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Egypt
Egypt - a name that summons up a mystical, extraordinary, unforgettable country of sights and sounds. Ancient history and modern beach resorts combine to leave you breathless!
Thomson Destinations
Egypt, a fabled land of ancient wonders, basks under timeless blue skies and almost perpetual sunshine. Few other countries in the world can reel off such an impressive list of sights as this place can. One minute you're feasting your eyes on a skyline carved with pyramids, the next being dwarfed by the mighty sphinx. In the morning, standing beside Tutankhamun's burial tomb, in the afternoon admiring Luxor Temple, rising from the dusty banks of the Nile. Of course, ancient treasures aren't Egypt's only attraction. For every person who flocks here for the pyramids, there's another who comes for the diving. The warm waters of the Red Sea Riviera play host to an aquatic wonderland alive with colourful tropical fish. This top scuba diving resort has been dubbed one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World and attracts diving aficionados year after year. Above sea level, you'll be welcomed by a sunbather's dream where white sands are dotted with palms, parasols and places to grab a cool drink in the shade. Things to see and do Cairo Cairo is a vibrant, bustling city where you'll be awestruck by your first sight of the Pyramids with their backdrop of desert sands and the enigmatic Sphinx. If the hustle and bustle of Cairo's vibrant centre gets too much, a quieter alternative can be found in the world-class Egyptian Museum where hundreds of years of art and history are collected together, including the famous, solid gold burial mask of Tutankhamun. For an intoxicating shopping experience, head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar where you can delve into the traditional Egyptian way of life. Stick to the main stretch for souvenirs or stray into the smaller tangle of alleys to discover hidden treasures in gold and silver, copper and leather. Fine Egyptian rugs and vibrant clothes are infused with the scent of sweet perfume and pungent spices from neighbouring stalls. Shopping Away from the turquoise waters, the Red Sea Riviera is also known for its excellent shopping facilities. Have fun haggling with the locals as you barter for good value leather goods and Egyptian ornaments in the local bustling bazaars. Away from the hustle and bustle of the markets, take a trip out to one of the Western-style enclosed shopping malls where you can shop to your heart's content in sleek boutiques and glossy department stores. Inland, Luxor has street markets that stay open well into the night. Narrow streets crammed with stalls and shops sell everything from bespoke jewellery and Egyptian handicrafts to woven carpets. In Cairo, meanwhile, inhale the intoxicating scene of perfume and spices as you browse for bargains in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Eating Out Typical Local Dishes Before your meal you might be offered a selection of dips and snacks such as olives, tahina, stuffed vine leaves, houmous and baladi, which is like pitta bread. Kofta is a type of kebab made from minced lamb, which tastes a lot better than it looks! You'll also find kebabs made from chicken and other types of red meat, accompanied by dips such as houmous or babaghanoug (tahina with aubergine). Fish might be on the menu, and if so it's normally grilled or fried and served with salad and chips. Sea bass come from the Red Sea, or you might try Snapper. Stewed foul or fava beans are commonly served, perhaps boiled and mashed with tomatoes, onions and spices. Locals often eat them for breakfast with a chopped, boiled egg. Kushari is a mixture of macaroni, rice, fried onions, chickpeas and lentils topped with a spicy tomato sauce - popular with vegetarians. Pigeon is a local delicacy, and is often stuffed with a spicy wheat stuffing.
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LIBYA
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170 km
© TUI 2005
Beaches The beaches on the Red Sea Riviera are quite simply stunning. Long swathes of golden sands sweep down into sparkling waters. Most of the hotels have their own private sandy havens and offer a great alternative for those who would rather delve into a good book than dive beneath the waves. Scuba diving is unquestionably one of the main draws of the Red Sea Riviera, which provides the perfect arena for viewing turtles, sharks, hard corals and fish of every size, shape and colour. Unsurprisingly there are a number of dive schools dotted along the coastline if you want to take the plunge and uncover an underwater paradise.
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Apr 11 5 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Average daily hours of sunshine 12 12 12 12 11 6 7 6 6 5 Egypt London Oct 10 3
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