What Exotik can offer
A marvelous way to travel through Egypt
- Capital: Cairo
- Time Zone: GMT +2
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Egypt, the country of the mysterious Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the well preserved hieroglyphs and mummies, the great temples and the majestic Nile. Few words can describe the country that was once the most advanced worlds of Antiquity – the cradle of civilization. A trip to Egypt is like taking a voyage back in time, a place that has evolved through the eras and is full of history and legends.
Cities
Cairo
Cairo, capital of Egypt, is located near the Nile Delta. Cairo’s an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis – it’s one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you’re not looking for solitude, Cairo – the City of the Thousand Minarets -is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture. Cairo is a vibrant, exhilarating, exotic, fascinating and welcoming city. Home to the best Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sights in Egypt, this city is where you never know what incredible, half-forgotten monument you might stumble across while wandering around. Visit the capital’s medieval markets by Khan El-Khalili, walk down the Nile promenade, enjoy oriental music dance shows, see the Giza Pyramids, thousands of ancient artifacts in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and much more.
Luxor
Luxor, once an Ancient Egyptian capital, is known today as the world’s “greatest open-air museum.” From the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings and the magnificent sunset views at the majestic temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor to the exciting and fun Nile cruises, Luxor is the perfect choice for culture vultures. Luxor is divided by the Nile into two areas commonly called the East Bank and West Bank which were considered in Ancient Egyptian times as symbolizing respectively Life and Death. While the East Bank has grown to become a modern city, it has retained its lush green setting, its traditional bazaar and stunning view of the Nile. The West Bank is known for its necropolis and mortuary temples: the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Workers Village, and the Temple of Medinet Habu are the highlights of Luxor’s West Bank. In Ancient Egyptian mythology the setting sun to the west symbolized the journey to the afterlife, so it was fitting symbolism to bury the dead west of the Nile.
Aswan
Aswan is a serene Nile Valley destination where the Nile is more majestic than anywhere else, flowing through granite rocks, and round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Moreover, you’ll be surprised to see how many monuments and sites this small city has to offer. Consider sailing to the temple of Philae, seeing the Agha Khan Mausoleum and taking an excursion to St. Simeon’s Monastery. It is the perfect destination to stroll and relax in a magical cultural setting: wander down the broad walkway, locally known as the cornice, to watch feluccas slowly sailing the Nile then stop at one of the floating restaurants to enjoy Nubian music and freshly caught fish. Aswan offers a splendid view of the Nile and also offers a rich cultural experience; you’ll get to know Nubian culture and shop for spices, henna tattoos, souvenirs and African handmade goods at the Aswan souk. Since Ancient times, Aswan has also been known for its environmental therapy: burying the aching parts of your body in Aswan’s sand gives valuable results and can help relieving you from stubborn ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, joint edema and skin inflammation. The town’s climate is also known to have great relaxing and rejuvenating properties.
Language
Arabic and English
Electricity
The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.
Entry requirements
Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.
Communication
International access code: 00 International dialing code: 20 Concerning national calls made in Egypt, it is not necessary to dial the 20 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 20 and finally the local phone number in Egypt.