Egypt is one of the most popular family holiday destinations for families staying in holiday villas and self catering apartments. It is one of the most visited countries in the world. Of course Egypt is famous for one thing in particular and that is the pyramids.

Egypt is famous around the world because of the Pyramids and thousands of tourists come to Egypt each year especially to see these. It is highly recommended you take a trip to see these while holidaying in Egypt. Many tourists chose to stay in a holiday villa or holiday apartment in an area close by. Depending on which resort you are staying in the transfer time to the pyramids varies quite considerably. Once there, you can even do a guided tour inside the pyramids, an experience you're sure never to forget.

Sun-worshippers flock to Egypt year after year, with its year round warm climate it is the perfect sun holiday destination. It's not uncommon in the summer months to have temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, although existing northern winds take the edge off the heat so it's not uncomfortable. Egypt is home to some stunning beautiful white sandy beaches and warm clear waters.

The main tourist resorts in Egypt are El Gouna, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh-while here you can stay in one of the many luxury holiday villas with swimming pools or luxury holiday apartments, all are available for rent direct from the holiday home owners.

As well as the pyramids, Cairo is also right on the banks of the River Nile, another major tourist attraction in Egypt. It is one of Egypt's largest cities. The Nile is one of the longest and most fierce rivers in the world. Adventure enthusiasts can go out onto the Nile and challenge it to some rafting, or maybe you'd prefer to just take a relaxing dip while trying to escape the blazing heat. Egypt is becoming more popular with families coming on vacation here and staying in a self catering apartment or a villa with a swimming pool.

Other activities that are popular amongst tourists in Egypt are diving, horse riding, go-kart racing, sightseeing and of course the Safaris. Safaris in Egypt are not just sitting on a bus driving around all day, you can hire a jeep, ride on a camel or motorbike. Some Safaris also include trips by foot. Tourists looking to experience the quiet and natural life of the desert will be amazed.

Another place worth visiting in Cairo would be to Khan El-Khalil. It is filled with ancient shops, factories and workshops. This town has been famous for shopping for many many years and is a popular tourist attraction and one that should be experienced. Why not try your hand at haggling, if you don't want to overpay for merchandise you must master the art of haggling, it is not uncommon to get the price down by as much as 50-60% of the original price. You can stay in one of the many rented holiday apartments or villas and use this as a base to experience the local life and culture.

Egypt is said to be home to some of the best holiday homes in the world. Whether it's a holiday cottage, self catering apartment or a luxury villa with swimming pool you're looking for, all are available to rent direct from the home owners.

Taba is a small Egyptian village situated at the northern most part of Egypt's Red Sea Riviera. Taba is basically a transit point for travelers from Israel to destinations in Egypt. Taba Heights is a well-planned holiday resort located twenty km south of Taba where the Sinai mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop to the sparkling blue waters of the Red Sea.

The area enjoys year-round sunshine; temperatures range 65?F to 105?F in summer and 55?F to 77?F in winter. You can enjoy a walk on the un-spoilt golden sandy beaches or relax in sunshades and enjoy your beer any time of the year.

There are enough outdoor activities to indulge in such as water-sports, Scuba diving and surfing virtually throughout the year. With varied marine life and coral beds here snorkeling is popular. You can view a variety of colorful fish, dolphins, turtles and barracudas. A glass-bottom excursion is available for those who want to see the fish, but can’t swim. You can explore the Sinai Desert on quad bikes, jeeps, or on horseback; go camel riding.

Taba Heights serves as a hub for various local excursions. You will enjoy a visit to the 6th century famous Monastery of St. Catherine; it was built under the Roman Emperor Justinian over what was known as the place of Moses' Burning Bush. You can go up Mount Sinai or Mountain of Moses on camel caravans, or take the hard way of climbing up the 3000 steps carved into the rock by monks.

The amazing Colored Canyon, 70 km southwest of Taba, is accessible by car and is ideal for a hiking expedition. It is a maze of sandstone rocks mineralized and stained in a variety of ways by water over thousands of years. There are narrow, twisting paths formed into the rocks, surrounded by spectacular 60 meter cliffs with narrow slots, beautiful sculptured walls and cliffs made of sandstone; they have amazing layers of colors such as pink, purple, silver and gold.

Just 5 km southeast of Taba, the Rocky island of Pharaoh (Geziret Faraum) and Salah El Din Citadel depicts ruins of a 12thcentury crusaders' fort. You can dive in a maze of reefs and also enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the coast of Arabia, Jordan and Israel from here.

Animal enthusiast will enjoy visits to the National Park of Nabq and National Park of Ras Abu Galum which shelters an abundance of animal life.

Restaurants at Taba Heights offer international cuisines. Hotels offer live entertainment in the evening. Though shopping is limited to hotels.

Taba Heights has a large chain of international hotels. The Hyatt Regency, designed in the style of a modern Nubian village, provides high quality accommodation and is quite popular. It is nestled between the mountains of Sinai, the desert and the Red Sea and provides breathtaking views. It has a 450m stretch of secluded private beach and it offers its guests a jetty and direct access to the Red Sea coupled with a welcoming service.

Facilities include Airport & border transfer, Bank, Multilingual staff, Safes, In-resort transport, Car/Limousine rental, 24-hours Doctor-on-call, Diving and water-sports centre, Games Centre, three swimming pools, a huge saltwater lagoon, Club Olympus and Health Spa, Oasis Kids’ Club, a shopping arcade and casino. It provides international cuisine and you can experience a traditional Bedouin evening with delicious Bedouin feast and folk entertainment.

Most of us --even those not particularly interested in Egyptian history-- are familiar with black-eyed image of dark and beautiful Queen Cleopatra, rolling out of a carpet and into the shocked presence of Julius Caesar. But even more fascinating than the dark and sexy screen vixen we've seen depicted in dozens of films is the real Cleopatra. An incredibly intelligent, vibrant, and ruthless woman, Cleopatra was an intriguing historical character.
The Queen's real history began in 49 B.C., when Cleopatra was in her early twenties. After a failed attempt to establish herself as the sole Pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra was driven from the palace by Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII (Cleopatra's brother, husband, and co-ruler). But she soon returned with an army, setting up camp outside the palace in Alexandria and setting herself and her brother into something of a stalemate.
Soon, Julius Caesar of Rome took up residence in the palace, trying to bring peace between brother and sister. But when summoned to the palace by Caesar for a peace conference with Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra was barred entrance by her brother. Desperate for Caesar's help (and with something of a flair for the dramatic), Cleopatra came up with a plan to sneak into the palace. She had her servant roll her in a carpet and present the carpet to Caesar. Her dramatic gesture won over Caesar, and when Cleopatra rolled out and begged him for help regaining her throne, he agreed.
Though her brother-husband, Ptolemy XIII, rebelled against Caesar's decision to return Cleopatra to the throne, the civil war that resulted was soon ended by Ptolemy XIII's drowning. After his death, Cleopatra wasn't willing to take any more risks. After bearing a son to Caesar (a son who was next in line for the Egyptian throne), Cleopatra had both her brother, Ptolemy XIV, and her sister, Arsinoe, killed to keep the throne safe for herself and her son.
Left free to rule, Cleopatra was a popular ruler. Her main goal as Pharaoh was to keep Egypt free from the Roman Empire, which was rapidly expanding. So she allied herself with Roman general Mark Antony, who was rival to Octavian, next-in-line for the Roman throne. And though their relationship was beneficial to Cleopatra and to her throne, she actually loved Antony --a love which would become legendary as time went on-- and bore him three children.
But Antony's protection didn't last forever, and in 30 B.C., Cleopatra committed suicide to avoid being captured by Octavian, using either a vial of poison or the venom of an asp. This ended the life of one of history's most fascinating female figures, and began a legend that would live on for thousands of years.
Interested in Pharaoh Cleopatra and her history? Visit the Smithsonian Magazine website for fascinating facts about Cleopatra, including the surprising revelation that the Queen was not the legendary beauty she was made out to be, visit the Smithsonian Magazine website.

Egyptian belly dance offers an authenticity and continuity of culture that one will not find in American style. Each dance has its own unique qualities. Egyptian belly dance is an authentic ethnic dance in movement and spirit. The dance and dancer are the physical manifestation of and visual compliment to the exotic music they accompany. Egyptian belly dance was among the first styles to be witnessed by Westerners.
The exact origin of this dance form is actively debated among dance enthusiasts, especially given the limited academic research on the topic. Much of the research in this area has been done by dancers attempting to understand their dance's origins. Wherever it began, the dance has a long history in African and the Middle East. Despite the restrictions in Islam regarding portraying humans in paintings, there are several depictions of dancers throughout the pre-Islamic and Islamic world.
Because the most popular venue for the dance remains night clubs, it is this version, rather than the more traditional folk or social versions that remain the most popular. The costume now associated Egyptian belly dance is called the bedlah in Arabic (meaning "suit") and was adopted by dancers in Egypt in the 1930s. From there it spread to other countries in the region. It owes its creation to the harem fantasy productions of vaudeville, burlesque and Hollywood during the turn of the last century, rather than to actual authentic Middle Eastern dress.
Most of the basic steps and techniques used in belly dance consist of circular motions isolated in one part of the body; for example, a circle parallel to the floor isolated in the hips or shoulders. This is a very intriguing action especially when accents using "pop and lock" technique where a dancer either shimmies or makes a striking motion in her shoulders or hips. Additionally, exhibits of flexibility and rolling one's belly muscles, balancing various props like baskets, swords or canes, and dancing with chiffon or silk veils are commonly used to enhance the mystery of the dance.
Dancers typically balance swords and other props, or did snake and folk line-dances. Their costuming was and still is distinctive with black and silver asuit fabric and facial drawings to simulate tribal tattoos. Dancers may also use a length of fabric like silk or chiffon during one part of the dance sequence. In truth costumes change from place to place and from time to time if you study the development of belly dancing.

Without a doubt, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the best diving destinations in the world. It has always been a beautiful place, but never before has it been as famous and comfortable as it is today. Twenty years ago a diving trip was real adventure. Divers had to accept a long trek through the desert and setting up camp at the beach before they could go for a dive. Today, visitors are offered a variety of adventures and luxuries. Four and five star hotels like the Ghazala, Hilton, Mövenpick, Baron, Mariott and many others are present. But in the background there is still the never-ending magnitude of the Sinai Desert. The center of activities where most of the hotels and diving centers are located is Naama Bay, 7 km from the City of Sharm El Sheikh. Due to the great demand new accommodations are also available outside of Naama Bay, such as the Baron Resort in Ras Nasrani. Numerous bars, restaurants, shops and the attractive Mediterranean promenade, have made Naama Bay a busy holiday resort. In the center of Naama Bay, arabic stile bazars, shops and coffee houses invite the visitor for a stroll and shopping for typical souvenirs and handicrafts. A variety of bars,discos and even a casino offer entertainment until late into the night. Though diving is still one of the main attractions in Sharm el Sheikh, a lot of other water sports, excursions and activities are available. A camelride at sunset in the desert, visits to Mount Moses and the St. Katherine Monastery, excursions to the ancient City of Petra in neighboring Jordan or desert safaris with cross-country vehicles.

I heard a rumour on the 10th of November that a new Pyramid was discovered In "Sakkara" area, on the next day the rumour was confirmed by the Egyptian press & media, the BBC, and yahoo news.Now Egypt has 118 revealed Pyramids and lots more hidden ones, The Egyptian Antiques Chief thought it to belong to the mother of a Pharaoh who ruled more than 4,000 years ago who is said to be Queen Sesheshet, the mother of King Teti, founder of the 6th Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom.

Egypt is the most mysterious place on earth, The taste of Ancient Egyptian Mysticism still lingers in the air, This ancient atmosphere really does give you the feeling that secrets are yet to be revealed. Maybe you could be lucky to reveal some secrets yourself, here's where to find them:
1- Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
These pyramids of kings Khufu, Kafhre, and Menkaura, are the greatest tombs on earth in means of size and structure, these perfectly shaped structures leave anybody seeing them with the mysterious questions of how they were built.As for the Sphinx, the saying "The riddle of the Sphinx" is full of meaning because archaeologies until this day still argue about its purpose and orgin
2- Abu Simbil
Ramsis II had these two temples built in order to give himself and his wife Nevertari mortality, It is said that these two temples are of the most beautiful in Egypt and the world, What is also extraordinary is that these temples were relocated in order to avoid the floods in the late years of the 20th century.
3- Cairo,
The capital of cultureCairo isn't the place you would want to miss, if you really want to dive in Egyptian culture Cairo is the place to go, full of luxurious bazaars and great restaurants makes it your chance to grab a bite from Egypt.
4- Al Azhar Gardens
As one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Al Azhar Gardens remains a landmark in Cairo, where you can catch a panoramic view of the old city, and it's spectacular minarets.
5- Temples of Karnak
This is where the ancient Egyptians worshipped their gods, This temple holds a monument of almost every single god in the Theban religion.
6- The Nile River
Who would be willing to miss the famous Nile Cruise? Yes that's right, Nobody. It is the reason why all the other wonders are present, the legendary river has been the vein of life in Egypt for thousands of years, and it is said that the Nile river will be the last water source to dry out on earth, what else could be magic?7- Valley of the Kings
The most sacred place of the Pharaohs, this is where the most esteemed kings were buried , present there are many mummies and lots of un-revealed treasures, in fact the most famous mummy was found there "Tutankhamun".
8- The Egyptian Museum
After visiting where the treasures were found, you sure would want to see what was found, if that's the case then the Egyptian Museum is the place to go.
9- Siwa Oasis
If Alexander the great liked this place, Why wouldn't you? Egypt is not all about monuments and Pharaohs, this place is one where you could loosen up a bit and take a swim in the cool waters in the middle of the desert.
10- Hurgada & Sharm El-Sheikh
Two world ranked resorts also well known for the great coral reefs and scuba diving sports, Here you can swim in the spectacular waters of the red sea, or dance your hips of at the famous bars and discos.

Had some friends visiting us from Singapore. While they've done the Nile Cruise and Abu Simbal, and of course, the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum, they asked me a very pertinent question? Other than the antiquities,
what are the top 10 things to do in Cairo?
Not Egypt but in and around Cairo?
For a moment I was fazed! First thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions Cairo is the pyramids and the museum...that set me thinking....I am writing down what I would def like to do in and around Cairo, in random order...and these are things that I would like to do...
1/ Coffee and Sheesha at El Fishawy
2/ Tannoura at Al Ghouri
3/ Felucca ride
4/ Dinner at the revolving restaurant
5/ A day trip to Fayoum
6/ A trip into the White Dessert
7/ A night out at Darts (Heliopolis) After Eight or Budha Bar
8/ The 11 pm to 4 am show with Dina at Semiramis
9/10/Cannot think of the balance two which does not include the antiquities... needs some thought!Anybody who is reading this and has suggestions, would love to hear your top 10 things to do...I have this nagging feeling that there is something very obvious that I am missing out!

Mysterious treasure hidden in a rich cultural and archaeological almost unimaginable, it is difficult to think of Egypt without mentioning the Sphinx, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Nile. Besides being the open-air museum world's largest Egypt also offers many luxurious holiday complex in the Red Sea, many of whom put a diving at your fingertips, a spectacular snorkeling and windsurfing.
Cairo:
airo is the capital of Egypt, where millions of people live that make a real metropolitan traffic and movement, is also the largest city in Africa and the Middle East. The city is a magical place that does not cease to amaze visitors with its wonders, with the most impressive monuments and buildings which offers loans as well as areas arquologicas and museums, it is an undisputed destination to visit if you are in Egypt. It is also known as the "City of a Thousand minarets," It originated in the Pharaonic era but recently in the 642 after an invasion, where they erected the camp that would then Cairo.
Luxor:
This wonderful city that has received several names in its history, is divided between the banks of the River Nile, east and west, and being only a few meters from Cairo, also represents another beauty that can not be accessed. With a past rich in architecture and history, can not fail to mention the temples of Luxor and Karnak, sites really formidable. The city is mysteriously beautiful, and the visitor can learn a little more about the secrets of Egypt, a unique destination for concocer and enjoy a unique experience.
Edfu:
Also known as Dyeb by ancient Egyptians, and as Apolinopolis Magna by the Greeks and Romans, the town of Edfu, a destination of astonishing beauty, lies within walking distance of Luxor, and as she is, owner of great mysteries, such as what is your temple of 237 BC, it is the best preserved and most beautiful around the country, and that is undoubtedly one of the strongest attractions of the place.

Kom Ombo:
This temple that was born during the reign, which is located within walking distance of the Nile, is divided into two parts, which are solely dedicated to two gods of triads, so it begins, the wonderful mysteries that embodies the temple. The first part is then devoted to the trio of Sobek (crocodile god), HathorTasenetnofret (the goddess sister) and Panebtawy (the (his mother) and Jonsu (his brother), and the second part of the triad of Horus, Mr of the countries. The place carries an air of mysterious and captivating, making the visitor feel he has traveled through time in the size and space, and that nothing of what separates the secrets of Egypt.
Aswan:
Its origin dates from 2575-2143 a. C., and this is the most important city in Upper Egypt, initially, called Swenet and was the main market of exchange and is the main means of marketing that interacted with Egyptian Nubia. It also was recognized for being the point from which the valuable material was extracted from the granite, which is towards the conocidasestatuas and buildings. The city is a marvel in beauty, that even today we bring the past with magnificent structures such as the Unfinished Obelisk, the Mausoleum of Agha Jan, and even modern High Dam and the Nubian Museum, among many other things. A place full of history and testimony.
Nubia and Lake Nasser:
The original Nubian ceased to exist long ago, since the construction of the Aswan Dam, Lake Nasser as the covered completely, and instead of just the name is primitive. But by the eagerness of trying to salvage a little of their history, have been undertaken since the mid-90 ', and cruise ship visits, which makes several stops to visit the buildings that have been rescued from the water.

Peak travel season in Egypt runs from mid October to May, and this is the best time to visit. As you will notice, the tourist season is during winter and spring, but this is also the high season, and prices go up at this time of year. Some hotels can be really expensive, and because of this, I would advise prior reservations for all hotels before you come, even the budget hotels.

From May until October, the temperatures are fairly high, especially in Luxor and the southern parts of the country, yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite. It is a huge advantage being able to see the tourist sites without hassle from school children, or from the crowds of tourists. Imagine, piece and quiet to take photographs, without strangers obscuring the view!

Although certain Cairo hotels will fill up with many Arab visitors in the summer, who would rather be here than having to endure even hotter weather in their own countries, advanced bookings are rarely required, and a variety of discounts are even offered, as incentives to them who would brave the heat.

Another very good time to visit Egypt is during the springtime. During spring the weather is fairly moderate, but try and avoid the “The Khamsin wind1” season that runs between March and April, though it only takes a few days and you can handle that so easily ... it is quite an adventure! !!
The Khamsin wind is a warm wind that blows in from the desert, carrying sand and dust!

Some travellers will avoid travelling to Egypt during Ramadan. This is mainly due to the fact that alcohol is not allowed during the month, especially during the daytime! But another reason could be that many of the restaurants are closed during Ramadan, and all tourist sites close one or two hours earlier than usual, causing a shorter time for visiting.
But on the other hand Ramadan is a lovely month in Egypt, as it resembles a month-long festival. At night all coffee shops are full of people who will stay up till the early morning hours. It is the time when Cairo (and the rest of Egypt) never sleeps, the time when all people go out to have fun.

Egypt is the geographical location, which is rich in history Pharaonic and Roman and the polar and Islamic Egypt of the country to attract tourists, , As will visit Egypt during the reading of the blogger
Cairo is the capital of Egypt, where more than one place to be visited,
will go to the Egyptian Museum to see the Pharaonic monuments, Cleopatra, Tutankhamun
Egyptian Museum
This Exhibition is a revival of the cultural patrimony ,The Egyptian Museum, which receives tourists a day, that the dream of all the studying archeology,
The ground floor of the museum, which describes the ancient Egypt, At the left side there are small statues representing the families and workers, When to move forward, you'll see the King Akhenaton , When to move upstairs to see the treasures of King Tutankhamun and carts, gloves, and jewelry, the famous mask - many of the antiquities from his tomb