There is one legislature body: the National Assembly, composed of representatives from all districts of the country, 50 percent of whom must be from the working class or farmers. The Shura Council is an advisory body with 140 elected members and another 70 appointed members.

The Economy
Since 1973 there has been a massive influx of foreign investment into Egypt. As a result there are new roads linking all areas of the country, villages up and down the Nile and in the deserts have been electrified, new schools, hospitals, and other services have sprung up by the dozen, telephone systems have undergone massive renovation and expansion, and the private sector has been encouraged to invest heavily in Egypt’s future.

The change in Egypt has been dramatically positive. For the tourists there are dozens of new hotels and restaurants, monuments have been restored and their environments spruced up, tour guides are licensed, and retail shops are bursting with good quality products.

Hard currency revenue is of major importance to the government. To that end visitors are encouraged to spend freely, tax exempt. The major source of income for the country as a whole has been the Suez Canal, oil and remittances from Egyptians working abroad. Domestically, tourism has become vitally important.

Geography & Population
Egypt links two continents, stretching across the northeastern corner of Africa and the southwestern edge of Asia. The country is approximately 626,000 square miles in size. Its longest distance north-south is 640 miles and widest distance east-west is about 775 miles. The northern border is the Mediterranean Sea and the southern boundary is with Sudan. On the northeastern border is Israel, Jordan, Palestine and Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea flanks the eastern border, while the whole of the western border is desert with Libya. Egypt’s 60 million people live primarily in the Nile Valley, leaving the rest of the land sparsely populated. Cairo, the largest city in Egypt, is estimated to have a population of over 15 million people.

Climate
Egyptian summers are hot and dry in most of the country and humid in the Delta and along the Mediterranean Coast. In recent years the humidity has spread to Cairo and the city swelters in August. Winters are mild with some rare rain, but usually bright, with sunny days and cooler nights. There is a short spring and autumn and between the end of March and mid-May, dust storms can occur sporadically in Upper Egypt.

What to Wear
Egypt is a conservative country and visitors should respect this local custom No topless or nude bathing is permitted. On the practical side, leave your synthetics at home as they will prove to be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter - bring materials that breathe. It is advisable to wear cotton in summer as the heat can be severe. In winter wear layers that can be taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings.

Wear loose and flowing garments, which are not only modest, but practical in a hot climate. Have you ever wondered why the Bedouin wear layers of flowing robes? Why they cover their heads and the back of their necks? Centuries of living in desert climates have taught them that loose garments keep one cooler and layered garments allow wind to circulate, creating a natural ventilation system. Protecting the head and neck from loss of moisture prevents heat stroke. Also bring comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking and temple floors are far from even. In summer, wear a hat to protect yourself from the heat of the Egyptian sun.

What to Bring
Above all travel light. Get wheels for your luggage and leave heavy items at home. You are allowed to bring one piece of suitcase of maximum 45 lbs and a carry on bag.

Remember to take your passport and tickets (keep copies in a separate place), your travelers checks and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted). Remember also any medication you are currently taking or you might need (along with aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, and motion-sickness pills.

If you don’t bring a camera you will be sorry. You are allowed to bring in two used cameras, and one used camcorder, and unlimited amount of film (given that all are for personal use and not to be sold or given away as gifts). Sunglasses are a must as the sun is very strong in Egypt. Remember to label your cameras, purses, briefcases, and suitcases with your hotel and home addresses.

Clearing the Customs in Egypt
Upon arrival in Egypt you are required to register video cameras, cameras, and laptop computers. When departing from Egypt see a customs officer to cancel these items from your passport .

Electricity
Power supply in Egypt is 220 volt. If you are bringing in electronics you will need a 110/220 adaptor as well as a European style (two round) converter.

Business Hours
Banks and Government Offices: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, closed Friday, Saturday, and holidays.

Business: 8 a.m. to 4-5 p.m., closed Friday, some on Saturday, and most holidays. Many grocery stores and gas stations are open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Shops: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in winter and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in summer. Many shops are closed on Sunday.

Crime and Drugs
Crime in Egypt is nearly nonexistent, and violence is usually limited to family feuds. However, in tourism areas some pickpockets and petty thieves may exists, so be careful and remember that the ever helpful tourism police are usually nearby. Women must be cautious, especially in out-lying areas. Stay completely away from drugs as one is subject to prosecution, jail, or eviction from Egypt if caught possessing or using drugs.

Visiting Antiquities
Egypt's monuments have become increasingly damaged by the hordes of tourists who visit them every day. Allow your grandchildren to someday follow in your footsteps by avoiding adding to the problem. Never lean against or even touch in any way walls with decorations, for you can crumble the plaster or flake away the stone. Stay within the railings set up, and don't touch the carvings or paintings. Flash photography is categorically prohibited, for it fades the paintings, but you can photograph tomb interiors in available light (use fast film) with a special permit and at times with an extra fee.

Museums are generally open daily 9 am - 5 pm, Friday 9 am - 4 pm; other sites are usually open the same hours as the museums.

Visiting Mosques: Major tourism mosques are open to the public unless services are in progress (the main service is on Friday at noon). Keep in mind that a mosque differs from a western church in that Christian churches are considered houses of God, while mosques are more a gathering place for the faithful of Islam. Unless otherwise posted, tickets to some that have been restored are sold by the caretaker for about LE3-6. All visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas must remove their shoes. Most Muslims walk around in their stockings but those mosques that are major tourist attractions have canvas overshoes available; a tip of 50PT to LE1 is in order for the people who put them on for you. Women must cover bare arms and should wear a scarf. It’s better not to wear shorts while you are in Cairo (applies to our guests who our booked on Platinum package) because this is when you will visit mosques.

Local Customs
In general, Egyptians are most accommodating and they will go out of their way to help you and respond to any questions you have. Most Egyptians require little personal space and will stand within inches of you to talk. You will find that whenever you start talking with an Egyptian, you will inevitably draw a crowd, and often the Egyptians will start discussing among themselves over the correct answer to a question. Please avoid sensitive local political debates with guides or any other locals.

Tipping
Tipping (bakhsheesh) is a part of life in Egypt. Tips for the cruise and hotels is mandatory ($35 per person) and this is payable upon arrival in Egypt. Tips for other services are on voluntary basis. Please do not offer tips to professionals, businessmen, or others who would consider themselves your equals. You may seriously offend them by your act.

Food and Drinks
Most of the hotels included in our program serve open buffet breakfast and dinner. On the cruise boat there is open buffet breakfast, set-menu lunch, and combination of open buffet and set-menu dinners. We recommend that you do not eat food from street sellers. Always drink bottled water which is available everywhere you go in Egypt. Alcoholic beverages are only available in hotels and international restaurants.

Currency Information
100 Piastres equals 1 Egyptian Pound (or Lire). Piastres are in denominations of 25 and 50 PST bills. Pounds (EP) are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 EP bills. Sometimes tourists are cheated because of confusion around the 50 PST and EPS. Upon arrival your guide will give you an introduction to Egyptian money (or see enclosed sheets).

Due to restrictions please avoid bringing in and taking out local currency. Change your money or travelers checks at hotels or banks, when doing so please always keep the receipt; as you will need your receipts if you need to exchange remaining local currency back to dollars.

Visas
American Citizens are required to have a valid passport (effective for 6 months after the completion of the trip) and a visa (which is $20 and payable upon arrival) for Egypt.

Egyptian Consulates in the USA

Consulate General of Egypt - Chicago
500 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 1900 Chicago, IL 60611
Tel. (312) 828-9162
Covers: Illinois - Indiana - Iowa - Kentucky - Michigan - Minnesota - Nebraska - N. Dakota - S. Dakota - Wisconsin

Consulate General of Egypt - Houston
1990 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 2180
Houston, TX 77056
Tel. (713) 961-4915
Covers: Alabama - Arkansas - Colorado - Kansas - Louisiana - Mississippi - Missouri New Mexico - Oklahoma - Tennessee - Texas

Consulate General of Egypt - New York
1110 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel. (212) 759-7120 / 7121 / 7122
Covers: Connecticut - Maine - Massachusetts - New Hampshire - New Jersey - Ohio - Pennsylvania - Puerto Rico - Rhode Island - Vermont - New York

Consulate General of Egypt - San Francisco
3001 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel. (415) 346-9700
Covers: Alaska - Arizona - California - Idaho - Hawaii - Montana - Nevada - Oregon - Washington - Wyoming - Utah

Embassy of Egypt - Washington, DC
3521 International Court
NW Washington, DC 20008
Tel. (202) 895-5400 Covers: Delaware - Florida - Georgia - Maryland - N. & S. Carolina - Virginia - Washington, DC