Nile and Egypt's most southern city it is an ideal place from which to explore the ancient sites of the Nile. Thousands of years ago Pharaohs took the pink granite from this area to build their tombs. Today Aswan is famous for the Aswan Dam - the third largest dam in the world.

In Abu Simbel visit the temple of perhaps the most famous Pharaoh - Ramses II and his wife Nefertrari. The sheer size of the statues is awesome, standing 31 metres high. The temple was moved from its original site in 1964 when the Aswan dam was built. Or the The Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was also moved from its original setting when the dam was built and now resides on an island in the middle of the Nile.

The Red Sea on the Eastern coast of Egypt is an area of beautiful beaches with clear, warm water set against a backdrop of mountains and desert. A pleasant all-year climate with averages of 20 degrees in the winter and 25 degrees in the winter make this a popular holiday destination for sun worshippers.

Alexandria is popular holiday resort Northern Egypt. In addition to its temperate winters, its beaches, with white sands and magnificent scenery, stretch for 140 km along the Mediterranean Sea.

The resort of Hurghara has crystal clear water, making this resort making an ideal choice for diving enthusiasts. You do not have to dip your toes in water to marvel at the abundance of marine life as the Aquarium can give you a glimpse of what the Red Sea has to offer. Alternatively you can view the coral reef and tropical fish from a submarine.

Egypt enjoys hot, dry summers and mild dry winters. Although temperatures in summer can hit 32 degrees centigrade, it is bearable because the heat is dry. The best time of year to visit depends on where you want to go:

Winter is the best time to visit Upper Egypt and Luxor, as the summers are exceedingly hot. Average winter temperatures are 24 degrees centigrade compared to 31 degrees in summer.

Winter is also a good time to go the Mediterranean (20 degrees), as summer months (30 degrees) can be very busy. Spring and summer are the best times to visit Cairo, as it can be quite cool here in winter.

Egyptian Museum in Cairo is worth a visit to see the impressive collection of ancient relics and the famous gold mask of Tutankhamun. As is the Citadel, once a medieval fortress the large walls now encompass a mosque, and various museums.

Khan El Kalili is one of the most famous open-air bazaars. A fascinating place to shop for leather, brass and even tailor-made clothing. Don't give any money to beggars, as they will follow you around all day.

The Pyramids are found about 30 minutes from Cairo city centre on the edge of the desert. They were built over 4500 years ago to house the spirits of the pharaohs.

Pyramids of Giza - considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World are the finest examples of the many pyramids that line the Nile today. Each of the three pyramids is made from millions of stone blocks. The tallest one stands 450 ft high. Tourists can explore inside some of the pyramids via a web of passages and staircases.

The Sphinx is located about 10 minutes away from the pyramids. This sand-sculpted statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man was built to guard the tomb of Pharaoh Khephren. It lay hidden for 1000 years under desert sands. A spectacular light show takes place each evening providing a spectacular backdrop to these amazing monuments.

Valley of the Kings - Here the tombs of 64 Pharaohs are set into the rock face, including arguably the most famous tomb of all -that of Tutankamun. There are fascinating murals depicting stories of the lives of the various Pharaohs.

Valley of the Queens - Burial place for the wives and children of the Pharaohs. The tomb of Nefertari, wife of Ramses II, is worth visiting. Seven rooms have been carefully restored and the murals are clear and colourful.

Temple of Hapshepsut - This spectacular temple built on three terraces celebrates the only woman to reign Egypt as Pharaoh.

Colossi of Memnon - These large statues, which stand 18 metres tall, were built 3000 years ago to guard the temple of Amenophis III

The Temple of Luxor is a temple overlooking the river was originally built by Amenophis and added to by many pharaohs over a period of 1500 years.

The Temple of Karnak with its large columns and statues is in fact 3 temples built round a sacred lake.

It is advisable to visit most of the temples etc in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is not so high. These times are also less busy!

Sharm El Sheikh is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this lovely resort is also renowned for its diving and snorkelling. Marvel at the underwater wonders of the coral reefs and the secrets they hold.

A balloon Safari is an alternative way to see the ancient sites of Egypt. An hour-long balloon ride offers fantastic views of this famous stretch of the Nile. Breakfast is served after the flight. Approximate cost per person is £120-£150.

One of the best ways to explore the islands is by felucca - a traditional Nile boat.

Camel Safari's - This is a good point from which to take a camel safari into the desert. You can sleep out under the stars on sand dunes and eat meals cooked on camel dung!

Cruises - There is so much of Egypt's history focuses on the Nile, particularly between Aswan and Luxor. What better way to observe all the ancient sites along this stretch of river than by boat and at a leisurely pace?

Lonely Planet: Egypt - Andrew Humphreys, Siona Jenkins (Paperback 24 September, 1999)

The Rough Guide to Egypt - Dan Richardson (Paperback 29 June, 2000)

The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt - Ian Shaw (Editor) (Hardcover 30 September, 2000)

Ancient Egypt: The Great Discoveries - Nicholas Reeves (Hardcover September, 2000)

7^th January every year, Coptic Christmas is essentially the same as Christian celebrations of Christmas.

February - Abu Simbel Festival, Ramses II angled his temple so that the inner sanctum would light up twice a year. Quite a feat I am sure you will agree, and a simply spectacular sight if you have the chance to see it.

6^th March - Kurban Bayram, The Great Feast celebrates the end of the Haji pilgrimage and the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son for God.. Events take place throughout Egypt

16^th April, the first day of spring is celebrated with a picnic throughout Egypt.

The South Sinai Camel Festival in Sharm El-Sheikk lays testiment to the fact that camels can move with quite some speed as they race along.

14^th June - Mohammed's birthday, the prophets birthday is celebrated with parades and revelry in all the major towns and cities

The Folkloric Arts Festival at the end of August every year is held in Ismilia, a weeklong celebration from 24^th-31^st.

22^nd October - Abu Simbel Festival, Ramses II angled his temple so that the inner sanctum would light up twice a year. Quite a feat I am sure you will agree, and a simply spectacular sight if you have the chance to see it.

16^th December marks the end of Ramadan, after the fasting there are many celebrations

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Food

3 course meal £8.00

Drinks

Glass of beer £1.20

Bottle of wine £3.00

Soft drink £00.60

Eating out is excellent value in Egypt. Turkish, Persian and Syrian influences prevail in many of the restaurants. Most Egyptian dishes are vegetable based like molokhia - soup made with leafy green vegetables or turshi - spicy pickled vegetables. Typical main dishes would include a spiced bean stew and shish kebabs. Fresh seafood is always a popular choice. Try some Alexandrian prawns grilled over charcoal. Many snacks are very sweet and fresh fruit is widely available -fresh dates are wonderful. Local wines and beers are pretty good. Zibeeb is an aniseed drink rather like the Greek ouzo

HOTELS IN EGYPT

Le Meridien Cairo, £140 per room per night for this luxurious 5* high standard of accommodation, you will find that there are many top hotels in Egypt and if you have the money to pay for it are sure to find fantastic accommodation wherever you desire.

However for the smaller budget the 3-4* prices start at £20pppn, facilities/ standards are lower than we would probably expect as Europeans. Standards vary greatly and you should be careful of the hotel you choose if looking in the 3* price range. A good travel agent will be able to advise.

VISAS AND INNOCULATIONS

Visitors to Egypt need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date. Visas are required for UK passport holders; these may be obtained from Egyptian Diplomatic and Consular Missions Abroad or from the Entry Visa Department at the Travel Documents, Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). It is, however, possible for most tourists and visitors to obtain an entry visa at any of the Major Ports of Entry. Please do check what the latest details are on this from your travel agent or the Egyptian Embassy

Hep A, Polio Typhoid and Malaria are all strongly recommended. Malaria immunisation depends on the area visited and Yellow Fever is essential if you arrive from an infected country. Please seek professional advice; these are only guidelines. If you have not previously been immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.

The usual health advice applies as with most foreign countries. Don't drink the tap water or consume ice in drinks. Drink bottled water or use purification tablets. Take care against dehydration and over exposure to the sun, by drinking lots of (bottled) water and use high factor sun creams.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Banks - Open from 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday to Thursday. All banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays except in tourist locations such as hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants.

Foreign currency can be exchanged only at a bank or other authorised establishment.

Clothing - Cotton clothing is advisable to wear during the day and a sweater or jacket is recommended for evenings as the temperature can drop quite considerably. Good walking shoes and a sunhat are essential. Dress should be modest when visiting mosques.

Tipping - Although service charges are usually added to bills it is customary to give waiters a further 5% tip. Tipping is always expected in Egypt so always carry small change with you.

Electricity: 220V

Time: GMT + 2 hours

Shopping - Alabaster, which comes from the Nile valley, is sold widely as cigarette cases and vases. Brass and copper goods can be found in most bazaars. Egyptian cotton is much sought after because of its fine quality. Jewellery can be extremely beautiful and is good value. Leather goods such as handbags and tapestries are worth looking out for and marquetry objects, such as chessboards inlaid with ivory or mother-of-pearl, make good souvenirs. Try your hand at bartering - the vendors expect it!

FLIGHTS-

Regular flights from Heathrow -Cairo with British airways

Regular flights from Heathrow - Cairo with Egypt Air

Weekly flights from Heathrow - Luxor with Egypt Air

Weekly flights from Manchester & Gatwick - Luxor with Air 2000

Flight time approx. 5 hours