Camel Rides at the
Pyramids of Giza
"The trip was wonderful - I have never been on a trip where everything worked out so well. It was even better than I had ever dreamed! I had never traveled alone before so I was a little hesitant - especially about the diving part. But there was no need for worry. Everyone made me feel very welcome and comfortable and I felt included in all events."
-Christine Janson
Palm Desert, California
Vibrant Soft Corals
in the Red Sea
"You could change the name of your company to "Learning Through Seamless Travel" because that's how every transfer and component transpired. All your suggestions re: options proved right on target as well. Our trips to Abu Simbel, the Nile Cruise and Alexandria rounded out the Red Sea liveaboard, which by itself, lived up to its billing a thousand-fold. My notebook and memory card have enough notes and pix to fill a dozen
columns."
-Yvonne Lanelli
Adventure Travel Writer
Alto, New Mexico
| EGYPT HELPFUL INFORMATION |
For a printable PDF version of Egypt Helpful Information please click here: Egypt History and Helpful Information (PDF) Egypt History and Helpful Information
Historical Background Recorded history in Egypt began around 6400BC when Nomadic hunters settled in the Nile Valley. In 5500 BC 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 history can be summarized as follows:
Pre-dynastic Egypt C 5500-3100 BC – evidence of complex burials and beginnings of society.
Dynastic Egypt C 2970- 2770 BC – Early dynasties – religion deeply rooted with the appearance of the major Gods on inscriptions and artwork. 2770- 2650 BC Later dynasties - development of society, law and religion as a model for today.
The Old Kingdom C 2650-2152 BC – the step pyramid of Saqqara is built by Djoser. In addition the building of the Great Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx occur, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Thebes becomes the capital. 1st Intermediate Period – 2150 – 1986 BC – The Old Kingdom falls as is invaded by Asian and Persian hordes. Towards the end of this era, there is civil war the country it is split again – Menthotpe I is victor reuniting Upper and Lower Egypt and paving the way for…
The Middle Kingdom – 1986 – 1759 BC – Ammenemes I rules and is considered one of the greatest of the Egyptian Kings. During his reign prosperity abounds, and there is a great amount of temple production. The Story of Sinuhe possibly the greatest in Egyptian Literature is written.
The New Kingdom C 1539-1069 BC – Known for its four centuries of splendor, prosperity, spiritual and artistic achievements. Nubia is conquered, military expansion helps bring about the height of the Egyptian Empire.
The Decline C 1070-332 BC – the country fell under the influence of priests. In 525 BC Egypt was conquered by the Persians.
The Greco – Roman Period C 332 BC – 640 AD – in 332 BC Alexander the Great took possession of Egypt calling himself a Pharaoh and founded the City of Alexandria. After his death, the Ptolemaic Dynasty was founded and Alexandria flourished. However, after Alexander's death the Roman gained strength under Julius Caesar and Augustus and took over all the Greek land – including Egypt. Cleopatra's suicide after her affair with Marc Anthony marks the true domination of the Roman Era. During this time however the Roman Empire also broke apart leading to…
The Coptic Period 30BC – 640 AD – in 61AD Christianity was introduced to Egypt by St. Mark who founded the Patriarchate of Alexandria and by 190AD there was a large and flourishing Christian community. After the Roman Empire was officially divided in 300 AD, Egypt became a part of its Eastern portion, known as the Byzantine Empire, with its first leader – Constantine the Great.
The Islamic Period 630 – 1796 AD In 541 AD, the Byzantines where defeated by Arab Moslem armies led by Amr Ibn El-As who built his capital near the present day CairoEgypt became an Arab country with a Moslem majority and religious freedom was accorded to all people. Later, Egypt was invaded by Ottoman sultans who relied on Mamelouks (slaves) to govern the country. In 1798 Napoleon conquered Egypt; however he had to withdraw after his defeat at the naval battle of Abu-Kir, near Alexandria.
The 1952 Revolution The royal dynasty established in 1952 by Mohamed Ali came to an end when a group of army officers forced the abdication of King Farouk. In 1954 Gamel Abdel-Nasser became Egypt's president proclaiming Egypt a republic. After his death in 1970, Nasser was succeeded by Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat who was assassinated in 1981 and the current President Mohamed Hosni Moubarak succeeded him.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
The PEOPLE Egypt's population totals about 80 million 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 of foreigners, a deep sense of tolerance for other races, religions and nationalities.
Education Primary school up to university is provided free to all Egyptians. The education system is composed of four stages – primary, preparatory, secondary and university. Primary education is mandatory and is extended to children between the ages of six and twelve.
Religion Approximately 85% of the populations are Moslems, 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 a small Jewish population still 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.
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.
Agriculture The high fertility of the soil in the Nile Valley enables Egypt to grow many agricultural products, especially rice, vegetables, sugar cane and fruit. Furthermore, Egypt is one of the world's main producers and exporters of long staple cotton.
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 24hours a day and they all speak English. Pharmacies are usually open from 10AM to 10PM 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 cubs 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 & Visa regulations A passport is required for entry into Egypt and must be valid for six months beyond the intended stay. A visa is required and can be obtained upon arrival for a fee of $ 20.00 or requested at the Egyptian Consulates in New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco and Washington.
Climate Throughout Egypt, days are commonly warm or hot and nights are cool. Egypt only has 2 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, when they may range from 52 degrees at night to 110 degrees during the day.
Time Zone GMT/UTC +2 HOURS Egypt is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. : Local time is equal to GMT + 2 hours. Same time zone throughout the country, (seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time). To check for your time zone please check http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock .
Calling to Egypt form the USA/Canada DIAL 011 + 20 + AREA CODE + PHONE NUMBER 011(US exit code, must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or CANADA + 20(country code for Egypt + 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. Make long distance calls from Egypt only from your hotel or Cruise ship; however please note it is expensive.
US Embassy 8 Kamal El Din Salah St., Garden City, Cairo, Egypt, Tel 2 797-3300 For the latest security information see 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. The US Dollar is accepted for payments. The rate is approximately LE 5.315 for 1 US Dollar. Exchange your currency at banks or branches found in most major hotels that usually stay open until 8PM. Egyptian Banks are open daily except Friday and Saturday 8AM 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 includes 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 woolen 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 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 7Am to 7PM. Visit a carpet making school where children learn how to weave all kinds of beautiful carpets and where you are able to purchase one at the same time. Visit the local jewelry stores where you can have a gold cartouche made with your name written in hieroglyphics. See how a papyrus is made into paper (the first know 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. 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 to bring a sufficient amount of $1 or $5 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 the tour, with some restrictions for bridges, dams, ports and airports, inside museums, tombs and monuments: these 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 gratitude 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 a sense of humor, the following words will help 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? 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 Tea Shay Coffee Ahwa
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: The allowance on your international flights is two pieces of luggage, each weighing 50 pounds or less. 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 45 inches 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 aboard the aircraft. Larger amounts of prescription liquid medications baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. Equally important is the size and structure of the bags. Soft luggage (canvas, fabric or duffel bags) are ideal. We recommended 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.
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:
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 plateau, 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. Egypt is divided into the following parts:
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 winds 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 9AM – 4PM, Friday 9AM to 11:15AM. Summer hours are 8AM to 1pm. Coptic Museum in Old Cairo contains rare collections dating back to the early Christian era. Hours are daily 9AM to 4PM. Summer 8AM to 1PM. 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 inside of one Pyramid. Anyone with a health problem (heart, back, claustrophobia may not want to visit the inside).
The Step Pyramid at Saqqara, 20 miles south of Giza is the worlds 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 Eastern Desert Including the plateau extending from the Nile Valley to the Red Sea, and the Sinai which includes Mount Sinai, Egypt's highest mountain, reaching 8,668 feet.
The Western Desert About 68% of the country's total territory; it extends from the Nile Valley to the Libyan borders and from the Mediterranean Coast to the Sudan.
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 750 BC. It lies on the East bank of the Nile about 400 miles south of Cairo. Its awesome tombs, temples and statues are a tribute to man's ageless achievements. The Temple of Luxury in the center of town built by Amenophis III and dedicated to the God Amon-Ra was expanded by Ramses II.
EAST BANK OF LUXOR The Temple of Karnak is located 2 miles North of Luxor Temple and was begun over 2000 years ago. 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's 97 foot obelisk. The sound and light spectacular is performed every evening at the 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 featuring 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. The tomb of Nacht displays scenes of banquets with dancing girls, musicians and fruit gatherings.
ASWAN 500 miles south of Cairo and 115 miles from Luxor, it 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 is 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 to save it from the rising Nile waters. The Temple of Hathor displays beautiful paintings of musicians and dancers. Kitchener Island is reachable by motorboat or felucca displays a variety of exotic plants from all over the world. Unfinished Obelisk at the granite quarries is 125 feet long and weighs about 1,170 tons. See how ancient Egyptians broke rock to build their monuments.
Aswan Area Temple of Edfu lies 70miles north of Aswan and 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 Called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" 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.
Pompeys Pillar In a park approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the city center is a column 93 feet high, erected in the house of Emperor Diocletian by his troops. The name is a mistake made by Crusaders in the 13th century who thought the pillar marked the tomb of Pompey the Great.
Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa Three tiers of burial chambers dating from 2nd century BC, carved into the rock, 100 feet below ground. A winding staircase descends 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. It also houses The Naval Museum.
Ras El Tin Palace It was the summer resident where King Farouk signed his abdications.
SINAI This Peninsula is a great triangle of land, 36,000 square miles in area with long coasts, high mountains, deep chasm and fertile green oases. It has its own fascinating history, holy places and beauty. 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.
El-Arish Remarkable for its calm water, palm-shaded beaches and fine grained white sand.
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.
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 the beautiful desert add to the charm of the Red Sea.
Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and Nuweiba These three dive resorts are approximately 300-400 miles from Cairo with superb and comfortable accommodations and fully equipped dive centers administered by professional diving instructors. The area is home to some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling.
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 Suez is 82 miles east of Cairo. The southern entrance of the Canal is a favorite fishing and camping spot. Also known for the Ataka Mountains along the southern coastline, and which changes colors from pink to purple at different hours of the day.
Ismailia Located on the western shore of Lake Timsah. It was founded by Ferdinand de Lesseps in 1863 as his base of operations during the construction of the Canal.
Port Said A modern city, 135 miles northeast of Cairo located at the Mediterranean entrance to the Suez Canal. It offers a scenic promenade along the attractive beach. Hurghada Stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters perfect for windsurfing have made Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a busy resort town. Within easy reach of the stunning Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, Hurghada has seen enormous amounts of development in the past decade and now stretches 25 miles along the Red Sea.
THE OASES Fayoum Egypt's largest oasis located 65miles southwest of Cairo overlooking Lake Qarun. It is a popular for hunting and fishing and to explore the remains of the Temple and Pyramid of Amenmhat III and Qasr Qarun, as well preserved Temple of the Greco Roman era.
Kharga and Dakhla Kharga is located in the New Valley area in the southern part of the Western Desert and accessible by Air from Cairo. By car it is a 3hour drive from Assiut. The Nadura Temple dating back to Antonius Pius is on the site of the Roman Town of Thibis. There is also a Roman Fortress and in the center of the oasis is Kasir El Gueweka with a sanctuary dedicated to the God Amon. Further south is Baris, a Temple consecrated to Isis and Serapis. Dakhla is approximately 170 miles to the West of Kharga and a 13 hour drive. Here is a stone Monastery dedicated to Amon and an unusual site is the Chalybeate Spring, gushing at 98 degrees.
EGYPT RECOMMENDED REFERENCE 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.
HOW TO READ EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHS by Mark Collier, Bill Manly and Richard Parkinson, published by the British Museum Press 1998. This is a first rate introduction to the study of Egyptian hieroglyphs. It introduces the reader systematically and at a measured pace to the major signs, and has clearly written grammatical explanations.
HATCHEPSUT: THE FEMALE PHARAOH by Joyce Tyldesley, published by Penguin Books 1998. Hatshepsut's 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.
A DICTIONARY OF EGYPTIAN GODS AND GODDESSES by George Hart, published by Routledge 1986. All those interested in Ancient Egyptian mythology may value this comprehensive handbook which details the major gods and goddesses and presents a broad survey of many others.
VALLEY OF THE GOLDEN MUMMIES by Zahi Hawass, published by Virgin Publishing, 2000. A few years ago in an oasis in the middle of the desert a spectacular discovery was made: a group of intact Egyptian tombs containing at least 60 gilded mummies, perhaps even hundreds more. Zahi Hawass, the well known Director of the Giza pyramids, reveals his first hand experiences at this unprecedented site, liberally illustrated with photographs taken during the excavation.
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) For answers to popular Egypt-Red Sea questions, click on the link below. Egypt & Red Sea Diving Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) For more information on our Egypt-Red Sea travel programs, please click on the picture thumbnails below: Egypt-Red Sea Itineraries Groups Click Here Individuals Click Here
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