Winter in Egypt - what to expect in the land of the pharaohs

Those looking for a cheap package holiday destination, but abhors the mass tourism that should spend the winter in Egypt, because, although there is persistent rumors indicate contrary, this year no bikini ban, not only have the Red Sea resorts have sufficient capacity available. No matter what attractions you want to visit in Egypt, they have been virtually alone for themselves.

Nile Cruise

There are places for a cruise on the Nile, for example, have enough. To sail on the longest river in the world around is considered a particularly romantic way to discover Egypt. Travel of this kind can, as the Egypt holiday deals from Thomas Cook book on short notice at a travel agency in Internet or even on site. The namesake of the second largest German tour operator, among others organized the first ever cruise on the Nile, is regarded as the inventor of the package.

Cairo

What he would think of a trip to Egypt in 2012? Not only in the center of Cairo Egyptian Museum missing visitors, which yes, the proximity to Tahrir Square would be more understandable. Finally, the name was linked from the outset with the uprisings against former dictator Hosni Mubarak. At the moment there is virtually unobstructed view of the pyramids. There, where a previously crowds blocked the way, now there is nothing but emptiness.

Even the White Desert and Alexandria seems to want to visit any more.

Alexandria

Here, the Mediterranean city was just on the point to follow up on their old feats. On the island of Pharos in the Bay of Alexandria once stood the lighthouse, it was expected to be the Seven Wonders. But almost more famous was the Library of Alexandria. In this haven of learning were formed Archimedes, Euclid and Eratosthenes. With 700,000 papyrus scrolls in ancient times it was the largest library in the world.

Since 2002 it again, the famous Library of Alexandria. Not far from the old location it was rebuilt. However, not only the facade is modern: it was created space for eight million books (in about 1.5 million have been around) and a backup copy of the Internet Archive, which includes about three petabytes.

The library, which is currently used primarily by students should also be a tourist attraction, but the largest with 2000 seats open reading room lures - like all other classic attractions - at barely more visitors.

What Thomas Cook would say probably it? He probably would advise Europeans in need of recuperation, not to be deterred by the uncertain political situation and to take an educational trip to Egypt. After all, he has done 1860.

@ http://www.noz.de/themenseite/reise-reporter/67433362/ein-winter-in-aegypten-was-sie-im-land-der-pharaonen-erwartet

Egypt expects tourism to rebound this year to pre-revolution levels

(Reuters) - Egypt's tourism minister expects the number of tourists to rebound this year to pre-revolution levels of 14.5 million after slumping in 2011 following an uprising that forced out President Hosni Mubarak and brought much of Egypt's economy to a halt.

There were already signs of improvement with tourist arrivals rising 40 percent in the first four months o f this year from a year earlier, Mounir Fakhry AbdelNour said.

Tourism used to account for more than a tenth of Egypt's gross domestic product (GDP) before the uprising, and it employs an estimated one in eight workers in a country where anger over high unemployment triggered the uprisings.

"My aim for this year is to see the number of tourists to Egypt this year rise to 2010 levels," AbdelNour told reporters during a press conference during a visit to Dubai.

"The growth in tourism numbers this year will be driven by new products we are offering like the reopening of the Nile cruise from Cairo to Aswan ... I think during May and June we will be weak due to the presidential elections but later will (see a) rise."

Presidential elections are due to finally take place next month, more than a year after Mubarak's departure.

In 2010, around 14.7 million tourists visited Egypt generating around $12.5 billion, but their numbers slumped to 9.8 million visitors in 2011 generating $8.8 billion, said AbdelNour.

"Given that prices of room rates have dropped since the time of the uprising we expect that revenues this year will be lower compared to 2010," he said without giving further details. Average spending per tourist fell to $72 a day last year, from around $85 a day in 2010, he said.

One bright spot for Egypt has been healthy numbers of Russian and Eastern European tourists, who have not been deterred by instability in the region.

Asked if the growing influence of Islamists in government would affect tourism, and lead to rules that would ban alcohol sales and outlaw mixed bathing and bikinis in popular resorts, AbdelNour was optimistic that the industry would not be affected.

"I don't think that any political leader with any ideology would take action against that would harm this industry's growth," he said. (Editing by Susan Fenton)

In Egypt, after a 15-year hiatus to resume cruises on the Nile

CAIRO, April 2  

Egyptian government decided to resume, after a 15-year hiatus, cruise trip along the Nile from the capital - Cairo to Aswan in Upper Egypt in mid-May of this year, said on Monday, the Egyptian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Faiza Abu Nougat.

This decision was made to restore the flow of tourists into the country to the level preceding the revolutionary events of spring 2011, and confirm the safety of foreign visitors to Egypt - said Faiz Abu Nougat.

At the same time, she reported that at a special cabinet meeting on the development of tourism has been given special attention to the security situation, particularly in the provinces of El-Minya, Beni Sueyf, Sohag and Assiut, in which its cruise itineraries.

"Renewing the water travels up the Nile, Egypt, in fact, says the restoration of security in the country, thus enhancing their own reputation at the international level" - said Abu Nougat.

The Minister also spoke about the Government's intention to declare the city of Luxor in southern Egypt, "a historical monument in the open air." All necessary procedures are completed, added Abu Nougat, and this issue is on the last stage of consideration in the Cabinet of Egypt.

Besides the actual unique river cruises in Egypt, during which the tourists can visit dozens of temples and shrines pharaonic times, particularly in urban areas Edfu, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Abu Simbel, traveling up the Nile to bring significant revenues to the state budget. After the revolution of 2011 the flow of tourists into the country fell by almost a third, mainly because of concerns related to safety ratings. Egypt's revenues from tourism fell to 10 billion dollars per year, decreasing by about four billion.

Soarin' in Luxor

DAVE FULLER, QMI Agency

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/26/soarin-in-luxor

LUXOR, Egypt -- If, in my next life I'm allowed only one hot-air balloon ride -- assuming Egypt's pharaohs were correct about this after-life business -- make it this one.

Another 4 a.m. wake-up call? No problem. Just get us to the balloon on time. I witnessed several spectacular sunrises over the Nile during our visit but only one while soaring 500 metres above Egypt's Valley of the Tombs in a six-passenger, hydrogen fed, hot-air balloon.

Sure, it set me back $100 or so, but the adventure included: Mini-bus from hotel/cruise ship to Nile River crossing; small ferry boat ride (with coffee and Hostess Twinkie) to the Egyptian west bank; another mini-bus ride to the balloon compound; one quick lesson on the do's and don'ts of ballooning. And then one extraordinary thrill: A breath-stealing, 45-minute flight over 4,000-year-old temples, tombs and monuments carved into the limestone hills of the Sahara desert by those filthy rich pharaohs.

Ours is one of nine hot-air balloons lifting off this early morning. A sign, says our pilot/captain Tarek Mohamed Khilil, that tourism has rebounded following the spring ouster of Egypt's president, Hosni Mubarek.

Khilil has been piloting balloons for eight years and is clearly a master of the soft landing -- though it's the wind, he says, that determines the aircraft's direction.

On this day, the wind seems determined to push us into the side of a tourist police station as we brace for landing. But, with one quick thrust of the craft's hydrogen-induced flame, we glide over police headquarters and settle down a few feet away from the highway, where a standby-crew gathers up our now deflated balloon.

Back on our tour bus, we head to the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut, Ramses I-through-VI and about 55 other mummified Pharaohs were buried in their gold-encrusted coffins, along with their thrones, jewels, perfumes and other earthly possessions in preparation for an after-life which, who knows, might include one out-of-this world balloon ride.

Egypt Vacation Packages – See The Ancient Temples The Way The Pharaohs Did

By Adriana Noton • 25/10/11 

The most popular of Nile cruises are those that last three to five days and take you from the city of Aswan to Luxor. So, when you are looking at Egypt vacation packages make sure there is a Nile cruise included.

Historically, a boat trip along the Nile was the only way to get to the temples and tombs located along the northern part of the river. It is still one of the most popular ways to see this ancient historic land. The most popular of Nile cruises are those that last three to five days and take you from the city of Aswan to Luxor. So, when you are looking at Egypt vacation packages make sure there is a Nile cruise included.

There are many specialized forms of tourism nowadays and Egypt vacations are part of that. Besides being a worldwide destination for archaeological, historical and cultural tour packages there is also what is known as therapeutic tourism. Egypt tours boast a wide variety of beautiful and healing geographical places, such as hot springs.

Proven scientific research suggests that clay found in many of the hot springs, have therapeutic benefits and have been known to cure bone abnormalities, skin problems, kidney and lung diseases including other problems. It is said too, that the water of the Red Sea a chemical composition that helps to cure forms of psoriasis.

Even Socrates recommended this area for its climatic therapeutic properties. There is evidence of this in many of his writings, dating from the Greek era. Socrates, scribed the now renowned papers called “Egypt and Climatic Therapy”. He suggested citizens travel to this beautiful land and enjoy its air, their sands and their waters. Many did and since then, countless numbers have experienced and enjoyed relief and renewed health from visiting this most ancient of lands.

Many of the Nile cruises employ staff members who are known as Egyptologists. They can be an invaluable resource for you to absorb as much of the culture as you possibly can for the time you are there. To prepare yourself further, it is advisable to bring a map of the country and the Nile in particular. A perfect companion would be a pocket-sized book of archaeological and historical Egyptian facts, color illustrations, and archival photographs.

Once you have booked your trip, you need to show your original passport, 2 extra passport photos, a copy of the round trip tickets and an itinerary. Your passport will be stamped with a registration mark and you are on your way. You will need to register again upon arrive but, the assistants at the airport or cruise ship will help you with that.

Here are some health related items you’ll want to consider bringing with you; high level sunblock and good sunglasses, iodine tablets and water filters to purify water just in case clean water is not available. A hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes, as there will be fewer places to wash up when you are not on the ship. You’ll want to bring mosquito repellent and/or long sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from sun and bugs and a hat.

Before leaving, you may need to get some vaccinations, your health-care provider trained in travel medicine will known exactly what you need in terms of required shots, anti-malaria drugs and any other medication that you will need to protect yourself aboard. There is a lot to think about when looking into Egypt vacation packages but, it is well worth the extra effort so you get the most out of your trip.

http://www.traveleverywhere.net/travel/egypt-vacation-packages-see-the-ancient-temples-the-way-the-pharaohs-did/

It is important to plan your Nile cruise in advance

A Nile cruise is a wonderful activity if you are in Egypt. You will have a fantastic and memorable time having a River Nile cruise. The main benefit of having a Nile cruise is that you can have a look of almost all big cities because river Nile has cover almost all of them. So it is a mouth watering trip and regarded as journey of a lifetime.
Egypt is a wonderful country full of ancient heritage and culture. It is one of the best place to visit if you have to spend your holidays in looking for something mysterious and adventurous. You can have different deals for visiting different location in Egypt but if you don’t visit Nile and not having a Nile cruise it means you have missed best part of your journey.
Some people thought that Nile cruise is costly and expensive one and common man cannot afford such kind of activities. It is wrong because there a lot of Nile cruise packages available which can suit you. If you want to have Nile cruise and stay there for some time you will find best packages because they accommodate tourist accordingly.
Having a nile cruise not only gives you view of river but you can also see a lot of historical and ancient place when having a nile cruise because river nile is world’s biggest river and it cover almost all big cities of the country so you can have a look at all these cities as well. It is important to know some important things as well when you are going for a Nile cruise.
Make sure that you had travel insurance because sometimes it becomes a dangerous cruise anything happen to you or your luggage. Don’t try to do childish activities when you are on cruise. Make your journey a memorable one by having a fantastic time.
Orbital for your Nile Cruise you can be assured that your nile cruise holiday will meet your highest expectations. We visit all the Nile Cruisers regularly and insist that all aspects of travel egypt meet our very high standards.
http://eva-news.com/travel/travel/it-is-important-to-plan-your-nile-cruise-in-advance/23867032/