Egypt

Helpful Travel Information

Welcome to our Helpful Egypt Page.

Here are all the Egypt information and travel tips you will need to have a successful holiday to Egypt. So, if

you are thinking about visiting

Egypt, read our pages and

hopefully they will give you

the proper travel advice for

your trip to Egypt, as well as

providing you with all the

information to make your

Egypt tour more hassle free.

Documents

Currency

Credit Cards

Traveler's Checks

ATM Networks

Language

Health

Climate

Electricity

Food/Drink

Shopping

Photography

Tipping

Customs

Learning Through Travel

Recorded history in Egypt began around 6400BC when Nomadic hunters settled in the Nile Valley.

In 5500BC permanent settlements sprung up and the beginnings of the Cult of Osiris appeared in 4500 BC. In 3150BC Egypt crowned her first Pharaoh, Menes, who later unified the country's two regions in 3110; Lower Egypt (the Delta) and Upper Egypt (from Giza to Aswan in the South).

THE PEOPLE

Egypt's population totals about 80million with 90% concentrated in the fertile Nile Delta which represents approximately 5% of the country's territory. However, during the past few years there has been an urban migration. Egyptian's are outgoing, warm, and have a distinct sense of humor. They have respect and liking for foreigners, a deep sense of tolerance for other races, religions, and nationalities.

RELIGION

Approximately 85% of the population is Muslim, of the remaining 15%, about 9 million are Christian Orthodox belonging to the Coptic Church. In most cities mosques and churches can be found next to each other, with some synagogues interspersed as there is still a small Jewish population in Egypt.

THE EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT

Egypt is known as the Arab Republic of Egypt. The system of government is presidential democracy. Since 1981 President Mubarak has been in power and has kept the country stable. The president is nominated by the People's Assembly composed of 350 members and approved through popular referendum. He serves a 6-year term and may be re-elected for future terms of office.

CLIMATE

Throughout Egypt, days are commonly warm or hot and nights are cool. Egypt only has two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. Temperatures vary widely in the inland desert areas, especially in summer, where they may range from 42 at night to 110 during the day.

ECONOMY

Egypt's economy is healthy and one of the most prosperous in Africa. Before the 1952 revolution, Egypt depended mainly on agriculture. Since then, however the country has developed other natural resources and at present Egypt exports oil, finished textiles, canned food, and cars. The Suez Canal is considered an important source of revenue for shipping and tourism. Tourism is a main part of the economy as well. In an effort to increase its cultivatable land, the country is using new irrigation methods.

HEALTH

For any concerns, please consult your physician before travel. Before departure please verify with your medical insurance company if overseas coverage is included and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. Always pack your medication in your carry on, not in the checked luggage. For all health requirements, immunizations and recommendations travelers should check with a local Department of Health clinic or U.S Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For further information please check: http://www.cdc.gov/. There are many western trained medical professionals in Egypt. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergencies in tourist areas. Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Most Nile Cruise boats do not have a ship doctor. All hotels have references for medical services and some have a doctor on call 24 hours a day who speak English. Pharmacies are usually open from 10:00AM to 10:00PM and are staffed by competent professionals. Both locally made and imported medication is subsidized by the government and is inexpensive.

FOOD  AND  WATER

Drink only bottled water. Do not use ice cubes with any of your drinks. Only eat in hotel restaurants and be sure the food is well cooked. Eat fruit that can be peeled or that is peeled and only cooked vegetables. Be careful when drinking fruit juices, some may have been diluted with local water. Carry over-the-counter medication for digestion problems. If you are planning to ride a camel, plan to wear slacks or jeans, due to sanitary reasons refrain from wearing the camel herder headdress.

PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS

A passport is required for entry into Egypt and must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the intended stay. A visa is required and can be obtained upon arrival for a fee of approximately $ 20.00 or requested at the Egyptian Consulate locations in New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Washington. Please always check with your local consulate for additional information.

CALLING TO EGYPT FROM THE USA/CANADA

DIAL 011 + 20 COUNTRY CODE + AREA CODE

+ PHONE NUMBER

AREA CODES: Alexandria 03, Aswan and Abu Simbel 097, Cairo 02, Hurghada 065, Luxor 095, Sharm El Sheik 062, Suez 062.

You may make long distance calls from Egypt only from your hotel or Cruise ship; however please note it is expensive.

US EMBASSY

8 Kamal ElDin Salah St., Garden City, Cairo, Egypt,

Telephone: 2 797-3300

For the latest security information refer to the website

at: http:// www.travel.state.gov

CURRENCY

The Egyptian Pound symbol = LE. One pound can be written LE1 or PT100. Read all bank  notes carefully before using. If a bill is torn and the amount is missing you will have trouble using it. Please check The Worlds Favorite Currency Site at:  www.xe.com/ucc for your current exchange rate.  The US Dollar is accepted for payment, the rate is approximately LE 5.50 for 1US Dollar. Exchange your currency at banks or branches found in most major hotels that usually stay open until 8:00PM. Egyptian Banks are open daily except Friday and Saturday 8:00AM to Noon.

CREDIT CARDS

ATM Machines are available at most hotels and banks. Various banks will give cash advances on Visa and Master Card. Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards; some shopkeepers like to add on a fee in order to cover those charges by credit card companies.

ELECTRIC CURRENT INFORMATION

Electricity in Egypt is 220V, round two-pin plugs and screw-type fittings are in use. Please remember your adapter and converters.

SUGGESTED CLOTHING

Dress casual and comfortable for your sightseeing tours. Always wear a hat, preferably with a wide rim to protect your face and neck. Wear good walking shoes not open sandals since the tours include walking in the hot sand and over rocks where you can easily get scraped or cut. Sandals for the hotel or around the pool are appropriate. During the winter months bring some wool sweaters or a fall coat for the cool Cairo evenings. Women should bring slacks for sightseeing and some tops with sleeves since bare arms are not allowed when entering a Mosque. You may want to include a dress for a night club visit. Wear bathing suits only at the hotel pools and on the Nile cruise. It is recommended to bring lightweight scarves as a protection against the sun and use as a cover- up to visit religious sites. Men should bring slacks for dinner at the hotels and on the Nile Cruise. Jackets are not necessary.

SHOPPING

Egypt is a shopping adventure and every stop along the way offers something to buy. In Cairo try your bargaining skills at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Open from 7:00AM to 7:00PM. Visit a carpet making school where children learn how to weave all kinds of beautiful carpets and purchase one at the same time.  Explore the local jewelry stores where you can have a gold cartouche made with your name written in hieroglyphics. See how papyrus is made into paper (the first known form of writing paper) and you may have one made to order or pick one from the enormous displays. Visit an alabaster shop where the locals show you how they make wonderful articles out of the stone.  The markets and shops offer a wide variety of brass, copper, inlaid wooden articles, leather goods, cotton, and perfumes. Don't miss a shopping spree to a local cotton store offering quality goods.

GRATUITIES

Customary tipping is not included in your tour. The following is a suggested guideline:

Airport Transfer personnel - $2.00 per person (per transfer) 

Local Driver - $2.00 - $3.00 per person per day

Egyptologist - Guide - $7.00 – $10.00 per day

Hotel Workers $1.00 per day

Porterage (although already included) $1.00 per bag

Nile Cruise Staff $30.00

Live Aboard Cruise Staff $40.00 - $50.00

Dive Guides (per day) $10.00

It is recommended that you bring a sufficient amount of $1.00 and $5.00 bills for daily tipping.

HOLIDAYS

The weekly day of rest is Friday. Islam is the principle religion of Egypt and Islamic Holidays are based on the lunar calendar and change every year.

ETIQUETTE

Egyptian's are friendly, generous, and proud of their culture. They are experienced, dedicated traders, and bargaining is expected.

PHOTOGRAPHY

There are many wonderful opportunities to take pictures throughout your tour, with some restrictions for bridges, dams, ports and airports, inside museums, tomb, and monuments. The restricted areas are clearly marked and your guide will advise you. Take plenty of film and equipment as these items are expensive in Egypt. If you ask a native Egyptian to take your picture a monetary gratuity is expected. 

LANGUAGE

Arabic is Egypt's official language. However, most residents understand and speak English and French. In larger towns visitors will encounter no difficulty when communicating with the local people. With a little practice and sense of humor, the following words should help you converse with the friendly Egyptians.

Hello                       Ahlan WA Sahlan

Goodbye Maa-Esalama

Good Morning             Sabah El Kheir

Good Evening      Misaa El Kheir

Yes                                Aiwa

No                         Laa

Thank you                          Shokran

Please                   Law Samaht

What is your name            Esmak aeh?

Tea                       Shay

Coffee                    Ahwa

Nice to meet you               Forsa Saida

Do you speak English        Betitkalim Englizi

I do not speak Arabic               Ana mish batkalim Arabi

Where is the bathroom            Feen El Hamam

This is too expensive                Da Ghali Away

I have no money                       Mafeesh Filous

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:

The baggage allowance for checked luggage in economy class on most international flights is two pieces , each weighing no more than 50 pounds. The baggage limit on domestic flights is one piece at 50 pounds per person (plus a carry-on bag, weighing no more than 18 pounds, not to exceed 45inches length, width, and height added together).  Carry on Baggage Rules: Passengers may carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortable in a single, quart size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.  After clearing security, you may bring beverages and other items purchased on aboard the aircraft. Larger amounts of prescription liquid medications and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.  We recommend that you only take 1 piece of luggage and a carry-on. You will be doing a fair amount of travel, so it is best to pack as light as possible. Always check with your carrier for updated rules and regulations.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident.  Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies, and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. You may obtain travel insurance through Travel Guard Purchase Protection Plan (www.TravelGuard.com). Please complete the applicable form and mail it back to LTT and we will apply for the insurance in your name or you may choose to apply for the insurance online, in which case, you will be asked for your Travel Agents ID # 00552160, which identifies your booking with LTT.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

* Small backpack to take while exploring

* A small flashlight

* Adapter plugs and converters

* Packaged wet tissues (“Wash & Dry”, “Wet Ones”)

* A small calculator for estimating cost while shopping

* Plenty of memory cards for your camera, extra batteries or

rechargeable ones

* Good quality sunglasses-preferably polarized and a sun hat with a brim

* Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes or broken-in hiking

shoes are fine)

* Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside (depending on the season)

* Jacket or sweater for cooler mornings or evenings

* If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a

pair of glasses

* Personal toiletries, moisturizing cream & suntan lotion, insect repellent

* Tickets, Passports, Cash, Traveler Checks, ATM/Credit Card

* Waterproof bags/cover for your cameras

* Medical Insurance Card

* Travel Insurance Certificate

WHAT  TO  SEE

Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa and covers an area of 386,000 square miles. Only about 5% of the country is inhabited along the banks of the Nile whose course stretches over 900 miles south to north, from the Sudan to the Mediterranean, the only river in the world to flow in such a pattern. To the west lies Libya and to the east are the desert plateaus, Red Sea, and Sinai. Egypt's most fertile area is the Nile Delta. Cairo, the capital has 14 million inhabitants; Alexandria the country's second largest city has a population of 5.5 million. Below Cairo the Nile splits in two main branches- Rosetta in the west and Damietta in the east.  

CAIRO

The capitol founded in the 6th Century by Arab settlers, a metropolis offering visitors a harmonious blend of the past and present.

COPTIC  CAIRO

The El Moullaqa Church is also called the Hanging Church located next to the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo. It was built by the Romans in the 1st Century BC.   

Abou Serga Church not far from El Moullaqa Church is said to be the place where the Holy Family rested on their journey to Egypt.

ISLAMIC  CAIRO

The Citadel of Salah El Din is located in eastern Cairo at the foot of the Mukattam Hill. A 13th Century fortress it houses the Mohamed Ali Mosque. The Mosque of Ibn Tulon (879 AD) is distinguished by the external staircase that wind around the minaret. The Mosque of Sultan Hassan (build in the 14th Century) located at the Salah El-Din Square is Cairo's largest mosque with the tales minaret.

Al Azhar Mosque and University founded in the 10th Century is the world's oldest university.

MUSEUMS  OF  CAIRO

The Egyptian Museum contains the world's richest collection of Pharaonic Antiquities. The treasures of King Tutankhamen as well as 26 mummies are located here.

Hours are daily 9:00AM – 4:00PM, Friday 9:00AM to 11:15AM. Summer hours are 8:00AM to 1:00PM.

Coptic Museum in Old Cairo contains rare collections dating back to the early Christian era. Hours are daily 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Summer 8:00AM to 1:00PM.

Islamic Museum at the Ahmed Maher Square exhibits the entire range of Islamic Art collected from all parts of the Moslem world. Hours are the same as the Egyptian Museum.

PHARAONIC  CAIRO

Located 9 miles west of Cairo there are 3 Pyramids where you explore the Great Cheops Pyramid by descending about 100 steps into to the center.

Anyone with a health problem (heart, back, claustrophobia may not want to visit the inside).

THE  STEP  PYRAMID

Located at Sakkara, 20 miles south of Giza is the world’s first great stone structure.

THE  JEWISH  SYNAGOGUE

Located next to St. Barbara Church lies the 9th Century Ben Ezra Synagogue supposedly built over the site where baby Moses was found. Shechinah Ornaments and a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts can be found here.

MEMPHIS

The capital city of Ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom (c. 2575-c. 2130 BCE), founded around 3100 BCE, perhaps by the pharaoh Menes who united Upper and Lower Egypt for the first time. One of the greatest cities of the ancient world, it was filled with palaces, gardens, and temples.

THE  NILE  VALLEY

Egypt's main inhabited area. This fertile valley is a strip 7 to 9 miles wide along the Nile and some 6,000 square miles in the Nile Delta. The Nile's total length within Egypt is about 900 miles.

LUXOR

The center of Egyptian political and cultural power from 2,100 to 750BC, it lies on the east bank of the Nile about 400 miles south of Cairo. Its incredible tombs, temples, and statues are a tribute to man's ageless achievements.

The Temple of Luxor is in the center of town and was built by Amenophis III. It was dedicated to the God Amon-Re and expanded by Ramses II.

EAST  BANK  OF  LUXOR

The building of the Temple of Karnak began over 2,000 years ago and is located 2 miles north of Luxor Temple. Each Pharaoh added his own contribution. It houses the Hypostyle Hall, the largest temple in the world covering 50,000 square feet containing 134 columns and Queen Hatshepsut 97 foot obelisk.

The Sound and Light Show spectacular is performed every evening at the Karnak Temple. Walk through the temple while narrated all the way to the theatre at the Sacred Lake where you can enjoy the finale of the show.

The Luxor Museum, a small however beautifully arranged museum features unique Ancient Egyptian Artwork. 

 

WEST BANK OF LUXOR

The Colossi of Memnon are two mammoth stone statues of Amenophis II.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut was built as a series of grand terraces with rows of square granite columns blending with the mountains.

The Valley of the Kings located in the foothills of the mountains of Gourna. Over 60 tombs of Pharaohs and noblemen can be visited, including the Tomb of Tutankhamen which contains one of three original stone sarcophagi with a golden coffin.

The Tomb of Amenophis II has a modern look with richly decorated sarcophagus.

The Tomb of Ramses VI displays excellent wall and ceiling drawings illustrating a goddess floating in the sky with the stars and several suns.

The Tomb of Set I shows breathtaking wall drawings and reliefs. The funerary chamber has spectacular gold and black astrological ceilings.

The Tombs of the Nobles are spread along the edge of the desert and these tombs of priests and nobles show many details of the daily life of Ancient Egyptians.

ASWAN

Located 500 miles south of Cairo and 115 miles from Luxor, presents some of the country's most beautiful scenery. The Aswan High Dam completed in 1964 is located 4 miles south of the old dam and considered a modern engineering feat creating a 300 mile long lake.

Kalabsha Temple, located 6 miles south of the High Dam on the West bank of the lake is dedicated to the Nubian Goddess Mandulis.

The Temple of Philae is accessible by boat. Situated on Aglika Island the Great Temple of Isis is the most distinctive, with a balanced collection of pylons and colonnades. It was moved in order to save it from the rising Nile waters. The Temple of Hathor displays beautiful paintings of musicians and dancers. 

Kitchener Island, reachable by motorboat or felucca, displays a variety of exotic plants from all over the world. Unfinished Obelisk at the granite quarries are 125 feet long and weigh about 1,170 tons. See how Ancient Egyptians broke rock to build their monuments.

ASWAN AREA

Temple of Edfu, located 70miles north of Aswan, boasts the Temple of Horus with the best preserved Pharaonic remains. The foundation was laid in 237 BC during the reign of Ptolomy II and took 200 years to complete.

Temple of Kom Ombo, located 30 miles north of Aswan, is dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, Haroeris, and the winged God.

Temple of Abu Simbel, accessible by a short flight from Cairo or Aswan, is located 170 miles south of Aswan. It was built 3,500 years ago by Ramses II. To save it from flooding it was cut into 2,000 pieces moved 90 feet higher and reassembled. The Temple of Ramses and Hathor are proof of the outstanding architecture of Ancient Egyptians. 

 

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria is called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" and is Egypt's second largest city with a population of about 5.7 million. It offers visitors remains of its ancient glory, a wide stretch of Corniche and beautiful sandy beaches.

POMPEY’S  PILLAR

Is located in a park approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the city center. Pompey’s Pillar is a column which stands 93 feet high and was built by his troops in the house of Emperor Diocletian. The name was mistaken by Crusaders in the 13th Century who thought that the pillar was marked the Tomb of Pompey the Great.

CATACOMBS OF KOM EL  SHOKAFA

Three tiers of burial chambers dating from the 2nd Century BC, carved into the rock, and 100 feet below ground. Here you will find a winding staircase descending to the chambers of the first floor.

THE GRECO ROMAN MUSEUM

It contains statues, bas reliefs, jewelry, and other artifacts of the Greek and Roman times. One of the rooms (9) is devoted to the relics of the cult of the crocodile including a mummified one.

THE  ROMAN  AMPHITHEATER

Discovered in 1963 and dating back to the second century AD the 12 tiered amphitheater has remained in remarkable condition.

FORTRESS  OF  QAIT  BAY

On the western side of the Corniche is a medieval stronghold dating from the 15th Century. This is the site where the Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the World's Seven Wonders once stood and currently houses The Naval Museum.

SINAI

This peninsula is a great triangle of land, 36,000 square miles in an area with long coasts, high mountains, deep chasm, and fertile green oases. It has its own fascinating history, holy places, and beauty. Located here is where Moses received the "Ten Commandments", the Prophet Elyah sought refuge from Queen Jezebel, and the Holy Family traveled on their journey into Egypt.

 

ST.  CATHERINE  MONASTERY

Built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th Century to shelter Christian monks, it contains the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the mosaic of the Transfiguration of Christ, and a library with early Christian manuscripts.

MOUNT  MOSES

Monks built a staircase of rocks with 3,750 steps leading to the summit.

SHARM  EL  SHEIKH,  DAHAB,  AND  NUWEIBA

Three dive resorts that are approximately 300-400 miles from Cairo offering superb and comfortable accommodations. They are fully equipped dive centers administered by professional dive instructors.

TABA

The last resort on the Red Sea Coast of Sinai, unique in position: Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel can be seen from there.

THE  SUEZ  CANAL

The Suez is located 82 miles east of Cairo. The southern entrance of the canal is a favorite fishing and camping spot. It is also known for the Ataka Mountains which lie along the southern coastline, and changes colors from pink to purple at different hours of the day. 

THE  RED  SEA

A virtual paradise for all diving enthusiasts and recognized by experts as the best dive site in the world. A myriad of exotic species of tropical reef fish, hard and soft coral formations, and a beautiful desert added to the charm of the Red Sea.

PORT  SAID

A modern city, 135 miles northeast of Cairo located at the Mediterranean entrance to the Suez Canal offers a scenic promenade alongside an attractive beach.

THE OASES:

FAYOUM

Fayoum is Egypt's largest oasis located 65miles southwest of Cairo overlooking Lake Qarun. It is popular for hunting, fishing, and to explore the remains of the Temple and Pyramid of Amenmhat III and Qasr Qarun, as well as the preserved Temple of the Greco Roman Era.

RED SEA AND DIVING

The Red Sea offers a wide variety of dive destinations depending on your interest and dive experience, whether in Hurghada, Dahab, Nuweiba, Marsa Alam, El Quseir, or Sharm El Sheikh.  Every dive and snorkel experience is spectacular due to the presence of cleansing currents, constant warm water, and plentiful sunlight.  The coral in this area is particularly healthy and colorful.  Visibility is exceptional at depths of 100 to 200 feet and most dive sites have an array of fringing reefs with coral drop-offs to virtually unknown depths or isolated coral heads on a sandy bottom.

The Northern Red Sea has the most popular land based diving at Sharm El Sheikh located on the southern most tip of the Sinai Peninsula.  The Red Sea is a flooded rift valley meaning it is very steep-sided and deep.  For those who enjoy wreck dives one of the most spectacular wrecks sits at the bottom of the Red Sea.  The Thistlegorm, a British transport carrier, sunk in WWII, is fully intact with war armaments.  The Jolanda, located at the famous site of Ras Mohammed National Park, is another well known wreck.  There are several other wrecks in the area and in such a region of “virgin” reefs the chance of discovering new wrecks is always a possibility.

 

Northern Red Sea live aboard boats are available from the Egyptian ports of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.  The Southern Red Sea is more known for large pinnacles, pristine reefs, significant currents, and more advanced diving.  Dive sites such as The Brothers, Elphinstone, Daedalus, and St. Johns are best visited by live aboard boats that depart from the Egyptian ports of Marsa Alam (Port Ghalib), Safaga or Hamata.  The Gulf of Aqaba is known for pristine and diverse shore diving available from multiple locations in Egypt, Israel, and Jordan.  Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba on the Egyptian side of the Sinai offer different experiences both on land and underwater.  Popular amongst divers, Dahab is famous for the Blue Hole and its Bedouin Fishing Village. Nuweiba is a photograph's paradise with underwater reefs teaming with aquatic life just steps from the local resorts.  Taba offers excellent dive sites without the large resort presence of Egypt's other locations on the Sinai.

EGYPT RECOMMENDED READING LIST

CHRONICLE OF THE PHARAOHS

by Peter Clayton, published by Thames and Hudson 1994. Provides you with the essential information to start the discovery of this fascinating past.

RAMESSES: EGYPT'S GREATEST PHARAOH

by Joyce Tyledesley, published by Penguin 2000. For anyone who is interested in this great pharaoh, his reign, and everyday life of the time.

HATCHEPSUT: THE FEMALE PHARAOH

by Joyce Tyldesley, published by Penguin Books 1998. Hatshepsut existence was unknown until the 1820's. This book combines historical and archaeological evidence in an attempt to create an accurate portrayal of the woman who was "king of Egypt".

NEFERTITI

by Joyce Tyldesley, published by Penguin Books 1999. Nefertiti, wife of Akhenaten, adored

by her family and worshipped by her people. Her image and her name were celebrated

throughout Egypt. However, no record survives to detail her death, there is no monument

to her, and her body has never been found. Nefertiti disappeared From the royal family,

vanishing so suddenly that it was as if she had never existed.

THE COMPLETE PYRAMIDS

by Mark Lehrer, published by Thames and Hudson 1997. This is probably the best laymen's

guide to the pyramids. Mark Lehrer has excavated extensively at Giza, and his book is an

excellent source of reference for these amazing unique monuments.

ANCIENT EGYPT

By David P Silverman, published by Piatkus Books 1997. A superb introduction to this

subject providing a comprehensive discussion of the key themes in Egyptian history over

3000 years. The Secrets of the Sphinx: Restoration Past and Present by Zahi, Dr. Hawass. 

EGYPT & RED SEA

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL

AND DIVE GUIDE LIST

Travel Guides:

Egypt, Knopf Guides (revised 2005)

(excellent history, pictures and

drawings)

Egypt, Lonely Planet (2006)

(modern travel guide with reviews

and travel tips)

Egypt Pocket Guides,

Alberto Siliotti, The American

University Press in Cairo,

(2002)

-Luxor, Karnak and the Theban

Temples

Sinai

-Islamic Cairo

-Abu Simbel and the Nubian Temples

-The Valley of the Kings and the

Theban Tombs

-The Pyramids

-Aswan

-Alexandria and the North Coast

Red Sea Dive Guides:

The Sinai Diving Guide, Vol. 1,

Alberto Siliotti, Geodia (2005)

Diving Guide to the Red Sea Wrecks,

Swan Hill Press (1996)

Diving Snorkeling Guide to the

Red Sea, John Ratterree,

Pisces Books (1995)

The Great Shipwrecks of the

Red Sea, Alberto Siliotti,

Geodia (2006)

Red Sea Fish ID:

Coral Reef Guide: Red Sea, “The Definitive Guide to over 1200 Species of

Underwater Life,” Ewald Lieske and Robert F Myers, HarperCollins

(Osiris Office) (2004)

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