Introducing Egypt

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   Welcome to Egypt

   To travel to Egypt is necessary to present a valid passport (with a delivery date of at least six months before departure) and an entry visa obtained in different consular offi ces of our country, or directly on arrival Egypt managed by local agencies with an approximate price of 35 € to be paid on arrival. You can access the country with 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of snuff or 50cigars, one liter of alcohol and various personal effects. You must declare the video cameras and declare all money enters the country.Passports are collected upon arrival to cruises and hotels to make the necessary arrangements with the police. The front desk can be removed the next day, although it is advisable to avoid the loss or theft of the left in the front desk or the boat to the exit.

   Money  

   The offi cial currency is the Egyptian Pound (guinea in Arabic) which is equivalent to 100piastres. Tickets are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 100 pounds, 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres. The coins are 1/2, 1, 5 and 10 piastres.

   You can not take Egyptian currency of the country, and is convenient to carry money in euros and on arrival change in banks, cruises, hotels and at authorized exchange offi ces. Remember to keep the guards change to change again in case you are on currency to leave the country. This operation can only be done at the airport banks.

   Language

   The official language is Arabic as a second language and English is spoken. this is easy to find people who speak Castilian, especially in retail.

   History

   Cradle of ancient civilization dating back to prehistory of humanity, offers travelers a geographical frame co suggestive and fascinating. Its convenient location in the center of the Old World, became a crossroad for trade routes throughout the centuries joined the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, which confi -laughed for over 5000 years a leading role in the political and economic landscape of the Mediterranean world. Today, its rich artistic and cultural heritage only accentuates itsfunction as a bridge between East and West.

   Egypt is known worldwide for its ancient pharaohs court for their magnificent pyramids and mysterious cas. Inhabited since aleolítico, in the year 4000 a. C. and was divided into kingdoms were unified markets by Menes, the first king of Upper and Lower Egypt. This was followed by thirty dynasties of pharaohs that followed until 31 a. C., the year that Cleopatra died from the bite of an asp. With the death of Cleopatra and Egypt's domination by the Roman Empire, the country losesits former glory and became part of the Byzantine Empire in 395 d. C.

   In 640 d. C. Egypt was conquered by the Arabs, adopting their religion, culture and language. The country became the center of Islam under the rule of Famitíes. The famous Saladin managed to extend the territory from Egypt to Syria, Mesopotamia and North Africa.

   From the year 1250 until the eighteenth century the Mamluks ruled the country. Napoleon gets fi na this presence to overcome in 1801. After several struggles for the conquest of the Egyptian people with Mehmet Ali's victory in 1811 is achieved that Egypt will become a hereditary principality, a fact which causes a significant civil and economic renewal that binds to the Sudan. Saladin's grandson, Ismail, ruled from 1863-1873 Anglo-French infl uence enhancing and raising major works such as the Suez Canal, opened in 1869. These measures, however, impoverished the population leading to civil unrest, smothered with British rule in 1882. In 1922 Egypt gained its independence. However, the country still depended economicallybecause Britain controlled the traffi c Suez Canal, and other civil and political privileges.

   During World War II the country was occupied by fascist forces that were evacuated with the help of the British in 1942. After the war and with its support given to the Allies, Egypt get a very strong position among Arab League States, actively participating in operations against Israel in 1948. The setbacks of this participation, coupled with the unpopularity of King Farouk, resulting in the 1952 coup that emerges of the Republic of Egypt under the presidency of General Naguib. This presidency lasts only two years. Naguib is replaced by Nasser, who in 1956 achieved nationalize the Suez Canal, leading Anglo-French military intervention and occupation of the Sinai Peninsula by Israeli troops. This confl ict is resolved favorably to Egypt, through the mediation of the United Nations. The country began a rapprochement with the USSR and established political pacts with Syria to lengthen until 1961, when the Syria decides to fi n a union. Egyptian and Israeli militarily confront again in 1967 with an unfavorable outcome for Egypt. The confl ict fi nishes by an armistice fi rmed with UN intervention. Relations with the USSR are narrowed with the purpose to get stronger, both in military and in the diplomatic when dealing with a possible negotiation with Israel. Nasser died suddenly in 1970 being his successor Anwar Sadat. The new President of Egypt overturns policy, especially in relations with the USSR, driving in 1972-20000 Soviet advisers who were in the country. In 1973 began a new offensive against Israel that fi nishes after a truce brought about by the world powers and the fi rm that a compromise agreement with Israel through the Sinai and reopens maritime traffi c through the Canal. Gradually Anwar Sadat going away from the Soviet Union and getting closer to the United States, Britain and France. This approach pays off in 1978 with the fi rm of the Camp David Accords, by which Israel and Egypt peace fi rm with U.S. approval. Sadat was assassinated in 1981, but this failed to end its policy of non-aggression since Hosni Mubarak, who took office the next year, has kept the same line until today. During the Gulf War, Egypt condemned the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi troops,
positioning in an intermediary role between Arab countries and the major world powers. Position has been strengthened after the assassination attempt on President Mubarak in 1995 and has involved the unconditional support of the Egyptians to their president. 

   Culture

   The descendants of the pharaohs have great dignity and quality from the heyday of ancient Egypt that has remained unchanged over the centuries. Dignity is mixed with another fundamental trait, humility, probably by the tragic sense that the Egyptians have in life. Where it all depends on the "divine". Therefore, everywhere and at any time you can hear a religious expressions as "God is", "God willing" and even the typical greeting "salaam aleikun" has this sense because what you want is that "peace be with you." The people of Egypt is deeply religious and spiritual. Islam is very important to them and respect their customs is essential to get to know them. It is advisable to wear pants
or skirts and shirts or shirts with sleeves, especially when visiting the holy places and mosques have to remove their shoes upon entering. Marriage is an important social event and weddings are celebrated with all the luxury and pageantry possible. It meets all the family and friends, streets are closed to them takes place banquet dance, folk dances and acrobatic shows. It is customary for the bride and groom car ride on neighborhood streets amid the congratulations of the entire village. If time does not leave to attend a marriage celebration. Children are very dear in Egypt. They are raised and loved for his generosity mothers tend to have a much more closely with them than with their husbands. Families have many children because the children are considered a divine blessing. The Egyptians have an excellent sense of humor, love to tell jokes and spend any jokes. We encourage you to enjoy with patience and good humor of the people of this beautiful country.

   Environment and Climate

   Egypt has an area of  1,001,449 km2. Bordered on the east by Israel and the Red Sea, on the south by Sudan, on the west and Libya to the north by the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt is a predominantly desert. To the west lies the Sahara Desert, which is characterized by several thin sand and huge dunes. In contrast, in the east, the desert remains acompletely different, is a dry and barren land which erected a succession of sun-baked rocks known as Cordillera Arabian or Arabian Desert. The Sinai Peninsula, west of the country between the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, is very arid. It is Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine 2,642 m2. high, it is the highest in the country. The climate zone varies. In Cairo the days are very hot and somewhat humid. The nights are warm in summer and cold in winter with high humidity in the environment. To the south the climate is hot and dry. In the north is typically Mediterranean and it rains often. The rains are occasional and very small numbers, especially in summer.

  Gastronomy

  The Egyptian food has a delicious combination of flavors, thanks to the diversity of ingredients that come from the Mediterranean cuisine, African and Arabic. There are two staples in the habit of diners Egyptians: The Aish, loaves of bread consumed often and whose mass is made with different flours (the most famous is the "aish baladi", prepared with refined flour nothing less dark) and The fuul, lima beans and brown fat that is seasoned with lemon and simmered for hours in a copper kettle. The fuuls are served as an accompaniment to all kinds of dishes: vegetables, salads, Ambres fi, and meatballs with yoghurt, cheese, garlic and eggs. It also takes into snack seasoned with tahini and pickled vegetables. Egyptians take both meat and fish. The meat usually beef, lamb or poultry such as turkey, duck, chicken and pigeon. The fish, both saltwater and freshwater, are fresh and well prepared. We recommend trying the delicious jumbo prawns with garlic sauce Gambari called Alexandria. As typical dishes include The Mashi Egyptian cuisine: stuffed vegetables with rice and meat, The Mezze: a selection of cold from the East to serve on numerous small bowls. This is true delicatessen, among which are The tabboule: parsley salad and meal of wheat sour taste, The Kobeiba: meat and pine nuts, The Baba Ghannoush: mashed eggplant with garlic, Kibbeh: lamb meatballs fried semolina, Basterma: cured jerky, Sambousek: vegetable patties, Hummus bi tahina: pureed chickpeas with sesame paste, Wara Annab: grape leaves stuffed with various ingredients and Bedingan: marinated eggplant. You can also find the following dishes, The Koshari: layers of macaroni, rice and lentils with tomato sauce, El Fattah: also wears layers but these are dry bread soaked in broth, rice and meat seasoned with garlic, vinegar covered with yoghurt, nuts and raisins; The Moulouhiya: soup, a vegetable similar to spinach native, El Hamam: pigeons stuffed with green wheat grains or rice, shish kebab: lamb skewer and The kufta: roasts minced lamb grilled. All these dishes are served with rice. As desserts, like in most Arab countries are delicious. The preferred by
Om Ali Egyptian is: dough or batter mix with milk, nuts, coconut and raisins taken warm. They differ also The Aish is serail: loaf of bread with honey softened with sugar syrup, The Baklava: mass filled with mead or flavored nuts infused with orange blossom and Kumafa: very fi ne noodles baked with sugar, honey and nuts. Be sure to try them.

   Attractions in Egypt

   Karnak Temple

   Located on the east bank of the Nile The temples of Karnak even today impress visitors with its absolute magnitude and vivid colors that can still be found in some of his columns. This complex of temples took hundreds of years to complete, being extended by various Pharaohs. The Karnak Temple complex was dedicatedLuxor primarily to God, Amon Ra, and the other gods of the Theban Triad, Mut and Khonsu. Sound and Light Show at the Temple of Karnak: As you wander among the giant columns of the Temple, which are alternately illuminated and darkened, revivethe history of this great city.

   Luxor Museum

   It is located on the east bank of the Nile, looking over the river to the mysterious Valley of the Kings. This modern CIO buildings house many of the findings made ​​in and around Luxor. The exhibits are an assortment of different periods of Egyptian history and are arranged more attractive and easier for contemplation.

   Temple of Dendera

   Located about 78 km north of Luxor, Dendera can be visited by road or enjoying a relaxing day cruise on the Nile Dendera Temple was built in the Greco-Roman period and was dedicated to Hathor, the God of love, joy and beauty. From the roof of this temple can be seen sweeping views of the fertile Nile Valley Surrounding.

   Abu Simbel temples

   You can visit by air or road. Situated 280 km south of Aswan. These are the two most impressive temples of Egypt, who havebeen rearranged stone by stone after construction of the Aswan Dam. Dedicated to Ramses II and his first wife Nefertari,wonderful whose tomb is in Luxor in the Valley of the Queens.

   THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS

   The west bank of Luxor is perhaps one of the most famous places in the world. The pharaohs built their tombs or "houses of eternity"because they believed that the good life they enjoyed in the land continue after death. The pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings and their wives in the Valley of the Queens, both hidden in the mountains behind this hill. The flatness of the desert from the Nile there was a vast city of the dead adorned with magnificent temples such as the Temple co Hatchepsut and the tombs of the nobles.

   THE VALLEY OF THE QUEENS

   Located next to the Valley of the Kings. Comprising about eighty tombs, all badly damaged and some with traces of fire or renderedstables. The tombs date generally from 1300 to 1100 BC To reach the valley have to cross a sidekick desfi fl commemorative stelae anqueado expeditions Ramses III. And prayers dedicated to Osiris and Anubis recorded in rocks

   Menphis and Sakkara

   An alabaster nge ESFI and the Colossus of Ramses II represents some of the glories of Egyptian history. The real greatness of the Necropolis of Sakkara owes its importance to the funerary complex of King Zoser. This area is dominated by the famous Step Pyramid, the first pyramid built in Egypt.

   OASIS OF THE VALLEY FAYOUM AND WHALES

   Al Fayoum Oasis is the largest in Egypt. It is located about 70 kilometers north of Cairo. On the road, in the heart of the desert, stands the ancient city of Dimah, founded during the Ptolemaic period. At 85 kilometers from the huge lake, through a sandy track, you reach the famous Wadi El-Hitan or 'Whale Valley', a place of the Egyptian desert where several skeletons were preserved whale 40 million years ago heritage of theHumanity since 2005. The scenery is magical, the surface is full of desert cie mounds, with some shots at the top, and small plateaus, other pointy, pyramidal and some whimsical formations resembling animals fi gures. A blast from the past of our planet, formed long before the arrival of the Pharaohs.

   ALEXANDRIA

   City located in northern Egypt, in the Nile Delta was founded by Alexander the Great in 331. C. and soon became the cultural center of the ancient world. Strolling along the Mediterranean
is the strength of Quaitbay, commissioned in 1480 by Sultan where once stood the famous lighthouse of Alexandria. Visit the Catacombs of Kom el-Suggafs, the centuries I and II, Pompey's Pillar, the Roman amphitheater, discovered in 1964, the Greco-Roman Museum of Antiquities. In fi nal city enjoy a Mediterranean flavor doubt.

   CAIRO COPTO

   Old Cairo was built by the Romans when they buildin caron the fortress known as Babylon. Stroll through the oldest streets of Cairo and visit the Hanging Church of St. Mary and the church of Serge Abou, San Sergio, going back to the early days of the fourth century AD. Visit the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum, founded in 1908.

   Cairo At Night

   The diversity and the contrasts is what characterizes the city of Cairo, one of the largest in the world. Discover the different neighborhoods and different people, to residential, commercial, popular. Enjoy its bazaars, cafes and customs.In fi nal, part of the mystery of this fascinating city, capital of Egypt.

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