Egypt, a country dating back to the time of the Pharos and linking Africa and the Middle East, is a place of enormous significance, offering visitors so much to do and see it is hard to narrow it down. But Brightsun Travel has a range of exclusive holidays to Egypt, incorporating the magnificent Egyptian Pyramids, amazing Egyptian deserts, world class dive sites, and some of the most important archaeological and historical sites in the world. With a holiday in Cairo, take a trip back in time at the Egypt Museum in Downtown Cairo, showcasing arguably the world’s most important collection of ancient artefacts. The museum houses the remains of the Pharos from 1650 BC in its Royal Mummies Hall, as well as the famous black statue of Khafre. Elsewhere in Cairo there are beautiful historic buildings including the Al Azhar Mosque founded in 970 AD.
On from Cairo and you are spoilt for choice where to go next. A holiday in Sharm el Sheikh is a popular choice with its coastal plot, rolling dunes and mountain ranges. There's something for everyone. You can also enjoy the paddle friendly beaches, shop til you drop and stroll around the family friendly cafes and bars.
No tour of Egypt is complete without a visit to the Egyptian Pyramids, a worldwide marvel. Egypt is also home to one of the most important sacred places in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religion, Mount Sinai, claimed by some to be the biblical Mount Sinai, mentioned in the Bible and Quran. At the foot of Mount Sinai is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, reported by UNESCO to be one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. As well as architectural and archaeological wonders, Egypt is also home to one of the best dive sites in the world, Ras Mohammed National Park, with spectacular diving reefs, magical shipwrecks and over 200 species of coral, 1000 species of fish and a chance to catch a glimpse of sea turtles and sharks. And last but not least, the Egyptian deserts. The White Desert National Park is a magical desert with strange chalk towers and surreal statues, and littered with crystals. Best viewed from the nearby Twin Peaks Mountains, the desert also offers visitors a chance to camp overnight – a magical Egyptian experience. Contact Brightsun Travel today for a range of Egyptian holidays and tours to make sure your Egyptian wish list comes true.
Om El Sid Hill, Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate 46619, Egypt
Alexandria Desert Road, Giza, Cairo, Egypt
El Hay Motamayez, 6th Of October, Egypt
If you are looking for a holiday that features one of the Seven Wonders of the World, famous UNESCO World heritage sites, plus deserts and mountainous landscapes, then Cairo might be just the place for you. Brightsun Travel offers exclusive holidays to Cairo, featuring ancient historical tours of the capital city, as well as magical day trips to the Egyptian Pyramids, Mount Sinai and the Egyptian deserts. Starting in Cairo, you could immerse yourself in history and enjoy the city’s many mosques, museums and markets, like the Al Azhar Mosque and the Ibn Mosque, both extraordinary examples of Islamic architecture, which date back centuries. Alternatively, head to the Egypt Museum and discover the remains of the Pharaohs from 1650 BC and the famous black statue of Khafre. Wander around the back street markets of Khan al-Khalili, which date back to the 14th century, and you could haggle for anything from spices and gold. To end your city tour, you could take a trip to the top of the Cairo Tower and enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surrounding landscapes from 200 metres up high.
From Cairo you can experience some of the most famous and breath-taking landscapes on the planet. Simply take a cruise down the River Nile on a traditional sailboat and you can experience the sights of the city and its surrounds from the water. Or, you could take a once in a lifetime trip to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Egyptian Pyramids, which were built by over 10,000 workers and date back over 4,000 years. And, for many, a trip to Cairo is not complete without a visit to the sacred Mount Sinai, claimed by some to be the biblical Mount Sinai, mentioned in the Bible and Quran. Also, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, reported by UNESCO to be one of the oldest working monasteries in the world, is just a short side trip from Cairo. Perhaps you’d like to venture into the Egyptian deserts, such as the White Desert National Park, and explore a desert that is littered with crystals? Contact Brightsun Travel about our luxury holidays to Cairo, so that you can discover all that this incredible city and its surrounding landscapes have to offer this holiday.
To the southeast of Cairo is the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, developed in the 1980s. Its location on the shores of the Red Sea makes it ideal for enjoying spacious sandy beaches and outdoor pursuits such as scuba diving. One of the attractions is Naama Bay, an idyllic promenade lined with palm trees. It also features an extensive choice of beachfront restaurants and bars that contribute to the resort's vibrant nightlife. In Soho Square, you’ll find the entertaining Dancing Fountain. Historic landmarks within easy reach of Sharm El-Sheikh include Mount Sinai where Moses was given the Ten Commandments.
Currency: You’ll be spending Egyptian pounds.
Language: Arabic is the official language.
Local Time: Two hours ahead of GMT.
Flight Time from the UK: Approximately ten-and-a-half hours to Cancun, eleven hours to Mexico City. Approximately five hours and ten minutes to Cairo, and five hours and forty minutes to Sharm El-Sheikh.
Tourist Information: Visit the official Egypt tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/Travel Restrictions: To travel to Egypt, British citizens need a valid passport and a short-term travel visa is required. For up-to-date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for Egypt.
A: Yes, visas must be applied for when travelling to Egypt. Arrange yours with Brightsun Travel.
A: October to April, when the weather is cooler.
A: It's relatively affordable.
A: It's usually trouble-free, but stay with organised tours.
A: Ladies should dress demurely with covered shoulders and hemlines below the knee. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless tops.
Cairo is just forty minutes from the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Tourists can visit the King's Chamber inside the Pyramid of Khufu. Every night, the pyramids form the backdrop to a light show telling the story of Ancient Egypt. The twelfth-century Citadel of Cairo has panoramic views of the city. An alternative viewing point is the revolving restaurant in the sixty-two-storey Cairo Tower. In central Cairo is the spacious Al-Azhar park, which opened in 2005. It includes beautifully maintained gardens and an amphitheatre for live performances. The River Nile offers many pleasure cruises and views of the city.
Sharma E-Sheikh is famous for its scuba diving tours through the coral reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experienced divers can visit many submerged shipwrecks. There are more coral reefs near the sandy beach of Ras Um Sid. To the north is the Nabq Protectorate, a distinctive landscape of mangrove forests. Local historic monuments include the sixth-century Saint Catherine's monastery, famous for its Christian manuscripts and relics. The Old Town of Sharm El-Sheikh features a traditional market filled with spices, jewellery, and local crafts. Cafes and restaurants often feature live entertainment.
July usually reaches the highest temperature of around 28°C (82°F). Winter is mild with a temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) in January. This month also has the most rain, approximately 0.7 inches.
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