Egypt Travel - Getting There and Around

Egypt's mystical and timeless appeal has for centuries seen the ancient country being ranked among the most spectacular sightseeing destinations in the world.

Egypt is reached by air, water as well as road and rail. Those travelling by air can come in through Cairo International Airport, Alexandria, Nozah, Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, Hurghaba in the Red Sea area, and Sharm El-Sheikh in South Sinai.

There are several airliners that offer Egypt flights including British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, and Thai Airways International.

In addition to airports there are a number of marine harbors for those that prefer to travel by sea. For those travelling on the Mediterranean Sea, the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, and Damietta are all possible entry points. There is also a port right at the Gulf of Suez and another, the port of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea offers three options for travellers; the ports of Hurghaba, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh.

For those who prefer road trips, there are three overland entry posts. The Salloum entry post is located on the northwestern border (for those coming in from Libya). The famous Rafah crossing is on the northeastern border for those coming in from the Gaza strip, the Occupied Territories, and Israel. On the eastern border there is a post at Taba for those coming in from Israel.

Getting the right paper work and visa is essential to a stress free entry into Egypt. Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Visas can be obtained from either the Egyptian Diplomatic and consular Missions Abroad, the Entry Visa Department, or from Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). However it is possible for visitors to obtain an entry visa at any major points of entry.

Visitors entering Egypt at the overland border post to Taba to visit Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine can be exempted from visa and granted a free residence permit for fourteen days to visit the area. Citizens of the following countries are required to be in possession of a pre-arrival visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.

Those in possession of a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less. There are three kinds of visas to Egypt. Tourist visas are usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis. Entry visa are required of any visitors arriving in Egypt for purposes such as work, and study that are not related to tourism. This visa is necessary for the completion of the residence procedure in Egypt. Transit visas are made available to travellers transiting through Egypt. Once in Egypt, visitors have different options to get around the country in an easy and comfortable way. The options range from car rental, luxury trains, and coaches to domestic flights to connect tourist cities.

If you are coming in through Cairo International, you have the option of renting a limousine with fixed fees according to your accommodation location from the airport, or use Cairo airport transportation service which covers all the country and airports. You can request for this service through your travel agent or from the information desk at the airport.

The easiest and most common way of moving within any city is by taxis. This are easily available in the major cities, Cairo, for instance, has a fleet of air-conditioned and metered yellow cabs. One is whoever advised to book their taxis at least an hour before their intended time for their trip. In some cases it is recommended that you ask for a receipt as proof of payment to avoid any inconvenience later. Alternatively one could catch a regular taxi on the street or even in front of their hotel. They are usually coloured depending on the city they operate in. in Alexandria they are yellow and black, in Cairo they are black and white. It is very important to know the colour codes in different cities so that you minimize risks.

Egypt's major cities have a healthy bus system within and between the cities. Examples of which are Super Jet, Delta and Upper Egypt buses. They go from city to city and they provide catering facilities, toilets and on board entertainment. The con in travelling with buses is that they stop far too often thus taking too long especially on long distance trips. Rail travel is highly recommended for long distance travel.

The underground, which is comprised of two long lines, is the cheapest and fastest way to move inside Cairo and Giza governorate especially in the rush hours (from 2 pm to 5pm). The first, from Helwan to El Marg has 33 stops; the second, from Giza to Shoubra El Khema has 18 stops. Note that the first carriage on each train is always strictly for women. Summer working hours are from 6:00 am to 1:00 am and winter working hours are from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Many transportation companies offer a wide choice of luxury cars and coaches with well trained drivers. Car rental agencies are represented in the major cities as well as the international and domestic airports. The train is one of the best ways to travel between major Egyptian cities.

Three kinds of trains are available: the ordinary, the express, and the turbo. The express and the turbo are the more expensive options, but they come with the advantage of a pampered journey taking you to your destination rapidly with all catering facilities and air-conditioning. An excellent turbo train service is available between Cairo and main cities around the country. The train takes about two hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria.

For those who prefer to travel by air locally, Egypt Air - the national carrier - links most of the tourist cities in Egypt with its reliable domestic flights. It is possible to fly directly from Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh or Alexandria.

Samuel Maina is online travel writer for Africa point Limited, an Africa specialist travel agent, offering online reservation services for hotels, airline tickets, rental cars, tours and safaris to 13 African countries. Read some of his works on http://www.africapoint.net and http://www.africapoint.com.

Viaggi e turismo In Marocco

Allo stesso modo molti altri paesi del mondo Marocco rappresenta anche alcune belle e famose mete e luoghi che sono abbastanza popolari attraverso il Nord Africa. Il governo del Marocco sta mettendo i suoi sforzi al fine di accumulare sempre più risorse per sviluppare l'infrastruttura generale dello stato ed è per questo che migliaia di opere costruttive può essere visto in molte delle città popolare del paese. Diversi luoghi famosi e le città sono la chiave caratteristica attraente per i turisti e i visitatori prenotazione loro voli a Marocco molti dei viaggiatori da Europa soprattutto da Londra godere il loro viaggio in Marocco. Alcuni luoghi famosi e chiavi per i visitatori in Marocco sono come segue;

Giardini martina

Moschea Koutoubia

Regione di Marrakech

Costa mediterranea di Saidia

Sahara marocchino

Casablanca Twin Center

Montagne del Rif

Questi luoghi favolosi e sorprendenti tutti sono una fonte importante per catturare l'attenzione del cliente e migliaia di africani ed internazionali passeggeri in viaggio per questo bellissimo stato del Marocco, attraverso i loro voli economici a Marocco. Questi tutti i posti sono vale la pena guardare e turisti hanno mostrato un grande interesse in tutti questi luoghi. Alcuni passeggeri cercando di viaggiare in Marocco attraverso loro voli internazionali a scopo visita preferiscono viaggiare diverse città del Marocco e per questo motivo che viaggiano a Casablanca, Rabat, Ifrane, Tangeri e molte altre città bella e ben sviluppata. Ci sono cose diverse di ogni uno interesse ci sono alcune parti del paese che sono assolutamente sorprendente e hanno un unico degno agli occhi dei viaggiatori. Servizi ausiliari sono fornite a tutti i passeggeri e viaggiatori, un viaggio in Marocco per la prima volta nella loro vita. Per avere un volo low cost per il Marocco basta visitare il nostro sito e risparmiare tempo e denaro per la qualità e il viaggio aereo tranquillo.

Sono un grande amante della musica e l'amore per unire parti di tarda notte. Il mese scorso ho preso mio voli verso Marocco [http://www.flightstomorocco.org.uk/] e trovato una varietà di luoghi con entusiasmanti attività di vita notturna.

An Overview of Morocco and Her Famous Places

Morocco is one of the major countries in North Africa having an overall population of almost 39 million where lots of travelers travel each year making this country one of the top attractions in this North African region. This beautiful destination is a home to so many attractions and attracts most of the art lovers because of her natural and scenic beauty. Thus morocco flights can lead you to these destinations and famous hotspots and can be a source of delight and comfort during your air travel to this shining destination. The tourism industry has a major role in the economy of the state and the government on the other hand also facilitates and promotes the travel and tourism in the country.

The weather and the climatic conditions in this state are considered to be quite assisting and helpful for the travelers and visitors. The beautiful scenery, lovely and charming beaches and some quite and relaxed paces make this country a hotspot for foreign tourists and investors and so many overseas property buyers who want to invest their finance in the real state. There are so many flights to Morocco flying from many major destinations of the world carrying travelers and tourists and the business professionals as well. The statistics and the past data reveals this fact that the country's pace of progress in increasing as it is becoming more and more developed and well recognized destination in North Africa.

Traveling to Morocco brings you to avail so many opportunities to travel so many famous and worldly popular destinations like Ait-Ben-Haddou, Asilah, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech City, Meknes, Sahara Desert, Tangiers, Tetouan, The Todra Gorge where you can feel quite comfortable and relaxed. There are lots of business opportunities in these glorious destinations where you can invest your finance to expect some decent returns. However mostly the business professionals prefer to purchase business class tickets for their flights to Morocco and experience a safe and secure journey.

If you are traveling to Rabat the capital city of Morocco you can find this city quite well developed where a huge flock of passengers travel to. There are three major airports in this country where you can travel through after having your cheap flights to Morocco as these three airports are located in Tangier, Agadi, and Casablanca. Those flights coming from long air routes arrive at Casablanca airport as Casablanca is one of the most glorious and dazzling city of Morocco.

Last Month I took a tour to Morocco with my family by reserving with flights to Morocco [http://www.flightstomorocco.org.uk/] and really enjoyed there

L'avventura del Marocco

Some experiences are thought to create psychological and physiological arousal by an exciting, unusual, bold, risky and uncertain undertaking termed adventure. It is a major pursuit of it in itself. An adventurer or adventuress is the one who believes in the existence of fun from risks in life; be it physical, financial or psychological for the recreation with excitement endured in the process. Travelling can be the most satisfying adventure involving exploration and tourism to remote, exotic as well as hostile areas by stepping out of one's own comfort zone.

Struck by Lonely Planet or Travelogues, Africa is place of deprivations but not when it comes to adventurous explorations. With every turn of the head, there is something new and exciting to venture out into being one of the many authentic destinations. It's second to Egypt as a North African holiday destination.

It is a constitutional monarchy located in the North Africa. The political capital of the country is "Rabat" with "Casablanca" being the largest city. It has always been known for its Islamic liberalism and openness towards the Western world. Morocco is a diverse place with culture and geography. Languages spoken here are Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French and Berber. Same way Moroccan literature is written in Arabic, Berber and French. Rock-influenced chaabi bands are widespread with trance music with historical origins in Muslim Sufi music.

The landscapes are a wild mix up of mountainous regions, calm coastal enclaves and barren deserts. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Spain (through the Straits of Gibraltar) to the north and Mauritania with the Western Sahara to south. There is miserable climatic variation in the country. In the north, around Tangiers and the Rif Mountains; sunny and dry summers run from May to September. South experiences desert climate with very little rain, soaring temperatures during the day and sharp drops to cooler temperatures at night. During rainy season, The Atlantic coast receives rain and during winters, the High Atlas Mountains are blessed with snow.

There are frequent flights from most major European cities to Morocco and an option of overland travel through Europe via the Straits of Gibraltar. The infrastructure in Morocco is good with well serviced roads and public transport in the North as well as Central regions but further south the roads get narrower plus bumpier. The major cities of Morocco are Marrakech, Fès, Tangier, Casablanca and Rabat. Notable fact is that Morocco is the starting point for travelling all across Africa.

The country is divided into three natural regions. The fertile northern coastal plain along the Mediterranean contains Er Rif; the rich plateaus and lowlands lying between the Atlas Mountains. It extends in three parallel ranges from the Atlantic coast in the southwest to Algeria and the Mediterranean in the northeast. The semiarid area in southern and eastern Morocco merges into the Sahara Desert. Morocco has the most extensive river system in North Africa with most of the rivers flowing towards the Atlantic or Sahara. The Moulouya is an exception and flows to the Mediterranean. Principal rivers of the country are Oumer River, Sebou, Bou Regreg, Tensift, Draa, Sous, Ziz and Gheris. Its 1800 kilometers of coastline offers exhilarating waterborne and wind loving activities in this region. Seaside entertainments include surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, Trekking, rafting, mountain biking, off-road driving are inland sources to boost up the adrenaline.

The best time to visit the place is the autumn as it marks the end of the Muslim period of fasting, Ramadan. Though the accommodation prices hike, it is the time to dive into the winding streets of the Fès medina or even snag you a wife at Imilchil's Berber Marriage festival. The warm days and cool nights of autumn offer a great deal with nature in Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains, the Anti-Atlas Mountains with volcanic Mt. Siroua, Mountain Jebel Toubkal (North Africa's highest peak), Rif Mountains in the north and the gorgeous Ameln Valley hold the major attraction for trekking destinations. Set beneath the peaks of the Rif Mountains with red-tiled roofs, bright blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on a delightful square; "Chefchaouen" is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco. Avoid visiting the place in August due to the immense heat it tolerates at that time and the holy month of Ramadan when most of the restaurants will be shut during the day.

The currency utilized here is Dirham (Dh) with 8.15 Dirham equal to 1 US Dollar. The common phrases of communication with the Moroccans whose most cherished possession is their dignity are Ssalamu'lekum (hello, literally peace be upon you); Shukran Bezzef (thank you very much) and Insh'allah (God willing). Handshakes are the customary greeting between individuals but are somewhat weak according to western standards.

The people of Morocco are well-known for their warmth, hospitality and inhibition. It is very common to be showered with invitations for coffee or tea throughout one's stay. The cuisine of Morocco is rated among the best in the world and falls into two specific categories. The first category requires intensive supervision and the host do not participate in the preparations. No women are present and the male host merely oversees the banquet with his sons and servants. Men squat on mattresses or pillows around low and beautifully laid tables. A silver ewer of perfumed water is taken around and poured over three fingers of the right hand of each guest. The host claps his hands to begin the meal. One course after another and each delicacy is served until Chban (complete satiation) is achieved. To finish the Savor, silver ewer filled with warm water is presented to clean the mouth, lips and hands.

The meal is considered as a feast for the Gods which begins and ends with Bismillah (God's blessing). In the second category of cookery, the dishes are prepared with love and care by the mistresses of the homes (Dadas). She spends hours with her glazed earthenware with copper cooking dishes, her kanoun (the movable clay brazier) and the charcoal to perfume the kebabs which allows the sauces to simmer under its heat. A folded carpet serves as a seat. The Dada is dressed in a long colorful robe with the scents of coriander, cumin, saffron, marjoram and onion mingling with the pungency of olive oil as well as the sweetness of sandalwood, mint plus roses to delight the senses. The dinner starts with Bstilla, followed by the typical brochette or kebab flavored with bits of beef or lamb fat. Next comes the Tajine (chicken or meat in a spicy stew which has been simmered for many hours) served with a flat homemade bread called Khubz. In Morocco, as in most Arab lands; every household makes its own bread. After the Tajine, a Batinjaan Zalud (eggplant salad or chopped tomato salad) is served as a separate course. After this, Couscous Marrakesh, the marvelous Moroccan national dish made of semolina with each grain separate from the other is served. The dinner is completed with slices or wedges of peeled melon La Morocaine pastries made with honey and almond land finally a small glass of mint tea. The following dinner is a very much simplified version but it is delicious gives the "feel" of Morocco.

To know the high risk associated with the trip and avoidance to death, check the latest travel news and advisories with current government warnings if you are heading to the area for the history of explosions. Travelling to the Western Sahara region of Morocco is not advised due to the presence of landmines. Though amidst all the fuss; Moroccan adventure caravan tour, North morocco plus Fez Escape tour, Moroccan adventure holiday and self drive tours to the southern coast of Morocco can be a boon to an adventurous mind. Morocco is enlightened with such undoubtedly splendid pride and vastness available in resources to fulfill the lavish hunger for adventure, food and life. It can surely be an obsession that would make one smile with an inspiration to give.

Best Travel Destinations to Visit With Cheap Airfares

Whether you are going with family, friends, or alone, for business or pleasure, or to enjoy the nature, adventures and romance, get on without any delay for your dream place. There are many destinations that you can visit with a cheap airline fare. Now-a-days, the travel agencies offer many all-inclusive packages, responding to the expectations of the tourists, at very reasonable rates. These agencies organize their stay, sight-seeing, and other additional activities as well. For instance, Wild Discovery, one of the most active travel agencies in the market, tries to offer the best services to the customer.

If you are planning to go for a honeymoon, then the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Thailand, Malaysia, or the Caribbean are the most-favored places. These dreamy destinations are full of a kind of romantic ambiance suitable for the newlyweds. The heat of the sun, enticing beaches, scuba diving to see the spectacular wrecks laden with corals and sponges and fish and turtle shelters, Getaway Sailing, care and massages based marine products; everything attracts the lovers. Couples like Europe: Prague, Budapest, and Vienna, and Central America.

With regard to families, the Mediterranean is the most-liked destination having Cyprus, Greek Islands, Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Cote d'Azur. Cyprus is an ideal place for relaxation. In Morocco, the family can enjoy the dunes, oases and palm groves. Enjoy exploring the valley of roses. Cheap airline tickets to Morocco are available online. China is also an attractive tourist destination. Its main characteristics are its legendary cities, wonderful scenes, its culinary arts, traditions and the charm of its modern cities.

To make your traveling safer, enjoyable, and above all, economic, you must select a travel agency that is renowned and experienced. It will help you to make your plans according to your budget, your tastes and requirements. Before buying any package, it is very important to know about the facilities included in the package. Though the all-inclusive schemes are very popular, you must see whether it matches your expectations or not. The global service includes not only low-cost flights, transfers and hotel, but also many other activities and some meals. It is better to use the prepaid cards instead of carrying cash that can be stolen or lost. Thus, enjoy the best travel destinations with cheap airfares.

Agenzia di viaggi Marocco - consigli per un'avventura vacanza in Marocco

Attenzione tutti i drogati di avventura! Contrariamente alla credenza popolare, il Marocco non è quasi tutti i mercati e la splendida città cosmopolita. Ci sono molte cose da vedere per quelli in viaggio alternativo, eccentriche. Ecco alcuni consigli che ho ricevuto da un'agenzia di viaggi Marocco sulle cose interessanti da fare sulla mia vacanza in Marocco:

Il Marocco è un paese di paesaggi mozzafiati e affascinante città, quindi se il vostro senso di avventura coinvolge l'amore di altezze, siete dentro per un ossequio. Immaginate di partire su una mongolfiera da Marrakech e pacificamente scivolano sulla Marocco mentre vi godete il paesaggio mozzafiato. L'agenzia di viaggi Marocco che ho passato per l'aria calda mongolfiera avventura comprendeva anche una visita in un villaggio per avere tè alla menta e pane al forno di casa, pur confondendosi con una famiglia berbera locale.

Per coloro che sono in azione in più rispetto a una lenta deriva attraverso l'aria, voli in elicottero personale sono disponibili. Molti itinerari sono disponibili se si sceglie questa opzione, e questi tour possono durare tra un esaltante dodici minuti a un ampio 4,5 ore.

Un tour in elicottero più completa e avvolgente che vi consiglio è quella Atlas Tour, che prende circa un'ora per completare. In questa escursione, è possibile visualizzare il drammatico scenario delle montagne dell'Atlante Takerkoust Lake, Ouirgane, Toubkal, Oukaimeden, la valle dell'Ourika e Marrakech.

Voglia di un quad-bike da corsa intorno alla città? Gli amanti della bici ameranno l'esperienza di costeggiando intorno Palm Grove, dove si può zip intorno, ammirando il pittoresca 'regione verde' di Marrakech che è sede di alcune delle più belle case di lusso, campi da golf e Alberghi nel mondo. Si arriva anche a visitare la famosa oasi di Piste di Marrakech, cavalcare alcuni impressionanti dune e visitare alcuni villaggi berberi prima sosta per godersi una pausa tè con alcuni dei locali.

Se siete dopo una più strutturata esperienza nel deserto sotto forma di un tour di diversi giorni con una guida, queste sono anche disponibili presso qualsiasi agenzia di viaggi Marocco buona. Queste agenzie di viaggio possono anche essere in grado di personalizzare un itinerario adatto a voi che incorpora quadriciclo equitazione, giri in elicottero e mongolfiera.

Spero vi piaccia la tua emozionante avventura Marocco vacanze. Una volta che si verifica il lato selvaggio di questo incredibile paese, non vorrete mai lasciare!

Viaggio in Marocco Agenzia di viaggi ha sede a Marrakech, Marocco e offre lusso privato agenzia di viaggi Marocco servizi, tra cui una guida turistica Marocco, per i pacchetti di viaggio Marocco adatti a famiglie, coppie, singoli e piccoli gruppi a prezzi convenienti. Contatta http://www.voyagetomorocco.com/ per organizzare la vostra vacanza Marocco migliore mai!

Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Morocco 2007

The Moroccan government realised that the way forward for their nation in terms of creating employment and boosting the economy significantly was to increase tourism and to create an environment so attractive for investors that they would come in their droves and buy up real estate stock.

To that end the government has been promoting Morocco around the world - there is a permanent stand at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida heralding the virtues of this North African nation that practically touches Europe across the Mediterranean Sea that divides it from mainland Spain for example, and now the skies over Morocco are open to cheap flight operators from across Europe and the UK. The nation has year round sunshine and is directly south and a short flying time from affluent Western Europe and all of these factors are starting to affect Morocco positively.

In 2006 in the first nine months alone tourism traffic was up almost 10% on the previous year with revenue generated from tourism up almost 30% which proves that the government are targeting the 'right' sort of tourist - i.e., the ones who come, stay, enjoy and spend money in Morocco! Looking to the longer term the Moroccan government has plans to increase tourism until 10 million visitors annually enter the nation by 2010. There are even plans afoot to build a tunnel under the sea to connect Morocco to Gibraltar in Europe...

'But why all this information about tourism' I hear you ask?

Because it is the tourism market that property investors in Morocco are targeting. On the one hand they are targeting those seeking villa and apartment rental and on the other hand they are aware that today's holiday maker is tomorrow's second, retirement or holiday home buyer. And investors really are in Morocco buying up and developing real estate stock. Already six brand new coastal resorts are in the planning and development stages, money is flooding in from Dubai and Qatar based development companies and European buyers are purchasing off plan knowing full well that their real estate assets are appreciating even before they are completed and handed over. Buyers in 2007 have a chance to buy in ahead of the continued predicted rise in tourism and before Morocco is established in many people's minds as a place to invest in real estate.

Consider buying off plan and flipping stock or better still, simply buying and renting to the tourism market on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts or in the mountainous ski resort of Oukaimeden. Rental income is earned tax free in Morocco for the first five years and those who hold property for ten years or more pay no capital gains tax when they resell, furthermore one is not subject to local inheritance tax in Morocco either. In conclusion - Morocco offers an investor a wealth of opportunity. Basically an investor needs to consider his preferred investment approach and his target market and then seek suitable real estate with room for growth or with prospects for returning good yields.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about property investment worldwide, to read more about property investment in Morocco [http://www.amberlamb.com/index.php/property/morocco/] in 2007 and beyond visit her site [http://www.amberlamb.com]