Egypt
The Mediterranean shore and 5 star resorts make Egypt a destination favoured by European sun-seekers and Eastern travellers. With a variety of holiday flavours to choose from, there are destinations to suit all from Diving to shopping or just relaxing in the sun. Let out the tourist in you and explore the ancient wonders of the Egyptian world.
The Red Sea resorts are just a four-hour flight – and millennia apart – from the capitals of Europe. Packed with history, charm and fantastic diving opportunities, they have become key winter destinations for sunseekers from across Britain and beyond. So, down a bottle of beer, plunge into warm, turquoise waters and enjoy a meal of ta’amiya and fuul, because your trip to the cradle of civilisation is about to begin.
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Resorts on the Red Sea are divided into two geographical regions: the Sinai peninsula, and the mainland coast, running approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) from Zafarana to the Sudanese border. The chief resort on the Sinai peninsula is Sharm el-Sheikh, although Dahab and Nuweiba attract holidaymakers too. On the mainland coast, Hurghada is the capital of pleasure, with Marsa Alam and El Gouna as popular contenders.
In the Sinai interior, the topography becomes quite mountainous. It is among these great rocks that the ancient stories involving Moses fleeing away from the Pharaoh through the desert were set. Mount Sinai, for which the peninsula is named, is widely believed to be the location where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
A few kilometres away from the mainland coast are the wilds of the Eastern Desert. This stretch of land is extremely unforgiving, and dotted with rock paintings left by the nomads of the past.
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Things to Do in Egypt
- Marsa Alam, the castle of Salah ad-Din, and rock inscriptions are but a few examples of the area’s rich history.
- The coral reefs of Ras Mohamed showcase the glorious fish and coral that draw divers from around the world.
- St Catherine’s Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important place of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians.
- Camel safaris provide an insight into the harsh conditions of the Sinai or Eastern Desert.
- Combine relaxation with a journey back through time to Cairo, Luxor or Aswan in a two-centre holiday.
- Explore the fascinating resort of Sharm el-Sheikh with its shopping at the central souq (market) and take a day-trip to the nearby Nabq Mangrove Forest or enjoy swimming, snorkelling or diving in the Red Sea.
- Hurghada is one of the most popular resorts in Egypt. Definitely the nightlife capital on the Red Sea mainland, it’s a place for diving by day and dancing till dawn.
- A remote yet well-endowed resort with facilities, Marsa Alam is perfect for active holidaymakers eager to explore the rocky interior of the Eastern Desert while enjoying the treasures of the Red Sea.
- Learn to dive or improve your diving skills and explore the beautiful reefs of the Red Sea and its many colourful inhabitants.
- Hiring a guide in the Sinai peninsula and meeting the Bedouins will give you a fascinating insight into their traditions and lifestyle.
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Useful Phrases for Cyprus
Your attempts to master a few phrases and, at the very least, daily greetings will always be appreciated. Why not learn a few words before you go.
| yes | né |
| no | óhi |
| please | parakaló |
| thank you | efcharistó |
| hello | yásou |
| goodbye | chérete |
| good morning | kaliméra |
| good afternoon | kalispéra |
| good night | kaliníkta |
| today | símera |
| tomorrow | ávrio |
| yesterday | hthes |
| Sunday | kiriakí |
| Monday | theftéra |
| Tuesday | tríti |
| Wednesday | tetárti |
| Thursday | pémpti |
| Friday | paraskeví |
| Saturday | sávaton |
| bank | trápeza |
| bus | leoforío |
| car | aftokínito |
| Where is…? | pou iné? |
| How much? | póso káni? |
| Do you speak English? | milate angliká? |
| A room | domátio |
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