History and Heritage

At just five hours away from the UK, Egypt is a world apart. A rich culture that is steeped in history is the backbone of this nation, and the reason why tourists have been flocking here for years. It was inevitable that the property market would follow hot on its heals, and now second-homers, retirees and investors are rushing to the market.

Attracted by the low cost of living and year-round sunshine, many buyers are ditching traditional home buying destinations in favour of Egypt - assured by promised rental returns. Sahl Hasheesh is setting new standards in luxury resorts and Hurghada has no less than eight golf courses planned - all factors which should keep the accommodation-hunting tourists coming back again and again.

Air

Both British Airways and EgyptAir operate regular direct services between Heathrow and Cairo International Airport. Once in Egypt, it is possible to get connecting internal flights to the resorts such as Hurghada.

If you wish to stay on terra firma, however, there are a range of options available to you. All of the large towns are connected by rail, with services both frequent and efficient. Although be advised that you will need to book seats in advance. The road network is also well developed and it is easy to hire a car, complete with driver, from all of the major tourist destinations. Just one word of caution - agree the fare before you get in! The cities offer bus, tram and metro services. However, metered, air-conditioned taxis are perhaps the best mode of transport for foreigners that don't speak Arabic. Once again, agree the fare before you start your journey.

However you decide to travel, be aware that certain areas of Egypt still require permission from the security authorities before you can enter. All British travellers should consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before setting off.

Train

Trains are an excellent way to travel within Egypt. Trains are sometimes air-conditioned express versions. However, trains do not go to Sinai or the main beach destinations of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh.

Ferries

Ferries operate from Greece and Cyprus to Alexandria.

The River Nile

The romance of a Nile Cruise has captured tourists' imaginations for many years. The Nile Cruise used to be the only way tourists could get to the tombs and temples of Luxor and today you can get excellent package deals, usually ranging from 4-7 days. Most boats depart from Luxor, sailing down to Aswan, with stops at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo.

Bus

Buses range from modern luxury to overcrowded and uncomfortable. In general, the faster and more luxurious buses will run between major cities and tourist destinations. Tickets can be bought at bus stations and often on the bus itself.

British visitors arriving in Egypt are required to have valid 10 year passport with no less than 6 months to expiry. Tourist £15 single-entry £18 multiple-entry

Currency

The Egyptian currency is the Egyptian Pound (Geneih) usually written as L.E. The Egyptian Pound is divided into 100 piasters (‘isrh). It is mainly a paper currency but coins are used for fractions of the pound.

Tipping

In more expensive restaurants, tipping is customary. Even if a service charge is added to your bill, you're expected to give around 5% to the waiter directly and perhaps the same amount to the maitre d‘. Porters expect a couple of LE; in taxis you might like to round up the bill; in other situations, for example, helpful tour guides or the masseur, use your discretion.

Egypt is largely desert, an extension of the great Sahara Desert that bands North Africa. Save for the thin strip of watered land along the river Nile, very little could survive here. As the ancient Greek historian stated: "Egypt is the gift of the Nile". Generally, dry and very hot summers with moderate winters - November through to January are definitely the most comfortable months for travel in Egypt. There is almost no rain in the Nile valley, so you won't be needing wet weather gear! Do bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a sturdy hat however.

Telephones

Country Dialing Code: 00 + 90 + 20.

Egypt has a reasonably modern telephone service including two GSM mobile service providers. Principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta. Roaming services are provided, although you should check with your service provider. Also, it is possible to purchase tourist mobile phone lines for the duration of your stay. The two mobile phone providers are Mobinil and Vodafone.

There are a number of internet providers. Most tourist towns, such as Cairo and Luxor, boast a plethora of small internet cafés - you won't need to look far!

In addition, an increasing number of coffee shops, restaurants, hotel lobbies and other locations now provide wireless internet access. To date, this is free so you can just walk into them with your laptop and internet away. Any of the numerous restaurant or location guides will list venues with such services.

Egypt is a shopper's paradise - especially if you're interested in Egyptian-themed souvenirs and kitsch, of course. That said, a number of high quality goods are to be had, often at bargain prices. Some of the most popular purchases include: Antiques (NB: not antiquities, the trade of which is rightly illegal in Egypt), Carpets and rugs, Cotton goods and clothing, Inlaid goods, such as backgammon boards, Jewellery, Leather goods, Music, Papyrus, Perfume, Sheeshas (water-pipes). Spices - can be bought at colourful stalls in most Egyptian markets. Dried herbs and spices are generally of a higher quality than that available in Western supermarkets and are, of course, much, much cheaper (up to 4 or 5 times cheaper, though the final price will depend on your bargaining skills and local conditions).

Highlights of any visit to Egypt would include:

• the Pyramids
• the Egyptian Museum
• the temples of Luxor and the West Bank across the Nile
• the Valley of the Kings
• the Temples of Abu Simbel

When you're done with the historical touring don't miss:

The Red Sea resorts including Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. The Red Sea offers some of the best dive locations in the world.

The rest of Sinai. There are a multitude of locations to visit in Sinai. These range from secluded beaches with little more than huts, to climbing Mt. Sinai.

The Western Desert and the Oases

Alexandria. There are many historical sights in Alexandria. Also, you may be interested in checking out the recently established Bibliotheca Alexandria

Egypt can be a fantastic place to sample a unique range of food: not too spicy and well-flavoured with herbs. For a convenient selection of Egyptian cuisine and staple foods try the Felfela chain of restaurants in Cairo. Some visitors complain, however, that these have become almost too tourist-friendly and have abandoned some elements of authenticity.

The public hospitals serve alongside private institutions. Prices vary so ensure you are aware of fees should the need for medical attention arise.

Advised immunizations UK recommended: Diphtheria/Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever

Care should be taken if travelling to endemic malaria areas in the south east. That said, mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer. Help prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening; use mosquito repellents on exposed areas

Bottled water is recommended for drinking.