Holidays in Egypt

The time for vacations is getting closer and closer. Some vacationers prefer Russian resorts. The other half loves to discover new things for themselves and tries to travel outside the country. Egypt is one of the most affordable and budgetary resorts for Russians. What to see in Egypt, how to behave in this country and what holidays there are in this country - you will learn from this article.

Egypt landmarks

It is worth immediately clarifying one of the main features of Egypt, all of its attractions and historical sites are located quite far from the resort area. This is something to keep in mind when scheduling time on vacation. Almost any excursion to the cultural monuments of this country will take at least one day. And most of this time you will spend on the way, in a stuffy bus with a limited supply of water.

But, despite the difficulties of transportation, it is worth seeing at least some of the sights of Egypt. The main cultural monuments of this country:

1. Pyramids. The largest antiquity with a world name that has come down to our days. Of course I want to appreciate the greatness of the pharaohs. Just remember that the trip is long and grueling. And it is unlikely that it will be possible to inspect the tombs from the inside.
2. Sphinx. A symbol of heavenly punishment for all sinners. Inside, this structure is hollow, there is a theory that it was previously used as a place for executions and sacrifices. It is worth seeing it, if only because the statue is collapsing and how much time this process will take is unknown. Perhaps right now the Sphinx is “living out its day”.
3. Museum in Cairo. A place worth visiting. A huge number of various historical things, a thorough examination of which will take more than one day. In this place, the treasury of Tutankhamun is located in an almost natural form. Manuscripts, manuscripts, jewelry, sarcophagi and more. It is very interesting.
4. The temples of Karnak and Luxor attract crowds of tourists. The buildings are dated from about 16-11 centuries BC, retaining the features of their former grandeur. In these places you can find bas-reliefs and statues, perfectly preserved monuments of ancient culture.
5. It is recommended to visit the Red Sea Islands, without fail. Very rich fauna, unearthly beauty beaches with white sand, clear azure water. A paradise for divers and surfers.
6. Aswan Dam. A very nice and functional place.
7. Valley of the Kings. Simply put, the cemetery of the Egyptian nobility. Each tomb is protected by various tricks and traps, and the entrance is carefully camouflaged.
8. Temples of Abu Simbela. They were built in honor of the victory over the Hittites. There is something to see there - giant figures of gods, carved right into the rock. A very curious building.
9. Temples on the island of Philae. According to legend, it is in this place that the remains of the god Osiris and his wife, the goddess Isis, are located. The buildings are well preserved and these are the last exhibits of the Ptolemaic era that can be seen today.
10. Monastery of St. Catherine. The stronghold and center of Orthodoxy in the Arab East.
11. Montazah Palace and Park is located in Alexandria. In the 20th century, the residence of King Farouk was located here. Such scenic landscapes can no longer be found in all of Egypt.
12. The Khan al-Khalili market will give the most detailed picture of the oriental flavor and mentality of the Arabs. It occupies a small area, but it is the largest "flea market" in this country.
13. The Alexandrina Library was built on the site of the destroyed Alexandria Library. It contains all the main items of the cultural heritage of Egypt.

Resorts of Egypt

Why is Egypt so special? Sea, sun, adequate service in hotels, reasonable prices and, of course, its almost year-round availability. This is indeed the case. In this country, only a couple of months, the temperature is slightly below 30 degrees and strong winds. And so, all the year round, the picturesque beaches of Egypt are ready to receive thousands of visitors. Where are the best beaches in this holiday paradise?

List of the best resorts in Egypt:

1. Sharm El Sheikh. An expensive, prestigious resort that boasts not only the best hotels, but also a stunningly beautiful sea. It is in this area that Egypt is washed by the Red Sea, so the beaches boast picturesque views of coral and fauna, different from other places. A youthful, dynamic resort.
2. Hurghada is located in a backwater, so it is warm here even during a tropical winter. Located close enough to the capital, it is most convenient to go on excursions. Very popular tourist place, there are many hotels built in the original style.
3. Luxor, the heart of Egypt. In ancient times, this place was the capital of Thebes.There is a large number of antiquities that are part of the country's cultural heritage. The Valley of the Kings, the Dead City, the tomb of Tutankhamun and other attractions are located in relative proximity to this place.
4. Cairo combines perfectly preserved ancient buildings and buildings of modern architecture. The famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar will showcase the oriental flavor in all its glory.
5. Alexandria, the tomb of its founder Alexander the Great. You will find the best conditions for active recreation here. Also in this place is the once destroyed and restored library with a worldwide reputation.
6. Makadi Bay, a place descended from the most fabulously beautiful pictures. Not a very popular destination for tourism, so there are not a lot of people and queues. A place for those who prefer tranquility and beautiful scenery. A huge selection of outdoor activities, wonderful shows, cozy bars - all this is Makadi Bay.
7. El Gouna. This relatively new city has become very popular with the world's wealthy. This is explained by the fact that the owner of this place, an Egyptian and a Christian, by the way, provided round-the-clock security and the highest level of service here.

Features of Egypt

Egypt is generally an amazing country for a Russian person. Everything in it is peculiar, specific. For example, it is difficult for a Russian to realize that there are difficulties with drinking water. Therefore, it is issued in limited numbers.

It is worth paying attention to the air of Egypt. At night, the air really smells like the East. There is no such aroma in other resort countries, in Turkey for example. The night in Egypt smells of sandalwood, incense, a little orange blossom, romance and adventures. For some reason, it is in this country that you can fully experience the magic of the Arabian night. Despite the fact that the prototype of the city from the cartoon about the adventures of Aladdin, Agrabah is considered the Indian city of Agra. By the way, have you noticed the similarity between the Sultan's palace and the pompous sight of our days, the Taj Mahal?

If you choose to travel between October and April, be prepared that it can be very cold at night. Some fashionistas even come to hotels with their own fur coats. Although in fact, sneakers and a warm sweater will be enough.

Many travel companies have this feature - during trips, to the hotel or on excursions, bring tourists to their chain store. It is not necessary or even recommended to buy anything there. Because after that, in the shops at the hotel or in the bazaar, it will be possible to buy the same things only several times cheaper. By the way, Arabs are very fond of bargaining. Feel free to get into an argument. However, do not allow yourself defiant behavior or offensive words, even in Russian. Eastern men are very hot and quick-tempered.

Sellers love to show hospitality, treat them with tea, lure with conversations. If you are going to buy tea, hookah or sweets, they will gladly give you a try first. It is easy to make discounts if the purchase is large. Check any product on the spot, strictly in front of the seller. If anything is out of condition, ask for a replacement immediately. After that it will be very difficult to prove something - checks are not issued.

By the way, fruits cost a penny. A kilogram of ripe, really tasty, mango will cost you just a couple of dollars. A jar of large sweet strawberries costs the same amount.

Remember that it is not safe outside the hotel. As already mentioned, Eastern people are quick-tempered, they can show aggression. Be attentive and polite when walking around the bazaar. Sellers like to literally drag them into their stalls by the hands, they are very offended by a refusal. Pay attention to the quality of the product, it is often lame.

In Egypt, soft drugs and weed are quite common. What you will learn as soon as you leave the hotel grounds. The weed sellers are also quite aggressive. They can afford to swear, get nasty. Don't react.

Girls are advised to carefully monitor their appearance, especially when leaving the hotel. Many of the things we are used to, everyday things, the Arabs consider dirty and worthy only of fallen women. What they will not fail to inform you loudly, all over the street. For example, thong panties. Dress as modestly and inconspicuously as possible. Leave the pareos and capes for the beach.

Yes, the Arabs speak Russian perfectly. If the room service claims that it cannot communicate with you in this language, offer it a dollar. In general, many issues are resolved quickly enough for money. By the way, Egyptian citizens who marry a Russian or Ukrainian woman are exempt from military service and have a few more pleasant bonuses from the state.

But it is better to buy excursions through a guide. Sometimes it is somewhat more expensive, but much more reliable. There is no guarantee that the street tour seller will bring you back safe and sound. And if with you, God forbid, something happens on an excursion through a travel agency, then your operator will bear the costs.

Egyptian cuisine

I would like to immediately draw your attention to the fact that in Egypt, as well as in Turkey, there are difficulties with meat. It is very expensive. Because the natural flora of these countries is very scarce, it is expensive to waste water on irrigation of grown greens. Keep this in mind when planning your vacation. If you are not an inveterate meat eater and can easily eat fries and greens, then this is your paradise. As a rule, in hotels in Egypt, tables are literally bursting with a variety of salads and snacks made from vegetables and cheese. Excellent pastries, the temptation to try which is incredibly difficult to resist. Get ready for a couple of extra pounds right away.

Unsanitary conditions reign in Egypt! Remember this, wash your hands thoroughly before eating, carefully inspect the dishes and appliances.

The main national dishes worth trying:

• Tahini, sesame sauce and olive oil, with the addition of spices. It is often served as an aperitif with flat cakes.
• Chorba is a lentil stew. According to legend, it was for this food that Esau gave his birthright to Jacob.
• Balladi, yeast dough pancakes.
• Ful, a kind of legume dish. In general, legumes are preferred in this country.
• Mahalil is an appetizer made from shallots, olives and spiced carrots. It is considered a powerful antiseptic.
• Kushari, pasta with lentils and onions.
• Ful, boiled beans with sweet and sour sauce, with lots of spices.
• Filyafi is nothing more than small lentil or bean cutlets.
• A wide variety of cheeses - sheep, soy, tofu.

Egyptian Holidays

Like any other people, the Egyptians have their own holidays and memorable dates. Which are celebrated with songs, dances and festivities.

Main Egyptian Holidays, Official State Holidays:

1. Shamm en-Nasim, an analogue of our Easter. Matches in date and method of celebration. Nobody works, on this day they try to get out into nature, for picnics. They eat colored eggs, young onions and salted fish. Traditionally, this holiday is accompanied by an abundance of sweets, flowers and cute little things as gifts.
2. Maulud, symbolizes the birthday and at the same time the day of death of the Prophet Muhammad.
3. On April 25, this day, during the October war in 1973, the Sinai Peninsula was liberated from the yoke of the Israelis.
4. July 23, the holiday of the liberation revolution. Day of the formation of the country's independence.
5. October 6 is the day of the Armed Forces.
6. January 7 Christmas.
7. May 1 is labor day.

For all memorable dates, and generally more or less valuable events, it is customary to gather with the whole family. And the Egyptians have large families, they consist not only of a large number of children and close relatives. But it also includes all kinds of cousins, second cousins, and fifth cousins. Egyptians are very sensitive to their family and hold sacred to traditions.

The best hotels in Egypt

Almost every hotel in this country tries to offer guests some flavor. For example, a personal tennis court, aquapark, heated pool, gym, All Inclusive system, etc. How to figure out which hotel to choose?

First you need to decide on the purpose of your travels... If you want to spend your vacation as relaxed as possible, on the beach, massage, well, maybe visit a couple of excursions - choose a quiet hotel, whose format is set as a family vacation. In such places, you will find everything you need for comfort and will be separated from the noisy crowds of revelers. For example:

• The Sharm hotel chain is distinguished by high-quality varied food and a clean beach.
• Sinbad Beach, Merlin Ying is not an all inclusive hotel. But quiet, clean and comfortable.
• Albatross Resort, Hurghada. Has its own huge water park, which attracts guests from all over the region.

If the prerogative is active rest, parties, walks in new places, then you should pay attention to the following hotels:

• Domina Coral Bay, crazy dancing every night.
• Royal Rojana regularly hosts various events and offers unlimited drinks to its guests.
• The Hilton chain is the leader among youth hotels. Peris already knows a lot about annealing.

A travel agent will help you make the final decision. Will advise you on discounts on boarding houses according to your taste. Do not think that a family hotel is a place where the lights go out at exactly 22-00. Parties will also be held in such places. Only much quieter and quieter than in youth hotels.

To Egypt with children

You need to go to a distant romantic country with a child. Yes, it's scary, yes, you are worried about the comfort of the baby on the plane and other concerns of the parents do take place. Just think for yourself, how is it better for a child to spend the severe Russian frosts - at home or playing sand on the shore of a clean sea? The answer is obvious.

So, the features of a trip to Egypt with a child:

• First of all, remember that no one is protected from acclimatization. And the child's body is not even stronger. If possible, drink a course of vitamins with your child, take measures to strengthen the immune system and take in beneficial bacteria. This will help protect the body from attack by bacteria and viruses, at a time when it is most vulnerable, literally 3-4 days.
• The most optimal time for a child's vacation is spring and autumn according to the Egyptian calendar. This is the period from March to May and from September to November. In the rest of the months in Egypt, it is either too hot - which child has endured 40 degree heat under the scorching sun, or windy and cool in the evenings.
• For little kids, the sandy beaches for which Hurghada is so famous are preferable. It is also good in Sharm El Sheikh, but for children from 7 years old. Excellent diving conditions, but instead of sand at the bottom of the coral. And walking on them is still a pleasure.
• It is not necessary to carry baby purees and diapers with you. All this can be bought at any supermarket, of which there are plenty.
• Be sure to pack your first aid kit with you. Put all the basic first aid drugs in there - poisoning, cut, bruise, burn, fever. If any of your travel companions need to take their own medicine, be sure to stock up on it.
• Don't let your child drink tap water or even lick their hands. Fruit vegetables should be washed with water from bottles.
• Be sure to stock up on sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Do not neglect protective equipment.
• Vasoconstrictor drops will help to save the child from blocking his ears during takeoff and landing. You need to drip 15 minutes before separation and contact with the ground.
• Don't lug your entire wardrobe and your child's entire playroom with you. Take only the most necessary and interesting. Several small universal toys - puzzles, pencils and an album, some gadget with cartoons. Take care of the playlist in advance, usually there is a weak Wi-Fi signal in hotels.