Egypt’s culture is a fusion of both the ancient times and the modern today. The culture of Egypt has thousands of years of chronicled history with Egypt being amongst one of the initial civilisations. This can be seen through its impressive monuments, sites, architecture and artwork. Although this is still evident in Egypt, the influence of modern culture is apparent in the main cities such as Cairo and Alexandria where the likes of internet and television have opened the Egyptians eyes up to the Western world of different ideas such as music, fashion and literature. Though this may be the case, Egyptian’s firmly hold onto their traditions and customs.Egypt is mainly Muslim with the clear majority being Sunni Muslim. However, there are also a lot of Christians in Egypt where the greater part belongs to the Coptic Orthodox Church, the dominate religion in Egypt before Islam.  Whichever religion, religion in Egypt controls many parts of societal life, is permitted by the law and life entails daily prayer.  The religious holidays of Ramadan and Eid are the most significant events for Muslims.

When you visit Egypt, it is an essential part of experiencing the country by trying the food and drink. Egyptian food is a combination of Turkish, Syrian, Lebanese, Greek and French cuisines, adapted to match what the locals like. Street stalls and eateries provide dishes that are tasty, simple and cheap whereas restaurants offer a wider variety of dishes and are more expensive. Nonetheless, getting the opportunity to taste a broad assortment of Egyptian food is what it’s all about. The array of spices, vegetables, fruit and meat that is prepared so different to how you’re used to makes a trip to Egypt unique.Due to Egypt being mainly a Muslim country, alcohol is not widely drunk however can be obtained in most places. Egypt’s countrywide beverage is tea (shai) and is very much part of their everyday lives.

Visas to enter Egypt are compulsory for all tourists. For many nationalities, it is possible to obtain a tourist visa when you get to Cairo International Airport. At present the charge for a visa is 15 GBP/ 20 Euro/ 25 USD/ 175 EGP.Even though Travel Talk has stated the information above, the Egyptian Embassy urges that all tourists obtain a visa before arriving.

• Visa requirements for Australian and New Zealand Residents

Please visit: http://www.egypt.org.au/

• Visa requirements for UK Residents

Please visit: http://www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk/

• Visa requirements for US Residents

Please visit: http://www.egyptembassy.net/

• Visa requirements for Canadian Residents

With windy, vibrant streets with hidden souks, diverse smells, sights, sounds and plenty of shops, Egypt ensures that your shopping experience will be an exciting adventure. Cairo offers plenty of markets, bazaars and flea markets where everything from jewellery and clothes, to spices and meat, to furniture and crafts are sold. What’s more, haggling is all part of the fun and buying process so brush up on your bartering skills to get the best price.

Travel Talk takes the health and safety of their travellers very seriously. All of Travel Talk’s Egypt tours follow the travel advice provided by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The Egyptian Government has amplified security procedures in the tourist areas and Egypt’s Minister of Tourism deems the security of visitors to Egypt the uppermost of importance.