Posted By
GoTravelGo On April 18, 2011
The chances are that while you’re out in Cairo you’re going to want to try out some real Egyptian and Arab food – and when it comes to Arab food Cairo is generally the place to find it, but don’t underestimate Alexandria, Luxor and other Egyptian cities. One of the things you’ll notice about our top ten restaurants is it’s not just the food, but the atmosphere and view from the restaurants add so much to the experience – so lets make sure you’re spoilt for choice and get going with our top ten restaurants in Egypt!
1. Abou el-Sid, Cairo
It is often said that Egyptian cooking is a domestic cuisine, not suited to a high class restaurant. Abou el-Sid is proof that this is no longer true! The restaurant is decorated in an oriental style with hanging lamps and brass tables, it’s essentially single-handedly made dining out on traditional delicacies fashionable, so it’s a must see if just for the experience. Specialties are many, so you have all the traditional Egyptian food to choose from including their famous stuffed pigeon and molokhiya with rabbit.
2. Aqua at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo
Much of the best dining in Egypt is at the many five-star hotels. Those that stand out are the ‘Four Seasons’ establishments, particularly Cairo’s Four Seasons at the Nile Plaza. It boasts four excellent dining options, including ‘Aqua’, a superb seafood restaurant with splendid views of the Nile and an excellent sushi bar. The view is great, the food is great and if that isn’t enough there is even an impressive aquarium with exotic, brightly coloured fish!
3. Al-Borg, Port Said
Al-Borg is a simple family restaurant on the beach that prepares only the freshest seafood, including a great local variation on bouillabaisse. The portions are huge and prices are inexpensive – so if you’re in a big group head down and fill up with some great food on the beach!
4. 1886 Restaurant at the Old Winter Palace, Luxor
For all its many other attractions, the restaurants in Luxor are rarely particularly memorable. The exception is in the dining room of the grand Old Winter Palace hotel, where French classic dishes are served in elegant olde-world surroundings. You’ll watch the sun go down behind the Valley of the Kings on the Nile-facing the front terrace before dinner. Note however that formal dress must be worn.
5. Le Pacha, Cairo
There are several restaurant boats moored on the Nile in Cairo, and one of the most highly regarded is ‘Le Pacha 1901’, an award winner of the top 5 restaurants in Egypt and Africa. Its multiple decks contain a variety of restaurants serving French, Moroccan and Egyptian cuisine – our personal favourite being ‘Le Steak’. Decorated in a beautiful ‘Art Nouveau’ style of an early 20th-century Parisian bistro, this French restaurant serves some of the best mouth watering grilled meat in Cairo.
6. White & Blue, Alexandria
Alexandria is renowned for its many fine fish restaurants, but what makes this restaurant particularly special is its location – elevated above a small beach it overlooks the fishing fleet gathered in the harbor. The menu might be simple but it’s fresh and those who love their fish will definitely enjoy it. You’ll get to choose your very own fish from a chiller cabinet and wait while it’s fried, baked or grilled. The restaurant made it in our list primarily because the view is simply worth paying for – when it comes to the food, our advice is stick to the fishes as that’s their specialty.
7. Felfela, Cairo
A long-standing favourite with tourists as well as locals. Felfela specializes in inexpensive Egyptian street food served in fun surroundings consisting of tree-trunk tables, aquariums of tropical fish, terrapins and even twittering birds. This is the perfect restaurant to sample traditional staples such as fuul, taamiya and grilled pigeon. One to try is the hosniya, which is fuul with egg and cream baked in the oven.
8. Villa d’Este at the Conrad International, Cairo
One of the finest and most innovative restaurants in Cairo, Villa d’Este achieves a lovely balance between formal elegance and relaxed comfort. The menu is Italian with a twist and the dishes are truly world-class. It is however expensive, but rest assured you will get what you pay- all the way from the beautiful decor and design to the unforgettable food.
9. La Bodega, Cairo
The Bodega is a very stylish restaurant, bar and cocktail lounge in one – especially popular with Cairo’s city slickers. Housed on the first floor of a belle époque apartment block with high-ceilinged rooms, the restaurant serves surprisingly delicate Pacific fusion cooking, while the lounge menu revolves around well-prepared and impeccably fresh Mediterranean dishes.
10. 1902 Restaurant at the Old Cataract, Aswan
Like its near-neighbour Luxor, Aswan offers few treats for gourmets. Food is basic café style in most establishments. The exception is the house restaurant at the venerable Old Cataract hotel. Here the menu is comprised of excellent Continental European standard food and local fish specialties. Best of all is the dining hall itself – a sumptuous Moorish fantasy with red and white arches and fine mashrabiya.
Posted By
GoTravelGo On April 18, 2011
When it comes choosing your means of transport in Egypt you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Egypt is the most popular tourist destination in the Middle East and so the routes to the country and also within the vast stretches of land are plenty – over the past few decades Egypt has made sure it capitalizes from the tourist industry doing what it can from hotels to security to ensure tourists have a great time and often come back again. So let’s have a look at what your options are for traveling to and within these historic lands of sand!
Flights From Europe
As a general measure flying to Egypt from the UK takes five to six hours. There are international airports at Alexandria, Cairo and Luxor, although most major carriers only fly into Cairo. Major airlines flying direct from the UK to Egypt include British Airways, BMI and Egypt Air, although if you’re interested in a good deal you may often find cheaper fares with other carriers like Air France, which if you don’t mind the change of flights are a fantastic way to reduce the cost of your trip.
Intercontinental Flights
From the United States Egypt Air is the only airline to fly directly to Cairo (daily from New York, taking 11 hours). A number of European and Gulf airlines serve Cairo from a much wider range of departure points however, although as expected those of you that can get to or live in the Big Apple still have by far the biggest choice of airlines.
Packages and Charter Flights
Now if you’re looking for a good deal, the best-value flights are with the growing number of charter packages and low-cost carriers, most of which fly directly to Luxor, rather than Cairo. Just type “Luxor cheap flights” into an Internet search engine and you’ll find plenty of all inclusive flight and hotel deals at very low prices!
Domestic Flights
Egypt Air operates the internal flights for Egypt and the main route it connects is both Luxor and Aswan with Cairo. Flying time in both cases is around one hour, so if you want to move around the country fast then keep a budget of around LE600 for each one way flight.
To and From Egypt’s Airports
Cairo airport is around 20 km (12 miles) northeast of the city centre. When it comes to public transport to or from the airport, there really isn’t much to offer. The only reliable option is to take a taxi, which costs around LE80 to central Cairo. Luxor and Aswan airports however are much easier to negotiate and are far closer to their respective city centers so the fare will be quite a bit less – just remember to haggle as much as you can – don’t be shy, it’s custom!
Trains
The only real alternative to flying between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan is to take the train. There are three tourist trains, all of which travel overnight and offer sleeper carriages. These journeys can be quite fun for those who like this kind of thing and a complete nightmare for those of us that are claustrophobic! But you have a choice of flying or train so that’s a relief. Ideally, you’ll depart from Cairo around 9pm and arrive in Luxor about 6am the following morning – nice and early so you can enjoy the day from sunrise! For current schedules, prices and reservations visit www.sleepingtrains.com.
Long-Distance Buses
Buses are the best way to travel between Cairo and destinations such as Alexandria, Port Said and Ismailia. Services are more frequent and faster than trains. Various companies compete on the routes, with ‘Superjet’, where available, being the most reputable. Buses are also the best way to travel between Luxor and Aswan. Some of the buses are great and are equipped with some nice amenities and of course air condition.
Taxis
Within Egypt’s towns, the most convenient and efficient way to get around is the good old taxi! Taxis are plentiful and, by Western standards, cheap. Beware of unmetered taxis though. Yellow cabs are reliable and have a meter so always try to take these. Blue cabs can be more expensive as they charge a flat fee according to distance but sometimes they actually work out better!
Car Hire
Driving in Egypt can be terrifying for some and an adventure for others! Egyptians and road rules don’t seem to seem to go very well, communication is often via means of the horn and some people are averse to using headlights at night. If you feel you need the freedom of a car to get around and especially if you are there for an extended period it may be worth hiring a car. But in general negotiating a day rate with a taxi can work out very well as opposed to driving a car – but for the adventurers who do decide to go with hiring use the companies that you’ve heard of like Budget.
Boats
The Nile runs from the very south of Egypt all the way up the middle, exiting into the Mediterranean in the north, but the central stretch of the river, through what is known as Middle Egypt, is unfortunately closed to passenger traffic because of ongoing and long-standing security concerns. So if you’re eager to get in a boat of your own then know that travel (other than by small boat such as felucca) is only possible south of Luxor.
Posted By
GoTravelGo On April 18, 2011
Some of us travel to Egypt to have a relaxing break and just wind down, others will try and explore every major point of interest they can think of with busy days starting in early hours and ending in the late hours of the night, others might well be going to study or work, whatever our intention for our unforgettable trip to the ancient lands, in order to ensure a great time one thing we should have in common is an awareness of the measures we need to take when it comes to our health and security – We’ve put together a short guide of the essentials you need to be aware of – this might sound like the boring part, but once it’s done, you’re good to go!
1. Vaccinations
There are no compulsory inoculations for Egypt, although before you go on any holiday you should be up to date with polio and tetanus vaccinations. It’s also worth being vaccinated against typhoid. What’s typhoid you ask? It’s a sort of fever which is transmitted through contaminated food and water – it’s actually a worldwide illness and happens in third world countries as well as the developed world, it’s categorized by a fever so it’s something you really want to avoid when away from home – so if you hate the needle just remember the old saying “prevention is better than cure”!
2. Mosquitoes
Firstly, Egypt is not a malarial zone which is one less thing for you hypochondriacs out there to worry about. Mosquitoes however can be a nuisance. Five-star hotels are usually air-tight and safe, but in the lower grade hotels the pests often come part of the package. If you have issues with the little blood suckers you can employ mosquito coils, rub-on repellent or a plug-in vaporizer, all of which can be found at pharmacies.
3. Food Safety
Just as it is unwise to drink the local tap water, it is also not recommended to stay away from eating salads as the vegetables will have been rinsed under the tap. Avoid raw meats and anything that looks undercooked, and always, always thoroughly wash (in purified water) any fruits that are eaten unpeeled, such as grapes.
4. Stomach Upsets
No matter what precautions are taken, many visitors to Egypt will come down with diarrhea. If and when you do, keep your bodily fluids topped up with plenty of bottled water and eat only the blandest of foods such as plain boiled rice and vegetables! Rehydration salts can be helpful so it may be a good idea to take some with you as a precaution. Do however avoid using medicines like Imodium unless you have to travel or if the symptoms don’t clear up after a couple of days.
5. Pharmacies
Egypt’s pharmacies are excellent and are usually staffed with well trained individuals who speak English and can dispense a wide range of medicines. If you have any health problems in Egypt the pharmacy should be your first port of call. If the pharmacist doesn’t know what’s wrong they will recommend a doctor – just like any other country!
6. Doctors
If you’re accustomed to seeing a doctor whenever you have something coming on, don’t panic and cancel your holiday, most hotels and better pharmacies should be able to recommend a good English speaking doctor should you need it. They do of course charge for consultations, so those of you who are used to the good old NHS should expect to pay around LE100.
7. Crime
You’ll be glad to hear that crime is minimal in Egypt, it’s pretty safe. I hear you breathe a sigh of relief? Don’t get too complacent though! Pickpockets work in Cairo, particularly around ‘Midan Tahrir’ and on the buses to the Pyramids – this sort of casual theft is no more or less prevalent than in any other country. Take the same precautions you would anywhere and don’t leave valuables lying around in plain sight – just use common sense and the crime is nothing to worry about!
8. Animals
For the Ibn Batutta’s out there who are looking to explore many of the cities and even villages in your travels – you should be aware there are snakes and scorpions in Egypt, particularly in the south of the country, but the danger is minimal as they are mostly nocturnal and avoid people. A greater threat comes from the wild dogs that are occasionally encountered roaming city streets in packs. As always use common sense and avoid approaching them as they are feral and often quite vicious – a bite will necessitate precautionary rabies shots.
9. Tourist Police
If you have a problem or need to report a crime head to the Tourist Police, who can be found at tourist sites, airports and stations. They are supposed to be trained to assist foreign visitors and should speak a second language, usually English. They dress like normal police but wear an armband reading “Tourist Police” which is helpful when you need some serious help or even some directions.
10. Terrorism
If you’re worried about that word we here so much these days, rest assured that the Egyptian economy is extremely dependent on tourism and the government has invested heavily in making sure nothing happens to its foreign visitors. Since the terror attacks of the late 1990s the countries tourist attractions have been flooded with armed security and travel between towns is only permitted in armed convoys – it’s nothing to be worried about it’s just extra safety for yours truly.
Posted By
GoTravelGo On April 14, 2011
Egypt is home to some of the biggest festivals in the world, infact the history of these ancient lands is so deep and well-maintained that you can still experience the magic of some festivals that go back thousands of years, as well as more contemporary festivals – so when it comes to experiencing some of the most exciting and memorable events, Egypt is definitely the place to do it! Here are our top 10 festivals and events you can either sit back and watch or even take part in:
1. Cairo International Book Fair
Taking place every January, this is the biggest cultural event on the Egyptian calendar. Not only does it attract publishers, authors and buyers from all over the world, but crowds turn up for the events programme of talks, reading, debates and lectures, and for the many stalls selling everything from DVDs to street food – this is a must see for literature lovers.
2. International Luxor Marathon
Every February, when it is about as cool as it ever gets in Upper Egypt, this full marathon is held on the West Bank at Luxor. The start and finishing point is the Temple of Hatshepsut – if you’re up for a challenge then get down to this and make sure you have plenty to keep you hydrated!
3. Ramadan
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. During daylight hours observant Muslims must not eat, drink or smoke. The fast is opened at sunset with iftar (breakfast), a meal usually enjoyed with all the family. Ramadan is a very festive time where you’ll often find great acts of generosity and many people out on the streets until the early hours of the morning. The celebrations peak with Eid al-Fitr, a three-day feast to mark Ramadan’s end.
4. Cairo International Film Festival
An often chaotic and disorganized celebration of local and international film takes place in November or December every year in various cinemas across the capital. It is usually attended by a bevy of Arab world and international film stars. The festival is hugely popular with local Egyptians because the festival screenings’ censorship laws are relaxed and international films are screened uncut.
5. The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Also known as the Moulid an-Nabi, this major holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. The streets burst into colour and noise with much celebration and talks in remembrance of the Prophet’s impressive character and mannerisms. Like all Islamic holy days, it follows the Islamic calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western calendar. As a result, Islamic holidays move forward every year compared with the Western calendar.
6. Sun Festival of Ramses II
On 22 February and 22 October every year, the sun penetrates 55 m (180 ft) into the innermost chamber of the Sun Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. It illuminates three of the quartet of statues of seated gods that lie deep in the innermost chamber – this was considered a special event with the statues being built where they are for this specific purpose, you’ll find that crowds of people will still enter the area before dawn breaks to watch the awe inspiring display!
7. Pharaoh’s Rally
Taking place every October, this is a gruelling 12-day, 6,400-km (4,000-mile) motor vehicle race (including cars and motor bikes) through the Egyptian desert, with the Pyramids as both the starting and finishing point. Major car manufacturers and competitors come from all over the world to compete – try to watch the start of the race where you’ll find some of the most impressive cars!
8. Moulid of Al-Hussein
A moulid is a saint worshipping festival taking the form of riotous street parties, complete with chanting, dancing, music, fairground rides and sideshows. It lasts several days, culminating in the Leyla Kebira, meaning “Big Night”. One of the largest is focused on the Mosque of Al-Hussein in Islamic Cairo.
9. Eid al-Adha
This is a commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During the two-day holiday Muslims slaughter a sheep or goat and distribute the meat among the poor. It is also a time for visiting family and friends, and for exchanging gifts – somewhat like a Christmas!
10. Moulid of Abu al-Haggag
This festival honors Luxor’s patron saint, whose mosque sits on top of Luxor Temple. Giant floats travel through the densely packed streets, and there is drumming, ritualistic stick fights and horse races. Be aware that the moulid occurs the month before Ramadan and so the date changes each year if your thinking about checking this or any of the other Islamic festivals.
Posted By
GoTravelGo On April 13, 2011
For those who are looking to go on a family holiday to Egypt, while Egypt guarantees excitement and lots to do, you may be wondering if there are any child specific attractions – well we’ve got the kids in mind, so we’ve listed up our top 10 attractions to keep the little ones entertained and also experience the ancients lands from a perspective they can appreciate, while most importantly having lots of fun!
1. Egyptian Museum
Children of all ages will really enjoy this museum. Besides the Tutankhamen treasures, which are always popular, both children and adults find the ‘Mummy Room’ fascinating, particularly the collection of animal mummies that include bandaged cats, monkeys and even a crocodile! Another favorite with the little ones is the large collection of Middle Kingdom models on the first floor, which may look like toys but were believed by the ancient Egyptians to come to life in the afterlife… sounds a bit like the movie ‘Night at the Museum’!
2. Cairo Zoo
The zoo was founded in 1891 and has a central feature of twin hills connected by a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. A maze of pathways loops around animal enclosures and it’s you’ll even get to chance to take part in feeding sessions. The ‘First Residence Mall’ across the road from the zoo is worth popping into since you’re in the neighborhood; it has a splendid café with great ice-creams. Note however that it’s best to try and avoid Fridays as it gets overcrowded.
3. Fish Gardens
Officially known as the ‘Gabalaya Gardens’, this is a small yet beautiful public park on the island of ‘Zamalek’, adorned with tall palm trees and serene grassy hillocks. The hillocks cover cave-like rooms that contain large aquariums with fish and turtles – Egypt being right near the Mediterranean has lots of colorful aquatic life, so you’re guaranteed to see a lot of things you’ve never laid eyes on.
4. Al-Azhar Park
A well-tended modern park on the eastern edge of the city, Al-Azhar is very popular with families and children, thanks to its wide-open spaces, grassy hills and ornamental lake – perfect for a picnic. There is also an excellent children’s play area, which includes climbing frames, walkways and swings, as well as cafés and snack shops – great for an afternoon out.
5. Felucca Rides
Feluccas – the classic small boats with triangular-shaped sails – can be hired by the hour from landings just in front of the Shepherd’s Hotel and the Four Seasons Nile Plaza. They seat eight people and cost about LE50 per hour + LE10 tip, although remember because it’s Egypt, it’s always negotiable! Put this on your list for an afternoon and pack a picnic and eat out on the river while watching the majestic view of the sun going down over the city.
6. National Circus
Housed in a purpose-built structure beside the Nile, the circus operates year round. All the performers are Egyptian and include all that you’d expect from any top class circus – jugglers, acrobats, tightrope walkers, lion and tiger tamers, magicians and trained dogs. The show lasts just over two hours so it’s a great little filler for a day packed with activities.
7. The Pyramids of Giza
Many children are just as spellbound by the impressive structures that are Pyramids as us adults. The opportunity to go inside these pyramids and descend the millennia old passageways to the buried chambers is a particularly exciting and unique experience. After you’ve had your fill of the pyramids it’s always worth capturing some great memories by taking pictures of the kiddies sitting on the horses and camels!
8. Diwan Bookshop
Cairo’s best bookshop has a small but excellent dedicated children’s section with books for all ages in both English and Arabic. You might want to look out for titles that are set in Egypt such as the beautifully illustrated ‘The Day of Ahmed’s Secret’. The story follows Ahmed through the streets of Cairo as he delivers butane gas to customers. These books are entertaining and allow you to take home a piece of Egypt while often learning a little about day to day life in Egypt.
9. Dr Ragab’s Pharaonic Village
This educational theme park recreates life in ancient Egypt using about 100 actors. Board a boat for a tour that includes visits to ancient houses, a temple and a walk-through replica of Tutankhamen’s tomb complete with treasure. This is one you shouldn’t miss! Children can have their photograph taken in a Pharaoh costume and there are also several museums, as well as a bazaar, playground and cafeteria. Lots to keep the kids and grownups busy!
10. Dream Park
Egypt’s largest amusement park is a 30-minute car journey from central Cairo. It contains a huge variety of fairground rides, including a roller coaster, a log flume ride, go-karts and bumper cars. In addition, it has the usual videogame arcades and themed restaurant areas to keep you busy – it’s like your regular amusement park but being in the Middle East makes it all the more exciting!
