Classic Egypt

General Information

As the cradle of civilisation whose history can be traced hack more than five thousand years, Egypt provides an exhilarating and fascinating holiday destination: In just over five hours flying time from the UK, it is a land of huge contrasts from the teeming life of Cairo to the vast empty expanses of the Eastern and Western deserts, and from the ancient lifestyles of the Bedouin tribes to the palm fringed beaches of the Sinai peninsular. Whenever you choose to visit this fascinating country you can rest assured that the warmth of the welcome and generous hospitality accorded to visitors is indicative of the easy-going and friendly nature of the Egyptian people. Arabic is the official language and English is relatively widely understood. As Egypt is a religious country, modest dress is essential.

The Egyptian government is currently investing heavily in tourism and although we feel it fair to advise that some of the newer resort areas are subject to development, we are sure that this will not adversely affect the enjoyment of your holiday in any of our featured hotels.

Climate

Much of Egypt is desert and the whole country is hot and dry with very little rain. Away from the coast, the summers can be scorchingly hot but winters are more moderate with more comfortable temperatures.

From November to February the daytime temperatures around the Red Sea rarely fall below 24ºC and although still warm, the evenings may seem cool in comparison. Water temperatures average between 20ºC and 23ºC during the winter months.

Cuisine

Local dishes, which tend to be delightfully seasonal, are simple and wholesome. Essentially, Egyptian cuisine is based around tomatoes, garlic, olives, eggs, onions, lamb, fish, chicken and pigeon, and a wealth of spices, fruits and nuts and pastries both savoury and sweet. Thick dark coffee, occasionally served with cardamom, sweet tea and fruit juices are the most prolific drinks. As a predominantly Muslim country, alcoholic drinks, although readily available in hotels and restaurants are not in evidence elsewhere.

Currency

Egypt's basic unit of currency is the Egyptian pound which is divided into 100 piastres. UK pounds, US dollars and traveller cheques are widely accepted in all banks and bureaux de change. Tipping is customary and commonplace in Egypt and any tips (baksheesh) will be gratefully received.

Visas Included

Classic Collection Holidays includes the price of your Egyptian visa in the cost of your holiday and, on arrival in resort, you will be met by our local representative who will deal with all necessary visa administration on your behalf Please note that all visitors to Egypt must hold a current passport with at least 6 months validation beyond your departure date from Egypt. We can only include visas for British Citizen passport holders, and non British Citizen passport holders should check their visa requirements with the Egyptian Consulate in London (0207 2359 777 ext 29) prior to travelling.

Coral Reef

Due to the coral reefs present in the shallow waters close to many Red Sea beaches, sea swimming is often accessed by jetties from the beach and for environmental reasons, paddling in the shallow coral filled waters is prohibited. All our Egyptian hotels feature swimming pools and most have children's pools. Where coral is protected, sea swimming is available from the end of each hotel's jetty and whilst we are keen that our customers know that they may not be able to paddle in the sea, we also wish to point out that there is ample opportunity to swim both in the sea and in hotel pools.

Ramadan

In 2005 the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan will be observed from early October until the beginning of November, which may act as a deterrent or an incentive for people wishing to travel. Some restaurants may close for the duration of the month, but the night-time celebrations, particularly from the end of the second week, are particularly lively and colourful.

Red Sea Riviera - Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh lies at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsular where the desert sands meet the clear blue waters of the Red Sea. Idyllic golden beaches shelve gently into an astonishingly colourful world of beautiful offshore reefs and technicolour tropical fish. Enjoying a reputation amongst diving enthusiasts as one of the best dive sites of the world, the Ras Mohammed National Marine Park and the Straits of Tiran are both within easy reach of the resort. Elegant hotels offer every comfort and amenity, and beach bars, gourmet restaurants, bars and nightclubs add to the holiday atmosphere. For more traditional entertainment, the town's bazaars and coffee shops add a splash of local colour, and you can always venture further afield and enjoy a Bedouin dinner under a starlit desert sky.

Red Sea Riviera - Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay & Abu Soma

Hurghada is the most cosmopolitan of the Red Sea resorts. It is built along a spectacular coastline of crystal clear waters stretching from Safaga in the south to El Gouna in the north, Hurghada attracts scuba divers and beach lovers in equal numbers. Traditional ways of life persist in the old town which is typically Egyptian, but the main attractions of this resort area are its numerous coral islands, coral reefs and colourful fish, and luxury hotels offering all the facilities and comforts needed for a perfect beach holiday.

Built on a series of islands linked by bridges and canals El Gouna lies fifteen miles to the north of Hurghada. Developed in a modern Arabesque style with pastel coloured buildings, El Gouna has been carefully planned to offer everything needed for the perfect holiday with a number of excellent hotels, an 18-hole golf course, an open air cinema, and an aquarium as well as superb watersports facilities. Already popular with the Egyptian jetset, El Gouna is fast becoming the Red Sea's premier diving, snorkelling and beach resort.

Twenty miles south of Hurghada is the tranquil and self contained resort of Makadi Bay which boasts a marvellous stretch of white, sandy beach and turquoise waters for endless snorkelling, diving and sunbathing. Watersports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with a large number of windsurfing and sailing options.

Set against a stunning backdrop of the Nile Valley mountains, the self-contained modern resorts of Soma Bay and Abu Soma occupy a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Red Sea. They boast a wonderful, fine sandy beach, stunning coral reefs and very well-appointed hotels offering all the facilities and amenities needed for a perfectly relaxing beach or diving holiday.

Map of Egypt

Sightseeing

Cairo
One of the greatest capitals in the world Cairo is home to nearly 20 million people and has been the largest city in Africa since 1258. A visit to Cairo includes all of the city's most dramatic landmarks, the Pyramids and the Sphinx, The Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the Egyptian Museum.

Luxor
Formerly the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor, is set against spectacular desert landscapes of the Kharga Oasis and features the Valley of the Kings, the Hatsheput Temple and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank, and the Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East.

Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery
Thought to be the oldest monastery in the world, St Catherine's can trace its origins back to the early fourth century AD. A transplanted descendant of the Burning Bush, through which Moses is said to have heard the voice of the Lord, grows in the monastery's enclosure. Close to Sharm el Sheikh, St Catherine's enjoys a spectacular location at the foot of Mount Sinai which Jews, Christians and Muslims believe to have been the site of God's revelation of the Ten Commandments. An impressive sunset can be seen from the top of Mount Sinai.

Snorkelling Trips
A variety of snorkelling trips are offered including visits to Giftun and Gobel Islands which are famous for their seagrass beds and mangroves.

Supper Safari
Take a four wheel drive vehicle from the Hurghada region into the desert before changing to four-legged transport. Dinner is served under a starlit desert sky with telescopes available to take a much closer look at the night sky.

Car Hire
Classic Collection Holidays does not recommend that you hire a car during your stay. We offer a selection of guided excursions which can be taken on either a group or an individual basis. Our reservations team can supply details of our excursion programme and our resort representatives will be able to assist you with arrangements once you arrive in Egypt.

Diving
The true enchantment of the Red Sea is hidden just below its surface and it is considered by many to offer the world's best diving, suitable for beginners and the most experienced divers. There are over 1,000 species of fish and 200 types of coral to be found in warm clear waters and in places the living reef stretches way out to sea, forming an elaborate system of caves, lagoons, gardens, plateaus and coral summits plunging dramatically to the ocean floor.

A lack of intensive fishing creates the perfect conditions for reef and schooling fish. Sharks, even hammerheads, are regularly spotted here and sea turtles are common. The reefs also offer some of the best chances in the northern Red Sea to swim with dolphins in the wild. The range of coral species is astounding and the majority of the coral growth is in excellent condition.

One of the real highlights of diving in this region are the well-preserved, accessible shipwrecks that litter the seabed across the entrance to the Gulf of Suez. At least six major wrecks lie in easy reach of Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada. There are 19th century mail steamers, modern cargo ships and historic spice traders lying on the bottom of this stretch of sea, all waiting to be explored.

Hurghada Diving Packages
Introductory dives including transfer, private guide, full equipment and boat-dive are available from £30 (two dives, from £50). A Beginner's Open Water course (4-5 days) costs from £180 and a Refresher course costs from £65. A two-day Advanced Open Water course costs from £145 (all prices are per person).

Sharm el Sheikh Diving Packages
Introductory dives from the shore with full equipment are available from £40 and a Discover Scuba Diving day including one boat dive costs from £75. A PADI Beginners Open Water course (4-5 days) costs from £205, a Refresher course from £65, and a two-day PADI Advanced Open Water course from £150 (all prices are per person).

To book your diving package or for more information please contact our reservations team on 01903 823088 or 0870 787 3377 or note your requirements on our on-line booking enquiry.