Cairo

Cairo (Arabic: ÇáÞÇåÑÉ transliteration: Al-Qāhirah), which means "The Vanquisher" or "The Triumphant", is the capital city of Egypt. While Al-Qahirah is the official name of the city, in Egyptian Arabic it is typically called simply by the name of the country, Masr (ãÕÑ, Egypt). It has a metropolitan area population of officially about 16.1 million people.[citation needed] Cairo is the seventh most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is also the most populous metropolitan area in Africa. Cairo offers an incredible selection of shopping, leisure, culture and nightlife. Shopping ranges from the famous Khan el-Khalili souk, (or bazaar) largely unchanged since the 14th century, to modern air-conditioned centers displaying the latest fashions. All the bounty of the East is here - particularly good buys are spices, perfumes, gold, silver, carpets, brass and copperware, leatherwork, glass, ceramics and mashrabiya. Try some of the famous street markets, like Wekala al-Balaq, for fabrics, including Egyptian cotton, the Tentmakers Bazaar for appliqué-work, Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments and, although you probably won't want to buy, the Camel Market makes a fascinating trip.

When you need a break from city life, try a round of golf on the famous Mena House course overlooking the Pyramids, watch the horse racing at the Gezira Club or visit the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Take a trip on the Nile in a felucca or ride on horseback from the Giza Pyramids to Sakkara. For a day trip outside Cairo visit Haraniyya village and see the beautiful tapestries and weaving produced by local people. If you wish, you may get away from it all at the top of the Cairo Tower, a modern 187 meter-high tower with views of the city from all sides, topped by a revolving restaurant.

Cairo comes alive at night, which is the best time to shop, eat delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, or simply watch the world go by from a pavement cafe. You can dine in a floating restaurant on the Nile, sample an apple-flavored shisha waterpipe at a coffee-shop or see oriental dancers and cabarets at a luxury hotel. The splendid Opera House complex houses several galleries (including the Museum of Modern Art), restaurants and concert halls. Listening to Arabic music under the stars, in the open-air theater, is a magical experience. At El-Ghuriya, in the heart of Islamic Cairo, you can watch folk musicians and whirling dervish dancers. And don't forget the most essential after-dark experience, the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids, a dramatic fusion of light and music recounting the story of antiquity.

taken from egypt.com

Luxor

Luxor has often been called the worlds greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and much more. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world that know of. Actually, what most people think of as Luxor is really three different areas, consisting of the City of Luxor on the East side of the Nile, the town of Karnak just north of Luxor and Thebes, which the ancient Egyptians called Waset, which is on the west side of the Nile across from Luxor.

Armant Luxor View	Sculptured Walls
Sculptured Walls	Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III

To say that the Luxor area is a major attraction for tourists in Egypt would be an understatement. It has been a tourist destination since the beginning of tourism. Even in ancient times, during the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods, the area drew tourists, and has been doing so ever since. Today Luxor is well equipped to accommodate tourists with many hotels and in general a tourist industry ready and willing to serve the people from many countries that descend on this area of the Nile Valley every year.

Within Luxor, there are only three main streets consisting of Sharia al-Mahatta, Sharia al-Karnak and the Corniched, next to the Nile. The street in front of the train station is Sharia al-Mahatta and runs away from the Nile where it meets the gardens of Luxor Temple. Sharia al-Karnak, or Maabad al-Karnak which means Karnak Temple Street runs along the Nile from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple. However, Sharia al-Karnak is known as Sharia al-Markaz where it meets Sharia al-Mahatta street, and to the south around the temple it is known as Sharia al-Lokanda. Along this street one will find the colorful signs of restaurants and cafes, as well as bazaars where the usual variety of Egyptian souvenirs can be found. Of interest is the alabaster, which is plentiful along the west bank and miled not far from here. Also look for the clay pots used by the locals for cooking, which are more unusual.

Luxor today is a city of some 150,000 people and is governed by special statues that allow it more autonomy then other political areas of Egypt. One thing you might notice is that various government and other buildings confirm to an 'ancient' building code. Particularly, the National bank of Egypt (located near the winter palace), the spa south of the police station, and the railway station are all designed to appear as pharaonic constructs. All of this occurred after the Egyptianization of the modern town resulting mostly from the mania that resulted from Howard Carter's discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. As one might think, the city has all the amenities tourists might expect, including a variety of hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

In Luxor proper on the East Bank, one of the first stops must be the Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III. Head south on Sharia al-Karnak to reach the temple, which was connected to the Karnak Temple via a long stone processional street called a dromos. The dromos (Picture at right) was built by Nectanebo I, and originally was lined on either side by sphinxes. In front of the Luxor temple, the dromos is well preserved, and on the way to the entrance one passes by a Roman chapel of burnt brick dedicated to the god Serapis, which was built during the rule of Hadrian. There is a path that leads to the Nile side of the Temple where one enters the complex.

After leaving Luxor, head back to Sharia al-Karnak and go north towards Karnak. Down the road, near the police station which is near the tomb is the oldest mosque in Luxor, the El-Mekashkesh Mosque. It contains the remains of a 10th century Islamic saint who rumor has it was a monk prior to converting to Islam. The mosque is a popular pilgrimage destination. Here also is the Franciscan Church and its schools, one for boys and the other girls. Beyond this lies a great Coptic basilica.

At the Police station, head towards the Nile Corniche. Here, opposite the Mina Palace Hotel you will find the Mummification Museum, which has most anything you would ever want to know about mummifications. From here, head north towards Karnak.

About halfway to Karnak, you will discover the Luxor Museum. (The image at left is a Block Statue of Iamu Negh from the Luxor Museum). It should certainly be visited if you plan a well rounded and educated experience. While this is a small museum, most of the relics are from the surrounding area and provide considerable insight to the monuments you will visit.

From the Museum, head back to Sharia al-Karnak and continue north towards Karnak. After crossing a small bridge one will begin to see the excavated dromos off the road and running through a small village. A little further on you will pass the ruins of the Temple of Mut where another dromos leads to the gateway of the tenth pylon. The road finally arrives at the domed tombs of two saints, Sidi Ahmed and Sidi Ali, where a road leads past the Department of Antiquities leads to the main Temple of Karnak entrance. This road is built along a canal that once connected the Nile to the Temple. There was a dock in ancient times, but now all that is left is the quay and the raised dais. Just past that is a red brick Roman dock and past that two paved ramps led to the river bank. They are bordered by stone parapets, and were built during the rule of Taharqa. Past these is the Chapel of Achoris, which received the sacred boat of Amun when it was used in ceremonies.

To arrive at the entrance one follows the dromos with its crio-sphinxes. They have the head of a Ram and the body of a lion and are symbolic of the God Amun. Arriving at the temple, there is a statue of Ramesses II with his son between his feet.

To the right is a structure that has red steps, a red front colonnade and red brick walls. Inside there are pedestals. inscribed with the names of Roman emperors, that once held their statues. This was a Roman chapel dedicated to imperial worship. After leaving the Temple complex on the left is the Franco-Egyptian Center which has managed the temple complex since 1967. Down on the shore of the Nile is the Centre National dl la Recherche Scientifque, or CNRS, which houses the French and the Chicago House, a project of the University of Chicago is near by.

After this, you will wish to take a boat trip over to the West bank. This trip had a special meaning to the Egyptians, for they were more crossing the way to the West and life, then to a necropolis. The Valley of the Kings is as good as any to try first, with tombs from the 18th and 19th Dynasties. Outside the Valley of the Kings, the road leads past Antef, named for the 11th Dynasty prices who were buried here. Some tombs can still be seen as one heads towards the Temple of Seti I. Most of what is left of Seti's Temple is the view. The court is entered by the ruined gate of a pylon The court has what is left of a palace on the south side. The road continues south passing Dra-Abu el-Naga necropolis.

The road eventually winds itself westward until reaching the Valley of Asasif. These are 25th and 26th Dynasty tombs. At the end of of the Valley of Asasif at the foot of a cliff named Deir el-Bahri is a spectacular complex of temples. The Temple of Mentuhetep I, Hatshepsut and Thotmose II here must be seen. Much of the architecture here seems so very powerful against the towering cliffs in the background. From here, the road continues past the remains of the temples of Ramesses IV and Thutmose III, eventually reaching the Necropolis of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna. This 18th Dynasty necropolis sits amidst houses where there are hundreds of holes. And below here, one comes to the famous Ramesseum, built by Ramesses II, a huge complex that took twenty years to complete.

As the road runs along past the remains of Thutmose IV, Merneptah, Ay and Horemheb's Temples, it finally comes to the huge complex known as Medinet Habu, which is another of Thebe's major attractions and a must see sight. The gate has square towers and appears almost oriental. Behind the complex is the workmen's village called Deir el-Medina. Out in the fields near here is the Colossi of Memnon, one of the major tourist attractions throughout time. Southwest of Deir el-Medina is the Valley of the Queens, where queens of the 18th and 19th Dynasties were buried.

From here, the road continues past the mudbrick remains of the Amenhotep III's palace called Malkatta. There is a lake to the east and at the other end of that, a small Roman temple called Deir Shelwit and built at the end of the 1st century.

taken from egypt.com

Alexandria

The Building of Alexandria

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern ; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually only 225 km. from Cairo.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. But ancient Alexandria declined, and when Napoleon landed, he found a sparsely populated fishing village.

From the 19th century Alexandria took a new role, as a focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. This Alexandria has been immortalized by writers such as E-M- Forster and Cavafy. Generations of immigrants from Greece, Italy and the Levant settled here and made the city synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture.

Alexandria is a city to explore at random. It's as important to enjoy the atmosphere as it is to see the sights.

Alexandria is a city to explore at random. It's as important to enjoy the atmosphere as it is to see the sights. Dinocrates built the Heptastadion, the causeway between Pharos and the mainland. This divided the harbors into the Western and Eastern. The Eastern harbor was really where the old harbor from the Middle Ages was located.

Of modern Alexandria, the oldest section is along the causeway which links what was once Pharos island with the mainland and includes the districts of Gumrok (the oldest dating to about the 16th century and known as the customs district) Anfushi, and Ras el-Tin (Cape of Figs). The latter two districts date to about the period of Mohammed Ali (1805-49). Collectively, these districts are known to westerners as the Turkish Quarter. They have had a number of ups and downs over the years, particularly due to the plague during the 17th century. The area forms somewhat of a T-shape, dividing the Eastern Harbor from the Western Harbor.

This section of Alexandria is known to us more from books then what we may actually see in the area. Where the Pharos Lighthouse once stood, is now occupied by the Fort of Quit Bay (1) out on the area that circles up around the top of Eastern Harbor forming the eastern section of the top of the T. Heading south from the Fort of Quit Bay, we come to the stunning Abu El-Abbas Mosque (2). West of this is the Anfushi Tombs (3), some of the oldest in Alexandria and well worth a visit.

This area along the coast about 15 miles east of Alexandrias old district along the Corniche is where many of the modern Alexandrian hotels are located, as well as one of the elegant heritage hotels. Khedive Abbas II built the Salamlik as a residence. Here also is the magnificent Montaza Palace.

The Mahmudiya Canal

A walk along the Mahmudiya Canal brings wone face to face with the working class and industrial districts of Alexandria, and is pleasent along the old paved road bordered by the canal and sycamore treets. South of the Greek district along the canal is the Antoniadis Gardens, which seep with history. Here, the poet Callimachus lived and taught, and in 640 AD, Pompilius prvented the King of Syria from capturing Alexandria. But less then a year later, Amr Ibn el-As camped here, before taking the city. The well known Water Traffic Circle is also in the area.

taken from egypt.com

Mersa Matrouh

Mersa Matrouh lies 290 km. West of Alexandria and 222 km. from Sallum. The distance from Cairo to Matrouh is 524 km. It lies on a bay on the Mediterranean and is distinguished by its seven km. long beach, which-as all visitors have testified-is one of the most beautiful in the world.

The beach is famous for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters, for the bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural wave-breaker, with a small opening to allow light vessels in.

This beach dates back to the days of Alexander, the Macedonian, when it was known as "Paraetonium" and also as "Amunia". It said that Alexander the Great stopped there during his historical expedition to pay tribute, and sacrifice, to the god Amun, at Siwa, so that he becomes Amun's son and his rule be a historical continuation of the pharaohs. There are ruins of a temple from the time of Rameses II (1200 B.C.) in Matrouh.

Monument and Tourist Sites

Egyptian Fleet Anchorage
Built the Ptolemies, the remains of the naval installations still stand west of the port.

Coptic Chapel
Built the early Coptic age, and contains several caves bearing inscriptions.

Rommel's Hideout
A cave, hewn in the rock, where Rommel drew up plans of his military operations. It has now been turned into a military museum.

Beaches

Ageebah Beach
About 28 km. west of Mersa Matrouh, it is distinguished by its numerous natural caves and enchanting scenery.

Al-Abyad Beach
About 20 km. west of Mersa Matrouh beauty surpasses that of Mersa Matrouh beach.

Marina Ruins-Alamein
An ancient city discovered in 1985, it comprises temples, tombs baths and nobles' houses, from the Graeco-Roman period. It is the largest archaeological city after Alexandria.

The British Cemetery: Thousands upon thousands of rock-hewn tombstones stand straight rows amidst a fenced garden.

The British Cemetery

The German Cemetery: It is a fortress like memorial that was built on a high overlooking the
sea.

The Italian Cemetery: It is a high tower fort standing on a high hill. The walls of the building are covered with marble.

taken from egypt.com

Sharm el-Sheikh

The simplicity of sun, sea and sand. The luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment. This is Sharm el-Sheikh, one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, plus about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom.

Four miles south the southern section of the town stands on a cliff overlooking the port. and is a great view.

Na'ama Beach is one of the center of the tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own. Most hotels at Na'ama Bay have their own, private beaches with comfortable amenities such as chairs, shades and even bars.

Shark's Bay is also nearby, and again is a growing resort community with more and more to offer, along with several diving centers.

The small harbor known as Sharm el-Moiya is located next to the civil harbor, has accommodations for boats, and includes a Yacht Club with rooms.

For those who live to shop, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books.

It has been said that this is a must visit for all diving enthusiasts. There are many diving sites along the 10 mile beach between Sharm el-Sheikh and Ras Nusrani.

taken from egypt.com

Hurghada

Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and until a few years ago, remained a small fishing village. But today, it has gone on to become the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here: windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but, above all, snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats. This area has many fine accommodations, usually offering warm and efficient service. Restaurants are mostly along the main road. While in Hurghada, don't miss the museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea.

Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs. They are particularly frequented by the young, but certainly many others of all ages. One may often find a rousing party centered around the visitors from a tour group taking over the action of a particular bar. They are easy to find along the main street, along with loads of inexpensive and expensive hotels.

It is also a beach resort, where thousands of older Europeans and others come with their families to enjoy the sun and fun of private resort beaches, some all inclusive. Many of these hotels offer so many activities and facilities that one may never need to leave the resort. Often, the larger resorts have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theaters.

urghada is also a city under development. Many new hotels and construction are taking place, and we can expect to see some great new hotels, restaurants and other facilities in the near future. Actually this is a busy section of the Red Sea in general. Safaga is just south of Hurghada, and Soma Bay with its beautiful Sheraton is even closer to the South. To the North is El Gouna, a highly organized resort community. Together, these communities and resort areas offer just about everything a visitor might wish for, from raucous parties to isolated scuba diving, with golf, bowling and fishing in between.

Islands near Hurghada offer all kinds of fun and excitement. Take a day trip to Giftun Island for snorkeling and a fish barbecue, or view the Red Sea from a submarine! When you're not in the sea you can shop in the boutiques, relax in the luxury holiday villages or visit the Roman Mons Porphyrites (mountain of porphyry) remains at nearby Gebel Abu Dukhan (Father of Smoke). Day-trips or safaris to explore the Red Sea Mountains by camel or jeep are also available. Other nearby islands and destinations include the Shadwan Island (Diving, snorkeling, fishing but no swimming), Shaab Abu Shiban (Diving, snorkeling and swimming), Shaab el-Erg (Diving, fishing and snorkeling), Umm Gammar Island (Diving and snorkeling), Shasb Saghir Umm Gammae (Diving), Careless Reef (Diving), Abu Ramada Island (Diving), Shaab Abu Ramada (Fishing), Dishet el-Dhaba (Beaches and swimming), Shaab Abu Hashish (Beaches, diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing), Sharm el-Arab (Diving, swimming and fishing and Abu Minqar Island (Beaches and swimming).

taken from egypt.com

Fayoum

The Fayoum is a wonderful area of Egypt with a rich and interesting history. It is an area where Egyptians often vacation and which is constantly growing more popular among Europeans. This 692 sq. mile depression was a lush paradise during prehistoric times. It's water level was eighty-five meters higher than today (currently 45 meters below sea level) and the Nile regularly flooded through the low mountains separating it from the Fayoum. At 215 square km, the current lake Qaroun remains Egypt's largest salt water lake. The prehistoric people who lived here were, at first, nomadic hunters and gatherers, but later began harvesting plants near the lake. This developed into what is said to be the earliest agricultural area in the world, where fences were erected and guarded warehouses built. It has remained an agriculture center, well known for it's fruits, vegetables and chickens.

But agriculture is not the Fayoums only claim for being first. The Greek mummy portraits found in the Fayoum are said to be the worlds first true life portraits, and examples can be found in area museums. In addition, a paved road, which has been noted as a landmark of engineering by engineering societies along side the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, is said to be possibly the first paved road in the world and dates to over 4,500 years. And finally, the worlds first dam was probably built here in order to control the Nile floods into the area.

The peacefulness of the area is a relief from the hustle and bustle of Cairo, from which it is a brief trip. Bird life still abounds around Lake Qaroun, bordered by semi-nomadic Bedouin settlements and fishing villages. Here, on the edge of the desert, you can sail, windsurf, swim and fish. Other places of outstanding natural beauty near Fayoum are the hot springs at Ain al-Siliyin, where you can bath and the waterfalls at Wadi al-Rayan, 40km towards Bahariyya, also suitable for swimming and picnics.

Fayoum is not a true oasis since it depends on Nile water instead of underground springs or wells. The ancient Bahr Yussef canal runs through the center of the city and irrigates the land. Only two hours from Cairo by road, Fayoum is renouned for its year-round warm climate, numerous water wheels (introduced by the Ptolemies in the 3rd century) and lush agricultural land. Cotton, clover, tomatoes, medicinal plants and fruit are all grown here. The local Souk (market) in Fayoum City sells copperware, spices and gold jewelry and there is a special pottery market once a week.

Other small villages in the area too small to document independently include Qasr Qarun at the western end of Birket Qarun and Shakshuk also by the lake on a bay.

taken from egypt.com

Aswan

Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Its ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.

In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. View the spectacular sunsets while having tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel (Named due to the location of the Nile's first cataract located here). Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and it's still a perfect place to get away from it all.

Every night Nubian dancers and musicians perform in the Cultural Center, just off the Corniche. Folklore troupes recreate scenes from village life and perform the famous Nubian mock stick-fight dances.

Dancers at the Cultural Center

Aswan is a strategic location which currently houses a garrison of the Egyptian army, but which has also seen ancient Egyptian garrisons, as well as that of General Kitchener, Turkish troops of the Ottoman empire and the Romans.

The city proper lies on the east bank of the Nile. Relax here, visit a few mosques, but then prepare for an adventure. The bazaar runs along the Corniche, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum, and continues on to the Cemetery, with its forest of cupolas surmounted tombs from the Fatimid period. Just east of the cemetery in the famous area quarries is the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. Just to the south of this, two Graeco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand.

The most obvious is Elephantine Island, which is timeless with artifacts dating from pre-Dynastic times onward. It is the largest island in the area. Just beyond Elephantine is Kitchener's Island (Geziret el-Nabatat). It was named for the British general Haratio Kitchener (185--1916) and was sent to Egypt in 1883 to reorganize the Egyptian army, which he then led against the Sudanese Mahdi. But the island is known for its garden and the exotic plants the Kitchener planted there, and which continue to flourish today.

On the opposite shore (west bank), the cliffs are surmounted by the tomb of a marabut, Qubbet el-Hawwa, who was a local saint. Below are tombs of the local (pharaonic) nobles and dignitaries.

Upriver a bit is the tomb of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan who died in 1957. Known as the Tomb of the Aga Khan, it is beautiful in its simplicity. A road from there leads back to the Coptic Monastery of St Simeon, which was built in the sixth century in honor of Amba Hadra, a local saint.

Just up river a bit, there is also the old Aswan dam, built by the British, which was enlarged, expanded, but unable to control the Nile for irrigation.

Elephantine Island

taken from egypt.com

Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam sits on the T-junction between the Red Sea coast road and the road from Edfu which sits on the Nile river about 230km (142mi) inland. This road, which was probably originally built byPtolemy II in the Greek period, passes through some historic landscape where the ancient Egyptians mined much of their gold. Several gold mining operations are known. Just off this road are found two areas, called Wadi Barmiya, and about about 30 kilometers further into the mountains. Wadi Baramiya extends into another larger Wadi named Miya, where a temple was built by, among others, Seti I. Both areas were probably gold mining communities.

In addition, a wealth of rock inscriptions from as early as the predynastic period may also be found along this route near Marsa Alam. Here, the smooth rock faces were an ideal canvas for ancient graffiti, which dates from the earliest times right up until the present. The ancient graffiti depicts animals, including giraffes and cattle, but also includes hunting scenes, such as an ostrich hunt with dogs. Unfortunately, with the expansion of this road, many if not all of these inscriptions will be soon lost.

While this road in ancient times was used for the gold mining trade, archaeologists believe its main use was as a trade route between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea where an important ancient port was located.

Today, Marsa Alam remains a fairly small tourist town, but we may expect to see considerable development in the very near future. The airport is actually part of a larger development project designed to create a state of the art resort area in Port Ghaleb, including both a 1,000 berth marina and port, with a dock-side harbor, yacht club and spa, along with a highly animated town center and a corniche around the marina area. On the corniche will be shops, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bistros, nightclubs, discos and a casino. In addition, there will be a conference center and festival hall, along with a combined desert and links golf course

The private marina will not only be the largest in the Middle East, but an international sea-gateway for yachts to visit Egypt. Located just outside of Marsa Alam, that project is scheduled for completion in 2004, though the marina may open as early as this year (2002). By then, even conservative estimates indicate that some 4,000 hotel rooms will be available in and around Marsa Alam. Senior Counselor for the investment group involved in this project, James Pringle, explains:

"Our vision is to create a world-class integrated resort community, recognized globally as a model for environmental conservation, cultural preservation, design creativity and beauty, and diversity of experiences and facilities…a community where life is colorful, exciting and varied yet balanced with the serenity and peace that comes from being in harmony with nature…a development that excites, pleases and rewards the developer, investor and holiday-maker alike.”

Only a short time ago, it would seem that most of the accommodations here were tent camps, but even now, many new, fine hotels have been built. However, for the moment, the primary reason to visit the mainland Red Sea community is for the snorkeling and diving. This whole coast line is one huge reef of exceptional quality with new dive sites being discovered all the time. Dive sites such as Elphinstone (famous for its hammerheads!) and Dolphin Reef, previously only accessible to southern Red Sea liveaboards, can now be dived by day boats from Marsa Alam. Also, only recently opened to divers here, is access to the famous St Johns Reef. To quote one diver just starting out on the first dive on a trip to Marsa Alam, "Oh my, it's clear! deep. deep blue, and fish so many, what's that? a Lionfish, a Parrotfish, A Triggerfish, A Blue Spotted Ray....it's warm, its blue and it's beautiful". It should also be noted that a nature reserve stretches from here to Gebel Elba in the south. .The primary dive sites in the area include:

Elphinstone Reef

With sheer walls plunging down to over 70 meters, Elphinstone Reef is the mythic dive site of the south. The walls plunge deep into the blue, richly decorated with soft, bright pink, red, white and brown corals, sponges, gorgonias and fans. Pelargics often swim by the spot to feed on the abundant reef fish population, but many other species, including dophins, fusiliers, jacks, snappers groupers and wrasse may also be seen. The northern plateau is home to schooling hammerheads with frequent sightings of oceanic gray white tip sharks, along with Barracuda, numerous big Jacks and even Tuna.

Abu Dabab

No Information available at this time.

Shaab Marsa Alam

Large reef in front of the last southern civilian town on the Egyptian coastline. Corals gardens formed near huge coral blocks 'porites' and shoals of banners, goatfish, snappers and jacks.

Shaab Samadai

A horseshoe shaped reef creates a shallow turquoise water lagoon where a large herd of spinner dolphins live permanently. Others often show up around noon for a rest and to teach their babies how to hunt. Several dives are found on its outer walls. The western tip provides a large group of pinnacles rising to the surface from a carpet of sea grass, populated by schools of reef fish.

Daedalus Reef

A huge round reef with a lighthouse more than 40 miles away from the coast, features an excellent opportunity for spotting big pelargics all around its steep walls with an extreme variety of fish and coral. Strong currents possible.

Shaab Sharm (Gota Sharm)

Big reef with big walls, hammerhead and grey reef sharks in summer, malabar grouper, baracudas, and schooling reef fish the rest of the year. Currents, soft corals and giant fans.

Habili Gamal

No Information available at this time.

Abu Galawa Soraya

No Information available at this time.

Abu Galawa

On 'Fury Shoal' group, this reef has a good hard coral garden on the north side, and a wreck of an old tug boat fully covered with corals leaning on a pinnacle on the south side.

Shaab Mansour (Shaab Maksur)

Good dives on both north and south plateaus, with strong currents which favour the growth of all types of coral, inclucing black, soft and fans. Sharks, napolean and tuna fish.

Shaab Claude

No Information available at this time.

Sataya (Dolphin Reef)

Also named 'Dolphin Reef', huge barrier reef that offers a sheltered inner lagoon and shear walls on the outside schooling hammerhead, large tuna fish and jacks.

Zabargat (Zabargad)

Enormous mountain coming out of the water surrounded by a lagoon and circling reef, . A couple of wrecks and some decent diving with a great variety of both corals and reef fish. In addition, the island itself was most probably mined by ancient Egyptians for precious stones.

Rocky Island (North, East and South Coasts)

Tiny rock emerging a few feet out of the water, it offers one of the most incredible underwater scenarios of the whole Red Sea. Steep walls falling into the deep blue, currents, soft corals and a great abundance of pelargics and all kinds of fish.

Erg Diab

No Information available at this time.

On 'Fury Shoal' group, this reef has a good hard coral garden on the north side, and a
wreck of an old tug boat fully covered with corals leaning on a pinnacle on the south
side.

St Johns Reefs

No Information available at this time.

References also tell us that there is a rest house belonging to the Dokki Shooting Club located at Marsa Alam that can arrange fishing expeditions, but this information is old, and we have not been able to verify whether they continue to arrange fishing trips.

taken from egypt.com

Ismailia

The Ismailia Governorate consists of an area of approximately 4482.8 km2 or 0.46% of Egypt's area, along the west bank of the Suez Canal. It has 70 km along the east coast.

The Ismailia Governorate is the capital of the Canal region where the Suez Canal Authority has its headquarters, and where the Suez Canal University is established.

Ismailia is located on Lake Timsah along the coast of the Canal, half-way between Port Said and Suez. The Governorate consists of five cities; Ismailia, Fayed, Al-Tal Al-Kabeer, Qantara west and east.

In the early days, Ismailia was called Timsah Village, but it was subsequently named after Khedive Ismail of Egypt. According to the census conducted in 1996, the estimated figure of the population was 715,000 inhabitants (58% urban 42% rural), or 1.21% of Egypt's.

Ismailia City is approximately 120 km from Cairo by the direct route "desert highway" or 135 km by the countryside road. All parts of the Governorate are joined with an integrated network of roads. This enables traffic to join the city of Ismailia with its suburbs.

The Ismailia Governorate has several ancient and antiquity areas:
Tal Al-Maskhota: It is in Abu Seir village, and was called so when workers found statues there in 1886. But in fact this place was "Baraton Ai" town. There is god Aton temple made from basalt, a Ptolemies alabaster coffin from the Ptolemi age, which is moved now to Ismailia Museum. It is one of the most important tourism places.

El-Timsah Lake

Tal Al-Sahabe and Al-Azba 16: It is about 2 km south Abu Seir. There are monuments from the ages of Hyksos, Greek and Roman.

Tal Al-Naaima and Al-Gamaleen: It is 2 km south Al-Nafesha and Ismailia/Suez road. They are on the course of the Pharaonic canal "yenkao".

East Qantara town: It has Al-Riah route, Telal-Dafa, Afran, Oum Atla, Al-Sabtia and Al-Saidi. They are important ancient places, existing on Al-Biloz which was one of the Nile branches. There is also the castle of Basmatic of the 26th dynasty.

Tal Hassan Dawod: It is south Al-Baalow Al-Kobra village in Al-Dawaida village, about 4 km far from Ismailia. It is one of the places dating back to the pre-historic age and beginning of the dynasties. Its tombs were discovered in 1989 through 1992. There are 350 tombs dating back to the beginning and before the dynasties age.

Tal Al-Quaa: It is south Al-Kassaseen village and about 2 km south Mashage village, dating back to Hyksos age.

Tal Al-Ratabi: The most ancient place in Al-Tal Al-Kabeer. There were discovered a huge fence, a temble and tombs dating back to the Middle Age.

Tal Abu-Nashabe & Al-Hatab: They are south Tal Al-Hatab in the old kassaseen, on the Pharaonic canal which is known as "cisostreese" that was inaugurated during king Nakaw age of the 26th dynasty. Al-Tal Al-Kabeer and Al-Tal Al-Sakheer: They are tourist sites, also there are Tal Al-Bahr, Tal El-Sheikh Salem and Oum Bardy and Tal Al-Hear.

As to tourism and places of interest, Ismailia is strengthening its position as a city of the future in tourism field. There are lots of opportunities to have recreation, but there are also chances to relax in peaceful natural surroundings. It is undoubtedly the place to be in.

The Ismailia Regional Museum was established in 1932. It contains Pharaonic, Islamic, Greek and Roman collections from different periods.

Free Post or Area no 6 is a marvelous peaceful spot overlooking the Suez Canal. It witnessed many battles during the Arab-Israeli conflict. It was the site where in 1969 an Israeli shell killed Lieutenant General Abdul-Monaim Reyad, the then Egyptian Chief-of-Staff.

The memorial of 6 October, 1973 Victory was inaugurated on 5 October, 1992 on the east bank of the Suez Canal and was modeled after a Bayonet.

Mallaha Park is a truly magnificent park covering an area of 500 acres, planted with varieties of rare flowers, trees and palm that belong to many overseas environments.

Lake Timsah is known for its calm water on which many beaches are located and where there is opportunity for many water sports. It covers an area of 14 square km. The beaches that overlook the lake are Moslem Youth, Fayrouz, Melaha, Bahary, Taawen, in addition to the Suez Canal Authority beaches.

The Bitter Lakes are truly impressive lakes where the governorate has encouraged tourism by establishing new tourist villages such as: Morgan, Mashrabeya, Canary, Bullman, Safa and many other beaches.

Tablet El Shagara is 10 km from Ismailia. It was the headquarters of the Israeli enemy leadership during the October war.

The fields of investment are clothes and food industry, electrical appliances industry, land cultivation, animal production projects, establishing tourist villages, clays, glasses and crystal industries. Natural resources are sands, pebbles, lime stone, gypsum and pebble soil. The most important crops are clover, maize, sesame and wheat. Its fish catch amounts to 81.84% of the total figure for the country.

The National Day is 16 October, as on that day in 1951, people of Ismailia ignited spark of resistance against the British occupation.

The city is clearly divided by Sharia Sultan Hussein (street). One one side (east) the city is very peaceful and quite, while on the other side is a huge urban area.

taken from egypt.com