Moon Egypt

by Sarah Smierciak

Overview

From the breathtaking traces of the ancient world to the colorful corals of the Red Sea, experience a land of treasures with Moon Egypt. Inside you'll find:

• Strategic, flexible itineraries including a two-week Best of Egypt
• The top historic sights: Wander in the shadows of kings at Luxor’s Karnak Temple and stroll the Avenue of Sphinxes. Marvel at the magnificent temple of Queen Hatshepsut, travel back in time at the Grand Egyptian Museum, or wind your way through colorful backstreet markets in search of the perfect handmade souvenir
• Outdoor adventures: Summit historic Mt. Sinai at dawn or spend an evening horseback riding near the Great Pyramid of Giza. Escape the chaos of Cairo on a felucca boat cruise or bike through the City of the Dead. Kayak the Nile and camp under the stars in the White Desert
• The best local flavors: Feast on traditional Egyptian street food, dig into fresh seafood in Alexandria, and indulge your sweet tooth with a plate of kunafa or basbousa
• Firsthand insight from Cairo resident and American expat Sarah Smierciak on how to experience the real Egypt and avoid crowds
• Full-color, vibrant photos throughout
• Detailed maps and useful tips for navigating public transportation and taxis
• Focused coverage of Cairo and Giza, the Northern and Southern Nile Valleys (including Luxor and Nubia), Alexandria, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea Coast, South Sinai, and the Western Desert
• Helpful resources on Covid-19 and traveling to Egypt
• Thorough background information on the landscape, wildlife, history, government, culture, and local customs
• Handy tools including an Egyptian Arabic phrasebook and tips for travelers who are LGBTQ+, disabled, women traveling solo, as well as families with children

With Moon's practical advice and insider tips, you can experience the best of Egypt.
 
Exploring nearby? Try Moon Israel & the West Bank. Want to see more of Northern Africa's Check out Moon Morocco.
 

About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640493957
Publisher:	Avalon Publishing
Publication date:	05/31/2022
Series:	Travel Guide
Pages:	472
Sales rank:	428,080
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Sarah Smierciak is a freelance political economy analyst and is working on her first documentary.
 
Her projects, centering on globalization and the Middle East, find her often in Cairo and other Egyptian locations, as well as elsewhere in the neighborhood. With a camera and pen always at hand, Sarah's goal is to capture the lifestyles and challenges of everyday people in this rapidly changing world.
 
She studied history and Middle East Studies at Northwestern University before completing an MPhil in International Development and DPhil in Middle East Studies at the University of Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. She spent 2016-2017 in Turkey on a Fulbright Fellowship where she worked with Syrian and Iraqi communities in Istanbul.
    
In her spare time, Sarah competes globally in marathons and triathlons, including events in France, Turkey, Mexico and the US. She speaks fluent Arabic, Spanish and English, and stumbles through Turkish.

Table of Contents

Discover Egypt 6

12 Top Experiences 10

Planning Your Trip 20

If You Have 22

Best of Egypt: Cairo, the Pyramids, and Luxor 25

Egypt's Best 27

South Sinai: Snorkeling and More 28

Best Local Experiences 29

Urban Adventure to Desert Dream 30

Local Specialties 31

Cairo 32

Itinerary Ideas 41

Sights 43

Recreation and Activities 70

Entertainment and Events 73

Shopping 76

Food 81

Bars and Nightlife 90

Accommodations 94

Information and Services 96

Transportation 98

Giza and Around Cairo 102

Itinerary Ideas 105

Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx 108

Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur 117

Fayoum 122

Northern Nile Valley 132

Itinerary Ideas 136

Minya Town 137

Vicinity of Minya 141

Sohag and Vicinity 151

Abydos 155

Qena and Dendera 158

Luxor 163

Itinerary ideas 169

Sights 171

Recreation and Activities 189

Shopping 192

Food 194

Bars and Nightlife 198

Accommodations 199

Information and Services 202

Transportation 203

Luxor to Aswan 206

Aswan 217

Itinerary Ideas 223

Sights 225

Recreation and Activities 232

Entertainment and Events 235

Shopping 235

Food 236

Bats and Nightlife 239

Accommodations 239

Information and Services 243

Transportation 243

Abu Simbel 245

Alexandria and the North Coast 250

Itinerary Ideas 254

Alexandria 256

Vicinity of Alexandria 281

Port Said and the Suez Canal 285

Sidi Abdel Rahman 291

Marsa Matruh 295

Red Sea Coast 302

El Gouna 306

Hurghada 313

El Quseir 323

Marsa Alam 330

Wadi el Gemal National Park 333

South Sinai 336

Itinerary Ideas 340

Sharm el Sheikh 342

Ras Mohammed National Park 351

Dahab 354

Ras Abu Galum Protectorate 364

Mt. Sinai and St. Katherine Protectorate 366

Nuweiba to Taba 371

Western Desert 375

Bahariya to Farafra 378

Siwa Oasis 389

The Great Sand Sea 402

History 404

Ancient Civilization 405

Early Islamic and Medieval Eras 418

Early and Late Modern Etas 420

Independence and Contemporary Times 422

Background 424

The Landscape 424

Plants and Animals 426

Government and Economy 427

People and Culture 429

Essentials 432

Transportation 432

Visas and Officialdom 435

Recreation 436

Festivals and Events 437

Food 438

Accommodations 440

Conduct and Customs 440

Health and Safety 442

Travel Tips 444

Traveler Advice 448

Resources 451

Glossary 451

Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook 452

Internet Resources 455

Index 457

List of Maps 466

Editorial Reviews

"Moon handbooks are always a pleasure to read. The writing is crisp, the research impressive, and the recommendations practical and down to earth."—Chicago Tribune

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From the Publisher