Cruise down the Nile

Egypt is perhaps one of the most famous regions of Africa, an area of mysterious, beautiful deserts, fascinating history and stunning attractions. However, there is more to this land than mummies and pharaohs: here is a guide to how to get the most out of a holiday to Egypt.

Egypt has several international airports with Cairo being the biggest and most central. It is also possible to travel there by boat from Jordan or Saudi Arabia; many luxury cruises also offer a visit to Egypt as part of their package. Once in Egypt, if you''re looking to explore the country as a whole the best bet is probably to rent a car; buses and trains aren''t particularly reliable; and petrol is extremely cheap in Egypt.

As one would expect from such a popular holiday destination, accommodation wise Egypt has something to suit every budget. There are budget hotels and hostels scattered through the country though it is well-worth researching these beforehand, some of them can be a bit dodgy. If you''re looking for a luxurious stay in a central location then you can''t do much better than the Grand Hyatt, it has fourteen restaurants, fantastic view of the ancient Nile and premium quality rooms.

If you''re looking for an authentic example of Egyptian food without running the risks of poor hygiene then the Felfela chain of restaurants in Cairo can make a great first port of call. Egypt''s seaside location also it has a great range of seafood, in fish markets you can often buy your fish and then have it cooked to your liking at the stall. One of the most common Egyptian dishes is Ful Medames, it consists of slow cooked fava beans olive oil, chopped parsley, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, and typically eaten with Egyptian (baladi) bread or occasionally Levantine (shami) pita.

Of course, Egypt''s biggest attraction is its history. If you''re only going to do one historical thing then Alexandria (the second largest city in Egypt) is worth a look: it boasts the stunning Lighthouse of Alexandria and the famous Montazah Royal Gardens. Traditional choices like the Pyramids, the Egyptian museum, the Nile itself and the Valley of the Kings also all live up to the hype.

However, Egypt isn''t just about looking at old ruins, there are more active options available as well. The country''s seaside location means there is a lot of scuba diving and snorkelling available, some of it through incredibly fertile and interesting waters. A cruise along the Nile and a trip to the desert are also worth doing, though you are advised to undertake either of these activities with an experienced guide.

When it comes to nightlife its well worth remembering that Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, meaning in the less touristy areas there will be few bars or clubs serving alcohol. Public drunkenness is also looked upon very negatively wherever you are. If you are looking for a real taste of Egyptian nightlife then the ''Baladi Bars'' are worth a look, though these are often only for men.

Egypt is so famous and influential a location that people often feel they know all about it without even visiting. However, the reality is so much richer than the stories: it is a must see country.

Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com

#Pen name# is a freelance travel writer with 10 years experience of worldwide travel. They recommend Monarch for Egypt holidays.

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